Armored trains were used during the late 19th and early 20th century, when they offered a practical solution to move heavy firepower quickly and over great distances. The most extensive use took place during the Russian civil war, and such trains had already been used during the Russo-Japanese war, fifteen years earlier. Trains allowed the transportation of all sizes of guns, including 6-inch naval guns, normally used only on warships, they could also be easily improvised, using a normal train. They were progressively abandoned at the profit of tanks, which have less firepower but far more mobility.