December 2023

The December 2023 issue of Trains Magazine.

Featured

In this Issue

Beyond Operation Sgt. Santa

The history and role of military railroads, and the return of passenger trains to Virginia’s Fort Eustis.

The making of Polar Express 'magic'

It’s the biggest event of the year for many tourist lines. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at this holiday classic.

Enhancing Amtrak’s value to rural Americans

As the only public transportation for many small towns, Amtrak plays an important role

Best of 'Trains': The loops at Old Fort

The countdown to Trains’ 1,000th issue continues with a memorable look at Norfolk Southern’s impressive crossing of the Blue Ridge Mountains

Gallery

Images of winter railroading contributed by Trains readers

In every issue

Trains.com, p. 4

  • Guide to the latest railroad content on the web

News, p. 6

  • Brightline launches Orlando, Fla., service

Bill Stephens, p. 10

  • Pin your high-speed hopes on Brightline West

Preservation, p. 44

  • Major donation for Center for Railroad Art & Photography

Travel, p. 46

  • Celebrating the timeless allure of holiday trains