Dear readers,
On behalf of the Trains editorial staff, I’d like to wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Reflecting on 2009, we’ve enjoyed bringing you the world’s top railroad magazine and web site. This has been a memorable year for us with our two special jumbo issues, the April issue devoted to grain traffic and our October issue about narrow gauge; the addition of Fred Frailey as a monthly columnist; and features, news sections, and departments throughout the year that we hope educated and entertained you. We also hope you’ve enjoyed our Web site, where we added Photo of the Day, launched our TrainsTalk blog, and provided a bigger and better News Wire.
Trains is a participatory publication and Web site – your stories, photos, memories, and ideas help make it great. To take a marketing phrase from the 1960s about the magazine, this is where fans and professionals meet and mingle to talk about our common pre-occupation with all things railroading. We appreciate all the emails, calls, and letters you send us. You’ve been wonderful with your questions, comments, praise, and criticism. All of this makes Trains a stronger magazine and Web site.
Looking ahead to 2010, Trains’ 70th year, we hope you’ll enjoy our anniversary series about aspects of ultimate railroading – from locomotives and commodities to structures and yards. We’ll take a look at the lifeblood of American railroading, coal, and take you inside the world’s largest freight yard, Union Pacific’s Bailey Yard at North Platte, Neb. Soon, our Web site will offer subscribers a new map feature, and we’ve got great new products coming along: All 70 years of Trains on DVDs and a great way to introduce youngsters to railroading with a Trains4kids magazine. Another great year is just around the bend.
For now, however, it’s time to reiterate our best holiday wishes. For Matt, Andy, Diane, Kathi, Angela, Kevin, and myself, as well as everyone at Kalmbach Publishing Co. who makes Trains magazine possible each month and the Trains Web site available every day, have a safe and happy holiday season and a prosperous 2010.
With warm regards,-Jim
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