Behind The Scenes Trains LIVE Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak

Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak

By Bob Lettenberger | October 25, 2023

| Last updated on March 20, 2024

A new Trains DVD explores Amtrak, its history and how to ride a train

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Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak — 10-25-2023 — There are still places in this country that one can only see while riding a train. Today, taking an Amtrak train will deliver spectacular scenery and get you to your destination. The train trip again becomes part of the travel adventure. Additionally, Amtrak, while only a little over 50 years old, has developed an interesting history. In fact, the passenger railroad is well beyond its original life expectancy. This, indeed, is an interesting railroad story.

Front of an Amtrak train as seen from the rear in a snowy mountain landscape. Trains LIVE — Riding Amtrak.
Traveling through wonderful scenery is one perk of Amtrak travel. The California Zephyr, Amtrak No. 5, ascends Donner Pass on a snowy Sunday afternoon, Nov. 5, 2017. Chase Gunnoe

In this episode of Trains LIVE we are joined by Kevin Gilliam, Trains video producer. Gilliam is wrapping up production on a new Trains DVD — Amtrak: Connecting America by Rail. This new DVD discusses Amtrak’s past, present, and future. We also ride several Amtrak trains and see more action trackside. Also included are interviews with noted Amtrak expert (and Trains Correspondent) Bob Johnston, and Amtrak spokesman Marc Magliari.

Amtrak: Connecting America by Rail is currently available at kalmbachhobbystore.com. Watch Trains LIVE, then order your copy of this new Trains video production. All aboard!

Come along as Trains LIVE explores riding Amtrak.


Trains LIVE is a regular video program, recorded live and unscripted from Kalmbach Media. The series began in July 2022.

Trains LIVE features Bob Lettenberger, Trains associate editor, Kalmbach Media staff, and guests talking about railroads and trains in a casual, behind-the-scenes format. On Trains LIVE we will ask the questions you would like to ask and take you into places not normally open to the public. Trains LIVE also takes you on the road to museums, trackside locations and other railroad-related venues. It is presented every other Wednesday at 2 p.m. Central time.

If you have questions or comments, please log-in and leave a comment in the area at the bottom of the page. We will attempt to answer questions during future episodes.
 All aboard! It’s time for Trains LIVE!

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