Each generation has something that draws them into the world of model railroading. The Polar Express has been that draw for a number of years now. Let's learn a little more about it, shall we?
The Polar Express first met the world in 1985, as a thirty-two-page picture book written and illustrated by Chris Van Allsburg, based on childhood memory and imagination. The illustrations are warm and lovingly drawn, telling the story of a young boy who travels to the North Pole, meets Santa Claus, and receives a bell from a reindeer's harness as the first gift of Christmas.
"Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe."
In 1986 "The Polar Express" earned the Randolph Caldecott Medal, an award for the most distinguished American picture book for children written in the preceding year. By 1989, over one million copies had been sold, with the book placing on the best seller list for four straight years. In 2007, "The Polar Express" was placed on the National Education Association's "Teachers' Top 100 Books for Children" list.
Chris Van Allsburg's story made it to the big screen in 2004 thanks to the persistence of Tom Hanks, who optioned the story in 1999 after reading the book to his children. After discussing live action and traditionally animated options, the film went with an innovative motion capture technique that preserved much of the book's beautiful imagery.
As train lovers, the big Berkshire 2-8-4 that pulls the Polar Express is the star of the movie. Pere Marquette #1225 had her blueprints carefully scanned and the locomotive was built in the digital world. Some details were changed from the prototype, such as the headlight location and an enlarged pilot. Sounds of the real locomotive in operation were recorded and used in the film, although the whistle was replaced with that of Sierra #3, of Back to the Future III fame.
From the Adirondack Scenic Railroad to the Whitewater Valley Scenic Railroad, over forty railroads in America and Canada offer Polar Expresses out there in the real world! Whether pulled by steam or diesel, you can expect to find pajama-clad families drinking hot chocolate and singing Christmas songs. 
Lionel has released multiple versions of the locomotive and its passenger consist over the years. RBP Trains, a wonderful YouTube channel you O gauge folks should watch, made an episode covering many of the options available.
Trainz frequently has both sets and individual locomotives and rolling stock available throughout the year. You can recreate a film-accurate version or expand your arctic railroad empire with additional locomotives, exciting rolling stock like hot chocolate thermos cars and toy-carrying boxcars, and even buildings.
Do you belong to a club with open houses, or run a layout for the public at shows? Sneak in a Berkshire and those familiar red and blue passenger cars covered in snow in between your regular unit freight trains and see the attention it commands.
As we grow older, many times our hobby transforms into a quest for authenticity, replicating the real railroad in our chosen scale. Or we become collectors, searching for the rarest of the rare to grace our home. Let us take a moment and remember that no matter our age, model railroading in all its forms traces its origin to the simple pleasure of being a kid and playing with a toy train.
"Though I've grown old, the bell still rings for me, as it does for all who truly believe."
I hear the train bell ringing. Do you?