How much is the regular train schedule reduced on these holiday weekends/days? Do only twenty percent of the regular trains run? Do only "critical" trains operate, whatever critical may mean? I presume work or time off goes by seniority. Do yards shut down completely? Repair shops are closed? If you are a railfan, l would think the viewing would be not so good.
That entirely depends on the railroad. Shortlines are very unlikely to operate on these holidays; they are for all intent and purposes shut down. Norfolk Southern was basically shut down last night until the 26th but CSX plans to run trains through today in to Christmas morning. Amtrak runs a full slate of trains like any other day, but commuter operations usually revert to their reduced Sunday sechdule for major holidays.