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You might think of a train as a way to go on holiday, a day trip, or perhaps to get to school.

Well some old railcars that once carried passengers around in Atlanta, in the US, have taken a very different journey. They've been given a new lease of life - at the bottom of the sea!

It's part of a big project to develop reef habitats for marine life in the Atlantic Ocean.

The aim is to help things get 'back on track' in the ocean, by improving the environment for wildlife - and it's also a good way to find a new purpose for retired railcars.

How were the railcars dropped into the Atlantic Ocean?

In December 2023, the railcars had any chemicals or fittings that might be dangerous for marine life removed from them.

They were inspected by the US Coast Guard before being taken by barge to a place known as artificial L Reef. This is a reef created by humans that's around two square miles in size.

L Reef is around 20 miles away from Ossabaw Island, which is off the coast of Georgia.

Here the railcars were put into the water with the hope of providing homes and shelter for fish, plants and other underwater life.

How have the trains in the Atlantic helped marine life?

Whilst the base of the reef is originally created by humans, the organisms that grow on it are natural and help support the environment.

Corals, sponges, and other organisms will continue to grow and improve the longer they are in the ocean. Divers and anglers have also been using the reef.

In the first dive since the railcars were put into the sea, the Department of Natural Resources (DNR), Coastal Resources Division said they saw a good amount of soft coral beginning to grow on the railcars, and different species of fish.

Cameron Brinton, marine biologist at DNR, said the artificial reef is "looking great" and the team is "encouraged" by the amount of coral growing and activity of marine life there.

Cameron said: “You’ll notice one of the railcar roofs has collapsed, which is typical, and we’ll see more changes to the railcars over time as they become part of the essential marine habitat for sea creatures, including popular sport fish and endangered sea turtles.”

What other materials have helped form L Reef?

L Reef was created in 1976 as part of a network of 32 offshore reefs that have been built and improved for more than 40 years.

The railcars join US Army battle tanks, barges, tugboats and New York City subway cars underwater.

It's hoped more railcars will be added to L Reef in the future - and if things go to plan their next stop could be Coral City!