[cyberia]

Not really, when you think of it from a supply point if view. Trains were a must for both sides on the Eastern Front where poor roads and vast spaces proved serious stumbling blocks.

German trains were subject to attack by both Red Army units and partisans.
The Russian trains by German troops and cossacks.

Then there was the constant threat of air attack.

Rail was the most expedient way to move armor or troops to hot spots. the same is true of artillery, especially siege guns, which could be moved by rail often to within range of large cities.

Armor trains in World War II evolved as both a tactical and defensive answer to these issues. The small armored self-propelled cars, or trolleys, were fairly useful patrol units and often sacrificial lambs for larger trains following behind.

Vulnerable, yes. But still pretty much a necessity in the extremes that war war being fought in.