CSX M692 crossing the South Fork Holston River

In local service one month after leading the 82nd Santa Train, the Clinchfield Heritage unit refuels in Miller Yard

Freshly-painted Clinchfield Heritage unit rests in Miller Yard with the Santa Train after the 82nd running of this Clinchfield tradition

Originally C&O. Words fail me. Photo by Dave Petke. From my collection.

This year I had the opportunity to visit CSX's former Clinchfield route between Elkhorn City, KY and Kingsport, TN, to witness the 82nd running of the CSX Santa Train, which annually travels throu... (more)

A few hours after the CSX Santa train event in Kingsport, TN.

Throwback to early 2022 at Carter Yard in Kingsport.

CSX 2024 Santa Train crossing the North Fork Holston River

While the motive power was building their air, the conductor came over and had conversations with us. Since they were gonna be sitting a while I asked politely if they could turn on the marker lig... (more)

Engineer Scott Steffey nears the end of his final run before retirement, bringing the Santa Train across the North Fork Holston River entering Kingsport.

CSX's Clinchfield Heritage Locomotive #1902 leads the 82nd run of the CSX Santa Train southbound across North Fork Holston River Trestle into Kingsport, TN.

Santa Comes Early. The Santa Train, covering the former Clinchfield Railroad between Shelbiana, Kentucky and Kingsport, Tennessee, traditionally operates on the Saturday before Thanksgiving... (more)

CSX's Western Maryland heritage locomotive leads train M692 and awaits a rested crew just after sunset.

A southbound mixed freight arrives with the merchandise needed for all that great industry in the background. The old Clinchfield Station, now a bank, stands majestically on the skyline.

Photo by Dave Petke. From my collection.