Back in the days when Santa dispensed goodies anywhere along the line, hopefuls are waiting in anticipation of some treats. Those guys on the front are strapped down and keeping an eye on the tra... (more)

Santa On Santa Train. The addition of Watauga Valley Railroad Historical Society and Museum's Clinchfield Railroad 100 to hold the markers on CSX's The Santa Train was a sight to behold on ... (more)

CSX loaded coal train N760 exits the 7,854 foot Sandy Ridge Tunnel north of Dante

The 80th CSX Santa Train slows to a stop in Dante, VA so Santa Claus can hand out gifts and candy to the crowd of people at the back of the train. The train is led by CSX's three executive FP40H-... (more)

M893 slows for a meet at Dante as they pass a church in town.

Rolling into the next stop on the 80th Annual Clinchfield Santa Train, CSX P001-19 with the newly painted Office Car Special consist pulls past the iconic Union Baptist Church at Hospital Hollow R... (more)

Southbound freight rolls through Dante with Clinchfirld era signals still standing tall.

What a difference a day makes. This scene unfolded earlier in the year, but just with an inspection special passing by. Today, after a two year absence, the return of the Santa Train is easing i... (more)

The Church Shot. CSX 1 (F40PH-2, ex-CSX 9998, exx-OHCR 280, née-AMTK 280, F40PHR, EMD, 4/1978) passes the legendary Union Baptist Church in Dante, Virginia during The Santa Train 2022 even... (more)

The Santa Train has completed the Dante stop and heads south past what remains of Dante Yard.

The people of Dante, VA., have all gathered trackside in their small community to see Santa Claus riding on the rear of the 80th anniversary CSX Santa Train. Running south down the Kingsport Sub f... (more)

Having announced their approach with a vigorous horn blast the celebrity of the day rounds what is possibly the sharpest curve on the former CRR main and enters the aspiring ghost town.

Approaching the north end of the yard the special is almost abreast of the old depot, now stripped to bare brick walls and slated for restoration. Ahead railfans have flocked to the church, site ... (more)

P001-23 heads by the Union Church at the north end of Dante Yard. This spot was a favorite for the Santa Train and had attracted much of the chase team this day, so I went high with Airwolf to ca... (more)

Rear unit of a string heading to Trammel to assist a stalled coal train. They are passing a landmark made famous in innumerable railfan shots.