CSX/Clinchfield Santa Train 75th Anniversary Run - Something coming?`

Keep a watch out for a former Clinchfield SD45.

SJC

I didn’t read a thing about it in my local Erwin TN paper this AM.

It use to be parked here in the CSX yard several days before the trip. It was decorated and cleaned up as well

I think the crew was all from here in Erwin.

Now that CSX has closed the yard I dont know where the train starts the trip.

110 miles I think.

I will certainly be watching now and  appreciate  your post.

When I get a chance I’ll contact our local Clinchfield Museum. You would think they can shed a little light on the subject.

Larry

Larry Sr. posted:

SJC

I didn’t read a thing about it in my local Erwin TN paper this AM.

It use to be parked here in the CSX yard several days before the trip. It was decorated and cleaned up as well

I think the crew was all from here in Erwin.

Now that CSX has closed the yard I dont know where the train starts the trip.

110 miles I think.

I will certainly be watching now and  appreciate  your post.

When I get a chance I’ll contact our local Clinchfield Museum. You would think they can shed a little light on the subject.

Larry

When I chased 676 (UP 3985) the Santa Claus train ran from Shelbiana, KY to Kingsport, TN. They were initially going to turn the Challenger on the wye in Kingsport but somebody miscalculated and the tender derailed on the first attempt. Therefore, all northbound moves involved the train being pulled by diesels and a second move with a diesel towing the 3985 with her water and tool cars backwards. In addition to the Santa Claus train, there were two public excursions and the inbound and outbound ferry moves.

Clinchfield 676 (UP 3985) 1992 CSX Santa Express

I was told the train is in Huntington, and will go to Shelbiana, Ky and start south from there. That is strictly a presumption my me. You might find out something from the CSX though.......?

Listening to "Horror Stories", from employees both active, as well as, retired. My main question, is there enough railroad people left to manage something like this........?

You can look on another banned forum for "Country Bluegrass star..." on page three to find out more.

Will this fit in with Precision Scheduled Railroading, or whatever corporate boardroom doubletalk CSX has been conned into?

Yes there is:

http://www.railpictures.net/photo/637089/

I'm curious where they will place this in the Santa Train consist.  I've worked the Santa Train myself three times and was told by a Trainmaster they preferred conventional cab units leading as it provides superior visibility to the head end crew when arriving at one of stops.  

Although the railroad police make a valiant effort to keep people back till the train has stopped; there are so many milling around and pressing against the yellow police line tape it has to mean a few tense moments for the headend crew at each stopping location.

Curt

A former SCL SD45 will also run.

Article HERE on Trains Mag. Website.

I imagine the SD45 will lead then; for the reason I mentioned earlier.

Curt

I really have to try and be over in Kingsport  or wherever to get at least a look at either engine.

I was born here in Erwin TN in 1948.

At that time my Grandpa and Dad both worked for Clinchfield here in Erwin.

I have never seen a  real Clinchfield running engine that I can remember as a kid, even a repaint. 

SO it's kinda like turned into a bucket list item after your post SJC. lol

Larry

L & N posted:

Yes there is:

http://www.railpictures.net/photo/637089/

That is a thing of beauty. Something that would make a grown man cry.

Scott Smith

juniata guy posted:

I imagine the SD45 will lead then; for the reason I mentioned earlier.

Curt

Latest info I just read is; #800 will be in the lead, followed by the SD45, followed by two more CSX units (don't remember those two road numbers, however).

EDIT:  The two CSX units will be #9992 and #9999, behind the former SCL SD45.

I've had several friends work on both the 800 and "3632" and they both look fantastic.. of note, the 3632 is not a former Clinchfield engine. It was lettered "one up" from the last CRR SD45 (3631) acquired in a trade with SCL for some GEs. 800 is going to look and sound GREAT (M5 horn mounted on the top) pulling the Santa Train. 

Hot Water posted:

juniata guy posted:

I imagine the SD45 will lead then; for the reason I mentioned earlier.

Curt

Latest info I just read is; #800 will be in the lead, followed by the SD45, followed by two more CSX units (don't remember those two road numbers, however).

EDIT:  The two CSX units will be #9992 and #9999, behind the former SCL SD45.

Yes sir.  I caught Ron Flanary's response to me earlier on TRAINS Newswire.  This is one instance I'm happy to be wrong Jack.

Curt

juniata guy posted:

Yes sir.  I caught Ron Flanary's response to me earlier on TRAINS Newswire.  This is one instance I'm happy to be wrong Jack.

Curt

The Santa Train schedule is up on the same.

I was raised in Kingsport and saw a lot of these F units in their heyday.  Not going to be able to get down there to see the Santa Train but hope to see a lot of videos on YouTube.  Great to see this engine painted back to the Gray and Yellow paint scheme this engine needs to pull the Santa Train every Year maybe run a few excursions during the year and keep the Clinchfield History alive.  Maybe a DVD will be made put me down for one. 

Is this one of the only times CSX runs a passenger train for the benefit of the public? And they’re using older diesel units, too. But who gets to ride the train? Just Santa, CSX employees, and higher ups? I can’t believe that EHH is actually spending money on this, and running heritage units, too. If 614 pulled this you would have every foamer from miles around show up.

Robert K posted:

Is this one of the only times CSX runs a passenger train for the benefit of the public?

Probably.

And they’re using older diesel units, too. But who gets to ride the train?

Just the Santa Train workers, i.e. it is NOT an "excursion".

Just Santa, CSX employees, and higher ups?

That pretty well covers it.

I can’t believe that EHH is actually spending money on this, and running heritage units, too. If 614 pulled this you would have every foamer from miles around show up.