Clinchfield 676 (UP 3985) 1992 CSX Santa Express

In November 1992 CSX secured the services of Union Pacific Challenger 3985 and disguised her as Clinchfield Railroad 676 (One number higher than Clinchfield's last Challenger 675). She was used to pull the 50th Anniversary Santa Express train from Shelby, KY to Kingsport, TN
The program opens with the southbound ferry move to Kingsport on 11/19/92.
The train is seen at: Elkhorn City, KY, Dante, VA, South of Dante, St. Paul, VA and arriving at Kingsport, TN after dark.
The Santa Express ran on 11/21/92.
It is seen at: Levisa, KY, Elkhorn City, KY, (Note Joe Garagiola on the open platform tossing candy) In Breaks Interstate park viewed from an overlook, Clinchco VA, Trammel, VA, South of Trammel, Boody, VA, The Copper Creek Viaduct and Kingsport, TN. Finally the engine is seen at Frisco, being pulled backwards by a diesel to be turned up the line as there was nowhere to turn her in Kingsport.
Hi8 Master recording

[@brandonoconnor1079]

My late grandpa had terminal lung cancer and he walked me down to the tracks to meet the Santa Train. He was an old Clinchfield engineer and I remember him saying, This is the kind of engine grandpa worked on. I’m so glad this was a steam locomotive that ran the 1992 Santa Train! For the first time in months I saw that sparkle in his eyes! He sadly passed away 4 days after Christmas. Every time I watch this video tears come to my eyes. My grandpa was in terrible pain and he loved me enough to walk with me to meet the train. I call that real love!

[@NewEnglandFoamer]

That’s some real dedication, still in pain but also still wants to see his boy happy. And seeing this beauty repainted to look like the engines he worked on and loved is definitely a reward. Respects to your Grandpa

[@94757598494309438]

I was living in Kingsport when they ran this Santa Train, and derailed trying to turn it on the Y in the middle of Main Street. I forgot it and missed the whole thing. Thanks for the great video record of it!

[@railroadvelocipedeproducti2020]

C. McKinney yeah I saw that on Greg scholls movie Santa’s challenger

[@danielwalton9012]

Of all the runnings of the CSX railroad Santa Claus trains the 1992 50th anniversary and running was the most popular and talked about as well as a fan favorite and it was definitely one for the history books.

[@telsport]

Now, speaking unprofessionally, that is one boss choo choo.

[@railroadvelocipedeproducti2020]

Nice and about 26 years later they had the clinchfield diesel f unit #800 pulling the Santa train. 😃

[@peterrosenquist]

Actually it was 25 years later.

[@NewEnglandFoamer]

I live near former Boston and Maine and Maine Central tracks that were bought by Pan Am and now CSX so I consider this my railroad heritage (through CSX), and it makes me feel connected to 3985 without ever seeing her in person.

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Wow.

[@bluespeedforce112]

yea wow

[@PrimeMoverVideos]

Great video, who would of thought a Challenger in Ky and VA.....Such a great a event that CSX will never allow to happen again....with any engine.

[@FireCaptE9]

really nice! thanks for sharing!

[@DanielMccoydinotrainman]

the challenger derails in kingsport tennessee when they tried to take it around the loop:)

[@rhelmod]

I remember shooting that with my own footage. Man there were foamers everywhere!!

[@itmcbhpbgf.6374]

this year, they'll use Clinchfield 800 (AKA CSX 116, AKA C&O 8016) at the front of the Clinchfield Santa train with Clinchfield 3632 behind it. :3

[@lanerailvideo5928]

Remember reading about this back in the day, would of been neat to see in person.

[@BessemerLakeErie902]

I wish CSX would do that nowadays!!!!

[@jlvanboc]

13:54 OMG, that whistle sounded powerful! 😳

[@phillyfan-182]

Has such a menacing sound!!!

[@NewEnglandFoamer]

That’s the UP for ya, and most of the western railroads, you either got 5 chimes or you got Longbell 3 chimes like this.

[@jlvanboc]

@@NewEnglandFoamer Yeah, you said it!

[@bartman422]

Anyone catch the wheelslip at the beginning?

[@dmandc]

bartman422 I did

[@SkipW]

@@dmandc it is about 20-25 seconds in & really slipping there for sure!

[@AlexTrain5249]

Am I the only one that notices that 3985’s Hancock 3 Chime sounds different. Something tells me that high G stopped vibrating and only the other two chimes were playing and have done ever since. I think 611’s whistle in 2015 had that same problem.

[@pauls9331]

In theory, they could disguise it as a DRGW challenger.

[@mr.sir.]

She'd get a 5 chime since they gave their challengers 5 chimes.

[@EngineerDaylight]

3985 was planned to masquerade as one had she not been retired again

[@maxm2317]

Man, I wish CSX and Union Pacific would team up to do this again. *sigh*. Challenger 3985 really needs to come back East again. It would be really great to see this engine at the head of a long train.

[@davidng2336]

CSX’s current direction basically f***ed up the chances of it happening again.

[@amyreynolds3619]

CSX damage the challenger by putting a siding to close to the mainline. The locomotive ramed a hopper and destroyed that car. UP told CSX to fix the locomotive of the problem. UP will never allow her on CSX again.

[@Manwholikestrains]

@@davidng2336 also I believe that the 3985 has been moved to a museum for static display

[@davidng2336]

@@Manwholikestrains It was moved to another organization, but with the intention to restore it to operating condition.

[@Manwholikestrains]

@@davidng2336 oh I thought it was going to a museum but that’s good to hear

[@christianmartin82804]

i have the extreme steam collection i watched the santa claus special on loop as a kid at my grannys

[@trainlandia697]

Recently, Union Pacific announced that UP 3985, along with some other locomotives and rolling stock, are to be donated to the RRHMA in Silvis, Illinois!

[@zacharycalgher3978]

Yes, I heard this news and I was extremely excited about it.

[@ConrailNKP587Brony]

UP 3985 Is One of My Favorites, But I Do Like This Reskin of CSX

[@outhousemurals]

nice video! Thanks for sharing it!

[@deloreanman14]

This video shows how much times have changed, even over the past 21 years. CSX no longer gives a crap about heritage of any sort (their corporate image is now based on being 'forward-looking'), you can't say "Merry Christmas" to anyone without being sued, and can you imagine a railroad actively throwing candy onto the tracks for kids to pick up now?! I didn't say the changes were necessarily for the better but knowing this sort of thing happened not so long ago makes me smile.

[@Stoker58]

+deloreanman14 As much shit as railfans love to give CSX, I gotta give them a hand on this one. Surprisingly the Clinchfield Santa train still runs every Christmas, and even though CSX is closing the line due to poor traffic the CEO Stated they would continue to run the train.

[@nonickname9930]

+Conducter49 I worked on Clinchfield/CSX from '78 till retirement in 2009, track inspecting for the last few years of my career. Every November, the Saturday before Thanksgiving, I inspected in front of the Santa Claus Special, "The Santa Train". I reckon back in the '40s, the merchants in Kingsport, TN. Got together and made up a Christmas greet for the kids up in the coal fields, as payback for the business that came from there, through the year, I reckon the war played a part in it too. They loaded it all on a Clinchfield passenger train and whistle stopped from Elkhorn, Ky. Back to Kpt. Yes they still throw candy and toys onto and beside the track for the kids. Railroad personnel are used as guardians of safety all along the route. It's my unstanding that the Santa Train is second in importance only to the Orange Blossom Special on the Entire CSXT. I know that when I inspected In front of it, ALL trains were put in sidings out of it's way.

[@thomasshannon2741]

wow that gives me a new prospective on csx, thank you

[@K9Nick811GAMES]

But it’s still missing some steam...we might never see that again on CSX.

[@peterrosenquist]

Perhaps steam on CSX in a few years, based what I heard from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society...

[@telsport]

My granddaddy, Henry D Cheek was chief dispatcher of the Clinchfield til 1955 Erwin.Tn.

[@bobmartin3]

Which Were 6 Rio grande 4-6-6-4 Challengers #'s 3800-3805. As Usual.

[@peterrosenquist]

2:21 notice the damaged running board.

[@christianmartin82804]

had to replace that after it hit what was it a coal car around a tight turn

[@peterrosenquist]

@@christianmartin82804 yep. They did repair it once they got to Kingsport before they ran into problems with the wye.

[@christianmartin82804]

@@peterrosenquist i have the extreme steam collection and i remember it hitting the coal car and having issues backing up and the tender popping off some tracks at a crossing i watched the santa claus special on loop as a kid at my grannys watched it like everyday

[@npo64]

AWESOME! No diesel? Usually see it with a diesel locomotive.

[@NickelPlateRoad779]

Its the same one just worn out over time and use, like what happened to the 4449's old whistle.

[@andrewcrumb8027]

I have the Pentrex railroad program on DVD about that event. It's called "Union Pacific's Clinchfield Challenge".

[@TobyPasman]

I do, too

[@southerncrescentproductions]

I cant understand the reason why the 3985 is running on csx tracks. I thought that 3985 was more a western locomotive

[@davidreyes2298]

Clinchfield had challengers but were all scraped

[@johnathanwoodley5005]

So they wanted union pacific 3985 challenger change into a clinchfield because they're challengers are scrap and union pacific challenger is the same design to their challenger

[@TrainLover-wt9ix]

Union Pacific- *Builds Challengers* Other railroads- TAKE NOTE PEOPLE, TAKE NOTES

[@bigjimslade6250]

I saw this Santa train when it pulled into the yard at Shelbiana the evening before the run to Kingsport TN. I took my 3 year old son & we were interviewed by Randy Yohe on WSAZ TV out of Huntington. It was an awesome sight but not quite as impressive as Norfolk & Western J611 that we saw nearby in Williamson WV.

[@stampycatfan01lol]

You can tell it's UP 3985 because of the 2 UP tankers behind 3985.

[@michaelwood9922]

THAT IS RIGHT ANYBODY CAN TELL RIGHT AWAY THAT IT IS A CHALLENGER THAT CLINCH FIELD THOUGHT THEY HAD ME CONFUSED BUT NOT SO FAST!!!

[@yankinga]

Michael Wood Nobody was trying to confuse anyone. This was a tribute to the Clinchfield's last six 4-6-6-4s, numbers 670-675, coordinated by the Union Pacific and CSX railroads. The Clinchfield Railroad once owned six 4-6-6-4s of the same type as 3985. They were built as part of an order for the Union Pacific but diverted to the Denver and Rio Grange Western by the War Production Board during WWII. At war's end the D&RGW sold them to the Clinchfield. The D&RGW had a different class of 4-6-6-4s, built by Baldwin, that were more powerful (105,000 lbs of starting tractive effort vs. 97,000 lbs) so they were never fully satisfied with the 6 UP/ALCO designed engines. Clinchfield also had an older group of 4-6-6-4s which were built to the same basic design as the original UP "Small" Challengers (3800-3839). BTW, although railfans call all 4-6-6-4s "Challengers" only the Union Pacific officially designated them as such for publicity purposes. Even the UP operating personal didn't refer to them as Challengers but would instead call them 3800s and 3900s, just as the Big Boys were referred to as 4000s.

[@danielwalton7770]

But Union pacific railroad 4-6-6-4 challenger 3985 became clinchfield challenger number 676 for the 1992 50th running of the csx santa claus special.

[@stampycatfan01lol]

Daniel Walton What gets me is that UP allowed CSX to use 3985 on their railroad but CSX NEVER lets N&W 611 come onto UP tracks!!! NOT FAIR!!!

[@telsport]

Right !

[@TomPauls007]

serious burnout on the forward drivers @ 0.20. Needs auto-throttle traction lock!

[@telsport]

Looking back in 3 years from my last post...man, that one big choo choo. I played on them as a kid when they were awaiting scrapping at Erwin. Other kids had Lionel. I had Clinchfield !! YEEEE Hah !

[@theidiotwithinternet]

So sad 3985 got retired

[@zacharycalgher3978]

Not anymore, RRHMA in Silvis, IL is doing a full restoration to operation of 3985.

[@Drockthe3rd]

What were the numbers of the other UP cars? I already know 9336 (boxcar), the Art Lockman tool car, & the concessions car

[@ghostface1832]

That’s big boy 3985

[@ConrailNKP587Brony]

That’s Actually Challenger 3985

[@anthonynigri8585]

Sad that its retired now

[@Bullhead_JW]

Yeah, we don't have the smoothest terrain in the Appalachians.

[@josephignudo7405]

What happened to that whistle? Because she certainly isnt wearing it anymore.

[@TehBellcarl]

Joseph Ignudo that’s a clinchfeild whistle not the usual Union Pacific whistle it wears

[@southerncrescentproductions]

Are you sure? Whistles sound different based on how worn they are

[@Videostosnoreto]

Thats cool how they did that.

[@nikerailfanningttm9046]

1990’s CSX: “we’ll run steam on our rails” 1995-Present CSX: *”WE STRICTLY PROHIBIT THE RUNNING OF STEAM AND VINTAGE EQUIPMENT ON OUR RAILS”*

[@RailfanKaleb]

Whats the train symbol for the Santa train?

[@ClearTrackSpeed]

Can we take a moment to appreciate that she's doing this on her without the help of a backup diesel

[@amtrakandcsxrailfanning351]

GREAT AWSPME CATCHES AND VIDEO WITH NICE WHSTLE ACTION TOO OF UP 3985 PULLING THIS SANTA TRAIN NUBERD AS 676 TO PULL THIS TRAIN ON THE CLINCHFIELD NICE WHSTLE ACTION TOO

[@yankinga]

Lots of tunnels on the Clinchfield. She steam-cleaned decades of soot off of the tunnel roofs and on to herself.

[@danielwalton9012]

I wish that we all can go back in time to record video footage of challenger 3985 running back to it's home in wyoming

[@danielwalton9012]

Please do the scene where Union Pacific railroad 4-6-6-4 challenger #3985 heads back home to Wyoming as plain Union Pacific railroad challenger #3985 too ?

[@mratsfrailfan1894]

He can’t go back in time!

[@danielwalton4563]

@@mratsfrailfan1894 I wish he can

[@Livd8m2x]

I wish they would do this again with up 4014

[@02powertube]

They are working on it, its in the workshop - expected to be ready in 3-4 years. Converted to fuel-oil.

[@TehBellcarl]

The Clinchfeild railroad (what the CSX Santa trains operate on) never had any “big boys” this trip with 3985 was only done due to the clinchfeild formerly having identical engines that were scrapped.

[@Livd8m2x]

I know this but it would be interesting to see a big boy out east

[@realdavidii]

Know that the Union Pacific Big Boy 4014 is nearly restored?

[@davidreyes2298]

@@realdavidii it's in Evanston now

[@G0IMB]

As far as I'm concerned if it's not Electric, Steam is it. No Diesel!!!

[@marshallgreen7815]

Great!

[@zacharycalgher3978]

There was a tornado outbreak between November 21st and 23rd, 1992 during this steam excursion.

[@artismbyjoey779]

So if the Challenger can run through the CSX System and in Virginia, why not the Big Boy?

[@davidng2336]

The Big Boy is also too big.

[@brisktea64]

Is the 3985 not running now?

[@northernrailphotography9057]

Retired the minute 4014 was finished

[@ConrailNKP587Brony]

It’s Somehow It’s Going to Restore Soon

[@itmcbhpbgf.6374]

the video shot at 1:43 looks great. i want a picture of that in HD.

[@capitollimitedproductions211]

CSX should have their own steam program and use engines like C&O 2716 and 614, L&N 152, and restore the B&O President Washington to operating condition. They could also restore a C&O allegheny to do some trips.

[@gabrielshupe8927]

I bet that train smoked up many tunnels thru that route especially clinch mtn tunnel 29

[@up1943productions]

This is the UP 3985 As Clinchfield 676.

[@sargentrowell81]

God damn, I never knew that 3985 came so far east. Are you talking about Shelby County KY because it sounds like they might have brought it through Louisville?

[@bigjimslade6250]

Shelbiana Yard in Pikeville County Kentucky. I was in Shelby Yard when it pulled in & had to out run it from Pikeville to Shelbiana to get there. It came up the CSX main line along the Big Sandy River from Russell I believe

[@TheMysteriousRock]

Ha I remember when CDC

[@yardkartretreads]

The early to mid 90’s was a heck of time to be a little kid. I got to see 3985 come through Cincinnati on the way to go do this Santa train. Rode behind 611 up and down the old N&W Peavine from Cincinnati to Portsmouth(missed school the next day because my eyes were glued shut from all the cinders.) Stood on the walkway of an old control tower on the C&O bridge coming into Cincinnati while came through when she was painted up at C&O 2765( in place of 2716). The southbound freight that passed before scarred me to death with all the vibration the diesels caused. When 765 came through everything was as smooth as glass, very little vibration. Everything changed after Amtrak and CSX changed their policies on insurance and age of equipment, but for about 5-7 years in the late 80’s and early 90’s vintage steam reigned supreme.

[@OfficialSEIC2K6]

This is my favorite santa train even though i wasnt around during the 1990s. CSX borrowed UP #3985 and disguised it as a clinchfield challenger numbered #676.

[@laurie1424]

nothing sounds better

[@sundigibson261]

extreme steam has some of the up 3985 on video of 676

[@boweandrew3]

Why doesn't csxt create a steam or railway heritage program like NS as they have so many engines lettered for the NS précis sorts roads csxt should do the same in my opinion.

[@Rebel9668]

I'd love to see that too, especially an L&N train, even if they had to restore a non L&N Berkshire to do it.

[@NickelPlateRoad779]

Rebel9668 Well there is one possible ex L&N locomotive to pull that proposed train. L&N 152 a pacific built in 1905.. She may be old but lord if she cant get up and run when permitted :)

[@Rebel9668]

I know of that locomotive well. Took a "cab" ride on her once years ago which was actually more of a tender ride as we were seated on a bench above where the fireman shoveled and wound up with little pin holes in my clothes from burning ash, lol. Unfortunately 152 is down for her rebuild right now.

[@NickelPlateRoad779]

I bet that was a nice ride.. And yea from what I've heard it won't be long till she's back up and running again.

[@fnaf12398]

700 LIKES!!!!

[@GuyBucktastik]

It should come back... and not have that crappy number or crappy paint job on the tender.

[@rodolfosuastegui9617]

The really Name this train is UP CHALLENGER

[@nikerailfanningttm9046]

Actually Clinchfield adopted 6 UP-Spec ALCO Challengers from DRGW after DRGW was given them by the WPB (war production board). All 6 were scrapped sadly so 3985 is masquerading as CRR 676: the “final” CRR Challenger as Clinchfield’s Challengers were numbered 670-675.

[@dasmikey1964]

Wow, listen to that deep throaty whistle!

[@maxm2317]

Two people obviously hate trains!

[@BuckeyeNationRailroader]

I wish I could have been here to see this

[@TheMysteriousRock]

Ah crap autocorrect can go to he'll

[@ghostface1832]

I freaking love how big boy 3985 is running with the cling cling sounds while full steams ahead

[@ConrailNKP587Brony]

It’s a Challenger Not a Big Boy

[@Jimboliah3985]

15:29 The disguise was spoiled... You van see U.P. 3985 underneath the back up light. :P

[@yankinga]

Yeah, good thing nobody noticed the two massive, bright yellow auxiliary water tenders with the bright red UNION PACIFIC spelled out on their sides. ;-)

[@Jimboliah3985]

XD

[@cefxsd40m-29]

And the two Union Pacific cars.

[@kimwright6292]

Nice!

[@GARailfan]

ifininm

[@kjfenterprises9618]

13:54

[@tinymarkipler2yeaaboi153]

7024 got scrapped

[@jamesm6638]

Uh... What?

[@realdavidii]

Who cares? said the fireman

[@railfanlynx]

The CSX uboat in the video. That’s my old account

[@ces4399]

Imposter!

[@moonpie22399]

The train goes "676, CLINCHFIELD, UNION PACIFIC, UNION PACIFIC.......... you get the point

[@danielwalton9012]

So The Original Union Pacific 3967 Challenger Becomes Rio grande Challenger #3806! in 1988!

[@danielwalton9012]

So Only 6 of Them Be Saved.

[@yankinga]

I'm not sure what you mean. None of the original Clinchfield Challengers were saved. Two Union Pacific Challengers were saved. UP 3985, the one masquerading as a Clinchfield engine in this video, is still owned by Union Pacific and is currently stored in Cheyenne, WY. The other Challenger is the UP 3977, on static display at Cody Park in North Platte, NE. No other 4-6-6-4s from any railroad survived the cutting torches.

[@Jimboliah3985]

Sorry to see you had Walton screw up common sense here. He's an idiot.