The 1992 Clinchfield Santa Train deadhead move is getting underway behind steam power, for a run down to Elkhorn City, and eventually Kingsport. I hope that the Challenger can someday again pull ... (more)

Railfans are getting their shots as the "Clinchfield 676" (UP 3985) has changed crews and is getting underway on ex-Clinchfield rails at the end of the old C&O. The occasion was the 50th... (more)

Stuck in Kingsport...Frustration has set-in for the UP Steam Crew Member leaning out of the cab window of Clinchfield Challenger 676, aka UP 3985. While attempting to turn the engine on the wye, t... (more)

Clinchfield Challenger 676, aka Union Pacific 3985, simmers in the yard at Kingsport TN while a pair of NS GP38-2s pass by. The Challenger has been brought east to celebrate the 50th anniversary... (more)

The "Clinchfield 676" (UP 3985) is deadheading down the old C&O Big Sandy on its way to Kingsport, Tennessee for the 50th anniversary running of the Santa Claus Special.

The Clinchfield 676 at dusk, about halfway between Dante and St. Paul, rolling toward Kingsport. It was our last photo of the day, as the train was delayed at Boody after the 676 sideswiped a tra... (more)

The "Clinchfield 676" at dawn on the Friday of the 50th anniversary Santa Claus Special weekend. Two items were on the agenda- fix the twisted running board (above the fireman's side fro... (more)

The old meets the new in Clinchfield country, as UP Challenger No. 3985 disguised as CRR No. 676 pauses for servicing. On the right, 3-month old CSX C40-8W No. 7787 is on the point of a 5-unit la... (more)

"Clinchfield 676" (UP 3985) at the end of the running of the 50th anniversary Santa Claus Special.

The Clinchfield 676 (UP 3985) has gotten the attention of one dog but not the other, after starting from a delay caused by sideswiping some coal hoppers. Note the ski-jump at the front of the run... (more)

The Clinchfield 676 (UP 3985) has stopped for servicing alongside a C&O C-20 steel caboose in Shelby Yard, KY

The Clinchfield 676 (UP 3985) is preparing for some minor surgery- note the bent running board over the hot water pump near the smokebox. The morning sun also highlights the taped-on cab numerals... (more)

The Clinchfield 676 (UP 3985) is rounding the curve at Fremont, on its way to Kingsport, Tennessee. The old trackside winch does not appear on today's satellite map.

The Clinchfield 676 (UP 3985) splits the old C&O signals while deadheading south on the Big Sandy to Shelby Yard

The "Clinchfield 676" (UP 3985) at its stop in St. Paul for the 50th Santa Claus Train in 1992. No steam in 2018 for the 76th edition, but country stars Maddie & Tae will be aboard to he... (more)