That's a wonderful Christmas card, Danny. I'm stuck here at Cartoon Network getting a show out tonight and this was a perfect break for me. Thanks again my friend.
Awesome video! I have family in the Big Stone Gap area not far from Natural Tunnel. I love how you made this video. Over the years I have seen lots of trains in that area but sadly the amount of trains on the NS has severely decreased. In fact my Great Uncle ran NS coal drags from Appalachia Va, to Bulls Gap Tn. He went through Natural Tunnel on his route. Again great video. Keep up the great work!
Always wondered what the Santa Train was like, as I have always wanted to get it on video too. You have fulfilled my curiosity. Many Thanks. Another well done video, Danny.
Once again Danny, you do not disappoint! Excellent story accompanied by a nice variety of different shots. I think "complete coverage" is a fitting description.
+CoasterFan2105 Thanks very much. This was a fun one. But I didn't get nearly the quality of shots that some other folks did. If they run this again next year, I'm going up a day early to scout some better locations
I'm a "Santa." As are many others. I'd love to do something like this. But riding on the tail end of the last car wouldn't do. I'd need to get in with the kids to give them their toy to say that "Santa" really did give me my toy. Just want to make a memory, that's all. You haven't lived until you put on the Santa jacket. It's like the movie, "The Santa Clause" with Tm Allen. It's real, Really Real. Ho Ho Ho Santa
I have lived around 9 miles from Natural Tunnel all my life and man these were the good ole days ... Traffic has had a straight shot plummet in the last 4 years
no idea if its gonna come down my line on the CSX KD sub or if it will just use the clinchfield but if it does come on the KD i might go out to catch it with you i live close to food city so i'm sure they'd bring food
Sad that CSX is shutting down traffic on the Clinchfield, but it doesn't surprise me. Same with NS and the Virginian, seems like their scenic lines are the ones they close. But great video as always.
I grew up here. Like most kids years ago, the Santa Train was their main way to get presents, or at least stocking stuffers because people here were poor coal miners, like my father and his father before him. They use to give out really great presents, presents you could use. Then, they shifted to candies, etc., Recently, they've went back to giving out items that people can use, like socks, shirts, and yes, candies, notebooks, pencils, etc.
You would have loved the Santa Train in 1992 because CSX asked Union Pacific if they would bring the Challenger 3985 to pull the 50th Anniversary Santa Train. I have a DVD on the event.
Great video!!! Don't know if anyone has said or not, but there is no speed restriction on Copper Creek. They slow down with the Santa Train for the people on the train and at the park. You should have tried the Hob Knob for vittles!!!
Danny if you are planning to come up,to Ohio or Michigan here are some spots you will like. Bellevue Ohio Fostoria Ohio and to spots in Michigan one Romulus, Two Delray tower and Durand Mi
Clinchfield traffic is back , maybe not as busy as it once was but its back, and that was Weber City not Weberville. I live on the CSX Cumberland Valley near the Hagan Main line switchback
+Amtrak 6903 Train/ Plane Productions The train is packed with all the toys and other stuff the week before. Then they run it down the Clinchfield at all these stops
Great video Danny, between seeing Natural Tunnel and logging a movement on the Virginia portion of the Clinchfield before who knows what comes of it, I'm sure it was worth the long ride up. From my understanding after briefly looking into it (which isn't saying much because it's not my territory and I know nothing about, though I would love to visit), the Clinchfield isn't actually getting completely shut down, there just will be barely anything that will traverse it. From what I've read over this evening's research on the matter, it appears that a pair of manifests (Q697/698, respectfully) will still use the Clinchfield from Kingsport to an easterly terminus in which I still can't figure out in North Carolina (or possibly all the way to Spartanburg? I'm sure that's a longshot of a guess), while NS will still (and based on the date of the photos I've recently viewed, still is) retaining it's trackage rights on the Virginia portion of the route that runs over the Copper Creek Viaduct, though I'm not sure where those trackage rights extend to/from. Either way, operationally it'll be beaten and battered, but not dead, just gasping. The santa train you got might very well be the last CSX movement over that span though, so I'd feel good about documenting that one. (which by the way, to me it sounded like the power was notched pretty well while crossing, so I'm assuming that a grade just before possibly had to do with it's slow passage over the viaduct? Again, I'm taking shots in the dark here since I know next to nothing about this territory) Anyway, after this long and winded reply, real good stuff. Looking forward to seeing what the next video brings.
+AliceInChains243 Thanks very much. This is great information. I'd heard right before the Santa weekend that CSX was mothballing the Clinchfield. Then I heard they were keeping it open but moving off all coal traffic. Then I heard that Service Design was creating a train just for Eastman at Kingsport that would originate at Hamlet, which is probably what that 697/698 pair is. I really can't wait to get back up there to explore more of this country. Thanks again.
Distant Signal No problem at all, just throwing out the little information that I knew heh. From what I looked over, it appears that Q696 is the eastbound that serves Eastman/Kingsport in addition to the Q697 counterpart running westward. I have the Q698 symbol showing to read Cincinnati - Hamlet, with Q699 being the counterpart, though I'm not sure how much of the Clinchfield that pair will utilize. (again, I don't know the area well) Granted this information is all via that "CSX Railfan Wiki" page so who knows how valid the listed information is. I read somewhere that the Q697 no longer ran to Russell and terminated in Kingsport after the mothballing, so I'd need a true source to clarify what is what here. Either way, it still means that there is some life to the rails that bear the Clinchfield name, just unfortunately cutting out the commodity that I can only assume that the line was principally founded upon. But I've gotta agree with you, as I too cannot wait to explore the area inside and out. Ironically, I plan on moving to that general area of the country sometime in the new year (I'm a New Englander), so I plan on spending some considerable time documenting whatever operations are left on those rails whenever I've got the time to make a few hour's drive. Low traffic or not, it still looks like outstanding territory that is well worth exploring again and again.
Danny your newest dvd is super I feel badly for the csx and ns people in wv va and ky with power plants converting to natural gas I am more of a rail fan and historian now then I ever have been and I feel for the csx people at Corbin ky on the cc sub that feeds the ek sub e&bv sub between Martin jct and dean ky I feel for these people I have been laid off from a job after 12 years and so I feel for the coal miners csx and ns employees in the region may the l&N and clinchfield railroad live on n people's memories forever and c&O and seaboard system live on n people's memories too. Great video may the csx keep that line open forever and run the Santa train forever.
+Andrew Bowe I live in WV and the mine near my house is receiving massive 150+ car coal trains, NS uses 3 locomotives ( which is rare as branch line trains usually use just 2) . The tonnage has increased, so has the traffic. Not all the mines have been closing a lot have been getting more traffic so thats a plus.
Though I have a small question about it... I heard that when it returns, it will only run to Jacksonville and not go to Miami but if it does go to Miami it will be nice to see him come through Auburndale and Winter Haven.
Danny; Always enjoy all your presentations Keep em comming!
Merry Christmas Danny !!! - one of your biggest fans
+housebird29 Thanks so much! Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you.
Excellent, excellent, excellent video Danny!
+TrainNut85 Thank you, thank you thank you!
Hey Danny I loved this video, you was 8n my neck of 5he wood's....the place y'all got that
Your enthusiasm is contagious. Have a great Holiday.
iam a railfan from indonesia and i really like your video danny
+adam ardhana0307 Thanks very much, Adam. Glad you like our trains!
Loved this. Excellent video.
Great video and happy holidays
That video started with my first wife couple my kids an my brother..I how great them times were I miss the lil guys .
My lifetime love, only missed a few over the years !,
Yeah. I'm sorry I missed it's return this year.
My five year old son and I always enjoy your awesome videos on here. Keep up the great work man!
Just great ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Thanks for the visit
awesome video Danny keep them coming. love it.
Great video again! Happy Holidays from Dade City and the S line.
+SmokeStack684 Thanks! Glad you enjoyed it.
Awesome video, Danny! Really dig the locations you caught the trains at.
Another great video Danny!
SUPERB!
I love the F40PH pulling the train.
*F40PH-2
@@bnsfbandit9807 yeah, thats true.
Jee Danny, you know how to find all the good places to eat! Haha, very well done video and narration.
As always great quality!
Thanks Danny, we always love your videos!
Spectacular as usual and thanks to our Railroad Ambassador to the Lines that make America what it is today.
+Todd Brown Thanks very much, Todd.
Great you were able to make it to the Clinchfield to get this footage. Another five star video Danny.
That's a wonderful Christmas card, Danny. I'm stuck here at Cartoon Network getting a show out tonight and this was a perfect break for me. Thanks again my friend.
+Ken Mitchroney Thanks Ken! Have a Merry Christmas!
Awesome video! I have family in the Big Stone Gap area not far from Natural Tunnel. I love how you made this video. Over the years I have seen lots of trains in that area but sadly the amount of trains on the NS has severely decreased. In fact my Great Uncle ran NS coal drags from Appalachia Va, to Bulls Gap Tn. He went through Natural Tunnel on his route. Again great video. Keep up the great work!
Oh and there is no speed restriction on the Copper Creek Viaduct, they just go slow on it for the photographers.
Always wondered what the Santa Train was like, as I have always wanted to get it on video too. You have fulfilled my curiosity. Many Thanks. Another well done video, Danny.
DANNY!! I remember I went there one time in Natrual Tunner Park!! I caught a NS train too with Coal Hoppers going into the tunnel!! :D. Great shot!!!
Once again Danny, you do not disappoint! Excellent story accompanied by a nice variety of different shots. I think "complete coverage" is a fitting description.
+CoasterFan2105 Thanks very much. This was a fun one. But I didn't get nearly the quality of shots that some other folks did. If they run this again next year, I'm going up a day early to scout some better locations
CoasterFan2105 ho ho ho
@@distantsignal did you know that i live in Kingsport
Hello Danny I'm you was in the area for the Santa train...But the town you ate at isn't Webervile, it's Weber city, VA...... TKS for being here
I love the 60FPS of your videos.
Natural Tuneel as well as the lower bridge at Copper creek also serve CSX Coal trains.
Danny, Wonderful video. Great shots of the Natural Tunnel.
Amazing as always Danny! Thank you so much! What a perfect day!
I'm a "Santa." As are many others. I'd love to do something like this. But riding on the tail end of the last car wouldn't do. I'd need to get in with the kids to give them their toy to say that "Santa" really did give me my toy. Just want to make a memory, that's all. You haven't lived until you put on the Santa jacket. It's like the movie, "The Santa Clause" with Tm Allen. It's real, Really Real.
Ho Ho Ho
Santa
Great video as usual !!!! Always look forward to new video's !!!! I live close to the A Line in Winter Park
I have lived around 9 miles from Natural Tunnel all my life and man these were the good ole days ... Traffic has had a straight shot plummet in the last 4 years
Barbeque is called Weber City, VA....
I can't believe you were down there when I was down there ! Should have said hi ! Great video and Did you stop at Pals Sudden Survice ?
+TheAmericanGamingUnion Did not stop at Pal's. Where is that?
Kingsport and Weber City(aka weberville) all up along 23
Nice eat food and watch trains too.
I was there for the Norfolk Southern day there. They had the Virginian and Operation Life Saver locomotives.
No speed restriction on copper creek usually, they usually slow the train for photographers.
Great Video As always Danny! hope you have a wonderful holiday season with you're friends and family! Greetings from here in Miami!
Not to far west of where I call home. I'm from over in Marion Virginia.
Well you saw to passenger trains (the Santa train) And to frieght trains!
nice job in my territoy by the way,the clinchfield is abbandoned a few daysb after
+Southern Bell Productions Thanks. Yes, that figures. Probably my first and last time seeing a train on The Clinchfield.
no idea if its gonna come down my line on the CSX KD sub or if it will just use the clinchfield but if it does come on the KD i might go out to catch it with you i live close to food city so i'm sure they'd bring food
Sad that CSX is shutting down traffic on the Clinchfield, but it doesn't surprise me. Same with NS and the Virginian, seems like their scenic lines are the ones they close. But great video as always.
what about jacksonville railfan weekend part 2 & 3??
+CSX2665 Ha! There wil only be a Jax Part 2 and that's coming soon. Had to get the Santa Train out in time for the holidays.
oh ok. can i ask why is there only a part 2?
Good stuff Danny, thanks for the coverage. Not happy to hear about the coal to natural gas, but was gonna happen I guess.
I grew up here. Like most kids years ago, the Santa Train was their main way to get presents, or at least stocking stuffers because people here were poor coal miners, like my father and his father before him. They use to give out really great presents, presents you could use. Then, they shifted to candies, etc., Recently, they've went back to giving out items that people can use, like socks, shirts, and yes, candies, notebooks, pencils, etc.
You would have loved the Santa Train in 1992 because CSX asked Union Pacific if they would bring the Challenger 3985 to pull the 50th Anniversary Santa Train. I have a DVD on the event.
I remember when UP 3985 was disguised as a clinch field steam locomotive, back in the 90s
Wonderful video Danny! I'm convinced to get out that way now. When will we see part two from you Jax Railfan Weekend?
that last NS train, NS 9197, MTH models made an actual model of it!
Great video!!! Don't know if anyone has said or not, but there is no speed restriction on Copper Creek. They slow down with the Santa Train for the people on the train and at the park. You should have tried the Hob Knob for vittles!!!
What Happend to 3985
Danny if you are planning to come up,to Ohio or Michigan here are some spots you will like. Bellevue Ohio Fostoria Ohio and to spots in Michigan one Romulus, Two Delray tower and Durand Mi
+Brandon Loy I would absolutely love railfanning in Ohio. I want to see Bellevue, Fostoria and all those famous places.
There will still be freight run on the clinchfield, but only 4 or 5 runs a week I believe.
+RedneckFreightTrain1 what about the NS route ?
Clinchfield traffic is back , maybe not as busy as it once was but its back, and that was Weber City not Weberville. I live on the CSX Cumberland Valley near the Hagan Main line switchback
Hey Danny could you make a guide on how to rail fan like tips and so forth
Danny I have a question how many trains dose CSX run to Michigan is just K820 and K821 or are there any trains
+Brandon Loy Don't know, Brandon. I'm not familiar with CSX in Michigan.
One thing I didn't understand, do they ride in the train or just line up for the stuff?
+Amtrak 6903 Train/ Plane Productions The train is packed with all the toys and other stuff the week before. Then they run it down the Clinchfield at all these stops
+Distant Signal They pass out the stuff to all the kids waiting trackside.
+Distant Signal oh ok. Great Video!
Great video Danny, between seeing Natural Tunnel and logging a movement on the Virginia portion of the Clinchfield before who knows what comes of it, I'm sure it was worth the long ride up. From my understanding after briefly looking into it (which isn't saying much because it's not my territory and I know nothing about, though I would love to visit), the Clinchfield isn't actually getting completely shut down, there just will be barely anything that will traverse it. From what I've read over this evening's research on the matter, it appears that a pair of manifests (Q697/698, respectfully) will still use the Clinchfield from Kingsport to an easterly terminus in which I still can't figure out in North Carolina (or possibly all the way to Spartanburg? I'm sure that's a longshot of a guess), while NS will still (and based on the date of the photos I've recently viewed, still is) retaining it's trackage rights on the Virginia portion of the route that runs over the Copper Creek Viaduct, though I'm not sure where those trackage rights extend to/from. Either way, operationally it'll be beaten and battered, but not dead, just gasping. The santa train you got might very well be the last CSX movement over that span though, so I'd feel good about documenting that one. (which by the way, to me it sounded like the power was notched pretty well while crossing, so I'm assuming that a grade just before possibly had to do with it's slow passage over the viaduct? Again, I'm taking shots in the dark here since I know next to nothing about this territory) Anyway, after this long and winded reply, real good stuff. Looking forward to seeing what the next video brings.
+AliceInChains243 Thanks very much. This is great information. I'd heard right before the Santa weekend that CSX was mothballing the Clinchfield. Then I heard they were keeping it open but moving off all coal traffic. Then I heard that Service Design was creating a train just for Eastman at Kingsport that would originate at Hamlet, which is probably what that 697/698 pair is.
I really can't wait to get back up there to explore more of this country. Thanks again.
Distant Signal No problem at all, just throwing out the little information that I knew heh. From what I looked over, it appears that Q696 is the eastbound that serves Eastman/Kingsport in addition to the Q697 counterpart running westward. I have the Q698 symbol showing to read Cincinnati - Hamlet, with Q699 being the counterpart, though I'm not sure how much of the Clinchfield that pair will utilize. (again, I don't know the area well) Granted this information is all via that "CSX Railfan Wiki" page so who knows how valid the listed information is. I read somewhere that the Q697 no longer ran to Russell and terminated in Kingsport after the mothballing, so I'd need a true source to clarify what is what here. Either way, it still means that there is some life to the rails that bear the Clinchfield name, just unfortunately cutting out the commodity that I can only assume that the line was principally founded upon. But I've gotta agree with you, as I too cannot wait to explore the area inside and out. Ironically, I plan on moving to that general area of the country sometime in the new year (I'm a New Englander), so I plan on spending some considerable time documenting whatever operations are left on those rails whenever I've got the time to make a few hour's drive. Low traffic or not, it still looks like outstanding territory that is well worth exploring again and again.
That's a relief that those great Americans will have good old fashioned American jobs that won't disappear anytime soon
hi mr danny harmond
Hi Jared.
Danny your newest dvd is super I feel badly for the csx and ns people in wv va and ky with power plants converting to natural gas I am more of a rail fan and historian now then I ever have been and I feel for the csx people at Corbin ky on the cc sub that feeds the ek sub e&bv sub between Martin jct and dean ky I feel for these people I have been laid off from a job after 12 years and so I feel for the coal miners csx and ns employees in the region may the l&N and clinchfield railroad live on n people's memories forever and c&O and seaboard system live on n people's memories too. Great video may the csx keep that line open forever and run the Santa train forever.
+Andrew Bowe I live in WV and the mine near my house is receiving massive 150+ car coal trains, NS uses 3 locomotives ( which is rare as branch line trains usually use just 2) . The tonnage has increased, so has the traffic. Not all the mines have been closing a lot have been getting more traffic so thats a plus.
Hey what egines were on the santa train???
Amtrak Sunset Limited returns to Florida!
+CentralOhioTrains Yes and I cannot wait!
Though I have a small question about it... I heard that when it returns, it will only run to Jacksonville and not go to Miami but if it does go to Miami it will be nice to see him come through Auburndale and Winter Haven.
I hope some railway museum buys up that prime mainline CSX is closing, or a few railway museums... Really sad...
Copper Creek trestle crosses Copper Creek, not the Clinch River.
what milepost danny ?
So thats what you look like!!
+Tim Daugherty Yep, that's me. :-))
6:57
And ... Hillary Clinton called this "fly-over country." Glad you missed it. We don't need you to trip over the door entering it.
wrong leader! F40PH needs to lead.
On the Clinchfield's Santa Train, CSXT will not let the F40 lead, because of visibility issues.