2008 CSX Santa Claus Train






Click on "CSX" or "Santa Train"to see photos of the 2008 Santa Train







On Saturday, November 21, 2008, CSX ran the 66th annual Santa Claus Train from Shelby, Kentucky to Kingsport, Tennessee.  This year was the first year I've seen it since the Union Pacific Challenger pulled it in 1992, so it was very rewarding to see it again.  CSX did a fine job getting this train over the road safely, and on time.  The train depated St. Paul, Virginia about 8 minutes behind the posted schedule, but made it all up by the time it got to Dungannon.  Many very excited children (and adults) came out in the bitter cold to see Santa, Kathy Mattea, and the friendly staff of volunteers on board the train as gifts, candy, and christmas decorations were given out.

The 2008 schedule was as follows:

Shelby, KY	6:30 AM dep.
Marrowbone, KY	6:45 - 7:00 AM
Elkhorn City, KY	7:25 - 7:45 AM
Toms Bottom, VA	8:05 - 8:15 AM
Haysi, VA	8:27 - 8:45 AM
Clinchco, VA	9:00 - 9:15 AM
Fremont, VA	9:28 - 9:53 AM
Dante Station, VA	10:28 - 10:48 AM
St. Paul, VA	11:08 - 11:28 AM
Dungannon, VA	12:13 - 12:33 PM
Fort Blackmore, VA	12:53 - 1:08 PM
Kermit, VA	1:48 - 2:18 PM
Waycross, TN	2:30 - 2:45 PM

Click here for detailed information on the Santa Claus Train history