Locomotives of the Clinchfield Railroad

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Clinchfield Railroad
CSX Blue RIdge Subdivision

The CSX Blue Ridge Subdivision, the old Clinchfield line south of Erwin is now reopen after the extensive damage from Hurricane Helene. The first revenue freight train ran on September 21st, and two coal trains followed on September 25th. Ribbon cutting photo by Mark Loewe. . Use this link to see Designs in Orbit’s exceptional video updates with drone footage. Also, Train Chaser Elliot provides wonderful coverage.  Click here to read about the monumental CSX rebuilding efforts on Clinchfield.org. In the weeks ahead we will add much more content chronicling the events of the past year.

Clinchfield Railroad Locomotives

A Railfan’s Dream

The Clinchfield Railroad was a railfan’s dream when it came to locomotives. Wow, what a parade of pulling power they had.

For most of the steam years, almost half of its steam roster were mallets. There were also ten-wheelers, Mikados, Pacifics, and Challengers. Well past the steam era, the Clinchfield’s venerable 4-6-0. #1 continued running on the railroad and across the country as a very successful marketing campaign until 1979.

Click here for a complete Clinchfield Steam Roster.

1948: The First Clinchfield Diesels

Clinchfield Railroad Locomotive

Kingsport TN – 1964 – Photo by C.K. Marsh Jr.

Clinchfield Railroad Locomotive

Unlike its coal-hauling competitors, it began to dieselize early, adding Covered Wagons (F3s and F7s) and Geeps (GP7s). In the mid-60s, the second generation diesels were added, including GP-38s, SD-40s, and SD-45s. For all but a few of the diesel years, the Clinchfield had an all-EMD roster.

Click here for a complete Clinchfield Diesel Roster.

In the days ahead, we will add more pictures and information about the Clinchfield locomotives.

Clinchfield’s SD-40 by Ron Flanary

Photo and Narrative by Ron Flanary

Armed with the news that the Clinchfield Railroad was purchasing its first new motive power since the initial wave of new units in the late 40s and 50s, my friend Benny Adams and I drove to Erwin, Tennessee on Saturday, October 15, 1966 for a look.

Our efforts only turned up a single new SD40–No. 3005. However, we had a good time and saw several older units and a few trains.

No. 3005 is shown at the old servicing facilities on the east side of the yard, just south of the old general office building. It was matched up with three F-units in the power set for northbound hotshot No. 97 later that evening.

Clinchfield Railroad Diesel Locomotive

The Clinchfield Challengers

Clinchfield Railroad Locomotive

Click here for more information on the Clinchfield 4-6-6-4 Challengers.

CRR Locomotive Rosters & Galleries

CSX Clinchfield Heritage Locomotive

Click here for more details on the Clinchfield Heritage Unit which debuted on the 2024 Santa Train.

CSX Clinchfield Heritage Locomotive

Clinchfield.org Sources and Resources

The following are excellent resources for those of you wanting to explore and learn more about the Clinchfield Railroad. These sources of information also serve as reference and historical materials for Clinchfield.org. Much of the content on the website is verified across multiple sources.

Clinchfield Railroad

Contact Us at Clinchfield.org

Would enjoy hearing from you if you have questions, suggestions, edits, or content that you are willing to share. Don’t hesitate to reach out if you have similar interests in the Clinchfield or Model Railroads.

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Appalachian-Railroads.org | Clinchfield.org | Southern-Railroads.org