KINGSPORT, Tenn. — “The reports of my death are greatly exaggerated,” wrote American humorist Mark Twain in a letter to a news reporter who asked if news of his impending demise were true. The same can be said of the CSX Santa Train.
Until Joe Hinrichs was hired by the CSX board of directors as CEO last September, the somewhat legendary Santa Train seemed permanently annulled. The tradition dates to 1943, with the train running a 110-mile route over the former Clinchfield and C&O from Shelby, Ky., to Kingsport to distribute some 15 tons of toys and gifts to children (and adults) along the way. Runs in 2020 and 2021 were canceled because of the COVID-19 pandemic, and the company’s senior management signaled indifference to cranking it up again, so the 2022 train was annulled as well. But one of Hinrichs’ first actions after taking over was to greenlight the Santa Train [see “In reversal, CSX Santa Train to run …,” Trains News Wire, Sept. 27, 2022]. On short notice, the effort was spooled up, and once again Santa and his entourage of volunteers were back on flanged wheels [see “Here Comes Santa Claus,” Trains Magazine, April 2023].
As an exclamation point to his commitment to the Santa Train, Hinrichs had the talented executive car force at Waycross, Ga., convert former Pan Am Railways office car No. 100 to a new carriage for Santa and many of the items in his gift bag. The car replaced the former Chessie instruction car Jervis Langdon Jr. (renamed last year after many years as the West Virginia) that served that purpose for decades. The “new” Santa car (CSXT 994528) was built by ACF in 1914 as diner No. 1011 for the Norfolk & Western. Rebuilt as office car No. 102 in 1934, and again in 1957 (streamlined this time), it was sold to the Delaware & Hudson in 1976 (and renumbered No. 100), and eventually became Pan Am property in the evolution of the former Guilford system. The interior of the car was completely gutted to hold gifts. Two large baggage-type doors were installed on the “B” end to speed loading and unloading (most gifts are handed out by volunteers on the ground to handle the volume). If any doubt remained about Hinrichs’ commitment to the operation, it was dashed by “CSX Santa Train” in extra large lettering on the car’s sides.
Operations came off without a hitch, except for a minor hiccup the previous evening (Friday, Nov. 17). All the train volunteers on plus media reps were bused to overnight lodging in Pikeville, Ky., with the train deadheading north with Hinrichs and several CSX employees. The 13-car train was pulled by CSX Nos. 1 and 2, extensively modified and stretched former Amtrak F40PHs with independent HEP. Just north of St. Paul, CSX 2 developed traction-motor problems. As the grade stiffened from water level to 1.7% at Boody, Va., it quickly became obvious the single unit would never be able to handle the heavy train. Fortunately, southbound Russell, Ky., to Rocky Mount, N.C., manifest M653 was directed into the passing track at Allen, 15 miles to the north. The freight’s two units (ET44CHs Nos. 3323 and 3411) were cut off after the crew tied down their train and sent south to rescue the stalled special. The two big AC “heavies” on the point provided more than enough tractive effort to get the train to Shelby. The next morning, the two freight units were still up front to lead the Santa Train south.
On board as the train left the busy St. Paul, Va., stop on Saturday, L&N Historical Society President (and retired CSX special agent) Lee Gordon presented Hinrichs a plaque in appreciation for sending CSX No. 1850 — the L&N “heritage” unit — to Etowah, Tenn., for the society’s annual convention on Sept. 15, 2023. In Gordon’s words, it was a small way to thank Hinrichs for honoring the legacy of the L&N — and all of CSX’s predecessor companies — and particularly multiple generations of employees. The brass steam-era L&N herald at the top of the plaque had been cast at the former South Louisville Shops, a site now occupied by the University of Louisville Cardinals’ football stadium (now “L&N Credit Union Stadium”).
Hinrichs was effusive in his praise for his team and all the people who made the run possible. In a video interview with a local television station, he was visibly emotional about all the people he had met along the route. He was everywhere — helping move gifts to the rear of the train, throwing off gifts, on the ground handing out presents, and greeting and talking with everyone he met. He kept repeating his enthusiasm that CSX was intent on continuing this great tradition along one of its most storied routes.
It’s notable that under Hinrichs’ leadership, CSX was the first railroad released from extra performance requirements imposed by federal regulators in the wake of widespread service problems on the four largest U.S. systems following the pandemic. Shippers have said the railroad is providing excellent service. His management experience included no rail-industry work, but he has been able to bring fresh ideas and perspective to an industry that too often gets stuck in an “we’ve always done it that way” mindset.
Santa Train 2024? Its expected operating date is Saturday, Nov. 23. It’s a certainty Joe Hinrichs, CSX, and Santa will be there.
— Updated Nov. 20 at 7:20 a.m. with corrected date for 2024 Santa Train.
Would have been a wonderful time to unveil a Clinchfield Heritage paint scheme.
I have been very impressed in what Joe Hinrichs has done with CSX since taking over leadership. Proud to be a CSX stockholder. He definitely brought new ideas and a new way of doing business to CSX.
Class act. Nothing more needs to be said.