Its that time of year again on the Clinchfield. The 70th annual CSX Santa Train Comes to a stop at Fort Blackmore Before making its way south towards Kingsport. Nikon D700, Nikon 14-24 f/2.8

The Savannah and Atlanta heritage engine sits on the point of this special Roanoke to Bristol excursion. Tied down, and guarded by Bristol's finest. Nikon D700, Nikon 70-200 f/2.8

Fresh off of a crew change, this CSX train makes its way east bound on the Appalachia District at Boone.

The 2011 Santa Train sitting at the CSX/NS connection at St. Paul, with a fresh SD40-3 leading this year. Nikon D300, Nikon 12-24 f/4

The Santa Train rolls through Boody on its way to St. Paul. Nikon D300, Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

The Santa Train comes to a stop at the Union Baptist Church, in Dante Virginia. Nikon D80, Nikon 12-24 f/4

Nearing the end of its journey the Santa train leans into a curve preparing for a stop at Waycross. Nikon D300, Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

The Santa Train preparing to stop at Dante. Nikon D300, Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR

The 69th annual run of the CSX Santa Train comes to a stop greeted by a welcoming crowd of young and old in Fort Blackmore. Nikon D300, Nikon 12-24 f/4

After switching engines with a northbound empty train, this Duke Power coal train is on the move southbound where he will meet another northbound at Boones Creek. Nikon D300, Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

A westbound empty hopper train with a ratty Dash 9, and a smoky Union Pacific Dash-8 makes its way to Andover for more loads of black diamonds. Nikon D300, Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR

A northbound mty train comes to a stop in the siding after meeting this yard crew. Moments later Q696 would rumble through on the mainline. Nikon D300, Nikon 24-70 f/2.8

Eastbound loaded coal train 784 makes its way through rural Virginia on a beautiful march afternoon. Nikon D300, Sigma 70-200 f/2.8 HSM II

Loaded eastbound coal train has just dropped its helper engines at Watkins and heads toward home rails at Frisco. Nikon D300, Nikon 24-70 f/2.8.

A hot Q696 runs around an empty hopper train(behind me on the main) at Boone Station just outside of Johnson City. Nikon D300, Nikon 70-200 f/2.8 VR.