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Clinchfield Railroad's 4-6-6-4 "Challengers"

Published: August 6, 2025

By: Adam Burns

The Clinchfield Railroad, once a pivotal transportation artery in the southeastern United States, boasts a rich history intertwined with the economic and industrial growth of the region. Officially known as the Carolina, Clinchfield & Ohio, the railroad was established in the early 20th century to tap into the vast resources of the Appalachian region.

For such a small road the Clinchfield operated a number or large, articulated wheel arrangements such as 2-6-6-2s, 2-8-8-2s, and the big 4-6-6-4s.  As the railroad was primarily a coal hauler it needed such large engines to handle the heavy tonnage over grades that could reach nearly 2%.

At the time of their acquisition the railroad needed the big Challengers to fulfill a power shortage during World War II, some of which were acquired secondhand from the Rio Grande.  Sadly, no examples of these big engines were ever preserved.

Clinchfield 4-6-6-4 #655 was photographed here in Erwin, Tennessee in 1947.

A Brief History Of The Clinchfield

The origins of the Clinchfield Railroad date back to the late 19th century with various unsuccessful attempts to build a rail line through the challenging terrain of the Appalachian Mountains.

The need for a reliable rail route to move coal, timber, and other resources from the mountains to markets in the southeast and beyond was paramount. The project - then known as the Carolina, Clinchfield & Ohio -finally gained momentum under the leadership of financier George L. Cater and entrepreneur Charles H. Coster. Construction commenced in the early 1900s, overcoming significant geographical and engineering challenges, including the famous 13 tunnels and 55 bridges through the rugged mountains.

In 1909, the line formally opened, connecting Dante, Virginia, to Spartanburg, South Carolina. This 277-mile route was later extended to Elkhorn City, Kentucky, to connect with the Chesapeake & Ohio, forming a direct link to the Great Lakes. The Clinchfield was renowned for its scenic route through the Blue Ridge and Smoky Mountains, offering breathtaking views along with its functional value.

The CC&O was vital in transporting Appalachian coal to southeastern markets and beyond, playing a crucial role in fueling industrial growth in the region. Its strategic importance increased during both World Wars, providing essential transport for troops and materials. Because of its excellent operational efficiency and infrastructure, the Clinchfield became known as one of the best-managed and most innovative rail systems in the nation.

In 1924, the railroad was leased by the Atlantic Coast Line and Louisville & Nashville, forming the Clinchfield Railroad. However, the original name continued to be used due to its recognition and popularity.

The decline of coal mining and the rise of alternative transportation methods led to gradual reductions in its operations. By the late 20th century, the line became part of the CSX Transportation, following the mergers of its parent companies.  Today, the original Clinchfield main line remains in active use under CSX.

The Challengers

In the bustling early 1940s, as war-time demands soared, the Clinchfield found itself in need of more powerful locomotives. Turning to Alco, they acquired eight single-expansion 4-6-6-4s between 1942 and 1943. These engines, mirroring the 1940-built D&H Class J Challengers, were given Class E-1 and numbered 650 to 657.

Post-war, in 1947, four additional Challengers were acquired from Alco; given Class E-2 they were numbered 660 through 663. 

The railroad's final batch of 4-6-6-4s included six examples acquired that same year from the Rio Grande.  Built by Alco in 1943 and originally intended for Union Pacific, they were instead sent to the D&RGW by the War Production Board.

The western road - never fond of these examples - had leased the big engines.  Preferring their Baldwin-built examples and looking to offload the six Alco engines after the war they were sold to the Clinchfield in 1947 where they were given Class E-3 and numbered 670 to 675.

Data Sheet

Legacy

Like most mountainous railroads which handled considerable tonnage, the Clinchfield was quick to adopt the diesel.  Between 1948-1952 it acquired several F3s, F7s, and GP7s.  The 4-6-6-4s were the railroad's last big articulateds to be retired, remaining in service until 1953-1954.

In a nostalgic twist of history, November 1992 saw Union Pacific's Challenger, #3985, made a special appearance on the former Clinchfield as former 4-6-6-4 #676, leading the 50th anniversary of then-CSX's "Santa Train."