Amtrak's Unique Turnaround At Tampa

Amtrak on its way into Tampa must turn the train around and back it down into the station. Because of the neighborhood where the wye is, we get a closeup look at the operation.

[@distantsignal]

I've received quite a number of comments asking "Why don't they just put an engine on either end?" It's because these are long distance trains. They run two locomotives at the head end, pointed forward. This provides for all needed on-board power, plus a backup engine in case one fails en route. The cabling and other mods that would be needed to run a push-pull setup wouldn't make sense to merely save 15 - 18 minutes on the turn at Tampa over a 31 -hour trip. Also, there is no drone footage in this video because my new DJI Air 2s had some flight restrictions built in that I couldn't override at that location. It was apparently under the approach to a nearby Class D airport.

[@kentslocum]

I appreciate that your video wasn't just about trains. You also managed to provide a history lesson, demonstrate respectful cultural exploration, and support a local business!

[@MC-342]

I'm an Ybor city native and my grandmother's house backed up to those same railroad tracks. Fond memories of running outside to wave to the train . Sometimes they would throw us candy when they passed.🙂

[@bjbackitis]

I'm a 3rd generation rail fan and have lived in Tampa for over 27 years... never get tired of seeing rail videos showing off the local action! Excellent job, sir...

[@ollieandson]

It’s on my bucket 🪣 list to take the wife on a Amtrak trip. Recently retired from law enforcement seven years ago and after having an heart attack in October I’m afraid I better get on that bucket list. I’m doing awesome and feel great but time just gets away from you and I don’t want no regrets. Thanks for sharing your passion Danny. You bring sunshine to those rainy days.

[@AmtrakTBL]

Amtrak’s back in move into Tampa is really unique and I feel like a lot of us railfans in the area take it for granted. Great video on it Danny!

[@rickaser2383]

Earlier today I was thinking," Its been awhile since Danny putout a video." And here itis, thanks!

[@jickmccivy6327]

My dad died of natural causes while working on a railroad track crew he loved his job. I miss him, we used to take the train Maine to Florida and back the Pullman cars and the porters were always a treat , Had many rail adventures with my dad , Got train rides nobody gets . Like in the Snowplow pushed by a steam locomotive from Bartlett, NH through Crawfords Notch over Frankinstein Trestle , The last Steam powered passenger train Portland Maine to Boston Mass the sound of a steam whistle makes me cry to this day , a sound that marked time in a time past the whistle at the Sawmill its 5 AM , One on the morning train 5:40AM , the Woollen mill 7AM and you best be in your seat at school when you hear it .

[@timmcarthur9220]

You make my railfanning more pleasurable but teaching us technical items that we normally could not have access to. Thank you!

[@25vrd48]

The ' JUMP FROG ' is something I've never seen . I was a rail train operator on the Union Pacific and rode the loaded rail trains and worked in 18 states . I unloaded 18 strings of rail that was welded for the ' AAR ' Test Facility just outside of Pueblo , Colorado . The pieces of rail varied from as short as 30 feet to several hundred feet and we spent 4 days unloading the rail according to a very detailed list of where each piece was unloaded . Everything from the sub grade to the signal systems of the railroads is tested at the facility . At the time I was there they had 3 tracks 4 , 7 and 11 miles long and trains of all types of rail cars were run for hours and some that ran 24 hours . It's a ' FRA ' facility and highly regulated . Extremely interesting facility. Without a doubt the most enjoyable place I worked in my railroad career . I enjoy your videos a lot and look forward to each that you post . Great video .

[@ronaldconnor538]

Thank you Mr Harmon . I remember Ybor city and Tampa Amtrak station so well. I used to work at a micro Brewrey in Ybor city, when I was Homeless. I now live in Baytown Texas. I beat Homelessness, and and drugs. And have a Beautiful home. But l. Still come to Tampa to visit. Thanks for the memories. GOD BLESS. And I love riding Amtrak, I can't wait till they resume service from New Orleans to Jacksonville, loved that Gulf Coast trip Before Hurricane Katrina. I was in Gulfport Mississippi and Biloxi. And they builded a small platform next to Greyhound bus station for Amtrak.

[@thedulcimer]

I'.m in Tampa tonight as I watch this for a work overnight. Perfect! Thank you for your excellent explanations and filming!

[@jeffreygosselin7576]

The history, the narration, the videos…. All very professional. Thank you Danny! 👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

[@willboeing1]

I love that you include your lunch stops in the videos! Makes it feel more like we're there with you experiencing the fun!

[@donnelh]

I recently took the train to Tampa and was wondering why we entered the station backwards. This video explained it perfectly! Thanks Danny!

[@harryp1665]

I just came across this and loved it. A rail fan by birth as my dad retired with 49 years with the B&O, my Uncle Bill 51 years.

[@SebisRandomTech]

8:30

[@offtherails2862]

Every time one of your videos comes out I learn something new! I appreciate all of your work in your videos! Great work, Danny!

[@richardlarson9776]

Thank you from a resident and train buff in Tampa since 1969

[@josephavery6298]

Can't thank you enough for your quality videos and comments about good local food. You always have new information to share. Turning on a "Y" is really an eye opener for the novice.