Big Freight Trains, ROCKETS & Rock Shrimp

[@VirtualRailfan]

This is a channel where you like the video before even watching it! Excellent work Mr. Harmon as usual!

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks, Virtual Railfan guys! Right back at ya!

[@TheeSBGamer1]

@@distantsignal I have a question. On tanker trains, why do they put a covered hopper on the front of the train between the engine and the first tanker car?

[@OntarioRailfan992]

@@TheeSBGamer1 Just in case the worst were to ever happen, as in the train explodes, the locomotives and cars will have some seperation because of that train car between them, hope this helped!

[@KatoOnTheTrack1]

ABSOLUTE FACTS

[@MrRamon8]

I listen to this man, with my phone on my chest, falling asleep.😊

[@unionpacific614]

"Hello again railfans" hearing that makes my day so much better

[@michaelskidmore5086]

Perfect graduation gift. Graduated from college today guys. What a great way to end my day.

[@ryeistoasted8577]

congratulations friend!

[@michaelskidmore5086]

@@ryeistoasted8577 thank you.

[@jason27swg]

Congrats

[@Mr-pn2eh]

I'm about to graduate on Wednesday and I currently live a few minutes down the road from a crossing. I could go railfanning but I'm more obsessed with cars.

[@beeble2003]

Congratulations, Michael!

[@chrisperry1151]

With gas at $4.09 per gallon, you are a seriously devoted rail fan, bringing us great content as always, thank you!!!

[@polarisbear7468]

4.09? It’s 5.97 here

[@gaffneyrailroading1982]

That's part of why I stopped railfanning: gas cost too f*****g much!

[@beeble2003]

@@polarisbear7468 Luxury. translating pounds to dollars and litres to US gallons, it's well north of $7 a gallon here in the UK.

[@roboftherock]

Addition to beeble2003's comment - here in the UK you'ld be paying $8.30/US gal at our current prices.

[@bushwood]

I'll throw in some $$$ for Danny's gas bill. Love his content.

[@smokeyson]

This man has a great speaking voice. I never have trouble understanding what he says and he's very knowledgeable and detailed. Another excellent video.

[@craigstergriffin2097]

My wife agrees with you on the D. H. voice! Perfect for this video work.

[@RCAvhstape]

GP-40's and SD-40-2's in colorful paint schemes, and a Falcon 9 launch vehicle, all hauling freight. Awesome.

[@artiek1177]

Indeed.

[@theedsonsubrailfan4465]

It’s a good day when Distant Signal uploads. Great video as always!

[@thunderturbine8860]

100% agree

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

It's one of the few things I look forward to.

[@contactdeklutskwijt1060]

Always!!!!

[@jovetj]

Wow, that train was moving around that curve. Great drone shots! And that food! UGH I need to take a 1000 mile trip...

[@kenp.32]

Love the Southern whistle sign. I used to ride my bike to the Southern mainline about a mile southwest of Junker at Charlotte. About a 100 feet away from our train watching spot was one of those whistle signs. We used to throw rocks at the sign aiming for the dot. Not my proudest moment, but it was around 1971 and I was eleven.

[@robertbeck97850]

Hey Danny another great video. FEC 336 used to be called The Unit Train When I worked for the FEC in the early 1980’s. It would run from Medley Florida to City Point, however it took 2 jobs to do it. We would go on duty at Hialeah yard and drive Shuttle car out to Medley to relieve the inbound crew that has started to load the rock. We would finish the job and take the loads to Ft Pierce where we would get off the train and another crew would take it from Ft Pierce to City Point to unload it. Then take the empties to Ft Pierce where after our 8 hours of rest we would to the empties south back to Medley where it would start all over again. Almost all the time we would have about 60 cars pulled by 2 GP40-2’s. Here is another little fact about FEC engine 433. In 1986 FEC 433 & 434 were acquired and these were the last 2 GP40-2’s produced. This information can be found in the July 1996 edition of Trains magazine. They ran a nice article on the FEC on pages 34 thru 43. Robert a former FEC employee who is now retired in Lagrande Oregon.

[@physicsphirst191]

FEC appears to be getting it done! Sharp paint jobs, clean equipment, extensive line expansion, innovative operations (locomotive at both ends of local trains), rapid train movements. This is how an operation should be run!

[@SKYKOP1972]

Mr. Danny, thank you, thank you, thank you for explaining the signal's meanings and yes, the new park definitely needs a nice covered and well illuminated (I assume the park is open 24 hours) railfan viewing site. That would be incredible wouldn't it? Mrs. Publix might pony up! I appreciate too your informative commentary. I've learned so much from you over the past 18 months (I retired for the last time Jan/2021) when I began watching more of you in earnest. Way back in the day, 1967, 68, 69, 70, I had a summer job working for Harmon Electronics in Grain Valley, Mo. Harmon manufactured crossing signals, hot box detectors, and some other proprietary electronic equipment for various RR's. Harmon was one of the early front runners of electronic RR equipment. Because of that association, I have no problem recalling your name. Track in the areas you were at sure look nice and new. I'm sure the crews appreciate it. Those deep-fried appetizers with the powdered sugar topping looked just awful. I doubt I could stand to eat more than a couple a dozen of'em. Keep up the great work sir, thanks for all you do and, you hang in there.

[@peterredfern1174]

Hi Danny from ballarat,Victoria,australia ,being a retired train driver my self I started watching American rail shows . I’ve subscribed to a couple and makes a break from Aussie trains specially if you worked them for 40 years. Anyway keep up the great work ,love your presentatation,maybyou and yours stay safe,well and happy from ballarat in Oz,👋👋👋👍🇦🇺

[@THatMex1CaNGuY]

When I visited Florida I went to Floridas Space Coast. I loved that place, and miss it. Cool to see we went to the same place!

[@davidsimmons9763]

I totally see why all the young Railfan KZbinrs love you and use your style!!! You are the freakin’ BEST!!! Because of you, I am going to head over there tomorrow and probably also hit up that restaurant! See you out on the high iron. David Simmons, out!

[@hanscom0790]

I was just thinking, that I needed to watch some Distant Signal. Lo and behold a new episode, thanks Danny!!! ❤️🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃❤️

[@drummerian1960]

Love the Embry Riddle shirt!

[@richardhutchings921]

Another fantastic trip with the King of Railfanning, Danny Harmon. Thanks Danny. I ran up and down the East Coast in a semi for about 25 yrs. Now I am retired and living in the Panhandle of Florida. Not much rail fanning here since CSX sold us out. Used to be a couple trains every morning, now maybe one, once a month. I miss the 0500 hrs whistle every morning. I live about 2 miles from the tracks. Thanks for sharing.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks very much, Richard. The Panhandle is my next of the woods. Whereabouts do you live?

[@richardhutchings921]

@@distantsignal I live in Crestview, Fl. It is Exit 56 off I-10.I can hear the I-10 traffic from my house.

[@tkuenzli1]

You sure made me hungry, 14 years of attending the Spacecoast Birding and Wildlife Festival meant that I have eaten at Dixie Crossroads dozens and dozens of times... The only thing I have ever ordered was 2 dozen broiled Rock Shrimp! And your guess on Hush puppies of 30 was about right!

[@andywilcox5516]

Hi Danny. I'm Andy aged 82 from Essex in the U.K. and I love watching your videos of US trains especially in or near Orlando Florida. In the period of 1992 to 2010 I visited Kissimmee railway station every year and admired all the photos they had on the walls of the waiting room and booking office. I wish you every success with your videos which provide very good entertainment to all kinds of rail fans. Regards, Andy.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Andy. I'm glad you found the channel!

[@MrDomb101]

As someone born in Melbourne and raised in Palm Bay I love it when people come over and say great things Great video Danny

[@marietarallo3403]

The rock shrimp, grits and oysters looked delicious. Yummy 😋

[@RailroadJourneys]

Glad to see a new post from you friend. Have a blessed day! Keep it up.

[@HotForgeChaos]

That old Geep 40 was putting in some work. That's impressive

[@philismenko]

Very happy to see freight making consessions to passenger trains

[@ericsturniolo]

Okay.. One, you’re just making me want to get out on FEC more and more. I never have any luck with them.. Two, SpaceX, lucky! And three, OMG that deep fried dough with powdered sugar!!!

[@Jskrillaa]

Sent this to the Trainmaster in that district. Thanks for highlighting how hard the crews of the FEC (Particularly the TVL/NSB Local district) work. They're building Florida and helping the state thrive!

[@easternseaboardrailfan8618]

Facts!

[@jmainiaanimations]

1:36 That’s right by my house! Glad you stopped by the FEC, Danny!

[@bigskypeach406]

Man, anytime I see an upload from you, my day gets a little brighter. Thanks again!

[@distantsignal]

That's a nice compliment, Sean. Thanks!

[@nickjudy4946]

Ya done it again Danny.... I commented on another video a few months ago about how I used to make my grandparents take me to the tracks in Titusville. They lived off of Knox McCrae at the Fleur De Lis condominiums. the tracks that cross Knox @ Hibiscus is where we used to watch. And that Kirk Point Park... well I witnessed A LOT of NASA launches from that pier when I was a kid. Most impressive was the Titan Rocket at night... WHAT A SHOW! You REALLY took me back to the good old days with this video, sir. I haven't been down there in a long time since they both have passed, so OH BOY what a treat this was. And btw these aren't tears welling up, its just this Georgia pollen in my eyes... LOL!

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks, Nick. Yes, I'm like a kid discovering a new toy when it comes to the East Coast. Lots of places over there where I've never been. You're right. There's no place like home.

[@leeboulineau8100]

Trains and Dixie Crossroads - that is a good day!! Nice work, Danny!!

[@JacobCothren]

Exciting stuff happening on the Space Coast, glad to see Danny getting out there and documenting the progress of Brightline.

[@beboboymann3823]

Love the drone work. It’s awesome to see the trains from above and see what is being hauled in the open cars. Way to go.

[@maybesomeday2596]

Danny, I love the travelogue angle that your videos include: varied and interesting “non-railroad” sights along the way that many videographers leave out…they really connect the trains and environs to the human side of the hobby. After all, everybody’s gotta eat and who doesn’t occasionally stop along the way to (fill in the blank) on a railfan outing. Thank you and warmest regards from Livonia Michigan

[@scottmccullough6136]

Thanks Danny for another amazing video about the FEC (my favorite) / Brightline construction, great job as always. Spot on, with the restaurant/food review, i love seeing those at the end of your video's and i just add them to the bucket list for the next time that I can make it down to your beautiful state.

[@J3scribe]

Very cool giving a nod to TheRoamingRailfan. His coverage of the Brightline project is second to none.

[@jeffreygosselin7576]

Thank you Danny! It’s a pleasure watching your videos! 👍👏👏👏👏

[@terryjames2229]

Another great video! Those shrimp can make a man hungry….. even at midnight in ga.

[@SimonsEMDProductions]

FEC seems to have quite a few locomotives with Leslie horns. I love it

[@nathanlayfield9231]

Great to see that rock train. I work at the CEMEX FEC Quarry where that train originates. Building Florida one hopper or gondola car at a time!

[@catjackson4293]

This old Florida boy just loves, loves, loves your style, Danny. You're the best!

[@darrenhillman8396]

Hi Danny! Great video! FEC look to keep their locomotives in good order - some interesting livery variations too! Nice drone work. Another thoroughly enjoyable production! Best wishes from the UK! 🇬🇧

[@duggy889]

When the food is great, the price does not matter !!! Thanks again for a really cool video !

[@edwinbest9256]

As a kid I remember seeing dynamited rail cars in the New Smyrna yard! Strike history

[@ARC212th]

Not ganna lie the trains are only half the reason I watch... the other half is the food reviews :)

[@johndanaher6371]

Great video Dany. Love those old searchlight signals. Glad you highlighted them. Interesting new signage too. What luck catching that launch. Something I've wanted to do since I was a little sprout in the 60's.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks. Yeah, one of my big regrets having grown up in Florida is never seeing an Apollo Program launch. Everyone says there's been nothing to compare with the Saturn 5 before or since.

[@ChiefStones]

Good seeing those older engines still earning revenue on the rock train express.

[@cadesmith4278]

The FEC power you caught in the video sure is clean and most appeared to have fresh paint...something that's missing from the (most of the ) tired-looking UP power that travels through Abilene, Texas daily! Beautiful!

[@cadesmith4278]

Sorry--not meaning to slam UP--I know it's not possible to keep your equipment pristine when you're out working hard every day. The FEC power was just exceptional.

[@dalerockwell2226]

Excellent video Danny! Lucky to catch that launch AND rock shrimp with fried oysters! Gotta go SOUTH more often. :)

[@RailfanRowan]

Hey Danny, EXCELLENT VIDEO! You're right, that train is impressive for one geep. In my short railroad experience, intermodal cars can be some of the lightest trains to work with, considering the cars are light, and many containers are empty or filled with lighter mail/goods, remember, a tractor trailer can only gross 80,000lbs on the road. It always bites to have freight behind your stacks, the freight is always much heavier. Second only to empty aluminum hoppers, 110 of those are only ~2,500 - 3,000 tons.... easy tonnage for level terrain like your territory. Not so easy in the Great Smokies, Blue Ridge, and Alleghenies!! Excellent video, and EXCELLENT Ex SOU whistle board, MANY of those have fallen over the years on the old SOU Mainline a real treat to see on your growing fence!! Be blessed, man!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks for that info, Rowan..and the nice compliments. Much appreciated.

[@jacobdubielak]

Let me get this straight you watch distance singl right!

[@carthonasi83]

Always nice to look at the FEC and all the changes with new track being added. I still feel the marquee is a nice touch from Texas that is well deserved for the many years delivering many videos learning about the railroad and all the trains out on the High Iron.

[@briangeorge7346]

What a wonderful way to wake up on a sat. Thank you so much.

[@karenebarker9244]

Your videos continue to delight us! We travel full time in our RV and Florida is often our Winter destination. We will be staying in Melbourne for the last week of November this year. Now we have some great ideas for rail fan spots, rocket launch viewing and rock shrimp! Your the best Danny!

[@ratfink55]

More FEC and more Danny. Just what I was looking for!

[@kmagnussen1052]

First time I watched a train video and got hungry. Thanks

[@steveamurray59]

Great Adventure once again Danny, thank you and as always, look forward to the next. G'day from Sydney 🇦🇺🚂🚃🚃🚃

[@distantsignal]

Much appreciated Steve.

[@tmadger3905]

My house and property back up to the FEC right of way at mm252/Walton Road. Been here 37 years. This is where the Walton passenger station was located until the mid 1960's. Just bought a Holy Stone HS360 drone so I can watch the Brightline trains go by.

[@slamhart1]

Any day Danny uploads a new Distant Signal video is a great day!!! Excellent video as always!

[@tedmaas3588]

As always Danny.......OUTSTANDING video, and trackside classroom!

[@johnswanson2600]

This is the first multimode transportation video I've seen on YT featuring a rocket launch as well as trains.

[@thereissomecoolstuff]

That's a crazy number of cars for that single locomotive.

[@deweysanders4826]

Thank you the commentary sure makes an awesome train video you are the man . I have 3atched many train videos but had no clue ? You have world class videos a great voice to do this with . Great job

[@johnrudy9404]

Trains, gotta love em!. Endorsements many and strong to you Dan.

[@glenradigan1122]

Thank you Danny for another excellent production! You made me hungry with your meal!

[@saml4849]

Great Video as always Danny. I was driving east on FL 528 toward I-95 about a week ago and saw the track laying machines installing CWR on the Brightline right of way. Can't wait to see trains running there!

[@mikeyoungblood1706]

Always a pleasure when You download a Video Danny, Thank You.

[@bradklingensmith]

Great as always. I guarantee my drone would wind up inside one of those hoppers.

[@oldcitybricks9153]

Great Work Danny! and to all Rail fans I say Thank You!

[@Finetales]

Not much I like seeing on the rails more than Geeps pulling hard - that 5300' shuttle job was a thing of beauty!

[@jerrydaily8208]

True professional work by Danny Harmon. Great to watch another show

[@fldon2306]

Thanks Danny! Always enjoy and appreciate your videos. Love the paint scheme on the FEC locomotives, and catching the rocket launch is fantastic!! Again, thanks!!

[@Daddymouse-ny9cz]

Another DS video at just the right time. Thanks Danny!

[@paulbergen9114]

Thanks for FEC action and construction. Not many intermodal tapes going from SpaceX to spotting scrap gons which had kicked up a dust atmosphere. Plus a good tip on where to eat. Thanks!

[@Eddy63]

Another great little vid Danny ... Thx for sharing ... Eddy Out !!!🤣😂🤣

[@michaelhoffman6354]

The FEC is a pretty cool railroad. Thanks for sharing your trip, the kids and I loved the video. Being from PA we don't see lot of geeps pulling trains much anymore! Thanks for doing such an awesome job sir!

[@mikesmith4644]

This made my day. All day trains, a space x launch and an awesome seafood lunchdinner. So awesome!

[@distantsignal]

Glad you enjoyed it, Mike.

[@BlazeDuskdreamer]

Train-spotting and rocket-spotting too! Pretty cool.

[@skimmer8774]

Fantastic tour. Loved the drone footage to. Also now I'm hungry for seafood.

[@deandadamo7796]

Always a pleasure watching your videos thanks for all the great vids you post and the pleather of information, always a learning experience !

[@distantsignal]

Thanks for the compliments, Dean.

[@gregmanning8967]

Danny, you read minds. I was watching your earlier Brightline/FEC video yesterday and thought "it would be cool if Danny did a video in Titusville." Three hours later you posted this, complete with a rocket launch and a stop at Dixie Crossroads (where I used to eat all the time back in the '80s). Thanks Danny!

[@rodneyskinner7741]

Another great video Danny, nobody does it better! This old retired railroader sure enjoys your fine work! Old school! Well done! Thanks

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks Rodney!! Old school is the only school I ever went to.

[@rodneyskinner7741]

@@distantsignal Can’t remember if I told you Danny I retired down here in Boca Raton 7 years ago. I worked for the old CMSTP&P RR “The Milwaukee Road”many years ago, was. Diesel Man at a Division Roundhouse in Ottumwa, Iowa. Best job I ever had!

[@jwrailve3615]

Im from the Texas coast and am modeling the Gulf coast Lines (mopac bought it out in 1935 didn’t fully convert until 45-55) and alot of the seaboard lines and industries are very similar in appearance and operations as what I’m modeling. Im modeling three branch lines between 1910-1935 with one branch line connecting via a staging interchange powered by southern pacific. You have the greatest railfan channel and your dedication is appreciated by tens of thousands thank you !

[@mikehowey4869]

That's a lot of train for just one GP40-2! Great video!

[@Maddog3060]

I just found this channel not too long ago. As an Orlando native who's always been interested in railroads as far as back as I can remember I appreciate a Florida-based channel talking about this interesting stuff. I appreciate the updates on Brightline, as well, since they've been messing around with construction on SR 528 (It will always be the Beeline for me; "Beachline", what a crock of marketing idiocy. Apparently to get a marketing degree you have to sell your soul and have two scoops of your brain extracted) and it's been annoyingly messing up my commute, and I'm just looking forward to when it finally gets done. Seeing these vids reminds me I need to get out more often. Such lovely weather we've had last month or two.

[@tomsurface9538]

Thanks Danny. Always enjoyable to watch!

[@jcf1978]

Love the fact that you came to the Space Coast!

[@gregbowen617]

Always a great night when I see Danny Harmon post a video! And you went to Melbourne too! Excellent as always Mr. Harmon. Cheers and greetings from the other Melbourne, in Australia!

[@talk2azs]

8:00 FEC 103 Southbound. Loved seeing that slug in use between the 2 locomotives!

[@CP359]

That's actually not a slug - those GE units have been retrofitted to use a mix of diesel fuel and natural gas. That middle car is a natural gas fuel tender car. FEC has a few sets of those loco-tender-loco sets. Danny explains those in another of his many wonderful videos. Dave / CP359

[@talk2azs]

@@CP359 Ah yes. I see that now. That is what I get for watching the videos on a small phone screen. On that small screen it really looked like a slug. LOL. I went back to the video and went to the 8:11 spot on my laptop in full screen and saw the fuel tank inside what looks like a well car. I actually did see Danny's video you mentioned. LOL

[@bobandbarbkozminski1578]

Another excellent video Danny! 👍 Keep them coming!

[@brucepartington6226]

Great video Danny. I have holidayed on the Florida Atlantic Coast many times and, stayed in a hotel behind that park you shot the rocket launch from. I have NEVR had any luck seeing any trains there! I did hear the crossing bells go once just after I crossed one. I screeched to a halt, grabbed my camera and ran back to the track. A very bemused guy in Hi rail pick drove past! Never mind. Next year.

[@earllutz2663]

I always like your videos DH, but I do have to say, about the first train, and also some others; it appeared to me, that the Engineers- not all - were afraid to BLOW their horn. Again I always enjoy your videos.

[@timfleckenstein2238]

ALWAYS entertaining...THANKS, Danny!

[@UltraMagaFan]

We saw one of those Space X rockets that launched from Cape Canaveral last month. The coolest part about it was the fact that we live 400 miles near Charleston South Carolina.

[@anjuarunderwood6869]

Great video brother like always keep up the good job that seafood looked delicious….that 915 looked awesome single geep with all that freight

[@shane.3071]

Great video! I always like when you put a small feature on the food, haha.

[@bp4170]

Thanks for the smile on my face.

[@georgecox2924]

Good eatin' and great trains - good as it gets! Thanks Danny.

[@irish00011]

Danny: Just a big thank you for all you do with your railfanning KZbin hobby. It is always a very informative and delightful presentation.

[@richardsylvanus2717]

Trains, Falcon 9 and a restaurant meal too! The complete video. Thanks Danny!

[@Floridianbreeze]

Another great presentation Danny 😎👍🏾