CSX's New Train Symbology

In 2022 CSX has changed many, if not most of their train symbols. Symbols are what railroads used to call the names or numbers of trains. Each category of train has a new letter symbol. Here's what I learned on a Saturday railfanning outing.
CSX. Train Symbols. Lakeland. Florida. Bonnet Springs Park. Zephyrhills. Dade City. Railroad. Railfanning. Trains. Danny Harmon. Distant Signal. Central FL RR. TrinityRail RDL-A Hoppers

[@Sevenfeet0]

Those "burn" marks on your pulled pork is what's known as the "bark", which is the outer layer of the pork butt which solidifies over a smoke of many hours (often all day). The fact that it's there means they spent their own sweet time smoking it. Yum!

[@BarredCoast0]

I know that now a days we can expect maybe one of these videos a month from Danny but it's always worth the wait. The way he narrates his videos is better than most and more informative. Thanks Danny for always posting quality videos.

[@clydecessna737]

"Tractor Grease." - terrific!

[@rickshawnate4123]

'While a trio of sandhill cranes scoured the mains for their lunch' hahha...I'll admit here and now..appropos...that out of all my Yootoob subscriptions...i get most giddy when Danny posts a new video..Thank U Sir...very much appreciated all the way from Maine

[@RailsofForney]

Xd

[@rfpproductions1836]

Wonderful video Danny, keep up the great work!! Great catch on the Clinchfield Emblem leading as well! Not sure if he noticed but he actually caught that locomotive twice, once on the O train at the start and again at 11:37

[@jasonmskidmore]

The "Q" for quality applies to this channel as well :)

[@distantsignal]

Ha! Thanks Jason!

[@rickwiedmayer2350]

As a railfan, I’m reminded of a line from the movie The Music Man. “You’ve got to know the territory.”

[@RCAvhstape]

Am I the only one who is disappointed to hear they don't even use a real bell anymore? Also, Danny, the steadiness of your camera drone is impressive, some of those shots look like the camera is mounted on a pole.

[@freedomfan4272]

Mechanical bells on locomotives and also on crossing posts are pretty much done for. It's weird whenever I hear a E bell on an old locomotive. I really don't care for the new Electric Q that is used on some emergency vehicles now days either.

[@josephferrante713]

I especially like when you show what you are having for lunch.

[@billmoran3812]

Danny, most new locomotives automatically operate the bell when the horn is blown, likewise the ditch light flasher. Some older ones may have that as well. It depends if the bell ring valve has been replaced. It uses air from the horn to pop out the bell button. Sorry to hear that locomotives are going to that electronic bell, but I understand why. The air cartridge that rings the old bell is a constant maintenance issue. When I was working in the mechanical dept, I replaced at least a few of them every week. Thanks for decoding the new train IDs. Makes more sense than the old system.

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

When I worked in Florida the old switchers from the 70s had those same valves that popped the bell valve when you hit the whistle valve.

[@HotForgeChaos]

Nothing better when a Distant Signal video gets uploaded just as dinner is ready. Beef sausages, french fries and bacon, washed down with a cold beer. Couldn't be bothered cooking anything decent so threw some crap in the oven

[@normanbarney1568]

I work right across the street from Cal Maine in Zephyrhills. Great rail fanning spot. Sometimes I sit out in my car during lunch and listen to the rail traffic from the S and the Vitis line.

[@rodneykantorski736]

Love how you always put in a plug for local food joints. That's really cool.

[@thonatim5321]

Hey, I think I saw Shoestring on that train. In the words of Jawtooth, "Now that was really cool"..

[@Jax_Lines]

4:57 rainbow above train on the top left

[@mutley0130]

Sandhill Cranes are known as "ribeye of the skies." This comes from their meat being very similar to a ribeye steak once cooked. Delicious!

[@southernrailfanning5516]

timestamp 12:01 checkout the hopper car moving violently from side to side

[@craigstergriffin2097]

Wow, went back and replayed the video. That is some nasty movement.

[@sroevukasroevuka]

No defects detected. It was scary looking.thought it was going to derail

[@TrainsAreReallyCool]

It's going to take me a long time to get used to the new symbols. I always knew them by "Q" and "K".

[@ook2763]

Your personal enthusiasm is like a warm bath once again!

[@kennykaplan696]

Another great job by Danny. Every video he produces is A+ quality!

[@mr.sir.]

A good day is when this man puts out a new video

[@williamjacobs236]

Another great video Danny . @ 12:01 one of the smaller white cars is hunting as it goes down the track .

[@pcz5233]

Always love to see where you go for lunch!

[@michaelskidmore5086]

I was the one to mention about the new symbols for CSX. Your welcome Danny.

[@pieluvr7362]

👍🏽🤠

[@johnmiddlestate4770]

I was just hired by CSX for fright Conductor

[@GreenRC24]

Awesome, congratulations!

[@PadraigTomas]

Well done. May all your journeys be safe and profitable.

[@vrmntthb]

Nice information on the bells as it makes sense watching your vids and others to hear the bells when nearing the creators. Thanks again Dan as usual and love it when you deliver the goods as this here….

[@michaelseavello4612]

Danny’s videos are the BEST! Always easy to understand and always entertaining!

[@craigstergriffin2097]

I only come here for the foodie suggestions by Danny, the places he likes to eat. Don't derail, keep on making those suggestions! 😋

[@notafanofthegovernment9982]

if danny uploads its a good day.

[@biffboffo]

I like the food reviews you add along the way.

[@Leftoftheslash]

Hi Danny, another great video. At BNSF all our trains have been symboled like that from the beginning, actually our Q trains are designated for intermodal (mainly containers) and Z for high priority (mainly truck trailer piggyback) freight. I never understood why it took CSX so long to follow suit. Now only if they can change their signal aspects and indications to mean the same as ours too, lol. You also mentioned you had a theory that the bell was automatically activated with the horn, you’re 100% correct. Stay safe out there and have a happy 4th of July.

[@Andrewwr14]

Same thing at CN: Q or Z for intermodal, A or M for manifest, L for local, E for unit, B for grain, and W for work.

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

@JP it will take an act of congress for Eastern railroads to escape speed signaling in favor of block signaling.

[@BoxcarJerry]

Another great video Danny , I appreciate you sharing the knowledge about the locations you visit . I enjoy the history of the lines as much as the trains . Nice catch at 12:51 and 13:33 , I'm an EMD fan to the core. Take care and Happy Railfanning .

[@davidvelazquez3391]

I was a little sad to hear that the 🔔 is a file played on a 🔊.

[@22rwex]

Sure enjoy your videos, I also like your Drone shots, I too shoot Drone video on NS/CSX exchange in Kenova Wv at the Ohio Valley Coal Line and Old Kenova Train Depot, thx for sharing!

[@happyjack880]

Sunday morning coffee with a new video from Danny. Great start to the day! Love those lunch stops!

[@garycross90]

Thank you Danny for sharing your enthusiasm for the high iron! This Arizona guy enjoys seeing Florida and learning what's new in hopper car technology and naming terminology. I enjoy the peek into railroading you give us, which is something I've always wanted to see. Thanks again for creating positive, entertaining, and informative videos with a willingness to show mistakes and what you learned from it and to say I don't know---but think that it might be...... I like your casual format and style, and your recommendations on where to find good food!

[@johnkedzierski8396]

I always enjoy these videos. So well done. I’m not a fan of Florida heat and humidity, but I need to go railfanning with Mr. Harmon just for the lunch stops! Thanks for yet another great video!

[@silverado5469]

Hi Danny. Thanks for your terrific videos. You do a very good job putting these videos together. Your personality and voice makes them extremely interesting to watch and listen to. Not sure why you had to repost this video but I am happy you reposted. I Iive between Cleveland and Pittsburgh so we have CSX and Northfolk and Southern here in town. I always have followed RR and commercial aviation. Great job Danny John in Ohio

[@gjurczyc]

The track the X train was on rounding the curve was incredible. The single track one piece rail was perfect, what an improvement over the old rail.

[@rherman9085]

If you ever get near Owensboro, KY area, you always have a place to stay. Great video, thanks for the explanations.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks for the invite!

[@mocha2168]

Always love the videos with the lunch critiques. Especially when Danny tells the cost of his buffet. 😂

[@buddyhenson2559]

I know you hear it often, but you’re simply the best!

[@RailfanRowan]

12:36 yes Danny, Bell and Horn function are simultaneous on almost all modern locomotives. Had a cab ride in a 1950's F7 recently, and those two functions were independent. Same with 611!

[@Zebrails]

5:00 hmmm... no one commented about the rainbow, yet. 8:33 Southern Pacific auto rack... then a CN and TFM (north Canadian and south Mexican) 12:00 one of them hoppers is jiggling 12:50 a faded blue Rock Island jumbo hopper "The Rock" now stenciled FURX (First Union Railroad) 14:23 that's the werst auto rack I've ever seen! Nice video, Danny John

[@pickfairguy]

Excellent as always. Great drone shots, too ! 👍

[@Aerospace_EdC]

As usual Danny great video. I learn a lot about the train business and infrastructure from your videos !!

[@docphillips5153]

Another great video. One of the engineers on CSX up here told me the ditch lights horn and bell on GE units are all one function. They activate horn and it starts ditch lights alternating and sounds bell. Engineer still has to operate horn as prescribed, but it cancels bell and puts ditch back to normal so many seconds after last horn activation.

[@ronw59]

Whenever you stop at a local (to the area) eatery, you never fail to make me hungry, Danny! Down to earth good eats. Thanks once again for an interesting & informative video. Stay healthy.

[@rcycle4075]

What can I say.............another fine video packed full of interesting RR information. Always enjoy your narrative and stellar delivery. Be well and keep the videos coming. (Lunch suggestions always appreciated!).

[@Mr-pn2eh]

I wonder if the Sandhill cranes were also rail fanning?

[@kevinscott3644]

"So, this is all I got of 452..." I so enjoy your subtle humor. Picking up the same train later was a nice catch... Thank you for your awesome videos, Danny!

[@garvinfrancis2796]

Danny the comment about the engine bell being a sound file blew me away. I thought it still was a bell driven by air or a small electric motor

[@mikenevermon9041]

thanks for the video.. great as always

[@Rama_Guru]

you have by far the best editing and informashion of any rail channal i seen, thanks

[@johnd4101]

Always enjoy your coverage, Danny. Keep 'em comin'!

[@siam1883]

Solid railfanning. I can never get enough of your work. The only downside is that living in Thailand, I can't frequent the restaurants you find.

[@kdwaynec]

Danny's videos are very similar to going grocery shopping, you should always eat before doing either one.

[@michlo3393]

Glad CSX finally decided to join the rest of the industry and actually have symbols that make sense.

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

For the last 36 years, CSX symbols have always made sense to me. Sorry you were confused.

[@SuperApplefan1]

new video????? ahhhh yes!!!!! have a happy 4th of july sir!

[@distantsignal]

Thank you Kenny!

[@cabooseabs6864]

Its cool to see there is still a lot of mixed freight in florida. Im from Norfolk and when my obsession with trains started in the mid 90s we had over 100 different companies that recieved rail service with boxcars. Now we are down to about 5-10 and some of those are sporadic. We had a Ford plant that had a yard of nothing but the extended length flat boxcars and an auto rack yard for completed cars a mile away. We had the Eastern Shore RR's train barge that brought in mixed freight from the VA/MD/DE eastern shore, we had a large papermill that got tons of mixed freight. They closed down the only line that went into Virginia Beach. All the giant warehouses that got mixed freight have switched to intermodal. Its depressing. We still have a ton of traffic from the 5 or 6 huge intermodal terminals, 2 big coal depots and some hopper spots but its just the same stuff over and over. This area is pretty much a dead end so there isnt really any thru traffic to catch either.

[@raggedgray2068]

UK viewer here. Thanks Dan , amazing video as always. Coincidentally , I was going to post a question about the famous and iconic “bell” sound on US Locomotives. This iconic sound is universally respected and linked to US locomotives like no other across the world. It would be great to perhaps even have a video solely dedicated to the subject. Its history, origins, purpose of use and variations over the centuries . Look after yourself Dan, all the best to the family and keep up the amazing work .

[@JessicaKasumi1990]

AmtrakGuy365 covered that. kzbin.info/www/bejne/l3KweJmhe71_orMsi=9Np8yd1s2_am9kOR

[@jameshersheymusic]

Thank you sir for all of the informative, quality, and highly entertaining videos on all things railroading. This channel is by far one of my all time favorites on all of KZbin. Cheers!

[@tim4252003]

Do you anything about CSX/FL DOT replacing I-4 bridge and Kathleen Road? Heard they are extending 10th Street siding and new bridge will be doubled tracked according to local CSX workers?

[@kotabeaner]

Great job on this one Danny, I enjoyed this one quite thoroughly, especially with that opening scene at Winston with the clouds. Mornings like that are arguably the the most carefree, undoubtedly a favorite. I will add, that with your prediction about the Winston rock trains - from what I know, if they continue to run, they should keep the symbols they currently have. This being because they were resymbols of A770/71, which were Waycross to Brownsand turns of the same type. The following resymbols just extended the jobs to Winston, to cut out the middleman at Waycross.

[@plmintexas509]

Thanks Danny for another outstanding video. Loved the CSX info, the overhead drone views, and the side items such as the new park and the BBQ. Take care and stay safe out there.

[@paulfalzarano5930]

Nice job Mr. Harmon,, always informative and always well done !👌

[@johnnydodd9919]

That bar b que looked yummy

[@jakeschutz6342]

Anytime Danny posts my week gets just a little bit better :) Excellent as always sir :)

[@gdub350]

Man, I’m glad you mentioned what use to be where that community center is. I noticed it looked like it use to be a fancy entrance to somewhere so I went on google maps to see what it was and all I could see was a divided road crossing with the signals stuff up but it went to nowhere.

[@curtnicholson7771]

Great video Danny! Wouldn’t it be nice if besides a rail fan viewing platform wouldn’t it be nice if they included some posted material on the history of that area and old rail yard that was there for years. I live about 30 miles NE of the double diamond between UP and BNSF located in the city of Rochelle, IL and the city built a beautiful elevated open with roof rail fan viewing platform but it has information on the rail history in Rochelle and it has postings on permanent display that dhow old hobo signs and their meanings. It makes it very interesting as well as a great place to see trains. It is located not to Far East of UP’s Global 3 yard that believe it or not got shuttered a few years back due to precision schedule railroading. Hard to believe they spent all that money and quit using it other than this years big rail and shipping jam up seems to have made them have to utilize it somewhat again. As you walk east out of the platform area you will see a very small little switcher engine that was actually built in the city of Rochelle and there is a little stand in the area that when open sells railroad publications news patches, buttons and other memorabilia as well as some snacks and drinks. So if you ever suggest a platform to the city maybe suggest some history included PS why your at it don’t forget the roof for shade from that hot Florida sun and maybe if you tell them about the little stand I told you about you might just get that to if you tell them that they may be able go make money at it. What city council member doesn’t like the idea of money. Great job again Danny and _am if you ain’t got me wanting some BBQ right now! Thanks again C.N.

[@kenward3058]

Always so informative have been watching your clips a while now. Enjoy them very much very precise no bull narration . Best Wishes Danny from AUSTRALIA

[@robertmoore254]

Hi Danny, I like your use of the drone. it gives a nicer view of everything..

[@mikemarshall1394]

Danny, we miss your clear and accurate voice resonating thru your videos. You are a big favorite for us all. I hope all is well with you.

[@NightHawk1357]

Hey Danny I love your videos. I saw some thing really cool in Bessemer, Alabama today (July 4, 2022) on Amtrak 19. It was the Dover Harbor executive car. Yesterday I turned 14, so I think I’m living right. Also if your ever near Bessemer stop by the trains go quick there so hope to see you soon Danny.

[@goalhorn2012]

Another awesome video from Distant Signal!

[@MrThemeddleman]

Hi, Danny! We've recently moved into an apt next to CSX/Amtrak just off the north end of the Amtrak station in Richmond, VA. Lots of traffic and excitement out our (only) back window. For now, we have about a half dozen regular channels to listen to. Lots of hoppers and tankers. Two Amtrak or more in the morning and evening, likely serving the DC and Baltimore areas.

[@therealandrewstrains]

Danny, I always look forward to rail fanning with you out there on the high iron. All the way from Melbourne, Australia 🇦🇺.

[@billydurham6295]

Lots of good technical info, good job Danny

[@mattcwell]

Incredible shots my friend, and great narration. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with those of us that are interested. You’ve helped me enjoy my train sim world sessions that much more.

[@Andrewwr14]

Still my favourite part of your videos is seeing what you have for lunch! You have some pretty cool restaurants down there. You're right about the bell being activated by the horn. In all of the new units, whenever the engineer blows the horn, the bell rings automatically, just for extra safety. It then has to be turned off separately. And I love how American detectors say "niner" for the number nine! In Canada, they over pronounce the number to the point where the voice sounds angry. Something like "ninnne-ah". Great video, as always, Danny! Thanks!

[@RichardFelstead1949]

Thanks for sharing Danny. Happy 4th of July from Australia.

[@derekbjurman]

Best channel on KZbin

[@awesomeaustin5704]

Didn’t this guy voice the 4501 documentary?

[@7836andrew]

He's been doing a great job on some commercials, too!

[@pbh17]

Ive noticed D and U trains up here in the Henderson Sub.

[@michaelalberson126]

You are absolutely my favorite rail fan commentator. You are extremely well spoken and your videos are superior to most others. I love trains and I now am disabled from a spinal cord injury and you’re videos are the best that I have seen and heard on KZbin. Thank you so very much Michael Alberson.

[@distantsignal]

Thank you, Michael. You are most kind.

[@jayroye7079]

Look at the hopper "Hunting" at 12:00 must have either crap wheels or a bad center pin

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Excellent video 👍👍

[@ollieahokas9179]

Allways a treat to see your high quality videos! Cheers from Sweden!!

[@briannorman952]

These are great videos. Here in Middletown Ohio I do a lot of train watching. I’ve noticed lately that CSX has been using locomotives in between the trains a lot on their single main through west Middletown and Trenton Ohio.

[@vincentkelly9456]

Danny, I love your train videos. They ALL are TOP-NOTCH! This current one ‘CSX's New Train Symbology’ has to be one of your best. As always, you are the PERFECT ‘Southern Gentleman’ in your commentaries, careful not to go out of your way to offend viewers, limiting what might be offensive comments. Some other rail fan videos seem to go out of the way to voice opinion on what locomotives are best and what railroads are terrible. As a Yankee who has lived most of his life in the South and has, to some degree, been ‘Southernized’ I think a few of my fellows can use a dose of Southern Hospitality added to their life. Smile. :-) Your videos on railway signals are EXCELLENT! Now I KNOW what to look for when watching the new PTC-APB signals on the CSX Georgia Railroad Subdivision near my house, as they display different colors. In case you don’t know it, the CSX Georgia sub is a low-density line between Atlanta and Augusta that averages about 6 trains a day using TWC most of its length, augmented with PTC from Atlanta to Lithonia operating under APB ‘Poor man’s CTC’ with the exception of a few CTC islands. Another thing that I enjoy is you cover freight trains as well as passenger trains. Some people only cover one or the other which becomes monotonous. Additionally I love it when you drive to other states, such as my home Georgia to do train chasing with the people who live there. Finally, the eateries you stop at to visit and eat food, make my mouth water. Southern cooking beats Northern cooking every day of the week and twice on Sundays and, that’s MY OPINION. The North has many ethnic cuisines but the South is home to good old American-made dishes, made up of Barbecues (Beef in taxes, Pork in the Deep South), Fried Chicken, Biscuits and Gravy, Country Fried Steak, Shrimp, Crawfish, Crab, Ribs, Hush Puppies, Grits, Fried Apples, Hash Browns, you name it. And, I love to see you partake of the dishes and expose them to people not familiar with Southern cuisine. Keep up the good work. I always look for your videos on my KZbin channel of my Roku TV! Thanks for everything! :-)

[@mikemckinney6058]

That bbq! 😋

[@JJGeneral1]

So glad you didn’t put C first, then L, then the I, then the T in the description/overlay… lol.

[@karsh52]

Great video as always Danny. Btw that pulled pork looks delicious!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks! Yes it was.

[@heathwirt8919]

Take the "A" Train

[@click4mrh]

Love this, great use of the drone. What is up with the hopper bouncing all over the place at 12:01?

[@bradklingensmith]

Probably a bad wheel or axle.

[@click4mrh]

@@bradklingensmith more than a simple flat spot for sure.

[@toddhowland890]

Great video. Very informative. Now I know why the eot is also called the Freddy.

[@cadesmith4278]

As always, thanks for the video--it's always nice to hear "Hello again railfans!" If you look carefully, it appears the third of four rusty cars on the L729 (from 11:59-12:03 into the video) has a square wheel...lol.

[@jazzdude904]

11:30 that’s a derailment waiting to happen on that crossing

[@gregmanning8967]

how about the breakdancing hopper car at 12:00 lol

[@jazzdude904]

@@gregmanning8967 yep that too. Disaster in the makings

[@Tolono]

Not one but two cars are hunting around 11:53, one of them pretty badly. Hopefully those have since been noticed by the railroad or caught by a detector.

[@roelofvenema6500]

Good made video, mr Distant Signal. Thanks for the new information about changing the trainnumbers. Have a nice weekend. Greet from Zandvoort the Netherlands.

[@lindonwalker5500]

This would be an ordinary video but the narration really gets it that extra push. Great video great quality keep up the good work.