Decoding Railroad Jargon

I've gotten a lot of questions about this so... here's an attempt at explaining what I know about railroad radio jargon, just a few examples.

[@bobcox4834]

I’m retired from Norfolk Southern’s Mechanical Department with 40 years of service. Every department within any of the class one’s has a mountain of job specific jargon that is used daily. I could write a book on just Mechanical. A railroad employee in any of the operating department does not give this jargon a second thought because it becomes ingrained in their thought process, but I can see where it could be interesting to an outsider listening to it. Keep up the good work, I enjoyed your video.

[@scottdowney4865]

Were you with Southern or Norfolk and Western? My Dad was in Labor Relations with Southern, in their DC Headquarters, close to 40 years. He retired from NS in 1987 in Atlanta.

[@rickwatts7885]

As always, the most informative and professionally produced channels on all of KZbin. If ever anyone has a desire to learn about American Railroads, this is the channel to turn to! Thank you for all of your time and efforts. The World appreciates everything you do!

[@dennisshoffner5201]

For 30 years I worked for the US Air Force at Edwards AFB, mainly in Public Affairs. For a year I was an assistant airfield manager, a job I was qualified for because of my six years of experience as a Navy air traffic controller. Point is, most of my working life I’ve been around aviation in general. In the midst of all this I’ve lived most of life in communities served by railroads. And I don’t know much about them, beyond knowing that conflicts between trains and automobiles are always ended with the train prevailing! I find the video pieces you’ve produced extremely interesting! You do an outstanding job explaining various aspects of the railroad industry, both in terms of the words and phrases you choose and your delivery! I know it’s a lot of work. I wanted you to know I appreciate it. Thank too! Dennis Shoffner, former Chief of Community Relations, Edwards AFB, retired

[@distantsignal]

Thank you sir! Wow! Edwards. That's the "top of the ole' pyramid" isn't it? That must have been an interesting career out there.

[@dennisshoffner5201]

Distant Signal In terms of flight test, yes. Each time a manned aircraft exceeded the next Mach number it happened in the skies above Edwards! For 20 years I ran the base’s public tour program, so I got to know quite a bit of aviation history. The original settlement

[@dennisshoffner5201]

I think I hit a wrong key! To continue, the original settlement there was the town of Muroc. The first three people were the two Corum brothers and one was married. They settled by the railroad, at a water stop on the western shore of what we know today as Rogers Dry Lake. (Muroc is Corum spelled backwards!) That was around 1910.

[@116theman]

Good night from Indonesia! I love it when I learned the jargons of foreign railroads, like US, especially CSX and NS ones

[@dougbrown7279]

Danny, Just surfed to your site last night. Couldn’t stop watching episodes. I live in Atlanta area and was looking for a retirement hobby. Think I found it - railfanning. I got hooked on Stobe the Hobo a few months ago and have loved trains forever. Your explanations are spot on, clear and understandable. Thank you!

[@GIMRRC]

Excellent video, many new railfans don't understand what they are hearing on the radio and this is very informative. Great idea of including video of the actual trains involved. Well done Danny!

[@chrisperry1151]

You should have 1,000,000 subscribers, every rail fan should follow you! You are what all other rail channels should be! Bravo!

[@distantsignal]

Jeez, that's a nice compliment, Chris. Thank you!

[@DCAFlyBoy]

Danny you are doing a phenomenal job please keep up the good work. Wait to you hear the jargon from air flight dispatchers. It's more that a mouthful.

[@distantsignal]

Ha! yeah, I've listened to quite a few Air Traffic Controllers. Those guys talk so fast it's very hard to understand for the untrained ear.

[@jimg6476]

Thanks Danny.. great simple description of the movements of trains. As a veteran engineer have worked all of the authorities including yard limits, train order authority, CTC, APB, DTC. TWC. Keep up the good work.

[@clffliese26]

Danny, I enjoy your videos because you show me things I've, always, wanted to see and tell me things that, either, fill in gaps in my railroad knowledge or add to that knowledge. Thanks, Danny.

[@peterfleming4431]

Amazing as always, Danny. Thanks for your unmatched analysis.

[@rx7sportscar]

E C = east coast movement NAS= north abosolute signal SAS=south abosolute signal Good video just figured i'd throw those out there.

[@davidschick6951]

If you look at djstrains, he is an engineer for CSX and he talks about the EC-1. He works in the Pittsburgh area. Would that still be considered East Coast? Could it mean "Employee Communication"?

[@15913Music]

@@davidschick6951 Emergency condition.

[@mmi16]

@@davidschick6951 - The form itself has no name associated with it beyond EC-1 and it applies to ALL CSX territory.

[@mmi16]

NAS = Northward Absolute Signal and it will be on the South side of the specified location. SAS = Southward Absolute Signal and it will ben on the North side of the specified location. When specifying locations the locations must be specific otherwise deadly accidents can happen.

[@rx7sportscar]

@@davidschick6951 yes pittsburg would still be considered east coast. It is east coast. Not employee communications or any other abbrev. Im not making it up i work fo csx.

[@Grainexpress]

Jargon you do understand: “Well sh*t”. From a dispatcher that had a mess from a train with a mechanical issue and trains were everywhere creating a traffic nightmare. 😂 Great video Danny! Hope you had a good thanksgiving!

[@HotForgeChaos]

Sounds like the beer after work was well earned after that day

[@halfgecko3202]

@@HotForgeChaos A beer? Fuck that take three

[@chuckmosley2506]

Very informative Danny, but could you please do a continuation of this to go more in-depth

[@jm0lesky]

How about this? (Radio tone) Dispatcher: Pency line Crew: 66D Pency over Dispatcher: go ahead 66D over Crew: Yes Pency, today I have train clearance number 8472. East out we have CP 9345 followed by CP 9367. Over Dispatcher: 66D, I have associated 8472 with your train. You have the CP 9345 and the CP 9367. I'm showing you have 102 by 0 over Crew: That's correct, over Dispatcher: That's a roger. You're ok upon signal indication...crossing you over at Lucas...the C51 is waiting for you at Mocican, over Crew: Roger that, signal indication looking for C51 at Mohican, over Dispatcher: Roger that, dispatcher out. First off, the radio tone is calling the dispatcher. The dispatcher answers and the crew tells him who is calling. Dispatcher acknowledges and the crew proceeds to tell him the bulletin number they have. Then they tell him the locomotive numbers they have in their train. The dispatcher acknowledges the bulletin number and further verifies the car count (102 loads 0 empties). The crew acknowledges the information. The dispatcher then tells them that they're ok to proceed upon a favorable signal and that they'll cross over from their current track to the adjacent one at named point Lucas. Finally, he tells the crew that their helpers will be waiting for them at named point Mohican.

[@thomasdupee1440]

@@jm0lesky The radio conversation that you've transcribed is on NS in central Ohio on the former Conrail/ Penn Central/Pennsylvania line. It's abbreviated as "Pennsy".

[@kevinpurcell2093]

I think that is a good suggestion.

[@bobparsons77]

Great start to my day!Always keen to listen/follow RR jargon. Bob Alberta.

[@jeffparker3334]

I am so glad I found your channel. Loved trains all my life and never get tired of watching them. You are such a good narrator, your voice is perfect for this. I live in Apopka and go watch trains every chance I get. Subscribed and loving it. Thank you sir for sharing your knowledge and experience. 👍

[@pdglock19]

Great video and just excellent explanation. Being into trains most of my life but never looked up the jargon. This was well done.

[@pnwrailproductions6430]

Just what I needed to wake up to! Nice stuff Danny. Production on these videos are stellar!!

[@kylebrennick6243]

I just got a job with CSX and this video helped me a lot understanding things before I got to Atlanta for training. Got a 100% on all the book stuff.

[@muddtrack6969]

I've learned a lot about signing from your VIDEO, an Jargon! manyThanks! From a rail fan, and MODEL RAILWAY!

[@bruce_adams]

Good stuff, Danny. I'm used to midwest and western road talk, so these examples really help. Thanks!

[@exw.r3669]

Danny your videos always help me in one way or another, great job

[@rhallanger]

Danny your channel is absolutely fantastic. I’m getting production quality level railroad videos for FREE. Your soothing voice and speaking tempo makes the videos easy to follow and understand. Your topics are informative and break operations down so that railfans and the public understand the logic behind the practices. You’re probably one of the best unpaid public affairs persons CSX or the AAR could ask for!

[@gusfring9895]

I highly recommend to anyone interested in watching trains and understanding why they do what they do to purchase a scanner. I have used Radio Shack 200-channel handheld units for over 20 years. I have all 97 of the AAR frequencies programmed in, so all I need to do is a little research on the channels used in whatever location I happen to visit. Along with the internet, I have found a book from Kalmbach (Trains Magazine) titled "Compendium of Railroad Radio Frequencies" to be an invaluable resource. The edition (15th) I have was published in 1999, but I have found that the frequencies assigned to any rail line will stay the same despite mergers and takeovers. For example, CSX still uses the old Seaboard System, Chessie System, and RF&P frequencies that were used in the Richmond, VA area before the mergers in the 1980s and 1990s. Thus, the information in the book is still mostly up-to-date. Unless I'm railfanning around a major yard, I just have the road and dispatcher channels open, so that I don't' miss anything important. Having "ears" really opens up the world of railroading to us civilians and provides a wealth of knowledge about what happens and why. Conversations between crews and dispatchers, talking defect detectors, and the calling of signals by passing trains take the guesswork out of standing and waiting at trackside, especially if no signals are within your line of sight. I like my handheld which allows me to roam, but permanently installed units like Danny uses are more powerful (and expensive); they'll pick up things I might miss. I know some people who have wired in a portable speaker to their scanner so they can place it on the roof of the car once they stop and get out. If you happen to be near a switch job or other location where crews are accessible a polite question or two can yield valuable information and help take some of the mystery out of what you are seeing and hearing. Please remember - in this era of heightened security and the "litigation lottery" trespassers are considered a safety hazard and/or a threat, so stay off the right of way and equipment, and obey no trespassing signs. That will improve the odds that you'll be greeted in a friendly manner.

[@scottstephenson1970]

Danny, Another great video with excellent content and first class examples to illustrate what you are communicating. It must be a lot of work! We very much appreciate your efforts and time spent! Scott

[@distantsignal]

Thank you, Scott!

[@Shadowbass]

Ive learned more about how railroads work from Mr Harmons videos, than anywhere else. Always waiting for a new one, and never miss them.

[@Mercatoyd]

So happy you did this video..I've always had a problem trying to just understand the conversation..then as I'm trying to figure out what was just said..I've missed part of it.. I'll probably watch this a couple of times just to hear the voice..and read your captions..getting the hang of what I'm hearing. Thank you.. Tom

[@edd17sp74]

I occasionally listen to a railroad scanner on the internet while I’m at work and I’ve always wondered what in the world all that stuff the dispatcher said meant. Now I have a little bit better understanding. Thanks!

[@brvfd822]

Another great video Danny! You’ve opened up a huge can of worms with this one. There’s so many terms and phrases used by the railroad that could be misunderstood by an amateur railfan like me. Thank you for taking the time to explain this!

[@mattbaxter508]

it took a few years to listen and learn most of the jargon ive heard. Great video and perfectly informed.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks! Yeah, it's taken me the better part of 20 years to figure it out. Ha!

[@jasonking2943]

Matt if it helps at all I worked for NS 27 Years and never figured it out lol

[@dhansenmm]

Engaging, entertaining and informative. This kind of informative content is of tremendous value and fun to watch. Great job sir

[@donnebes9421]

Thanks for for the radio class Danny. Your videos are always informative and enjoyable. I really appreciate all the work that you put in to producing them. Have a good day, don from NH.

[@lateefcarrere1649]

That's some very detailed instructions(almost like being a air traffic controller) - but details beat being dead every time.

[@xheralt]

Yeah, locomotives can't just "go around" at speed if somebody is blocking their way into a destination. So not going into a zone at all in the first place works better.

[@jordanrodrigues8265]

ATC took a lot of early techniques from RTC and there are still similarities. The main difference is that ATC has no equivalent of automatic block signals, it's time-in-trai or radar/transponder control similar to ATCS en-route, visual or radar control at aerodromes. And while they both talk about "tracks," those are much less expensive in the sky.

[@Blb9556]

Great video! Always keeping an eye out for you whenever I'm near a rail in the bay area!

[@TowerClimber81]

Nice tutorial Danny! Great video and it’s much appreciated breaking down that radio jargon! 👍

[@Train2589]

"you'll be following the spectacle" i heard a Dispatcher talking to a train crew who were stopped waiting for UP 4014 to come through town.

[@nicholaswhitfield9341]

In the afternoon on the CSX North End Sub, there's something called "the Parade", to hear crews tell it. Q031 followed by P091 and P053, all usually in a roughly 2 hour window, all southbound. Good luck if you're heading north.

[@davidsimmons9763]

Nicholas Whitfield Where is the North End Sub? I’d like to go see this! Does this happen on Sunday’s? (My only railfan day.)

[@ibgeorgeb]

This video is the best explanation of railroad jargon I’ve come across. I hope you’ll have more videos similar to this one. Thank you.

[@cajunrescuemedic]

I really do appreciate the time you spend on these videos and your professionalism. You're doing an awesome job!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Cajun Man!

[@Richard_OKeeffe]

Danny, as a UK railway employee I find it interesting to understand how the railways are operated in the US, its different but there are some similarities.

[@williamd7823]

Danny - Nice job. This is not unlike the conversation between pilots and air traffic controlers. The words, phrases and sequence is critical to minimize misunderstandings and promote safe & orderly traffic flow. As a pilot, many times I tell non-flyers that pilots generally are well preparred because " when you are flying, there is no place to pull over to the side of the road and work up a plan". Makes a lot of sense listening to the train dispatchers and train crew. The only thing different is as pilots, we are required to readback instructions & clearances and get an acknowlegdement from ATC.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks William. You make excellent points. the jargon combined with routine are what make for safe communication.

[@wonst186]

Simpler than aviation-speak, and likewise prevents people from getting killed...another great video, sir!

[@northessexrailphotography4458]

As a British rail enthusiast or veg (your equivalent of a foamer/other slang) it is very interesting to learn about this radio system and communication between the driver/engineer and the signaller/dispatcher. In the UK, all mainline trains (passenger, freight etc) use a GSM-R radio system , where the driver enters the Train Reporting Number (or Train Symbol as you would call it) and the nearest signal number into the radio to register with the signaller (what you would call a dispatcher). This then appears on their system, and they do this at the start of every journey as for each region (for example London Victoria to East Croydon, as they break the lines up into different timetables) they have a unique code for each service (called a headcode) which is shown in the Working Timetable (staff equivalent of a passenger timetable, just with extra information). The driver then uses this radio to call the signaller/dispatcher at the designated signal box (for example London Victoria's platforms 9 to 19 are controlled by Victoria Central signalling centre, at Clapham Junction) and if they are stuck at a red signal or have any other queries, or want to request a SPAD (signal passed at danger). :)

[@andyanderson2313]

Great video Mr. Harmon. I work for the railroad and you explained everything very well. Keep up the amazing work

[@DieselLoco]

A nice start to my Sunday morning. Great video Danny.😊

[@James_Knott]

Many years ago, I was a technician with CN Telecommunications, which was owned by CN Rail. For about 2.5 years, back in the mid 70s, I worked in Northern Ontario, based in Capreol, which is north of Sudbury Ontario and where the main lines from Toronto and Montreal met, to continue on west. My work included the dispatchers phone and train to wayside radio. Back then, I could easily monitor the train communications without a scanner. All I had to do was plug into the circuit. On occasion I would also be doing some work in the dispatchers office and able to watch the big board that displayed train progress. One thing I recall from those days was very thin paper called "flimsies", which had train orders written on them. The station operator would pass them to the train crew using a Y shaped pole, with the order tied in a loop of string. A train crew member could reach out and pull the loop off the pole, simply by making sure his hand went into the loop, as the train was slowly rolling along. I also worked on a system called TRACS, which kept track of freight train consists. In my work I would also often ride on freights and was on passenger trains so often the conductors stopped asking for my pass. When I needed a stop (often more accurately described as a "slow" ), I'd get on the dispatchers phone to request it.

[@WestVirginiaRailfan]

Yay! I love how excited I get when I see you uploaded! Thanks for the video, Danny!

[@sashimizee1484]

Very informative Danny! What I find very interesting is how clear the messages are from the train. I though inside the train cabin would be very loud.

[@isaachayward8760]

Hey man absolutely love your videos I find them so helpful, I'm from down under and doing a HO scale model layout of tampa and E Polk St. Keep up the fantastic videos!

[@davedeiler2072]

Thanks Danny, as always appreciate the information and your knowledge.

[@Spenceman0831]

I love videos like this. You are a wealth of knowledge and I appreciate any, and every, time you share it with us. I would love to see more videos like this if you have time.

[@leifhighland2281]

As always a pleasure watching your videos.

[@robertterry9367]

Love your videos!!! If the railfan has the forms either in a Timetable from the company they are following it makes it easier to understand.

[@radio645]

Informative video on railroad communications, anyone getting into railfanning should always carry a scanner with them, makes it easier to chase trains even if you don't understand the jargon. I use an old Radio Shack Pro 26, pre digital age scanner, works fine for monitoring the RR freqs, however if you aren't familiar with scanners exactly what kind of radio/scanner does one buy? How easy are scanners to program? How many railroad frequencies are there? Where does someone find radio frequencies? Which is best? handheld or a radio plugged into a car like the one you use? Do you need a special antenna for a scanner? The list goes on, it would be nice for those who may be interested in using a radio if you could provide some information in regards to scanners. Your videos are excellent by the way.

[@zfactortedzabel9267]

Thanks Danny, as always informative, professional and concise. Love your channel, always a 👍 from me!

[@jeffallmond5030]

Even at three years ago, this was an awesome video and very informative.

[@egg3050]

Not the video I was looking for but hey, let me tell you it was informational and gave me the info I didn't even know existed. But anywhere, AMAZING JOB!

[@csxnstrainman]

Nice informative video! I regularly hear CSX copying EC1s in the Augusta, GA area on my scanner. Always interesting to hear it and way different from how NS does it.

[@jameswolf195]

Thank you for this very informative video. Most of my railfanning is done on the UP in the midwest and this is all ctc controlled so we never hear this stuff.

[@ratfink55]

Good study, Danny. This is why I have the base station running 24-7 in my office. You never know when a special train or meet up will happen and thanks to the radio, I can drop what I'm doing, grab my camera and head out.

[@erleclaire]

I stopped for lunch adjacent to a switching yard. The man on the ground had some cute words about me with the engineer. few minutes later the engineer came up and stopped in from of my truck, ... a big smile! I am into Ham radio and held up my mike! He slapped his head realizing that I had heard everything they had said. ... Not offended, as a woman those accolades are fewer with age!

[@shariys1]

Very informative as always, Danny!

[@ronnieclough4800]

I knew a Yard manager engineers & conductors with the UP FORT WORTH SERVICE UNIT I LEARNED ALOT ALL OF THE GUYS ARE GOOD GUYS

[@46bovine]

Thanks Danny, an enlightening video. Keep up the good work.

[@StrangeDuck]

ive been enjoying your videos. My grandfather on my mothers side was an engineer for the railroad in the midwest. never got to talk to him much about his career and io wish i would have when i had the chance.

[@dmorgan28]

Good video Danny. Back in the 70’s I ran for the SP and they had some of all kinds of territory but NWP RR who I actually started with. They had all train order territory. All on train orders. And like you said trains are identified by numbers and class. Really interesting. I’ll quit rambling. I really enjoyed this video. It takes me back. Thanks 👍👍👍❤️

[@JoshRidestheRails]

I've only had a radio for a couple months and it has been fun listening in, but very confusing. I am in UP and BNSF territory. UP has a lot of their rules for the radio on the website which has been very helpful.

[@Steve-xf4uv]

Very informative, Danny. This was a great idea and has cleared up a lot of questions I had, and I'm sure many others had also. Now if I can just manage to understand what the dispatcher is saying in his southern twang ! Sorry Canadians sometimes have trouble with that. ( Quebec, Canada)

[@docphillips5153]

Danny, Great stuff. Listening in today vs my grandfathers jargon from the old NYC somewhat the same but so much more. Funny if you listen to CSX West Shore - River line all freights and Metro North / Amtrak on the East there is a big difference, even when CSX operates on the Hudson Line. Dispatchers all have different lingo.

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for this explanation, Danny!

[@TheVideoSteve]

Great Videos. Always the best. Keep up the good videos. Waiting for the next one ..

[@slovitte]

Dan, this is totally off topic, but I got to know. Do you do the voice for the Echelon commercials? I watch a lot of workout videos therefore youtube plays workout equipment videos on my account. One day....I hear you describe the new echelon spinning cycle on a commercial! If it is not you, you have a twin. Love your videos. I don't trainspot but I love trains and listen to them on my scanner. I love how your videos teach others about the world of trains.

[@distantsignal]

Yep, that's me. I'm surprised you recognized my voice.

[@13EnderCreeper]

Hey, I just wanted to say that I love your videos and that I find them very helpful and informative! Keep up the amazing work

[@distantsignal]

Thank you! Much appreciated.

[@ThePhoebeSnow]

Thanks Danny, this is my first time seeing your KZbin channel, great information about understanding RR radio coms. I’ve been an amateur radio license holder since the 1980’s. Hams have their own language. I use my hand held Yaesu FT-60.

[@triplejay61]

Always a great production! Been here since the beginning.

[@benchedthatpiece]

A very informative video that took a lot of time to make I'm sure. Well done and very much appreciated Danny!

[@andrewabbot1380]

Great. I know it's a lot of work putting these together so thank you.

[@georgettedebuhr2660]

Very entertaining and informative. I've learned things from your videos that I knew nothing about before. Please keep up the good work. And hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving

[@generosen999]

Thank you Danny your videos always lift my spirits!! I have been really sick

[@jovetj]

I hope you get better! Happy Holidays

[@Jim_Tabor]

thanks, I loaded cars for 11 years . And learned a few things . enjoyed your video.

[@semaphoresignal8275]

This was very informative (as always!) and I hope you continue on! Cheers, Semaphore.

[@PC10.8]

Wonderful video Danny always get excited to see a new video when you post it.

[@singlemalt8]

Another great video, I learn so much from watching. Thanks

[@katieandkevinsears7724]

I work for NS. My favorite example of learning the lingo is from a CT years ago. She walked into the crew room and overheard a couple guys talking about working second trick. Then she asked what they were talking about. When she got the response, she started yelling "Why can't you just speak English here?" She didn't last.

[@Squib1911]

Good video. Thanx for making the time to explain some of the jargon.

[@railfan439]

Hello Danny. Here in Union Pacific territory, they language is almost formal. They don't say "STOP' they use "That will do." They don't acknowledge with "right" but say "That is correct" instead. Like aviation communications, there is a certain format that is followed. And like you said it is there to save lives. Have you heard the term "HOT RAIL?" It's used here to warn the trainmen or MOW personnel that there is a moving train near by. Thanks for the video. Jon

[@royreynolds108]

I have heard the term "HOT RAIL" and "HOT TRACK" in relation to moving trains particularly to the one we are working on.

[@distantsignal]

Hi Jon. Yes, I've heard them use "Hot Rail" many times over the years. Especially in places like sidings and double track mains, where a crew is working on one track and a through-train is coming up on the other.

[@lionbill]

As you said Danny, railroad jargon is pretty confusing and takes awhile until one can at least get the gist of it. Thanks a Lot!

[@sdrailproductions]

It is a lot of information for some railroads, you did a great job on information.

[@steveeasterday7795]

Interesting and informative. Thanks for taking time to record this video.

[@StevenAlpert]

That was actually... Very informative! Thank you!

[@alexsimmons1525]

Alot of information to remember when your a crew member or Dispatcher. But a great video Danny. Here's a video for the future. A video about switching track's by Dispatcher and train crews. CTC and manually switching.

[@gregbowen617]

Always a fountain of knowledge....Mr D

[@rickylangston9690]

Great video Danny gives me a refresher on EC1.

[@xavierrodriguez7525]

I'm currently a 911 Dispatcher... thinking about switching over to railroad dispatching. This is pretty cool to see. I always say Railroad Dispatchers have a harder job than me.

[@jrj101566]

Another super educational video...thank you Danny!!

[@codyandrew2029]

Very interesting to hear how other railroads give and operate on different authorities.

[@lappdawg27videos]

I remember as a teen in the 90s getting my first scanner and I didn't understand a thing. If you go at it alone it does take a little bit to figure it all out. Sometimes when my wife is along she'll say "I have no idea how you understood that"!

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

My wife says the same thing except that it's my job to know. My answer was if she had been a police officer I would have the same responses to her radio.

[@HolidayDecorator]

I was fortunate, many of my relatives worked for railroads, C&O, L&N lines, so I learned a lot of the jargon from them. Although some of it has changed from some of what they used to use, but not very much, pretty close to what it was when I was a child. But sometimes they'll come up with something I hadn't heard before and I'll be scratching my head with "What the heck did they just say?" LOL

[@mikemissel7785]

I work as a aircraft mechanic at LAX (Los Angeles) and when we move aircraft around it was the same thing. The controllers talked so fast I was like what heck did they just tell me? Now I understand them and answer back just as fast.

[@ericdaniel7069]

Great info Danny. Now need one on train horn signals!

[@brianurban9654]

Brief description of whistle signals; please read the entire rule. Generally, NORAC is used on eastern roads, GCOR on western roads. Signals are the same in both rule books. Both are available online. Current GCOR is 7th edition, April 1, 2015 . From NORAC 11th Edition - February 1, 2018 19. Engine Whistle or Horn Signals The following are engine whistle or horn signals. The signals are illustrated by “o” for short sounds and “-” for long sounds - Crew members apply brakes. - - o - 1. When approaching a public highway-rail crossing at grade Succession of sounds Use as an alarm when persons or livestock are on the track at other than highway crossings at grade - o Approaching Roadway Workers or their equipment on or near the track, o o o 1. When stopped, back up o o 1. Acknowledgement of a Stop Signal other than a fixed signal o o o o Call for signals

[@jovetj]

Horn/whistle signals haven't been as big of a thing since the invention of radio communications.

[@dennismcgough9476]

Very helpful video, Danny! Perhaps a longer version could cover additional common jargon items. Thanks, Danny!

[@popsi50]

Yep. Good info. as usual. As I watch a lot of train videos, i am slowly learning the jargon, myself. I to hope you had a great Thanksgiving!