How Railroad Crossing Signals Work

[@mikesmith4644]

I love how Danny says he is going to provide the most basic explanation of crossing signals and then produces the most comprehensive explanation of the different types of crossing systems I've ever seen. Best. KZbinr. Ever.

[@Harry-zz2oh]

Very nice explanation for the signaling system. Relatively goof proof.

[@briankeith2127]

very good explanation of how they activate

[@Bonzi_Buddy]

They need to clone this guy because he's got the perfect voice for train videos.

[@justiceleague4209]

On god

[@traderjoes8725]

I agree, his content is outstanding!

[@thecaptainredpants]

My man, you have THE voice for broadcast or documentary. I would learn literally anything if you narrated it. Edit: and some quick google-fu tells me you already have a career in radio announcement and production. I knew something sounded right here! Hats off to you, sir.

[@distantsignal]

Wow, thanks very much, Captain!

[@robertborchert932]

Hehe, Google-fu! Like that. Great announcers voice, I picked up on that.

[@ILikeWafflz]

Lol "google-fu" gave me a chuckle

[@billandrew4116]

Hes the Paul Harvey of railfans

[@ronaldpiper4812]

Look him up that's what he does.

[@MrAnderson84]

*I remember being a young kid back in the late 90s playing on the tracks. We were curious on how the crossing arms knew a train was coming and would watch around at what point the train activated the crossing arms. We saw where the activation started once the train left we laid a bed frame across the tracks and sure enough it activated the crossing arms. Being young and dumb we kept activating them until the police came to see whats going on. They yelled at us and called our parents*

[@daegan00]

That’s awesome lol

[@rowan312]

does this still work? even if you just took a regular steel pole and touched either sides? and do all RR crossings work like this? or is it just some older ones because I'm not too sure if they updated it and changed how it worked

[@MrAnderson84]

@@rowan312 I think back then it was the joiner bars we laid the bed frame across. It’s been so long that it what I think it was. Because all we did was lay it across the tracks and a few seconds later it activated the crossing arms. I’m sure it’s different now with technology advances in that city Newark CA. I’m sure it’ll still work on other racks with that system. I’d say I’d go try it to see if it works still but I’m in my 30s now and know better.

[@rowan312]

@@MrAnderson84 ok. thank you!

[@cknorris3644]

We did the same thing with an old metal door frame. Set it off every time and they would just come and toss the frame to the side. Then of course being dumb kids we would just do it again on our way to school. They finally smartened up after 4-5 times and took it with them.

[@wilf609]

This is what the internet and KZbin are great for - educating people in something that is interesting. Thank You.

[@blackhawks81H]

Hell of a voice, clear deliberate pronunciation + enunciation, good tempo/pacing.... This guy's got to be a radio dj, voice over artist, or something... Can't you just imagine him saying "This is a test of emergency alert system, this is only a test"? Lol. Love this, subscribing now.

[@distantsignal]

Wow! Thanks for such a nice compliment.

[@ColonelStraker]

11:48 as the engine's number is 911 and it's painted in the firefighter colors I assume it's a tribute not only to Firefighters but specifically New York City September event of 2001. MYPET GOAT yes we know the truth.

[@chrishuston4445]

@@distantsignal >> I would like to hear Danny do the History of the Turbo Encabulator kzbin.info/www/bejne/d5SaeGquhKxld8k

[@mikibihon8826]

I very much agree, he could be a good narrator of PBS documentary.

[@phillyphakename1255]

​@@chrishuston4445 he teaches us so well how the crossing system identifies the approaching train to lower the gates, I want to learn how the ambifascient lunar waneshaft effectively prevents side fumbling!

[@christopherlockhart2004]

You know its a good day when Distant Signal uploads.

[@DelcoImagery]

Yes

[@mr.g1136]

Indeed

[@unity3596]

Ya

[@dabulphilly]

It’s 83 degrees here in philly so it’s definitely a good day

[@nethoncho]

Same

[@trackandtrail1]

In a world gone wrong, Danny Harmon makes it alright. I learned something today. Thank you sir!

[@jeffcox9393]

Like your logo Track and Trail. Gotta be the old Chesapeake & Ohio!!

[@justinstrickland5382]

Never knew about radio tones activating crossing signals. Thanks Danny!

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

In places where approach activation is not feasible, it's becoming more common now. But it's a technology that's been in use for at least 25 years!

[@neko7684]

It makes me curious if it's possible to use different tones to prevent the gates from ever coming down if a train is going to stop before the crossing. That way, traffic can keep going until the train actually does need to continue on.

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

@@neko7684 if the crossing is equipped with remote control activation and set up with no approach, then it would not activate unless the crew activates it or whenever equipment occupies the island. On the circuits that have an approach and remote activation, the crews are able to override the approach and deactivate the crossing remotely as well.

[@traindad77]

@@SD40Fan_Jason Or where road traffic doesn't allow a station delay to be used in the predictor.

[@CurtisMechling]

I've designed/installed DTMF controlled power switches for several Class I's in the last decade in non-signaled territory (no dispatcher control), CSXT included as a signal system engineer.

[@elevators_of_southern_ontario]

For many years, I had no idea how these signals knew how to activate for an impending train! You did a fantastic job explaining everything!

[@distantsignal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Mesa_Mike]

It's been a while since I was a software engineer at Safetran 25 years ago, but your explanation of the various crossing control sensor types and how they work is pretty spot on for the technology in use at that time. Basically, a transmitter injects an AC signal on one side of the crossing, and is monitored by a receiver connection on the other side of the crossing. The track between the 2 connections is the island. If a train is on the crossing -- the "island" -- the signal is completely shorted by the train's axles and the receiver sees no signal at all, so that's how the electronics know a train is on the crossing. Otherwise, the train presents a rolling shunt across the tracks, and the two rails and the train constitute a electrical loop which is an inductor, electronically. The closer the train is to the crossing, the smaller the loop and the smaller the inductance. The electronics monitors the amplitude and phase of the received signal - which is changing when a train is moving in the approach circuit due to the changing inductance - and can tell from that whether the train is coming or going, how fast and how close it is, and in the case of a GCP can use that info to predict when the train will hit the crossing, and drop the gates at a predetermined number of seconds beforehand. Things do get a bit more complicated when there are multiple grade crossings with overlapping approach circuits. I'm sure crossing control systems are much more sophisticated now though.

[@distantsignal]

That's a great explanation, Mike Thanks! I wish I'd had you along when I was making this video. Ha!

[@TheRayterry]

As a retired Signalman/Signal Maintainer hired by the Southern Railway System and retired off of the Norfolk Southern Railway: I approve this video!

[@distantsignal]

Many, MANY thanks!

[@shrek7954]

As a signal maintainer for Canadian Pacific Railway. I also approve this video. Well Done.

[@TexasRailfan2008]

Woo hoo! Maintainer approved!

[@cherylsims5636]

As a CSX Engineer, I approve this video as well.

[@eitzhilfawx6804]

Could you come to Sweden and patch up crossings? We have some where the gates go up at the wrong time, so people start crossing the rails, only getting halfway across before the gates begin to lower again. It's a disaster waiting to happen

[@michaeltaylor5786]

I've often wondered about the signals and how they work. A fast train activates a quarter mile away but a slow one just yards away. Thanks for the best explanation I could have recieved!

[@christaylor7411]

Literally not even into trains at all but somehow watched this from start to finish. Great entertainment

[@GGRTL1]

I came across this video in the recommended. I've been curious about this for about 20 years. i'm 31 now lol This is very detailed yet simple. Very well put together.

[@qwertyTRiG]

There is a whole community of railfan KZbinrs, but Danny Harman stands out for excellent camera work and clear explanations.

[@GGRTL1]

@@qwertyTRiG I've been slowly digging into it. This looks like an awesome community already.

[@paulgrodkowski5839]

Hi Danny. I would like to just quickly say thank you for posting "How Railroad Crossing Signals Work" I find this to be an informative KZbin video. It helps me ti understand what goes on in those grey metal huts or boxes that are near the tracks when I go for my walks. Thanks again.

[@6777Productions]

Yay! A Danny video! - just one thing to add, whenever the gates are down, or the lights are flashing. Even if the crossing may be broken, NEVER drive around the gates. No matter what, even if the gates have been down for 2 hours, never go around because you never know what is coming!

[@railfanlynx]

Mhm!

[@bluegrassman3040]

I live next to the CSX Henderson Sub, and have seen people run past the gates several times. My parents were standing out side near my porch, and almost saw a pickup hit by the J731 local, one night...

[@clffliese26]

@@bluegrassman3040 It's either temporary insanity or a death wish. Either way, these people don't think about how this affects the train crews.

[@jovetj]

It is also _ALWAYS_ illegal to drive around lowered or raising/lowering crossing gates. Do not do it. This is above and beyond the mass ratio of a train to your car is like your car and an empty soda can. In many places it is LEGAL to stop and proceed with flashing lights but no gate. Obviously, Stop, Look and Listen, and be sure it's safe to do so before proceeding. But, also check with your local laws, because it varies from place to place in the US.

[@clffliese26]

@@jovetj You're right about it being illegal, but a lot of idiots do it, anyway. I said, elsewhere, it's, either, temporary insanity or a death wish. Either way, more often than not, it ends in death. DON'T DO IT!!!!!

[@vrmntthb]

A gentleman - Mark Clay McGowen- has a channel of his experiences as a signalman for UP on here with some very detailed yet protected descriptions of the equipment and the duties it may do within the crossings he used to maintain. Great stuff to add to your collective efforts here sir and just another beauty from the Distant Signal world for us to watch and rewatch...and we always thank you...

[@jimrawls5509]

And he has a good channel too.

[@kevinheard8364]

@@jimrawls5509 agreed felt so sorry for him with the COVID ravaging his voice for so long

[@rickwatts7885]

As always, every time, the best, most professional rail fan video on the internet. Thank you very much for doing the hard work that enables we armchair fans to learn and enjoy. Stay safe!

[@jeremiahrex]

Great video! Thanks. As an electrical and systems engineer it’s always fun and enlightening to learn a bit about other industries. This is just the right level of detail.

[@MrChappy39]

Pardon my gushing, but this chap has the best narration voice ever. And, the fact that I discovered this channel, has been a nugget of gold.

[@DanHPage]

Danny, this is a great explanation of how changing impedance is used to regulate crossing signals and gates! Thanks!

[@varrick1226]

This man is phenomenal, a great teacher and also has a great voice so he should be in Hollywood doing voice overs.

[@mikesmith4644]

He does! lol

[@varrick1226]

@@mikesmith4644 Hollywood, Florida? lol

[@glenrummel4483]

One can always count on some very valuable information in a Danny Harmon video. Thanks Danny you filled some of my voids regarding signaling. Keep up the great work!

[@Gidono]

Very nice production quality. The narration was clear and the information wasn't hard to understand to a majority of people new to the rail world. I learned something new today watching this video. I always wanted to know how these railroad crossings work. Good job Danny!

[@AlderKertor]

Honestly one of the most pleasant presenter voices I've heard. This has great production quality and skill

[@flyboy3ck]

I dont even need to see the video before I give it the thumbs up. I already know it's good because it's from Danny. Keep up the good content Danny. Hope you're well. Loving it from near Chicago.

[@cnhollysub6496]

Another Great video. I can remember when there was a tower in Royal Oak, MI that was manned 24/7/365 with someone who activated the crossings in town. Keep them coming Danny!!

[@brianhickey5949]

I always enjoy the education that Danny gives us! Always enjoy learning about the train consists, the routes and timing and the track gear :)

[@davidberchtold3859]

Thank you so much for providing this information. Living in close proximity of railway lines, I have often wondered what makes the crossing signals work. I have found your explanations very helpful. Thank you.

[@Midnight.Shadows]

I'm really glad KZbin recommended your videos to me, they're very informative and very well done, from the information being well researched and presented in an easy to follow way, to how refined the videos are, this is high quality here, I could easily see this being part of a documentary series on TV or something about railways. Keep up the amazing work!

[@VistanTN]

Excellent presentation, Danny. As an electrical engineer I compliment you for finding the balance between good detail and too techical.

[@Wrectem]

It was always something I sort of knew, but was always curious how they really worked.. thanks Danny

[@NorthFloridaRailfan]

Once again when Danny Uploads a video we must stop what were doing and watch it!

[@Rwalt61]

I'm glad I found your videos Danny. Entertaining and informative. I see crossings every day and I always thought they were weight activated.

[@ubergeek1968]

My father was a huge train fan and I grew up with HO and G-scale layouts everywhere we lived. YET, I nver knew precisely how crossing signals work! Thank you for filling in this gap in my knowledge.

[@phillipcudd5712]

That was the best explanation ive ever heard on crossings! Thanks for the info Danny.

[@amessman]

Awesome video, as both a railfan and electronics hobbyist, this stuff fascinates me.

[@Ricewarrior01]

I don't know why this was in my recommendations, nor am I a fan of trains, but this fascinated me and I ended up watching the whole video. This youtube algorithm is pretty scary stuff.

[@IstasPumaNevada]

I feel it's less that the algorithm is scary, and more that human patterns are fairly predictable. :)

[@scubaguy007]

Thank you, that was a great video. With my impatient nature I was worried I would not stick to the full 16 minutes, but you made it interesting, enjoyable, and very informative.

[@Huggy1959]

I have been around railroads almost all of my life (well the last 55 years or so, anyway). I figured out years ago about the steel wheels & axles forming a crude but effective switch. I did not realize about the approach / island sections but this makes perfect sense and now that I think about it, the signals and gates start well before the train 🚂 gets to the crossing but as soon as the train clears the crossing the gates / signals cancel - and this is true regardless of which direction the train is traveling. The motion detector and other systems are completely new to me. Thank you! This is one of the most worthwhile videos I have ever watched!

[@philsellers6003]

Seeing a video from Danny is always a good way to start a weekend!

[@HughMartell]

Whenever I get a notification from a Danny video, it's like getting a wrapped Christmas present and can't wait to open it!

[@alwillis9377]

Everything stops when Danny speaks. Great content!

[@vernacular1483]

The technical content of this channel, as well as the amazing delivery, is some of the best on KZbin. Really well done! 😊

[@Mike_Hunt-k7c]

Thank you, KZbin algorithm! Found a new channel with great content. Like they always say "You learn something new every day" and today I learned.

[@distantsignal]

Awesome, James Bond! Welcome aboard.

[@TheChaosJohnson]

Whenever I hear that "Hello again Railfans" I feel like I can kick through a wall

[@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907]

Frickin SAME

[@steelcityrailfan4808]

Same

[@steelcityrailfan4808]

Da heck? 😂

[@TexasRailfan2008]

Same!

[@youraveragejoe2]

What did that poor wall do to you😂

[@gatortrainchaser2080]

A most EXCELLENT and INFORMATIVE video Danny! Thanks for sharing!

[@stevelandry6387]

Thanks, Danny! I have been enjoying your work for years.

[@MesquiteBelt]

Another simple but incredible detailed explanation of how these systems work! Congratulations if a job well done Mr. Danny!

[@brucelytle1144]

I worked for a company (CDL) that builds, installed and maintained rr signals. I was hired to rewire locomotives, but in between those jobs, I would install all the equipment and wiring in the bungalows. Once I went on a job to upgrade signals in Michigan. The companies "head" signals guy was there and couldn't explain to me how the signals were passed between the various blocks. You did a better job at it than he did. I don't know if he was just trying to hold on to his 'secrets', or if he just didn't really know. Thanks for the info...

[@distantsignal]

Wow! That's a weird one. I hope he knew but was keeping his own secrets.

[@brucelytle1144]

@@distantsignal yeah, when they asked me to work full time with the signals section, I passed. Don't have time for that stuff. I know it ain't rocket science at all, the rails don't offer too much in the way of high frequency transmission...

[@JustarailfannerTrains]

Danny, You have no idea how excited I got when u posted this!!!

[@nightrider6769]

Danny enjoyed that little history on how the lights are activated thank you for doing it.

[@stephenwayland6676]

Well done, Danny. Big fan of all your videos. Have some fun out there on the high iron, and be safe!

[@AamitMorthos]

I'm not sure why youtube recommend this, but it's so calming and definitely something I need right now.

[@nicazer]

It's amazing how much time and effort is put into logistics. They are really important and average people like myself don't thank people like railway engineers often enough.

[@joshsadventures1776]

How ironic, I was just out watching a Florida central RR train pass, and I see this. Really cool Danny!

[@TheMadness51]

I knew about the basic set up but the other set ups described today. Well done expanding my rr knowledge!

[@TNS17]

Love your videos Danny, if there is any railfanning youtuber I want to watch, it is you! I have notifications on! Love your content Danny!

[@hopelessnerd6677]

Excellent video! Spot-on narration, ambient sound, and NO hideous music! This is just another example of what James Burke said about technology in "Connections". We depend on technology only people who work on it understand, and most people either don't understand it, or in some cases, don't even know it exists.

[@KC-Mitch]

One thing to point out about Amtrak stopping at grade-crossings is the Winter Park, FL station. Amtrak has to stop _completely_ over one of the grade crossings because the station is designed for SunRail usage mostly. They literally have to disembark passengers in coach, pull the train forward, and then Amtrak unloads the baggage and sleeper passengers. It's very interesting and quite unusual. It'd be cool if you could capture footage of it at some point. It's the only station I've ever seen with that setup.

[@DTD110865]

I think this might've been an issue before SunRail was established.

[@brucehansen4316]

Good to have you back Danny. 👍🏻

[@bccarl88]

9:06 when you work on the railroad long enough to know by EAR what that DTMF tone was before even looking it up ( it was 6-4-2-*) 😉 Edit: I don't even work for CSX, but the Class II Railroad I work for has many power switches where we use DTMF tones to "throw" the switch. And with all Railroads, you use DTMF tones to get a hold of dispatchers and yardmasters on the radio. Basically they're just audio tones that the radio senses. So in theory you can "recreate" the tones if you can replicate the pitch of each DTMF tone.

[@AlRoderick]

I think each of them isn't a specific pitch, but a two-note chord. It sounds like it's the same as old touchtone phones, which means that what you have is a pitch for each row of the keypad and a pitch for each column, and every time you press a button it plays both of those notes on top of each other. So there's still 12 identifiable sounds but each one's made of two different frequencies.

[@bccarl88]

@@AlRoderick it's exactly the same. That's what DTMF is. Fun fact, you can basically do all the little goofy tricks you could with dial tones back in the day with the dial tones from the radio lol.

[@rickygonzalez3152]

Its actually 3-4-2-* but yes I can even tell by ear.

[@TrainNut85]

Great video Danny, glad you caught the Pride In Service units!

[@andrewmooney4562]

What an excellent video, Danny! I learned more interesting things about how these giants move about the land as they do. You're a great teacher, and I so enjoy your presentations.

[@jovetj]

He's the best!!

[@kathleenbarkan9888]

You have, by leaps and bounds, the BEST videos and explanations! Thank you!

[@squirrelbazooka8033]

I’m actually trying to build a realistic functional Lego grade crossing signal as a project- this was a good video to watch for that!

[@Garcansdad]

I learn something every day. I've always wanted to know the control circuitry. Now, I know. Thanks!

[@NEATrainsVids]

Thank you so much about the history of the Artistic messages! I am always glad to see a new video!

[@jamesmulcare5321]

Very interesting piece. Explains in detail, but in a way that's easy to understand. And the narration is easy on the ears, great voicing!! Thanks!!

[@ChadAmI80]

This was the most expansive explanation I've ever seen on how the crossings work. Thanks for a great video!!

[@dmorgan28]

That certainly was enjoyable Danny. You did a great job explaining these signal crossings 👍👍👍❤️

[@malcolmmcfadden9023]

After a long busy day at my Volunteer job, and seeing a new video Danny Uploaded, it can make your evening/night fun and exciting to look forward to watching. Thank you for the information Danny, I learned a lot, glad to see you safe and sound.

[@grybeard1]

Thanks for all you do. Your videos are wonderful

[@raz3000]

First video I’ve seen from this channel. The narration is impeccable. Thanks KZbin algorithm!

[@drew25311]

I've always wondered how a stopped train at a station tells the crossing to activate. Thank you for the excellent explanation. This was a fantastic video!

[@jack18888]

I've learned something new yet again! I'm going to look for those art messages on trains I see from now on too 🚂🚂

[@georgewheeler3731]

Thank You Danny for another excellent video, keep them coming!

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for this video, Danny! This was a very informative video! I learned a great deal from it.

[@WarrenGarabrandt]

I've always wondered how crossing signals were activated. Thanks so much for this great explanation.

[@neilgandhi5565]

Howdy from the U.K. just really getting into watching trains as am more of an aviation enthusiast but a friend from my school days works for the railway/railroad here in the U.K. so am trying to understand it more and so watching your vlogs even though they refer to U.S railroad’s help me to understand how stuff works so keep it up boss

[@simonpetrus1981]

Thanks for letting us know the basics of how train signals work👍🏻. Now things are a bit more clear👍🏻.

[@michaelmoses7567]

Great video Danny. I learned something about the crossing signals that I didn't know.

[@ClearSignalProductions]

Great video Danny! Even though it was directed towards crossing signals, you still managed to throw something in there about the chalk art too. Nice work.

[@BernardBabin]

I regularly follow your videos which are very well done and informative. Many thanks for your excellent videos which I watch on my big screen TV. Bernard Babin - Railfan in Quebec - Canada

[@spencercrawford9538]

Sitting here at 1:15 in the morning and this video came up in my recommended. Very glad it did, right amount of information and presentation in my opinion.

[@adventure2073]

Fun fact: being that the island circuit system only requires something metal to bridge the tracks to activate the signals, objects other than trains can trigger the signals. For example, I plow roads in the winter and have two grade crossings on my route. On a few occasions my truck’s wing blade has bridged the rails and momentarily activated the signals.

[@BeyondtheRailz]

Yes! More Distant Signal. The railroad historian, I just started freaking out. Yessss

[@JRBlood]

Excellent job, Danny, as usual :) Thank you.

[@Rsenior1981]

The math involved is not just algebra, it's calculus. To take position information and calculate speed involves a derivative. Pretty simple yet effective. Thank you for sharing this.

[@midwestrailfan134]

Even titles that sound dull are best watched and described with Danny always the best videos.

[@CNSD75I]

I was just in the middle of re-watching the juice train 1997 video when.. boom! New upload!

[@gaffneyrailroading1982]

I've often wondered how they worked myself. Great explanation. I've also noticed that the ditch lights almost flash in rhythm to the bell. By the way, it was actually William Robinson that invented the track circuit. He founded Union Electric Signal, which in turn, ended up in the hands of George Westinghouse.

[@TwoRibbonRailvideos]

Nice video! Good to see you back in soflo for a bit!

[@Fumikiri3Ds]

Hell of a voice, clear deliberate pronunciation + enunciation, good tempo/pacing....

[@KingTriton1837]

This is _THE_ best video explaining how this works! Thank you!!! Been curious all 32 years of my life!

[@blackiehaines1]

I'm 75 years old, and I've ALWAYS wondered how the grade crossings "know" that a train is coming (or gone)! Finally, you've clearly explained it! Thanks, Danny!

[@trains2u185]

Every time Danny posts a video, i get so much happier

[@NapoleChan]

3194 sure is a pretty thing, but I sure do love that 911 fire engine red unit.

[@robertgift]

Nicely done video! Thank you. Years ago, as an Operation Lifesaver presenter, I rode head-end from Goleta, CA (west of Santa Barbara), to San Diego videoing drivers' behaviors at grade crossings. Departing from Santa BarbarAmtrak station, thengineer briefly sounds the locomotive horn. The horn is picked up by a microphone on a pole near where the locomotive stops. This activates the mee-mool lights *(o)T(o)* athe street right nexto the station. When the locomotive shunts the island circuit, the *(o)T(o)* continue operating until the train is off the island circuit.

[@Tray2DaWorm]

I always grew wanting to know how these work, Thank you so much Danny for teaching me about the various ways these Railroad Crossings work. I understood every thing in this video. 10.10 Would Recommend.