Big Freight Trains, ROCKETS & Rock Shrimp

This is a trip to Florida's Space Coast to see the Brightline work at Cocoa and to chase down some big FEC freights

[@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

[@MrJoeairman2000]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!!!!

[@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.

[@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.

[@Jon651]

I've lived on the Space Coast since 1975, and Dixie Crossroads is one of my favorites whenever we can get to Titusville. Here's a tip for the next time you might get to see a SpaceX launch - don't leave right after the launch! Depending on which way they are sending the payload into orbit (and if the weather is clear enough wherever you are) you may just get the opportunity after about 15 minutes to see the first stage come back down for a landing! It doesn't always land back at the Cape (sometimes it comes down onto their robot barge offshore) but it is a sight to behold when you can catch it.

[@philismenko]

I forgot that some people don't know space x lands their boosters, another tip; listen to the audio, if they are using the whole rocket then they will say its a fully expendable launch, and if not they usually say they will land it

[@WVRailroadPapa]

Hey Danny, what a great video on the FEC. The Southern whistle post sign was of interest to me. I had the opportunity to contact Tanner Abernathy a number of weeks ago. He had posted pictures on Facebook of some of the signs he had reproduced. I mentioned to him that I was involved with roadway sign standards for Southern. In fact I was responsible for developing all new sign standards for NS. To make a long story short, I ended up having a nice phone conversation with Tanner and explained to him the process I went through with the new sign standards. I'm thankful to have an actual Southern whistle post sign in my yard.

[@kens.3729]

This is Exactly how a True Professional assembles a Video. Brightline is the Coolest thing to happen in Florida in a very long time. 👍

[@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

[@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

[@NScaleTrainBoy]

Thanks for another great video Danny! It’s always interesting seeing the FEC Geeps with no dynamics!

[@bobparsons77]

Big FEC fan. What a great video.

[@JacobCothren]

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

[@ARC212th]

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

[@jameseubanks1509]

Danny, if you ever read this, please know that you are the best. I even went back and viewed every one of your videos. I learned lots! Thanks for taking us with you on your trips.

[@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!

[@KMACKTIME]

Always pumped to see a new video from Danny in my feed. Cheers from central IL

[@randyhavener1851]

Same here!! I'm in Springfield!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@slamhart1]

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

[@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! 🇬🇧

[@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!

[@nedj10]

I like how you can do a better job announcing SpaceX's Launch than their own presenters and then in the next breath jump back to chasing the FEC. One of these days you need to publish a blog detailing all your food reccomendations.

[@BlazeDuskdreamer]

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

[@johnswanson2600]

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

[@J3scribe]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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.

[@tsrtrainproductions]

Oh my day becomes 100x better when Danny Harmon posts on KZbin keep up the amazing work you’ve been doing for years

[@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.

[@jfsebastian7811]

Great video Danny. Nice to see those long runners alive and well on the FEC.

[@circuitbreaker6685]

Special treat for me to see SpaceX also. I'm more of a Space Nerd, but I always enjoy your channel!

[@gravelydon7072]

I was up at 0530 this morning to watch another launch from way down in Homestead. Much better view at night but this morning the humidity was horrendous and cut the visibility some.

[@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!

[@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!!

[@RailfanKamryn1172]

Danny is the first one of 3 people that started my railfanning and future conductor journey!!! Thanks Danny

[@beeble2003]

Danny's great -- always love his videos. Maybe one day he'll be filming you at work!

[@noahater5785]

That's cool that you creatively killed some time waiting for a train to show up by watching one of SpaceX's rocket launches happening nearby

[@beeble2003]

Good job the train was late, wasn't it? 😊

[@curtnicholson7771]

Hey Danny another great video and great to see you in this territory which I bet you love. It was great to see a lot of different engines. I think their idea for switching is a great idea (engine on both ends). Seems like you really enjoyed this trip very much including your lunch or whatever you wanted to call it. As proof of your excellent work your fans are now putting up signs for you as well as producing them. I’m telling you I think you are at the top of your field but I’m sure that you think any rail fan is up their with you as you are all like one big family. This great video of yours once again brings to mind another question for me to ask you as if you don’t know you will probably start asking to find out. So here goes seeing all of the ongoing upgrade construction of new rail or rails it seems everything does now go to concrete ties which I’m sure is the better way to go but have you ever talked to anyone from the rail companies or industry that can actually say how much better they are as in life expectancies and are they susceptible to breakdown easier in northern climates with changing weather (freeze/thaw cycles) I know this is not in your area but if you do go asking around it would be a question to pass on if you meet the right source of information. Thanks once again for your videos with your attention to detail and as always you shout out to others in your field in a new area for you. It’s people like you and other fellow rail fans that bring people like me into still loving trains as much yet as I did when I was a child. I really don’t think a child’s first view or train ride or sound of the whistle or playing on and around the rails ever grows out of them! Thank you again C.N.

[@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!

[@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!

[@chesterraybon3442]

Have ate at Dixie Crossroads many a time. Got family in the area and every time I leave NC eating there is all that's on my mind until I arrive. Rock shrimp is worth the extra price anywhere but they have their's seasoned just perfect. Great locations on this one. Thanks for the hard work. Take care and God Bless.

[@Dieselmachine4]

Another masterpiece Mr.Danny. thank you for your knowledge and passion. Always a good day when you upload a video.

[@richardsylvanus2717]

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

[@jovetj]

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

[@catjackson4293]

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

[@chrisecoff6155]

Yeah, those old '40's bring back memories of my hometown Mopac as I was growing up! I dig the Champion scheme, but there's just something about that simple dark blue with the white frame stripe - to me, it'll always be a classic, no matter who's using it. Wonderful vid, Sir - 10-Q!!

[@attlevi]

Danny, you never disappoint. I never knew about the restaurant. I definitely would've eaten there when I was there years ago before the train numbers changed. Seeing this has made me homesick. But it's ok. I used to watch the space shuttle launch as well. On a clear sky ,in the dawn , 15 seconds extends to 8 minutes. Keep up the excellent work.

[@glenrummel4483]

Danny, another great video. Always filled with a lot of history of Florida railroads. Keep up the great work!

[@EmilC2012]

RICHARD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! What a wonderful moment! So glad to see you both getting to do some railfanning together!! Loved the video Danny!

[@thomream1888]

Good call Emil! I was going to comment after listening to Richard's last comments - not a single "um, and, uh, well" !!! I guess railfanning with Danny has rubbed off, since "Mr. Dee" is a voice talent! Plus, just a little before this shot, Richard took his photos and then realized he was standing in front of Danny and his view. Just the simple fact that he even thought about it caught my attention. How many times have you been railside and some 'Last-Minute-Larry' comes huffing up and steps right in front of your shot... that you planned and set up 10 minutes ago. Good job Richard! Thank you for being thoughtful, AND well-spoken. And Danny, Thank YOU for your expensive railfan work - it's appreciated even out West in Kali. Highball The Rollby.

[@niobraraterminalrailroad2709]

Mr. Harmon, I would like to thank you for another great video, please keep them coming!

[@gravelydon7072]

Glad to know I'm not the only one that knows 528 as the Beeline and not the Beachline. I own land off the Dallas Road exit in Wedgefield and always knew it as the Beeline. Nice of you to plug The Roaming Railfan . Good video as usual Danny.

[@trainzguy2472]

It's always a great day when Danny uploads!

[@matthewconley7381]

Another great video! I love the progress of Brightline and seeing those bright FEC engines are nice as well!

[@HotForgeChaos]

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

[@edwinbest9256]

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

[@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.

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Great video, Danny! Loving the FEC coverage. Looks like Richard did a pretty decent job showing you around

[@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!

[@robertmorris7332]

Trains and a rocket, great combination!

[@cdiddles.]

Great show of the FEC's RS3L's. Can't get enough of em'. Great video!

[@shawnpowell5876]

Awesome video Danny as usual! Been wondering when you'd be posting a new video. You gotta be a fan of the FEC bcuz they've certainly got a FAN vote from me! Those engineers know how to boogie down the rails in Florida! Thanks again for sharing your videos with us along with your time and effort my friend! #LIFEONTHERAILS

[@cherylsims5636]

Hey Shawn. As a CSX Engineer I have to know where you got that phrase ""Boggie down the rails"" Let me know son!

[@LolPepperGate]

That single 40-2 was cruising with that load as well. Love it! Another great production Danny! Thank you!

[@666bpm4]

Thank you for mentioning places like Dixie Crossroads. I'm in Texas, recently drove to Orlando. But took some back roads every now and then to hit up local places. Didn't hit Dixie Crossroads but looks like I'm going to on my next Florida road trip.

[@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 !

[@kmagnussen1052]

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

[@jmainiaanimations]

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

[@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.

[@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!

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

A perfect start to the weekend! Thanks Danny for the coverage. Sorry for the huge gas bill. Glad you got to eat at Dixie Crossroads. Definitely a family favorite for my wife's kin. I'd have also recommended Louis's BBQ on US1 in Mims but they closed years ago and it was a terrible loss.

[@dougthornton6884]

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

[@RailroadJourneys]

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

[@RoamingRailfan]

Thanks for the shoutout Danny! Here is one of those videos of a train crossing the new Crane Creek Bridge: kzbin.info/www/bejne/hmemiYJ_Z810obc

[@kenn5894]

I was glad Danny mentioned your videos too. I really enjoy both of you guy's videos.

[@BradRains]

@@kenn5894 Well said!

[@105C09]

Danny, I just want to thank you for your videos. They enhance my understanding of railroads of the modern era. I spent 30 years of my life volunteering in railroad restoration and working on scenic historic railroads as a brakeman, fireman and rarely but thrilling, an engineer. The southern rail has never got the credit it deserves and I love Florida. I worked there a few times as an RN. If your in the Auburndale-Winter Haven, check to see if Don Allen's is still there. It looks like a big shack by a pond and is a totally retro restaurant with all kinds of memorabilia, Their catfish strips were wonderful. God bless you Danny and again, "THANKS!"

[@davidsimmons9763]

After reading your comment, I wanted to go to Don Allen’s. I checked them out…they are closed. Darn!

[@SimonsEMDProductions]

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

[@Lyerbait13]

How lucky we are to have a channel like this! What a treat.

[@jovetj]

Too right! We should have "Danny Harmon" signs plastered all over the United States!

[@tropicalrailroadproduction5028]

Awesome catches man. Glad Mr Richard was able to be a part of the railfan industry. Good work Danny. :)

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Rafalski was kinda alright

[@ARP_GA]

Awesome job Danny! Glad to see you upload again. Heads up! I might be headed down to Plant City, Tampa, Orlando, Baldwin, etc this summer. Would be super cool to see you! Would be awesome to go to the FEC with you. Never been on it. Have a great day, and keep up the great work!

[@briangeorge7346]

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

[@drummerian1960]

Love the Embry Riddle shirt!

[@ChiefStones]

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

[@jerrydaily8208]

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

[@terryjames2229]

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

[@capt4550]

Thanks Danny. Always a pleasure to see Distant Signal Production👍

[@leeboulineau8100]

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

[@kennyspry5189]

Back in the Day that's what you saw EMD Engine's pulling long train's and that signal GP 40-2 could pull that fright even if all freight was loaded without a problem. Funny how people have forgotten about the 70's and 80's when that's all you just about seen was GP's and SD's pulling long loaded freight and is still going on today with Short Line Railroads...

[@lyndonfoster1090]

so glad to see that you are fine and I missed your videos! I do not think there is a better presenter! I always learn something and I love the quality and voice overs! keep safe

[@oldcitybricks9153]

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

[@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.

[@marietarallo3403]

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

[@Finetales]

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

[@HyperActive7]

I think every railfan needs to see Danny Harmon railfan videos at least once in their life and it's nice to see the FEC coming along like it is. By this time next year, FEC will be busier because of Brightline!

[@philismenko]

Very happy to see freight making consessions to passenger trains

[@tonymalice]

Truly legenary and I'm enjoying hearing about this Brightline expansion.

[@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,👋👋👋👍🇦🇺

[@glenradigan1122]

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

[@dale2171]

Still absolutely love your videos my late grandfather would also have loved them he was ad I told you before a 50+ year railroaded and boy do I ever remember his stories keep up the great work Danny