Who Controls Railroad Diamonds?

A viewer wrote me asking "Who Controls Diamonds at RR Crossings?" It set me off on a learning journey. What I discovered was amazing.

[@trainsofmichiganproduction5418]

The legend is back

[@David-yo5re]

Yes!

[@tl1024]

We always wait impatiently for the next video.

[@georgettedebuhr2660]

Oh yes for sure 😊

[@bnsfgevoproductions]

Fr

[@icosthop9998]

Fr

[@kens.3729]

Danny Harmon is a True Class Act. His Railfanning Knowledge is Priceless. Thank you, Danny. 👍🙏

[@suzanneknepp849]

I’m a retired nurse from the city who knows next to nothing about trains. Your channel is so interesting to me that I become excited when I see that you have posted! Thank you for the research you perform and your ease of making train information understandable to a novice like me! Keep up the great work!

[@sharpestjim]

Aren't his videos amazing? That's so cool that you've discovered the joy of trains later in life. I've loved them since I was 3 or 4 years old. To this day, the sound of a train horn, no matter how distant, excites me. I only wish that I knew more about them. That's why we have Mr Harmon!

[@peterdibble]

I tend to forget that you don't just know all these things on the top of your head, Danny. 😄 I appreciate when you're open about the details you don't know and consult with experts to fill in the gaps.

[@geeceediam4566]

AND, you never talk down to us BUT you certainly make a (surprisingly) involved answer easily understood with marvelous examples - keep up the wonderful work

[@antonbruce1241]

@@geeceediam4566 That is one thing that makes Danny's videos so damned nice to watch - he talks to his viewers like he's talking to friends and family.

[@lancereagan3046]

Over the years, I've come to realize how prevalent and extensive the American RR system actually was. My schooling let me down to this fact, whether through history or social studies. I knew that there "was" a RR in my home town. But as the conversation would re-emerge, there was facts that changed. Then I found out that there was 2 railroads in my home town. The elders just assumed that I knew that we had 2 RR's in town. I did not. As I continue to focus on railroad history, I'm finding even more railroad history that I never even knew existed.

[@PanduPoluan]

@@lancereagan3046 The USA has such an amazing history of RR. Too bad car-centric design won. Had the USA doubled-down on RR you would have the world's most advanced rail-based public transit network.

[@hangtough285]

You haven’t had your mind blown until you’ve been watching one of Danny’s videos on KZbin AND out of nowhere you hear him narrating a commercial on cable television at the same time.

[@YellowNoseProductions]

5:10 what's even cooler to me is that the AC tower wasn't just closer to the track, it was on the opposite corner of the diamonds and craned across when the Union Station Association acquired it. Great video Danny!

[@AlexanderSkinnerVids]

Funny enough, last night I was watching an old Union Pacific employee training video discussing interlocking procedures. Great timing Danny!

[@Canuck1000]

Great video as usual! It is important to note that railroad companies prefer to meet railway lines at an angle smaller (or greater) than 90 degrees. At at a right angle, both wheels on the axle jump the gap at the same time, which increases the wear and the forces acting on the diamond. At an angle, only one wheel jumps the gap at one time.

[@_SpamMe]

That's also where to my understanding the name comes from. If it's got a non-90° angle, you'll see a sorta diamond-shape on the inside (instead of just a square).

[@skendermakota2381]

This is what I do when I drive my car over speed bumps, same thing happens to car axles if they hit anything full on 90 degrees

[@abzolute31415]

@@_SpamMe I think it's called a diamond because of how expensive they are to install.

[@kentslocum]

Thank you for this comment; it makes a lot of sense.

[@kentslocum]

​​@@skendermakota2381It's funny, though, because motorcycles are instructed to always cross railroad tracks at exactly a 90 degree angle, even if it means swerving a bit within the lane upon approach. This is because motorcycles only have one wheel per axle, so there's a greater chance of the wheel getting stuck in the rut of the train crossing it it crosses at a shallow angle.

[@CobraChamp]

Danny, of all the train videos I watch (and there are a bunch), you are clearly my favorite. Your attention to education is outstanding. As a life long rail fan, I have learned so much that I never had any idea about before watching your videos. You're a real asset to our railfanning community and I'm sure glad YT has created the platform for you to share your broadcasting skills with us. Thank you!!!

[@garykuipers2696]

Dan, you did an excellent job in answering the viewers question. I'm a retired conductor, 43 years of service, started out as a tower man. You are indeed a professional; properly researched for a proper answer. I thoroughly enjoy your channel.✝🚂😎

[@SignalAspect]

I was the boy in the green and black shirt!

[@KadenThatRailfan_23]

I’m subscribed to you

[@mauriciomagana5218]

HOORAY! New video from Danny, as excellent as always. Thumbs up from Mexico 🇲🇽

[@StormySkyRailProductions]

Very cool video as always. We enjoyed watching. In my 25 years on the Canadian Pacific Railroad of course now CPKC I was incharge of maintaining a diamond most of my career that crosses the Canadian National in Duplainville Wisconsin which used to be Milwaukee Road crossing the Soo Line back in the day. Us at the Canadian Pacific were in control of the diamonds and maintaining them. The Wisconsin Central now Canadian National MoW crews would come out and help us on big projects at the Duplainville diamonds then the maintenance would be billed equally. Have a wonderful rest of your thursday evening.(Steve)

[@DesertRailProductions]

Love the videos Danny. Always fun to see how different parts of the railroad work!

[@niobraraterminalrailroad2709]

Great job Danny, another fantastic video!

[@PittsburghRailroader31]

Love to see the wall growing in railroad signs

[@tracefarrelly7783]

LETS GOOOOOO I’ve been waiting for this for ever. Keep making the amazing content. ❤

[@mbvoelker8448]

Your videos always teach me things i didn't know I wanted to know. I also enjoy the restaurant reviews. I may never travel to Florida, but if I do I'll know where to eat.

[@BradBo1140]

O M gosh, can you imagine the damaged cars from hitting that diamond that were not paying attention?

[@tissuepaper9962]

O M Gosh, can you imagine the destroyed cities from constantly making concessions for the automobile?

[@crsrdash-840b5]

WOW!!! I never suspected that diamonds were so complicated. I thought trains just cross them when there was no other train coming (much like cars at a 4-way intersection).

[@jochen_schueller]

I'm pretty sure there are some examples of railroad crossings that are operated like that, i.e. without any signaling system/without any coordination between both lines, thus transferring the responsibility for mutual exclusive usage of the diamond to the train drivers by visual checking for trains possibly arriving on the other line - but this, of course, drastically limits the maximum speed or even requires to come to a full stop in front of the crossing

[@DarkDav300]

Good job Danny

[@Floridianbreeze]

Danny I worked as a Train Operator in several towers in the Cincinnati area for the Chessie System back in the late 70’s on into the 80’s when the mergers created CSX. Man what great memories. Thanks for your hard work to educate us RailFans. 😎👍🏾

[@tissuepaper9962]

I'm really wondering where the hell the FTC was at when CSX gobbled up all these smaller railroads...

[@Maddog3060]

Such a cool and interesting video. I've lived in Orlando all my life and I never knew Tampa put in a streetcar system in the 2000s. Honestly more cities should have them, but we all know who screwed that pooch. [Glares at automotive companies] That barbecue joint looks legitimately awesome.

[@cup_and_cone]

I also lived in Orlando and never knew about the TECO street cars until I left. The best part about the TECO trolly is it's free.

[@thomasboyce1060]

That barbecue place is awsome, I have gotten food there many times in the past. Just wish it wasn't so far from where I now live. Used to live just around the corner from there.

[@CFRF13]

They have some of the best Ribs in all of Polk County.

[@timhawks6101]

Is this type of transportation cost effective. They make little profit, if any. They are a drain on the city budget.

[@johnschultz9023]

GM, Firestone and Standard oil destroyed the interurban railroads.

[@johnwinter8273]

Another award winning video.🏆 Appreciate the time you take to do your homework. I can relate to that in my job before I retired. A one hour presentation can take numerous hours of prep time. Always look forward to your videos. Once again your taught an old dog a new trick! 👍😁🇺🇲

[@countdooku1971]

As always, this was a "diamond" of a video. I always smile when I get a notification saying you have posted a new video because I know it's going to make the day that much better. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Danny!! 😊

[@seantaft9281]

Always a smile when I see a Distant Signal video!!!

[@kencarp57]

Distant Signal is one of the few channels for which I will like a video as soon as it starts playing - because I KNOW it will be awesome! Plus the always-welcome BBQ lunch. Thanks Danny! 👍👍

[@williambellew767]

Great content I appreciate your channel.

[@jasmannygonzalez7462]

Awesome 😎 content as always and your Narration is always perfect and I ❤ how your wall is growing with railroad stuff!

[@ericnorton2704]

Thank you for your time in making this video it was informative and enjoyed as usual

[@lorthathmerthy]

Great video as always Danny! I wanted to mention a rule we have at NS for automatic interlockings. When approaching a signal governing an automatic interlocking at a speed of 25 mph or less, movement must proceed towards the interlocking prepared to stop (similar to operating on an Approach) even if the signal can be seen as displaying a favorable indication. The reason for this is the timing system you mentioned. When moving slowly towards an interlocking, it is always possible that the time may run out as you are approaching. This means you could go from having a Clear straight to a Stop within seconds. This rule exists to prevent crews from potentially passing a signal at danger. If you do not comply with this rule and approach an interlocking, the signal drops, and you get enforced, you will still be found at fault for failure to operate in accordance with the rules and will be thrown out on the street and taken to investigation. Auto Interlockings are nifty but if you don’t understand all of the rules that go with them, you can very easily end up in trouble! Hope this information was helpful!

[@glennfoster2423]

Although not stated in your analysis, the rule must presume that approaching the crossing at a speed greater than 25 mph will insure the train will preserve the occupancy required by the system logic and foul the track circuit protection against the opposing track, but a train that approaches at a speed of less than 25 mph will be able to stop prior to fouling, if an opposing train calls for a signal. The logic is a bit more complicated, just think "if then, but".

[@lorthathmerthy]

@@glennfoster2423 that is exactly why the rule exists. If you are going faster than 25 mph, the signal will not time out and drop. A speed of greater than 25 mph when approaching an automatic interlocking protected by NS Rule 280 will preserve your occupancy.

[@tomwargin6100]

I was really looking forward to this video. From 1960 to 1969 i was a towerman on the Chicago Terminal Division of the Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific and while there were junctions and yards there were a lot of diamonds. My favorite tower was Joliet UD controlling at that time 16 diamonds the RI double track main and two yard track coach yard crossing double track Santa Fe and the double track Chicago & Alton with a lot of crossovers. Dispatchers had a little work on the division issuing slow orders, working one shift at a tower that had a CTC 😅machine as well as a conventional interlocking machine 17:41

[@nickgiordano2947]

This channel has made me start railfanning my local railroad, the Portland and Western, and its Toledo Hauler train that runs frequently in the small lumber town of Toledo, OR where I recently moved to. Also Danny you should know whenever I play your videos and you say "Hello again railfans" my girlfriend grins from ear to ear and says "Hi Danny!" Love the channel and I always immediately watch your new videos whenever I see you upload them!

[@jovetj]

She's a keeper!!

[@TheWanderingRailfan]

This is the best railfan channel out there, by far. Keep up the great work, Danny!

[@VidClips858]

When a video answers a question you're always had, but never thought to ask. Thanks, Danny!

[@glencalvert9510]

Always appreciate the time and effort that goes into your videos. I definitely learned something new today!

[@strangerous1313]

Thanks for doing all the research and groundwork. Really appreciate your videos!

[@DeadlyDiddly]

Thanks Danny, as always, one of the very best railfan channels. ❤

[@Ace-kr6gu]

Great video as always. I lived near a diamond when I was young and it took a few years after moving to have a good sleep without that distinct noise.

[@fjb4932]

Mr. D. Harmon speaks near perfect, American english. Enunciation, tone, accent, inflection, rhythm . Not a single word did i misunderstand. A dissappearing trait . . . ☆

[@dennispatterson4378]

Absolutely incredible video. I've always wondered how they controlled movements on those just never thought to ask. Always look forward to seeing your videos. I can't wait for the next one.

[@TeddyT6]

Man I think about all the research involved to put this together. I have always loved trains. Looking at those diamonds is interesting. Seeing how railroads had to cooperate, to cross trains safely. Tryibg to imagine the maintenance involved, it has to be staggering. Keep up the good work!!

[@kens.3729]

What a Great Subject and it’s Safe to Say that NO ONE has Ever Covered a Subject Like 👍 this in the same Great Detail of ALL of your Videos. ALL about Facts. 👍

[@DumbSkippy]

G'Day from Western Australia ! I was a Loco technician from 1979-1983. I've never seen a diamond, per se, so I found this very interesting. Thank you Danny !

[@roberttrometter5788]

Hey, Danny. Glad to see you again and teach us other railfans about the diamonds. You do an excellent job. Take care, Danny, and I will be looking forward to seeing you soon. Robert over and out.

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Great video, Danny! Always fascinating hardware on the RR... there are some crazy diamonds up north and even was one in Miami when the Seaboard crossed six FEC tracks to access one of the old docks.

[@vincenttolve9756]

You always do an excellent job and I much appreciate the information and insights your videos provide. I have watched most of them and only wish you had the time and other resources to do more. Keep up the great work.

[@royzug2847]

Your videos are always informative and this one is no exception. Thanks for all your good work.

[@23431]

Great job Danny thank you for another amazing video and I can’t wait for the next one to come out

[@DoriClement-fe6tj]

One of few diamonds in my neck of the woods still have tilt board signals protecting the crossing. First you pull up and come to a complete stop. You have to get permission from the dispatcher to cross and line the signal up for your movement. Then drop a 15 minute fusee on both sides of diamond and then position the tilt board signal for your movement. All the while looking out for any other train movement from the other line. But...they rarely see or even meet other over the lightly travelled routes. Be safe out there and thanks for sharing some good information.

[@glennfoster2423]

This is sort of like the "five minute rule". Where specified, a train desiring to enter a main track in signalized territory an employee may open a switch, attend the switch (to line it back normal should a train on the main track approach), and after 5 minutes (or time specified by the railroad based on maximum authorized speed) enter the main track.

[@dennisbrowder6316]

Thanks Danny for these great shows

[@jameseubanks1509]

Danny, thanks for a great video! We sometimes see a railroad feature like a diamond and don't realize that there are a lot of rules and information behind it. You are the best one to explain it to us. Thanks again.

[@JmaK17]

Really cool to see how you guys do things in the US, especially how all of the different companies play together. I’m in Ireland, all of the rails and trains are owned and operated by Iarnród Éireann, which is a subsidiary of the state-owned company Córas Iompair Éireann. Definitely streamlines the process for us when it’s all one company operating on all of the rails, although there is a small exception on some of the Inter-city routes crossing the border to Northern Ireland. Here we also use an unusually wide track gauge of 1,600mm/5 ft 3 in. Love these videos and how it highlights the differences and similarities of railways throughout the world! Keep ‘em coming!

[@goober2969]

It's always a good day when there's a new Danny Harmon video! 😊

[@RCAvhstape]

Consistently the best railfan channel on the net.

[@CFRF13]

Thanks for the shout out and yeah, I normally get the Ribs with Baked Beans and Potato Salad at Grangers. I consider it a fair trade on recommendations as one of your previous videos clued me in to the excellent Oakwood Express in Wildwood, a normal stop for me now when fanning the Wildwood Subdivision. A few other local recommendations, if you're ever in the Auburndale area in the morning the Pantry Diner is a great stop for breakfast and if you hit up the West Lake Wales Branch for the Florida Midland Railroad, I have two great places to stop off the Scenic 17 Highway. The Crooked Bass is a Bar and Grill Restaurant in Babson Park that has great Ribeye Steaks, Prime Rib, Fried Shrimp, Wings, and Burgers. Finally, Frostbite Ice Cream in Frostproof is great for grab and go with burgers and milkshakes.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Josh! I'm putting those places on my list.

[@randyfleet9968]

Thanks for the ton of information. I'll try to incorporate some of that in my model railroad. Someone in Fostoria Ohio has a steaming channel of the dispatchers there and it can be crazy.

[@metalinmotion]

Great informative video Danny! I actually filmed a short line and CSX meeting at a diamond, and it was the short line that went first. Somehow, the CSX crew seemed impatient having to wait for their turn.

[@scentgrasslakerailway]

Glad to see you back Danny. Always, I mean always, I really enjoy your tutorials and the fantastic information that you provide. Thank you so much!!!

[@peterocallaghan3867]

always very professional and informative, many thanks for the effort you put in.

[@paulbergen9114]

Excellent presentation and both informative and easy to follow along. Just off Milwaukee's downtown a 2 track streetcar line crossed the Milwaukee Road's 2 track approach to the depot and was at a bit of an angle and I believe set in bricks. Because of their later arrivals interurbans frequently did have to build a bridge over or under the steam Road especially in the Midwest. Thanks for the top-notch presentation

[@distantsignal]

Glad it was helpful!

[@sportsguy1992]

​@distantsignal I like how informative you are and people ask great questions. I'm gonna try to work for the railroad. Can't wait to mention you when I do come to Florida.

[@irish00011]

Danny, many years ago, in my neck of the woods (Fort Wayne, Indiana), two of the Easterly and Westerly Railroads crossed each other in an Industrial district. The Pennsylvania, and the Wabash, basically changed places -VIA- and 'X' diamond; where one was moving to the Northeast, and the other to the Southwest. One old Pennsy conductor had told me that the Wabash had absolute control of the diamond. If anyone from the Pennsy had irritated the dispatcher/controller at the Wabash tower, he could hold up the Pennsy train in a retaliation move as punishment and placed that train behind schedule.

[@P_litzer]

I literally had a dream last night that you uploaded, my dreams really have came true.

[@MrBillCNW]

Thank you for another great video Danny appreciating all the info you provide. Have a great day.

[@ny4i]

Great video as always Danny. Watching the close-ups of the diamond (which were great) I noticed a loose bolt moving around. I know you said these required more maintenance but it would be interesting in a part 2 if there is any video of service work or the time table they use to service them. For example, do they have crews that tighten the bolts periodically? Thanks again!

[@rrelectric5159]

A great video as always. thanks for going into this aspect of railroading.

[@CarsSimplified]

Another excellent, high quality video where I learn something new! Great stuff!

[@jfchonors8873]

Another fantastic video Danny. Thanks for all the interesting info and great closeups of trucks at the diamonds

[@wattheheck6010]

As always, great info and good grub. Thanks!

[@emaglott]

Fascinating and so well presented, thanks!

[@michaelburroughs7494]

Always enjoy your videos Danny. Keep them coming.

[@sensitivewsm]

As always a wonderfully clear explanation. Thank you for your research and attention to detail. I love your videos. I learn so much every time.

[@firefighter14530]

Thank you for another wonderfully informative video.

[@3henry214]

Excellent video Danny! RR Diamonds have been something that I've always wondered about. Very glad to see a new video released.

[@BikerSopwith]

This is a highly informative video that answered questions I've had over the years.

[@georgecox2924]

Great video! Thanks for learning from your helpers so now we have learned.

[@gordongriswold1473]

Excellent coverage of rail memorabilia! Thank you!

[@tomchidwick]

Loved this Danny! Great coverage on a fascinating topic.

[@bigjimslade6250]

Enjoyable video on an interesting topic. You have one of the best railroading channel on KZbin. I grew up within 100 feet of a main rail line & have watched trains since the time before I learned to walk. Not only do your videos inform, they bring back a lot of pleasant memories. Plus I enjoy the restaurant tips too for great places near the tracks but off the beaten path. Keep up the good work.

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks, Big Jim. Glad you found the channel.

[@joer9946]

Another great episode! Keep 'em coming!

[@James_Knott]

I'm a former CN employee (telecommunications) and this reminded me of a diamond on the CN main line, at OBA Ontario. The Algoma Central Railway crossed the CN at Oba, on a shallow angle and then passed the station. CN was on the south side of the station and ACR on the north. The ACR then continued on west to the interchange track, where cars could be passed between the railways, before turning north towards Hearst. Back in the mid 70s, ACR was owned by Canadian Pacific, but is now owned by Canadian National. I am very familiar with Oba, as the only way I ever got there was by train and I'd often have to wait a long time for another train, passenger or freight, to take me out. There's next to nothing in Oba. IIRC, in addition to the station, there was a store and not much else. The ACR ran from Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst. You might have heard of the Agawa canyon tours, where the ACR runs passenger trains for tourists to see the sights, particularly when the leaves change colour in the fall.

[@gunsandtrainsofusa]

Thank you for this awesome video danny

[@Rickatspeedoflight]

Outstanding, as always. Thanks!

[@dlae73]

This is such great information. Thank you for sharing.

[@philipcollins5440]

I do enjoy your video's and you do such a good job explaining what goes on with different trains. Thanks😊

[@allenlane5018]

Another great and very interesting video. Always look forward to them

[@dennismcgough9476]

Another excellent video. Your network of experts are resources for rail fans everywhere. Thank you!

[@donwhead]

I've always enjoyed listening to trains going across diamonds. I'm generally not a fan of loud noises, but that rhythmic thunder is just music to my ears. Thanks for another great video!

[@jeffreycole2052]

As usual very informative and interesting. Looking forward to what you post next.

[@John-lc3wf]

Thanks Danny . Another great video with lots of questions answered.

[@Lynchie9000]

Love your videos always look forward to them.

[@willisgordon2449]

Thanks for a very informative videos. I had never even thought about how the crossing was controlled.

[@jeronimomindsweeper1239]

Excellent, explanatory video - many thanks.

[@paveloleynikov4715]

Thank you for sound recording quality on this one. This banging on diamond may be most intriguing part of this video. Also, that streetcars and BBQ place parts feels nicely interconnected.

[@scotabot7826]

Bravo Danny, Bravo!!!! Thanks so much for this great video!!

[@denisebasile3813]

Hi I love you videos very helpful informative too and just gray pictures of the trains and I really do enjoy your videos God bless you and your family and keep them coming I really did it to get enjoyment out of them keep them coming

[@jackpetrone4031]

What a great educational video. Thanks Danny

[@cavalierliberty6838]

Another great video, danny! I've alwaks kind of wondered myself, even though diamond barely exist where i'm at.

[@davelamont]

I love all the information you give on your channel.

[@ruslsdad]

Thanks again, Danny. I always enjoy your videos.