Train After Train on the FEC!

Richard Smith of Boca Raton invited me down to railfan The FEC and Brightline. He also invited John Petito of Delray Beach. Together we had a jam-packed day of trains and exploring South Florida. Here are the highlights.
Check out Richard’s KZbin Channel:
/ @tworibbonrailvideos
And here’s John Petito’s:
/ @railssouth

[@CentralPennRailProductions]

Real dedicated railfans keep filming in the rain!

[@halfwick7560]

...Like waiting in rain for the Lackawanna Hu to go through Allentown lol

[@railfanowen9372]

Like waiting for 8098 in a tornado warning and caught it

[@porkchop2218]

Central Penn Rail Productions hey 👋 I subscribe to your channel

[@railfanowen9372]

William Cunningham I subbed to you to mind doing the same

[@porkchop2218]

thanks.. I used to have about 100 subs. but I had to take me channel down because of a stalker. I had 2 rail videos. maybe ill do it again.@@railfanowen9372

[@CoasterFan2105]

Wow, what a collection of trains! Great show, Danny!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks!

[@Atlantametrorailfanproductions]

Well fec is ok railroad

[@railfanmason1668]

It’s fun because the train horns for some reason sound like they get better

[@KDubielak]

Hey costerfan 2105

[@poppydc43ify]

The drone shot of the freight on the drawbridge was fantastic. Thanks.

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

I was watching and hoping we would get to see a drone shot of the DB. And then there it was! I had hoped he would get a little closer but Danny always plays it safe and I give him a truckload of Kudos for that.

[@zwmrailfan]

Totally agree

[@nicoleking772]

My husband and I frequent this area. It's on of our favorite places to train spot

[@brucehansen4316]

Many years ago I was an “Engineman” on “The Standard Railroad of the World”. I thought it would be great to work with and be around railfan types everyday. What a surprise I got to find that nobody gave a damn about the job or the road and overwhelmingly didn’t know a GG1 ( there, I gave it away) from an E44 or an EMD from an Alco. That and the Total FILTH of the job sent me packing a year later. As I was told the day I was hired by the Foreman of Motive Power. “ Welcome aboard and never forget, I HATE Enginemen.” I absolutely love your videos and especially your narrations which I find most interesting. Thank you Danny. 👏🏻

[@JessicaKasumi1990]

Thanks for being a member of the Pennsy.

[@gearhorse]

Diesel with tenders. What an age to be alive

[@jovetj]

*LNG tenders

[@floridianrailauto9032]

@@jovetj Same shit

[@TwoRibbonRailvideos]

A well done video Danny! It was a pleasure to show you around!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Richard. The pleasure was all mine.

[@MrHambone57]

Some of the best train 🚂 🚆🚇 videos on KZbin! Very professional, documentary style of commentary. Well done 👍🏻

[@Honestware]

Thanks for the shout-out, Danny! Always happy to help! Jim

[@vtace1]

The LED headlights on those brightline SCB-40’s are pretty cool to watch.

[@mauriciomagana5218]

Great, new upload! The best train channel ever!

[@Erzahler]

Oh, yes. That is what constitutes a *REAL* Railfan! 👍 🚂🚃🚃🚃

[@johncase2974]

I’m not really what most people would call a “train buff” or “rail fan” although I do enjoy trains. Your videos are always professional quality and I never fail to learn something new (very informative) whenever I watch them. EXCELLENT productions !!. Keep up the outstanding work and thank for providing such high quality videos.

[@Orangeblossomtrains]

Good to see the boys put you to some good spots down there just as they did with me. It was definitely a good time. Ill have to give you the grand Orlando tour next time you're back up my way. Great job on another fantastic video. -Christian

[@Mike-tg7dj]

Nice! I always thought it was funny that they call Florida the Sunshine State when it's either about to rain, feels like it's about rain, or just finished raining. We went to WDW in 2008 dang if it didn't do one of the three while there. In fact, the Animal Kingdom had that tropical jungle feel and throw in Bengal Tigers, Flying Fox Fruit Bats, and an imaginary tributary to Brahmaputra River complete with jungle ruins. The torrential downpours of a Florida Summer made you think you were somewhere in southeast Asia.

[@distantsignal]

Well, I'd wager we have more sunshine than most other places in the east. Come here in October, or January, February, March, April and May. Lots and lots of sun. And in July, August and September, we pray for thunderstorms to cool things off.

[@ralphaverill2001]

Those diesel/LNG units are probably like the dual fuel co-gen plant where I used to work. The cold engine started with 100% diesel, and then mixed in natural gas, increasing the ratio as the engine warmed, until there was only enough diesel to initiate ignition under compression; about 95% natural gas and 5% diesel. With natural gas becoming so cheap, and being so much cleaner, (less dirty?) to burn, we'll probably see a lot more of those special dual fuel power units.

[@Zach_Bloomquist]

Those FEC Gevos running on LNG are awesome, great paint scheme and environmentally-friendly to boot. Oddly enough the rain in the video makes me miss the East Coast of the country. Out here up in the Rockies we don't get that kinda rain and its too dry. Very little humidity ain't fun.

[@mr.j2776]

Those Bright Lines..... pretty SNAZZY paint scheme!

[@Joeybagofdonuts76]

Ran across a documentary on the Southern 4501 steam engine. The narrator had a very familiar voice. I really enjoyed it.

[@davidbarnett9312]

I watched a Herron Rail production Monday on the RFD channel about the Illinois Central and Danny did the voice over.

[@tommytruth7595]

@@davidbarnett9312 He does a lot of them for Herron.

[@nitro105]

I love it when you insert litle maps and track diarams for those of us not from your area it really helps! Thanks

[@scottmccullough6136]

Once again, great job Danny, I like how you snuck a video in on us during the week, keep them coming whenever you release them. I been waiting on another FEC video from you for a long time and can't wait until the next. Glad to see that you enlisted some local help to get all the best shots from all the best spots. Speaking of the that: the drawbridge........wow wow wow, then you drop in the drone footage, like i said, great great job Danny.

[@gordonvanpatten6637]

Thx, again Danny you have the best channel for trains.

[@jetsteeltherealdeal7827]

Your voice and narration is awesome

[@GRE2057]

Absolutely Spot On Danny Job Well Done! Those brightline trains are really Beautiful but oh so fast as well

[@ratfink55]

It's always a treat for me when you chase the FEC Danny. Thanks!

[@garrettthompson8314]

I retired from the Florida East Coast Railway I was the freight agent in Miami 40 years Railroad and enjoyed every minute of it

[@charlesshivoder2887]

Hi from Pennsylvania. Another great video. I just love your work. Always good videography matched with intelligent and informative dialog. The bridge shot with the drone was A+. Forty years ago my uncle lived in Melbourne. At that time FEC was owned by some absentee mining conglomerate. I’d sit by the tracks and watch an unbelievable number of trains passing by on the single track lone, freight only of course. Pure pleasure. Thanks as always for a fine train video. CAS

[@dmorgan28]

Another awesome video. Thanks again Danny. Rain wind or snow you guys are hard at it. We really enjoy it. Thanks 👍👍👍❤️

[@jrcrawford4]

These are such good videos -- your apparent background in weather/journalism sure pays off!

[@BNSFBishop]

I truly love the FEC ES44C4s. Gotta go to Florida and catch them

[@NapoleChan]

They interest the heck out of me also. Anyone know if the natural gas/diesel it can run off of is a mixture of both, one or the other, or even a and/or situation? I'm a little behind on any knowledge of how they run. It's been a long time since I've gone south for rail fanning. Back then it was all about juice trains or Amtrak.

[@mbenjamin722]

@@NapoleChan The FEC ES44C4 locos that utilise LNG can run either 100% diesel, or a mixture of diesel and 80% natural gas. By keeping an diesel in the mixture, they can use the regular compression ignition system in place.

[@danielc7964]

Your 50th like from me sir! Video release couldnt be more perfect, as the FRA has authorized the construction of Level VI Track upgrades from West Palm Beach to Cocoa- these trains will run at 106 mph when this section is complete. The junction at Cocoa to Orlando will be 125mph running.

[@railfan439]

Danny, two things you might consider buying for your railfanning trips. The first is a fluorescent yellow baseball cap. I use mine to wave to the engineers. Talked to one and they really appreciate acknowledgment of their approaching train. Not expensive and on Amazon. The second, especially for when it's raining, is one of those pop-up canopies. Great to get under during the worst of the downpour. Only problem is you have to put it in your vehicle when it's dripping wet. Thanks for the video. Jon, Railfan 439, Union Pacific, Pacific Coast Line, Santa Barbara Sub, M.P. 405

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Jon. Yes, I usually wave to the crews. A pop-up is nice. I've got one of those too. Can't use one while running and gunning, though. Way too much time to set up and take down. Might try one in a place like Folkston or Austell, though.

[@holycroc20]

Glad someone told me about you, never get tired of listening to that Narrator/Radio voice. Quite professional sounding, along with video quality

[@ironhorsethrottlemaster5202]

Besides that on another note it's very good to see a video I haven't seen a distant signal production the longtime you're one of my favorite railroad documentary producers this is an interesting railroad to thank you peace out have a great day

[@mikeskinner45]

Just the usual terrific videos. Always glad to see new shots. FWIW, there are a couple of good spots in the Hobe Sound area next to Dixie Highway and also the bridge in Stuart.

[@distantsignal]

Yes, I want to do those this year, too.

[@frederickhurst8813]

O.M.G UR CHANNEL IS THE CURE FOR DEPRESSION

[@doncates2954]

Great video, you do a fantastic job

[@DrewKap]

Love seeing you in my neck of the woods (Boca). Tracks just to the west of I-95 and a few miles to the east make it a primo spot for rail fans.

[@leacyhuntley780]

I just recently found you on youtube. I am from Orlando, Florida but now live in Michigan. I have always loved trains. Keep up the great work .

[@upsd402]

Great video, love how you showed a map at the beginning, it made easier to follow. Again, great video.

[@edwin3928ohd]

I love this FEC'in channel!

[@zfactortedzabel9267]

Another gem, Danny! Thanks for the beautiful video, especially the drone footage around the Ft. Lauderdale bridge!!

[@csxnstrainman]

Awesome video! Enjoyed the little time I had railfanning the FEC last summer.

[@CDKAZ0688]

It’s amazing how quiet trains are until they’re right on top of you.

[@szabados1980]

I like your enthusiasm and how well informed you are.

[@mikewikman5164]

Danny, been watching your videos for years now ..Thanks for all the hard work from a guy with 64 years in the railroad industry and Americas oldest railfan now aged 86 keep up the great work..

[@eatria]

There used to be an old museum by that Ft Lauderdale bridge called the Discovery Center. We used to picnic on that riverside grass in the late 80s and watch the bridge go up and down

[@jovetj]

Mr. Harmon, your videos are a gift and I thank you for them!!

[@thedenverrailfan1985]

Wow thats new to me push pull on the locals now cool. I remember when this railroad had up to 6 engines on there trains. And had NS for power on 105 and 333. Great video.

[@donaldfedosiuk1638]

The Distant Signal videos are SO well-produced! Great photography, great editing, and your V/O is first-rate! I'm sending a link to this to an old friend who lives in East Lauderdale. Looking forward to seeing more of your work.

[@PeterQTaggart]

Stumbled across your channel in the recommendations, so glad I did! Danny, obviously a pro announcer at some point in your career, a pleasure watching and listening to you. Subbed!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Peter!

[@chheek_11]

Cool to see that they still use flat cars and 45’ trucks in intermodal service in the FEC

[@AmtrakTBL]

Awesome video Danny! Not to often that you get out to the FEC.

[@WaltANelsonPHD]

Thanks, again, Danny!

[@gogeorge7]

Way to go Danny. Thank you. Great shoot!

[@NapoleChan]

7:47 that's the best look I've ever got of a Brightline. Usually it's just a blur anytime I've got a look of one in motion. Another excellent video.

[@clarence43232]

Always watch for every new one, only wish they were LONGER! Awesome

[@jeannelson8532]

Another awesome video Overhead shots by "Danny Cam"

[@Erzahler]

Cool video! FEC is my railroad, I live just 1/5 mile from the track in Melbourne. We don't have that high train density like that south of WPB. But that will change in a few years once Brightline expands farther north. M-of-W crews are currently doing preliminary work for that northward expansion into Brevard County.

[@floridianrailauto9032]

Same, I'm 10 minutes from the FEC in St Augustine

[@Erzahler]

@@floridianrailauto9032 That is a cool bummer! HAHA!! I say that only because Brightline won't go that far north. The railroad plans to build a line west from Cocoa to MCO, where it will interchange with SunRail and various airlines. They've already secured the railroad-of-way to do that. I suspect surveying and constructing the grade will begin in a few years. There was a rumor going around that Brightline may build an extension to Port Canaveral after the wb extension is complete. I don't know the validity of that rumor. And Amtrak is always saying they will run a passenger service from Miami to Jacksonville. But then, Amtrak says a lot of things. I'll believe it when I see it. I'd like to see Amtrack resume its Sunset Limited route extension from New Orleans to Orlando, which stopped running after Hurricane Katrina and was never restarted.

[@floridianrailauto9032]

@@Erzahler Hell, remember when they ran that Amtrak Sunset Limited test train like way back in 2016? I haven't seen anything about the sunset limited since

[@scotterbele5105]

I live here in Fort Lauderdale and love how busy this area is with rail traffic. And, yes, I have been caught up in my boat waiting on that damned bridge numerous times!! LOL And yes, the railroad is working hard with the marine traffic to keep everyone moving and happy. And congrats on a very nice video!!

[@jamesmungovan9954]

I’ve been railfaning here for many years and know boca and delray like the back of my hand. Glad to see you finally made a trip this far south for FEC

[@lookingforthetrail]

Whoa! Wait ! I am hooked . What is this fascination with trains ?

[@bobparsons77]

Those FEC Gevos running on LNG are awesome!!

[@kennethross786]

I was in Melbourne Beach recently and saw an FEC freight with an LNG lashup on the head end - thanks to this video I knew what it was.

[@rdgk1se3019]

Another excellent video Danny.

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

nice job as usual Danny. tuff it out in the rain!.. one day Brightline will make it's way to Tampa, and even Clearwater & St Pete. be safe out there.

[@davidpoor8638]

Love those Brightline trains!!

[@j.padron8531]

Awesome!! Loved the video

[@dmorgan28]

Thanks that was a terrific video. I really enjoyed it. It was the first FEC units I had ever seen. 👍👍👍❤️

[@timmcarthur9220]

Just good to hear your voice Danny!

[@arthurbuckyelksjr7918]

You are the best to get train videos. I wonder if you could the next time you get videos of FEC railroad could you see who are the company name on them flatbed trailers the FEC hauls. Have a great day and be safe

[@thomream1888]

Really nice to see young kids out watching trains! Nice video, thanx. Ghost of SP

[@rockfishrailfanproductions5495]

Great video! FEC is one of my absolute favorite railroads to railfan when visiting Florida. Hope to be back down there soon. Again, nice video!

[@matthouseholder6928]

4:52 - Gotta love those Geeps and Leslie RS3L Horns.

[@sd90mac61]

That was pretty cool, thanks for sharing this👍

[@alexandratramonti4995]

Love these videos! Definitely need a Seminole gulf video, they are the only short line that you haven't covered

[@nosaya3]

Dixie hwy is one of my favorite roads merely because it parallels the FEC and there’s always the chance you may catch something. Great video as always. Thanks for bringing us along, and take care Danny.

[@ronmorgan7502]

One of your very best Danny

[@distantsignal]

Thank you Ron!

[@foxgeirgesda]

Great rail fanning video!! I especially enjoy the narration, also!

[@tfs4499]

GREAT STUFF, AS USUAL, THANKS DANNY, AND KEEP UP THE GREAT WORK!

[@gatortrainchaser2080]

Danny had a GATOR GUIDE! John is UF Alumni. GO GATORS! Great Video and catches. John Petito put you onto some great spots in our area!

[@distantsignal]

Hey. I'll take a Florida Gator if he's as good as John. He put me down on great spots and I don't think we ever waited more than 5 minutes for a train.

[@fastcsx1412]

Great catches and is it much different down here then up north. Plus you went to like have of my favorite places. Also I’m mow sad that it’s now a quiet zone. Also about those bright lines, there is sometimes 3.

[@lawrenceplatt9322]

Danny, another fine video! You are right, the colors on the M5 caboose are not correct, but the road number is. Glad to see the caboose preserved. Thanks again for the fine video, please keep them coming.

[@leifhighland2281]

Very cool

[@aquaspire7671]

I always love FEC

[@MojoFromMempho]

Another fine rail production!! Keep up the good work!!!

[@CocosPlayound]

Love every single video you have! Already waiting on the next one!

[@rayopeongo]

Nice paint scheme on the FEC locomotives!

[@tedpennebaker9542]

Thank you Danny, always excellent content.

[@TheRailroadCrossingChannel]

Amazing video! Your videos are awesome and really informational!

[@jerrysinclair3771]

Danny, great video about the FEC in S. Florida. Like you, I enjoy (draw)bridges! So, I liked the info (Richard or John) about the 'time' a bridge is down being a headache to the millionaires on the waterways.

[@CSX500]

Another great video Danny! Neat to see all the cool places on the FEC

[@clevelandrailfan9776]

Good to seeing

[@tact86]

Another great video. The Ft. Lauderdale bridge drone shot are awesome!

[@gogetthegoose1]

Another great video yet again. Thanks. I love it !

[@CornishCarper]

Wow a British business running trains in the US! I am from the UK

[@distantsignal]

Yeah, not anymore. Sir Richard apparently couldn't work out the deal with Brightline.

[@CornishCarper]

@@distantsignal Oh wow what a shame, it would be unreal to see virgin livery running through the USA. I love everything USA its so much bigger and meatier then what we have in the UK. P.S Love your channel, never really knew much about the American Railway system but thanks to you I am learning, but most importantly wanting to learn. :)

[@SMichaelDeHart]

@@CornishCarper Brightline announced in a monthly report that it has ended its affiliation with the Virgin Group and will halt its rebranding to Virgin Trains USA. "Virgin no longer has any affiliation with us, our parents or its affiliate," Brightline said in the report released Friday that does not go into details about what led to the split. The report says Virgin may have objections to the plan.

[@jirky015]

Yamato Rd! That was my old spot back in the 90s when I lived there. I hate South Florida, but the railfanning is pretty good.

[@jamesdarnowski5277]

Haha, you hate South Florida too! I mostly hate the new QUIET ZONES that are being implemented all through out South Florida. But yeah I to have been spotting up that way, when the trains were still allowed to blow the horns. Ahh memories.

[@dougcantrell6156]

Great video. Very professionally done. Enjoyed it...

[@jimbo9357]

FEC through St. Augustine very busy.

[@floridianrailauto9032]

You live in St Augustine too?

[@Railfan62]

Awesome love this channel.

[@pbltrain]

Another great video Danny. Thanks!

[@johncaselli9593]

Very nice video, I have been to the Ft. Lauderdale draw bridge in the past, pretty cool.