All-Day Railfanning: January In Florida

It was a full Saturday of train chasing. Started out crummy and got really good as the day wore on.

[@stephenclark6499]

Mr. Harmon...I live up here in frosty Columbus, Ohio and presently a returning railfan to the hobby after a lengthy absence. I was active until the national disaster of 9/11 created such an air of paranoia that it became difficult to revisit my favorite spots without a possible visit from law enforcement or at least a troubled expression and bark from rail employees. Anyway, I am just returning to the hobby, updating magazine subscriptions, preparing to buy my new rail radio, and trying to relearn Central Ohio railroading. I discovered your series of videos and I just have to say that I immensely enjoy your efforts. The filming is exquisite, especially the drone photography, but what really shines is the education about railroading that I receive with every video. Your knowledge and understanding of railroading is just a treat! I want to know what these trains are carrying, who they serve, how rail companies number trains, how they switch cars, the technology of the business, the language of their radio chatter, and so on. Please understand that you have gathered an audience that truly appreciates your work! BTW.....does your wife join you on these excursions? And lastly, are you a model railroader as well?

[@distantsignal]

Thanks very much, Stephen. Please don't be afraid to go railfanning around railroad tracks. Just be sure to stay on public property and you should be fine. I'm gratified that these videos have helped you in the hobby. No. Not a modeler. I only have time for one hobby. Ha!

[@Daquanboi]

I’ve been watching for years and to have nearly a 20 minute video is like watching a 2 hour movie from you. How you describe everything that’s going on with the trains and the environment is amazing. And your cinematic are top tier. I’m glad I came across your channel years back.

[@distantsignal]

Thank you!!!!

[@Eduardomd54]

Exactly how I feel of this Videos

[@kennethsmalley151]

KOOL

[@muziekjes874]

Exactly!!

[@TrainsfanAlex6060]

Just what I needed after spending 30 minutes defrosting and chipping away at the ice on my car.

[@distantsignal]

Haha! Sorry about that. I've never even SEEN an ice scraper.

[@kman-mi7su]

@@distantsignal Haha! So you're saying that unlike me, back in October you didn't service your snowblower for the season?

[@RDC_Autosports]

Alex McDougall why i moved down here in 2012...had enough of that

[@clffliese26]

@@distantsignal You're mean, Danny. Here, in North Western Montana, there's, about, 6 to 8 inches of snow on the ground. And, I have to go the grocery store.

[@southernontariofoamersunio3615]

Strange way to complain/comment. I live in northern Canada and that ain’t nothing new

[@anthonycedar7]

18:33 of Danny Harmon? Great day!

[@ntekniklaus3710]

it was certainly fun railfanning with you at the platform danny, thanks for coming by ~Nik

[@distantsignal]

Great seeing you, too, Nik! thanks!

[@ntekniklaus3710]

gonna go ahead and upload O709 from my end, haven't gotten to editing it. lol

[@bobparsons77]

@@ntekniklaus3710 Imagine being there and DS shows up!!

[@ntekniklaus3710]

@@bobparsons77 yep. was tired and bored at the platform waiting for 709, then I saw him

[@Galaxy2517]

@@ntekniklaus3710 the awesome part is, it made his day to see you too!

[@eddytaylor3697]

I knew that was not just a normal voice. Had to be commercial. I was right. Chrome Paint Perfected. April 23rd 2013. Took me awhile to find that. From up in north west Georgia thank's for the video's.

[@BarredCoast0]

All of us subscribers would like to meet you Danny! You have the coolest channel on youtube so you are a celebrity amongst us!

[@distantsignal]

Wow! That's a nice compliment, Leo. Maybe we can get together out there one day.

[@BarredCoast0]

@@distantsignal Get your caboose up here to Nashville! :-)

[@billmoran3812]

Hi Danny! Having dispatcher controlled switches would make switching of industrial customers SO much easier on the conductor. In some cases when I worked for a Shortline, having engines on both ends made it easier as well, so you didn’t have to run around the train, or make long shoving moves. Since most of us road crews were qualified as engineers and conductors, we could switch roles when it was convenient. Drop off one man, make the cut and shove the cars in. A LOT less walking and faster. Here in Louiville there is at least one slug set working Osborn yard. I’ve seen it switching auto racks at the Ford auto assembly plant next to the yard. They also use a remote operated switcher in the yard to make up trains. If you ever get up this way, Osborn yard would be some great filming. You could get CSX, NS, RJ Corman, occasional UP and some Shortline power all moving into and out of the yard.

[@gregbowen617]

Best thing in the world after food and water... trains!!!!!! Another great video from the great Danny Harmon

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Greg!

[@jovetj]

I can think of a few things that are better than food and water and trains... but the trains certainly last longer!

[@IMRROcom]

The beeping in the background is killing me. In the kitchen making waffles, coffee, eggs, toast and bacon. I keep hearing beep beep then I’m trying to figure out what device wants my attention... O’ it is the TV our home Diner playing your KZbin video. :)

[@mckendrick4046]

Another top video, Danny. Thank you, man. O.K... which sad a.h. gave this a 'thumbs down'???

[@mikemitchell948]

Perfect Sunday morning videos......don't sweat the rain...here overnight we have had 2" of freezing rain and 6" of snow on top.....I'll trade places with you anytime......love your video's...Ottawa,Ontario,Canada

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Mike!

[@jameswolf195]

Another one of your typically great videos. Lots of train action, wonderful scenery and many educational tidbits make your videos fun to watch. Thank you!

[@scottmccullough6136]

Amazing job once again Danny. Headed down your way this week for the RV Show down in Tampa. Sharing my coffee on a Sunday Morning with Danny after a long 24 hour shift at the Fire Station is a great way to start any day. Keep up the great work Danny.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Scott!! Yeah, I may be at the RV show next weekend, but don't yet know when.

[@benchedthatpiece]

Well done as always Danny, I enjoyed every second of it!

[@TheDaf95xf]

Hi Danny. Always very interesting watching your videos as I’m in the UK 🇬🇧 so I get a better understanding of what’s going on 😃 Not like other channels that just show trains 👍🏻 Well done Stevie 😎🇬🇧

[@distantsignal]

Thank you, Stevie!

[@Mercatoyd]

As always..great POV video along with excellent narration. Your passion for railroading comes through on every video. Simply the Best. Thank you.

[@distantsignal]

Thank you! Your comment is much appreciated.

[@troy4388]

Awesome vid as always. Love seeing the engineer wave at rail fans. Very classy

[@walterfink7869]

Danny, you made a valid point, at the beginning of the video. It seems all NEW locomotives, are 6 axle units. No NEW 4 axle units are being manufactured. Yes, old 4 and 6 axle units are still around, with some being modified and or upgraded. Maybe the price of a NEW 4 or 6 axle unit with less HP is close to what a higher HP unit costs. Or having all high HP units, means any unit can be used for any type of work. What about those tracks , in some areas, that a 4 axle unit is needed, due to the fact that 6 axle units, can't be used? I guess that's why the older 4 axle units being used now, are so much in demand. Looking at multiple 6 axle units, being used for switching and short ribs, seems a waste of fuel. I don't have the answer, unless I just said it above! Thanks for your videos. I'm always glad, to see your videos!

[@tedjackson5272]

I can't wait to retire and move to Florida. Only 12 more years.

[@distantsignal]

Ha!! Come on down!!

[@atokaddod98]

I left Fort Lauderdale in 2001 and now collecting Florida retirement and 100 percent VA disability living in Oregon. I have to move back but not so far south.

[@bruceraykiewicz6274]

Thank you so much for mentioning that there are hills in Florida. I'm a 50 year 1 1/2 inch scale live steamer, from Ft. Myers. I do get my 'chops busted' a little by live steamers from other areas, saying that all of our 1 1/2 inch scale tracks are 'flat' in Florida. Which they are not ! So, thanks again for the statement about and the video of, the 'hill' in the video.

[@darrenhillman8396]

Hi Danny, another fascinating and thoroughly enjoyable video, in your own inimitable style - keep on doing what you are doing! As a retired (as of December 2018) railway signalling and telecoms tech support engineer (and railway enthusiast - sshh! 🤫) I find your filming, editing, production and narration absolutely top class. You should have your own TV channel! But I guess we can just keep watching you (and those excellent drone shots) on KZbin for a good while yet! Keep up the great work! Best wishes from the UK!

[@richardhutchings921]

Seeing the holding yard for the fruit, brings back good memories. I worked the groves in and around the Lake Placid, Fl area for almost 20 years. Retired now and living in the Pan Handle.

[@clevelandmaker386]

thanks for the videos.... it is great to see non WCs still working ...and some Geeps too! and as for those slugs!....I miss the old style... and it would be nice if CSX repainted one those Geeps in the old Seaboard Air lines paintjob as a tribute!

[@dmorgan28]

Danny I always enjoy watching your videos. They are packed full of action and and so well narrated. Thanks 👍👍👍❤️

[@rsandrews8115]

I remember Plant City BEFORE it was all modernized with the moving of buildings, rearranging of tracks and the diamond and viewing platforms. It was just a good 'ol station and switch tower and you could explore the buildings and areas with no one to bother you. This is more of a Disney World Choo Choo station. I rode from Tampa to Lakeland almost every weekend when meeting a friend in Lakeland and we would go artifact collecting. You could find EVERYTHING!!! Switch stands, semaphores, dwarf signals and signs. All of which had been tossed in he ditches or high grass along the tracks and just there for the taking as it was just junk/scrap. After about 2 years of collecting, he had enough railroad "scrap" to assemble a museum, a well stocked museum. But, those days are over and gone.

[@paulweston2267]

I love your channel. You got it down. Unlike some feeds, you don't make me watch every single car in a 13,000' stacktrain. I grew up with the Rock Island, my grandfather was an REA agent. We had to meet the train EVERY afternoon, 365. Kinda got in my blood. The Rock is gone now and mostly bike trail. Where I live, it is an all UP show. Yellow as far as the eye can see.

[@EvilDarkCow]

I haven't been railfanning proper in about 2 years. Just haven't had the time and motivation. But I tell you what Danny, your videos make me want to set up a lawn chair next to a set of tracks and sit there for a week.

[@r.s.andrews5032]

Amtrak 91 passing through the closed Lakeland station sure had memories for me. I used to ride from Tampa, to Lakeland to go "Rail Junking" with a friend. We found numerous discarded artifacts, especially around the abandoned stations, and took them home. Dwarf Stands, switch stands, and other memorabilia from the days when operations were ongoing. Now it is a lot of what it was, "junk" in the way, collecting dust and rust. Just so much scrap iron. I did the same thing in St. Petersburg long before the Home Depot was build on 22nd Ave. N. This was the location for the CSX maintenance yard. Everything got serviced there. Wheel sets, bogies, just about everything to do with rolling stock. Now, also so much "Junk."

[@bretnielsen5502]

I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy watching... A friend of mine is helping restore a steam-engine. He is sending me pictures from inside the firebox he is working on. I am now subscribed.

[@williamjanes9245]

I don't remember ever seeing a power unit with a single digit number. Great work Distant Signal.

[@GeorgeJansen]

1:28. Those plants smell incredible. Picked a 53 foot trailer load of oranges one year. 🇺🇸🇺🇸😊😊❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@suburbanrailfanner545]

When I hear the word “Railfanning” Danny Harmon comes to mind. Keep up the good videos Danny sir!

[@jimkammerer8028]

DANNY I WOULD LIKE TO SEE YOU SOON ON THE HIGH IRON I APPRECIATE YOU AND YOUR INFORMATION AND THOUGHTS YOU SHARE THE BEST HOBBY IN THE WORLD I ENJOY YOUR TIME AND YOUR COMMENTS ON YOUR RAILROADING EXPERIENCE YOUR VIDEOS ARE TOP OF THE LINE. I ENJOY YOUR EFFORTS THANK YOU AGAIN JIM KAMMERER OF PHILADELPHIA PA BE SAFE AND CAREFUL DOWN IN FLORIDA KEEP ON DOING YOUR GREAT CATCHES. WE WHO ARE YOUR SUBSCRIBERS LOOK FORWARD TO SEEING YOUR VIDEOS. THANK YOU AGAIN. 👍👍👍👍🙂👌

[@HyperActive7]

You're the reason South Florida railfanning exists. You make a not so busy area train wise into an interesting place definitely on anyone's list of railfanning.

[@CocosPlayound]

Man I love these videos. Love how detailed they are can’t find this anywhere else. Would be truly something to go on a rail fan trip with ya keep it up!

[@michelj.gaudet5048]

When it comes to a provider giving us the up-beat, so-to-speak, regarding what's going on train-wise... YOU ARE THE BEST. You take the time to talk to us, you explain rail terms for us, and by-gosh you are SO knowledgeable in the subjects you represent. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! THANK YOU! ✨🤗✨

[@jovetj]

Best railfan videographer on the internet, hands down!

[@distantsignal]

That's a nice comment, Michel. Thanks very much!

[@PatrickLaneMJD]

"No such thing as a bad day only bad clothes! as we say! Great selection of trains you got there!

[@TheRealJRC]

Danny, you always make awesome videos. I've been watching for years. You've even got the perfect voice for narrating the content you produce which is quite rare. As a railroader, I miss the things out in the field I used to do. Dispatching trains is like playing chess, but sometimes I just wish I had a camera at the desk along the territory so I could watch my work. Technology is putting a damper on just how involved you can get anymore, but nonetheless I still enjoy it. Not many people can say they get paid to do what they love.

[@distantsignal]

Thank you!! Yeah, I have to admit I do love this stuff. I would love to do a story with a dispatcher and have a second camera crew at the tracks to show both sides of what goes on. I guess I'll have to wait for that, though. I'm far more into the operational side of railroading that chasing locomotives and foreign engines. That's why I always try to include dispatcher conversations in my videos. Oh well, thanks again for your kinds comments.

[@distantsignal]

Wow! I love Huntsville and north Alabama. I want to plan a trip there but I've got a few other places on the list first.

[@TheRealJRC]

@@distantsignal I wish I could make that happen as it would give a completely different perspective for railfans and interested parties alike. Making something like that happen would be a considerable challenge amid current corporate circumstances and this new coronavirus scare. Not to say luck couldn't be on our side at some point in the future, though.

[@johnrudy9404]

The rain and weather actually added character and charm Dan. Be careful driving. I'm sure we will not mind if you dont look at the camera while behind the wheel.

[@1virginiaslimpm1]

Danny, you are THE Man when it comes to these railfanning videos! They are always informative, well-done, and are great fun to watch, besides! Please keep them coming, as my in-laws once lived in Plant City (now, sadly, both are deceased), but it is both fun and quite nostalgic for my wife and me to see familiar locations in/around the Plant City station and the crossover diamond, there! THANK YOU!

[@44Amos]

Hey Danny, a railfan from Wisconsin here. I was at a bar having a beer the other day and ran into a couple of workers from the Wisconsin & Southern Railroad. Ended up striking a conversation with them and in no time we were talking about your KZbin channel. Small world keep up the good work

[@distantsignal]

Wow!! That's so cool to hear. Thanks Amos!

[@Track10Trains]

Nice video Danny! I always love your videos!

[@michaelbrennecke7929]

Another great video, Danny! Thank you for your passion, informative information, and brilliant work. Hope to catch you out there someday!

[@ericbastiaanse5732]

I tell you what, i still got a lot of binge watching your videos to do. As always fantastic video.

[@franksita4719]

I have to agree. Have not found anybody else that explains things as well as you, Danny! I am originally from New Orleans and grew up with the Southern Railway and L&N, along with the Illinois Central and Southern Pacific. However learning about the Dark Territory along the CSX from Tallahassee to Jacksonville and all the main rail yards and junctions are fascinating!

[@CFRF13]

Great video as always Danny. Minor note: O738 serves customers on the A-line from Auburndale to Davenport while O707 serves the customers on the Auburndale Subdivision.

[@distantsignal]

Where is O-707 based out of?

[@CFRF13]

Distant Signal On the Auburndale Sub north of the Diamond (old Coleman Line), at the siding near West Bridgers Avenue.

[@CFRF13]

Distant Signal Someone (I suspect O712) is interchanging traffic for him in Can Yard.

[@mark12.31]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos, Danny. Your wit is welcome, too - "by the twilight's last gleaming...". Great video!

[@joek6381]

Hey Danny, I love your style and the narration for your videos. You do it in a way that I look forward to and search for your videos. I Love watching trains no matter how large or small. My extent of sighting trains was the phosphate and general traffic from Hardee County. I now reside in Sebring and get to view the Southbound Amtrakin the morning, and the Northbound in the evening. I get to watch these regulars from the renovated Sebring Depot. Thank you again for your production of videos. I have learned a lot from you and your descriptions.

[@CFRF13]

Also the place that O738 dropped the centerbeam off at is called Cedar Creek, they’re behind Lowe’s just west (RR South) of the crossing at Recker Highway.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks. He kept referring to Cedar Creek on the radio, but I didn't know where that was.

[@mikephfl]

Another fantastic video. I miss railfanning around Tampa and the area. All I have out here is the boring Transcon. Don't see much switching or other interesting moves.

[@gatortrainchaser2080]

Yet another EXCELLENT video by one of the most influential railfans in Florida! It is GREAT so see fellow railfans and KZbinrs!! Thanks for sharing Mr. Harmon!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Gator man!

[@ironhorsethrottlemaster5202]

Hi Danny long time no see that Orange Juice plant that was cool I never see anything like that can you please do a tangent video for me on the orange juice industry where it's grown in groves pitch ship to processing then two rail cars 4 distribution that would be so awesome to see the beginning point of that industry trains 21 did an episode on the juice train and reefer cars a while ago that would be an awesome complimentary video cuz he's at the end of it showing how it got to where it's being distributed he was a trucker and delivered perishable Goods like that just a suggestion it's awesome to see you making more train videos I miss your locomotive documentaries my friend good to hear your voice get to see that you're doing good peace out into the world have a great day Danny

[@YardLimit]

Nice video, Danny. It's always cool to meet subscribers or hear crew yell and smile, "Yard Limit!" as they pass by.

[@echucker]

Nice Video! I got 2 Train meets on January 2nd in Batavia, NY And I also got K635 westbound tanker and it had KCS! Love it when you upload and have good narration! You are awesome with good train content. First Video of 2020 for you :). Wish you safe and good luck railfanning!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks!! I hope to railfan New York State sometime soon.

[@echucker]

Distant Signal that would be fun watching trains with you in Western New York. I also know many good locations! I also know the frequencies on the area of New York I know.

[@Stackedwithcash]

I was in Florida about 6 months ago and saw those six axle units doing light switching work. I was surprised to see that. Not exactly what they were built for, but still did the job. And as always, nice work!

[@tomschmidt3165]

A great way to start a Sunday morning seeing a new post from Danny. By pausing the video I picked up that the 8903 and 8909 were ST70AH's. That a new designation/loco to my knowledge.Thanks for all of your efforts Danny.

[@mikepratt3050]

Hi Danny. I have recently caught onto Distant Signal video and want to say how much I am enjoying them. I live in the UK and our rail scene is very different, we go out to observe high speed passenger services with occasional freights running inbetween. Very occasionaly a steam special will be observed by followers along it's route. Keep up your railfreigt video's adding as much technical content as possible. Well done.

[@kennyalexander9218]

Awesome video thanks for sharing. I was a lucky man growing up and living 10 ft from a CSX railroad running through NC. Bostic yard was 2 miles from my house. Didn't take it for granted my parents still live there

[@ChadDanforth1426]

I live in Orlando Florida and love rail fanning, me and my dad watch your videos everyday, maybe I’ll see around rail fanning someday.

[@brandysigmon9066]

The train knowledge this guy has is unmatched.I don't know what the hell he is talking about sometimes but I still watch every minute

[@timl1481]

Another excellent video Danny. Your channel fans extend to the UK (at least in my case😄)

[@jrcopbug]

Interesting about the slug sets. I like to sit at the old Murfreesboro, TN Depot, which is now a maintenance and crew change facility about 25 miles from Nashville. There are plenty of slug sets there, probably because about five miles away is the uploading terminal for Nissan at Smyrna, TN.

[@M4ShermanandCompany]

I'm a new Rail fan, and i'm hoping to go here soon, seeing as I live in Murfreesboro

[@Galaxy2517]

As always.. Love your videos! ❤

[@penguinmaster7]

If 13:32 intrigued you and you'd like to know more about signals, Danny goes into great detail in a series of videos on how to read csx signals. Very interesting and educational videos to watch.

[@Panzermeister36]

Great to see another video from you. I wish we had better railfanning where I live, but we only have one 3-4 tank car local every wednesday... I'll just have to watch more of your stuff to make up for it!

[@jovetj]

I live in the heart of the headquarters of the largest railroad in North America, and it's almost more fun to watch Mr. Harmon's videos than to trundle about seeing trains in the flesh around here. Not that I get to often.

[@popsi50]

Was fun to watch, Danny.. They can't all be great days, but, always good days. I hear a distant horn. Early Evening, Lexington, NC. NS Main, only about two miles to my South. Yup! Warm enough to have my window open, so I can at least hear some trains.

[@buzzydeft]

Love it. Keep em coming Danny!

[@capitalcitybricks]

Yet again, another great video!

[@tarf1a]

Thanks again for yet another great rail video!

[@clarence43232]

AS ALWAYS, love seeing the new ones you post.

[@WestVirginiaRailfan]

Yay! Another video!! Thanks, Danny!

[@SteveTJ001]

Great job man on another great video, I enjoy them all!

[@sterlingmyers560]

Hey Danny, I've been watching your channel for a while, I moved up to eastern Tennessee in 2005 from Melrose Fl. just east of Orange Heights, and South of Waldo. I'm in the small town of Unicoi, just north of Erwin, where there is a CSX yard. the yard is like a ghost town, since they have cut way back on the coal coming down from Kentucky a couple of years ago, but still on the runs that are left coming through Buffalo Valley, there's nothing like the sound of that old lonesome Whistle each day, and especially on those calm clear nights. P.S. You may or may not have heard, back in 1916, there was an elephant maned Mary, hung from a railroad crane, in Erwin Tennessee after killing a new trainer., in Kingsport Tn.

[@onesandzeros]

Thanks as always for the video Danny. I hope you have a great 2020!

[@buddyhenson2559]

Pretty cool that you get a thrill to see subscribers out in the field, when the pleasure would be all ours if we ran into you out there!

[@MooseyArts]

I really have to say I love your content, I have been watching for over a year now. Much love a huge rail fan from Ottawa, ON, Canada.

[@jeanhorton7335]

A big thank-you right back for another great video. I enjoy them so much.

[@RAAndre]

Great job, Danny. Thanks again.

[@eddie75935]

HAPPY NEW YEAR MR HARMON!! ENJOYED THE VIDEO. AS ALWAYS!!

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

Another splendid video from the best. Keep ‘em coming Danny!

[@johncloar1692]

Thanks Danny another grate video. I do appreciate the detail you give.

[@jofrko14]

Your videos are so interesting and well-put together! Great work as always!

[@csxrensville5105]

Super quality. Should be on TV!

[@Eduardomd54]

I definitively prefer the EMD sound rather than GE ! Again; Great videos, sound, camera handling, Drone imaging, edition, explanation. Enjoying very much.

[@Michael_Livingstone]

Today I bought some Tropicana orange juice after seeing the orange trains all the time on this channel.

[@cn706jc]

Excellent as always!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@CSX500]

Another great video! Always interesting to see what the locals do

[@georgeclausen2408]

Thanks, Danny! I know it's your time and effort, but the longer these videos are the better

[@TwoRibbonRailvideos]

Awesome video as always!

[@EricTheOld]

Another great video with great editing Danny! I learn lots from you and I'm hooked. Thank you again

[@danasoroko]

Your comment about the passenger train coming up a long grade on which freights sometimes stall, reminded me that the Northern Pacific's main line through North Dakota was called 'the mountain line of the prairies'. Not really heavy grades, but long and taxing.

[@johnking7517]

Danny, I always look forward to your videos. Thank you for sharing the south eastern rail scene with us.

[@Charles77598]

Thank you for the video and your narrative!

[@dukeofkool]

Hello from CA, Danny! Great to see a Distant Signal video - makes my day!

[@nathanshanas6046]

Really enjoy these videos, well narrated and lots of excitement

[@timmcarthur9220]

Thanks Danny! Made my day.

[@fitz5549]

Great job like always!!!

[@spotts9668]

Great stuff.. I always learn something when I watch your videos. Keep them coming. Good job!

[@royzug2847]

Always interesting videos. Thanks, Danny.