Tampa Area Railfan Hotspots 2023

This is a small compilation of my GO-TO railfan spots in the Tampa area. Places where I know I'll catch something, if I go at the right time.
Scanner Frequencies you’ll need:
160.590 This is the business channel in the area. Road channel for all of Tampa, Plant City, Lakeland.
161.100 - Road Channel for AZA Line, Brooksville, Clearwater Subs.
160.230 The JF Dispatch Channel. Listen closely here. This will tell you what trains are moving and where. For the Tampa area, Plant City and Lakeland south of Lakeland Junction
160.920 - Dispatch Channel for A Line from Lakeland to Kissimmee and S-Line route from Lakeland Junction to Baldwin Yard.
161.520 - Auburndale Sub Dispatch from Auburndale to West Palm.

[@ricksosbee3913]

Great video. Really enjoyable. I work on collins st in plant city. Train activity all day. I enjoy taking a break when they come through. Something really relaxing about train watching. Thanks for the video.

[@NorthCountryTrains]

Video railfan guides are something the community desperately needs, and this is a shining example. Maybe I’ll start doing these for the northeast, depending on how well received this is.

[@jameschristiansson3137]

If you start, I'm now subbed.

[@NorthCountryTrains]

@@jameschristiansson3137 I do provide narrated insight in my regular railfanning video trips. However localized guides based on a subdivison/city would use collective footage.

[@DH2906PRODUCTIONS]

Agreed

[@alfrancisnh]

Doooooo it please!!!!! That’d be amazing man.

[@rafjr4264]

I’m going to be doing a series of narrated Railfan Hotspots in my home state of New Jersey

[@Yormsane]

16:14 I love that Danny includes reviews of local BBQ joints in his travelogs. Diehard railfans appreciate his dedication!

[@SpencerRichKM4KFG]

Danny, if you’re ever back in Ft Pierce highlighting the new Brightline 110 mph service or FEC, stop by Moonswiners BBQ at the junction of State Road 70 and Okeechobee Rd. They’ve been around for more than 60 years, rebuilt after a massive fire gutted the restaurant couple years ago and has been a staple for fantastic BBQ for us locals for years. We drive an hour South from our home in Brevard all the time for a quick lunch or dinner with friends…it’s just that good

[@gregmaday1331]

My thoughts exactly!!! 😊

[@berkeleygang1834]

Meeting you at the Jacksonville Train Show was a highlight of the event for me. Keep up the good work.

[@distantsignal]

Thank you!

[@jackfisher840]

Hey Danny, I'm starting my 3rd week of CSX Conductor school in Atlanta GA. Last week one of our instructors showed your signals videos. He said he had just discovered you and marveled at how good your videography is!

[@CountrySedan400]

Distant Signal has to get a taste!

[@limbandtreeremoval]

So true...

[@johnfisherjr.5911]

Thanks for making this video. I'm in the Tampa area this week and have been able to visit 4 of these locations. I really appreciate all the info! Plant City is a great place, nice downtown along with the museum and train watching platform.

[@countdooku1971]

Nothing makes your day like a Danny Harmon video. Educational, informative, and entertaining. I always look forward to seeing them pop up in my feed. Thanks for all you do, Danny and keep up the great work 👍

[@lanefu]

Danny your channel is always a treat. Thank you for sharing railfaning with us.

[@rickeyferguson296]

Hi Danny! I am so glad that I recently discovered your Channel. I have been hired as a Conductor for one of our nation's Class 1 railroads and I was searching KZbin for some instructional Conductor videos when your page came up. Besides being enjoyable videos, I find that I learn much watching your quality presentations. I will begin my Conductor's training in another week. I will be 500 miles from home but I know it will be time well spent as I am absolutely determined to pass the exams at the end of my training weeks and become the very best Conductor that I can be. Both my lovely wife and I are quite excited at what lies ahead just 'around the bend'. Thank you so much for all you have taught me. And your positive, upbeat spirit is both uplifting and encouraging. My very best to you always sir. God bless! Rickey

[@johndanaher6371]

Good luck with your training and future career.

[@cbmonje]

The railfan "Timesaver" game was developed in the 1970's, and is now a game ap. Deliberately difficult switching challenges are presented. Delivering three cars in a small yard with the minimum number of moves is the objective. Switching assignments get trickier, almost seeming impossible.

[@kevinheard8364]

Rickey: As others would easily offer, "Good Luck to you"; but this channel really is "the premier" railfan channel.... no hesitancy at all in that assessment.

[@SRQmoviemaker]

Best of luck out there on the high irons!

[@rapturebound197]

God bless ya Rickey! Enjoy your days railroading. 🚂 🚃 🚃 🚃

[@BigSmokeRailfanning]

Really nice of channel 13 to air its voice. Been watching since 2018

[@kens.3729]

Florida’s # 1 Railfan has posted a New Video. Always Enjoy your videos, Danny. Thanks! 👍🙏

[@tristanstrains]

Thanks for all the informative videos.

[@Milcom34]

Nice Video DS. Thanks. Really Enjoy Your Railfanning Videos and Scanner Tips**** Take Care*****

[@dmorgan28]

Danny that was another awesome video. You always do a superb job. Thanks 👍❤️

[@shawnwhipple8503]

Great video Danny. It's always a good day when a Distant Signal pops up. Thanks for the work you put into these.

[@stephencox9975]

I really enjoy your videos thank you for sharing

[@ratfink55]

Thanks for the quickie go to spots Danny. Some I remember and others I look forward to seeing. Thanks to Travis, my radio is hooked up and ready to go to. Big surprise there. ;)

[@RandyCRR]

Another good helpful video. Thanks Danny

[@MrBillCNW]

Thank you Danny for taking the time to display another great video. take care sir. 🤓

[@kenthaag1268]

Your videos are not just packed full of great information but are pure pleasure to watch.

[@marczallis2759]

The segment that 13 aired about you Danny was so special that it drives people to was these great stories you share on KZbin! Thanks for sharing!!

[@distantsignal]

Yeah, that was nice. Thanks Mark! Hope you and the family are well.

[@jayrongstad7425]

Is it posted online somewhere for the benefit of those of us outside of Florida?

[@baylinkdashyt]

13 did a piece? By all means, get us a link to that!

[@johnoneill5661]

Another great video 👍 thank you from the UK.

[@howardn]

Always glad to see your posts.

[@Apexcamperman]

Another great video! I always look forward to seeing your videos! I also love the reviews of where you eat at! Thank you so much.

[@guildpilotone]

Another fascinating video, thanks!

[@secretagent5954]

very much enjoy watching your videos on saturday mornings. kind of reminds me of listening to car talk with my dad on the way home from saturday morning swim practice

[@jlfcopter]

Thanks for the great content Danny! Railfan in Marion Iowa, UP mainline very early on the weekends 😁

[@HobbesBaxter]

Thanks, Danny!

[@johnrockstone]

Thank you Danny!🙂🙂

[@beulahpowell1478]

This was an awesome video. Thanks 👍

[@williejones9335]

Welcome back. Really missed your video. Don't stay away to long.

[@MikeG42]

Another excellent video 👍

[@MrKnowles77]

Hey Mr. Danny.. I’ve gotta admit that you’ve made me a CSX fan now. I grew up in Central Mississippi on what is now called the Meridian Speedway. Lots of intermodal trains. Former ICG.

[@jimsmith7636]

Another great show. Thanks for your work. Some of us that can't get out to Railfan watch your shows over and over...and over and over

[@LearnwithJanice]

Enjoy your content Hello from Kansas🇺🇸

[@AlexW5354]

Terrific video as always. I would love to hear from you on the train derailment in Ohio and get some of your thoughts on the situation. Would be nice to hear someone who knows what they're talking about instead of everyone else who became a freight rail expert overnight.

[@ShawnTheDriver]

Truck driver here, I’m in Tampa for a week after just having delivered in Plant City, decided to take a break for myself. First thing I thought about was this video and now I’m definitely going to see if I can spot some trains in some of these spots!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Shawn. Good luck!

[@tomster70]

Danny, you've got a great narrative voice and your content is always a joy to watch! Thanks!

[@bobparsons77]

Great evening with Danny.

[@Lucdoiron]

I was just at plant city 2 days ago! One of my favourite spots in Florida. Seen P001. Great video!

[@georgecox2924]

Most entertaining, educational and enjoyable! As always!

[@SebisRandomTech]

It’s 2 AM and I should be heading to bed, but I can’t pass up a new Danny Harmon video! 😁

[@talk2azs]

Tank you Danny for your knowledge off RR fanning in the centra/west Centralr railroading knowledge.

[@leeboulineau7959]

Danny nails it again - I live in Tampa and agree with his list of hot spots!

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks Lee!

[@slamhart1]

This is the best railfan channel on KZbin... Another quality video, thanks Danny!

[@kend3900]

Brilliant video

[@dlae73]

As always, very informative. Thank you for sharing.

[@kennethtiller7916]

Another excellent video Danny

[@rssii]

Mr Harmon You have a terrific channel, and it’s easily one of the consistently best railfanning channels on KZbin. I am really glad I found you just over a year ago when I was getting ready to move to Orlando from the Seattle area after retiring from Federal service. I spent quite a few years in the Pacific Northwest and had a lot of favorite railfanning spots scoped out all over that region, but I know next to nothing about railroading in the Southeast and especially Florida so I was despairing that I’d need to spend several years of random wandering just to find the best places to catch trains. This video and your channel overall have been a tremendous boon to my gaining a quick understanding of the hot spots around these parts and I’m very appreciative! It’s a bonus that you’re a fellow BBQ fan and your reviews of local eateries are great. I can’t wait to put all the new knowledge I’m gaining from your channel to the test as I range out from my home in Orlando to find trains to watch and photograph and great BBQ to partake of. If I happen to see you out and about I’ll be sure to say high and thank you in person. Keep up the great work! Cheers, Rob Shaw.

[@ollieahokas9179]

Always a treat to see a new video of yours as they sure sets the bar very high on everything here on KZbin. First class, as always in ALL aspects! Keep them coming! Cheers from Sweden!

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks, Ollie! Always good to hear from you.

[@ezdesizn]

Excellent videos...keep it up

[@emaglott]

Love this video, thanks Danny.

[@ThisWorks4Me]

Danny, another great video. Those juice cars run by our home on the A-line between Savannah and Charleston.

[@garykuipers2696]

Glad to see you back in the swing of things. Those are some tight curves. From our SMART Union; PSR stands for people & safety rejected. Even though retired I maintain retired union membership, formerly UTU 60, railroad conductors and trainmen.

[@roxannemanzone9351]

Another great video, enjoyed it!

[@jackdennis4908]

17:45 Danny I really enjoy Distant Signal. I have lived in Clearwater since 1985. I grew up in Huntington WV and my nephew works in the CSX shops there. Huntington was a great railroad town for many years.

[@snakerancher]

Great video Danny! Been missing your videos.

[@peterredfern1174]

Great video Danny,great to see another of your fantastic tours of railroad working,take care and safe travels from ballarat in Oz,👋👋🙏🙏👍🇦🇺

[@contigodole810]

I used to live on the A line in Orlando back when we had Q170 and 177 and when Taft yard had decent traffic. Your videos helped me learn about the S line and the tampa area once SunRail screwed up all A line traffic. Now I live in Memphis and occasionally we have those new siemens Amtrak locomotives on the city of New Orleans. I live in between the CN and CSX lines there so I can bounce between the two and see a lot of stuff I’d never see in Orlando or bushnell

[@CentralPennRailProductions]

I was just thinking today about how you haven't uploaded in awhile and then BAM a new video! Nice rundown on some neat areas, eventually I'll make it to Florida for trains but probably not this year, though your coverage has done much of the state justice. Also congrats, someone shared with me a segment from FOX 13 that covered your career highlights. It was neat to hear about your accomplishments outside of the train community.

[@camerakid76]

Danny has been a great staple to the Tampa area, his stories were what I remember about local news when it was worth watching. Glad he's still able to dabble and provide such great info to fellow railfans.

[@IanRMcAllister]

Thanks Danny - Great Video! When I'm next in Florida, probably about this time next year, this is a great rail fan guide - Thank You - Good Luck!

[@glennjohnston2267]

Great video!

[@CSXOhioRailFanPlus752]

Nice Video

[@dale5898]

Good to see ya ! Thank you for your hard work. I hope all is well with you and yours.

[@WabashWesternRails1]

I’m the 200th comment! Awesome video, commentary is spot on as per usual!

[@columbusrailfanner2179]

The same as usual. An awesome video by Danny. keep it up!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks! Will do!

[@LostDepot]

Excellent video as always.

[@WVRailroadPapa]

Another great video Danny!

[@kamala2111]

Amazing as always Danny

[@alexmanne]

Danny, we need to get a “Duuuval” shoutout when you mention Jax.

[@-KingOfKhaos]

Your channel provides so much valuable info for rail fans! Thank you!

[@markmcconaughy6605]

Danny I just recently found your channel and I’ll tell your brother is one of the most professionally produced productions I’ve ever seen in it to unlike a lot of other train videos. It never seems to get boring you don’t dwell on just endlessly letting out of 200 car free train. You show me the whole thing I don’t need to see the whole thingand your information is always seems to be very accurate. I really appreciate your efforts her brother best to you Mark McConaughy.

[@MervynPartin]

That was a really enjoyable video. I've saved it for future reference as I shall be in the Tampa area later this year, so if I get the time, I may be able to video some trains whilst there.

[@DOTD7382]

You should make a restaurant series of your favorite places to dine on the road! You advertising some great restaurants to us hungry railfans will seriously boost Local Businesses around here.

[@MrCTCuban26]

Danny, your videos are on the Executive level. Always look forward to the next one. Be well.

[@trainwild]

Very nice video! I enjoyed watching, thanks! 😀

[@djwaz855]

Nice video Mr. Harmon being a newly retired florida transplant I really appreciated this video. I hope you will put together a couple more of these kinds of videos for other florida railfan locations. Keep up the good work.

[@csxtq110]

Thanks for another video Danny! Been too long!

[@dougackerman4182]

Enjoyed the video Danny

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Doug.

[@tommy4trains]

Another Great Video!

[@Homerjunior98]

Awesome videos

[@craig4831]

Danny always does an amazing job, thanks for fun videos without drama

[@evanperdue7222]

Thx

[@glencrandall7051]

I'm not a railfan but I do enjoy your videos. Thank you for sharing. Have a great day and stay safe.🙂🙂

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for this video of train watching locations in the Tampa, Florida area, Danny! I enjoyed watching this video.

[@markthiel2953]

Thanks, Danny. Great info. I asked for and received a scanner for Christmas; however, I am still trying to figure it out. I received the one you recommended on one of your videos. I just haven't had the uninterrupted time to master the scanner. Take care.

[@pjotrtje0NL]

This is excellent, if only my other hobby’s participants (airplane spotters) were as open about their spots as you are here! Thanks!

[@michaelburroughs7494]

You do know some good Bar-b-que places. It's nice to know where the good food is when out watching trains.

[@davidmorris7696]

CSX Huntington WV Shop ....my neck of the woods!!!!

[@mikenevermon9041]

Great to see your video, Danny. I always look forward to watching them. They're always good.

[@crapman1290]

2:53 love the little stobe the hobo sticker in the bottom left of the sign. R.I.P

[@distantsignal]

I noticed that, too. People really loved that guy.

[@brianmurphy636]

Excellent video. Great information. Thank you.

[@markcrowell2727]

Great video, Danny. I live in SW Orlando and would like to try a few spots you mention - thanks!

[@patframpton6193]

Great video. I’m from the UK this has given me more insight into how the logistics of the rail freight works.

[@wayneyadams]

2:00 That is a great view of the tracks. I like the water underneath and the converging tracks in the distance. Wonderful video work. In fact, I did a short video capture of the flyover along the tracks. 13:00 Virtual Railfan has a remote camera here on a 24-hour loop so you can scroll through the dead time until you spot a train coming through. Of course, it doesn't have the great narration from Danny. 15:40 The last time I rode the Silver Star from Miami to Sebring, we broke down just south of Okeechobee. I decided to get some food while we were waiting. I had just gotten my food and glanced out the window as I turned around and we were moving. The engineer pulled away so smoothly that it was impossible to feel any movement. I would have sworn we were still stationary. Thanks for a very informative and enjoyable video. The inclusion of the radio scanner frequencies is a nice and considerate touch.

[@FloridaBoatTrash]

Great video DH! Can’t wait to check out these spots in Tampa!

[@chrisperry1151]

Always fantastic content. Personally, I love that you show the grub you grab while railfanning. You seem to find some good spots for tasty food!

[@WaycrossTrainsSpotter]

I watch your videos over the years and months and watch one this morning and watch again and do videos around waycross ga and got warning from CSX police in waycross end of January

[@mitchellmeiring1444]

Thanks Danny for more great content. Happy railfanning🎉

[@MailmanRailfan]

Love the content