S Line October Chase 2018

This is one of those episodes that had no more planning than "Here we go. Let's see what we get!" It tuned out to be a pretty productive 9 hours out on the Florida Seaboard Main Line.

[@WVRailroadPapa]

Great video as always Danny. I enjoyed seeing the meet of the two Q trains where the crews swapped trains. I think this is a positive benefit of Precision Scheduled Railroading that allows crews to return to their home terminal without having to lay over.

[@charlesbutler4646]

Excellent video today Danny. Good job keeping up with those fast trains, and nice camera work as well. Always enjoy the commentary and insight too.

[@b.g..johnson7290]

As a recent transplant, thank you very much Danny for giving a guide to where to go too see trains.

[@WierdSpookyDude]

For a guy who has to 'wing it' without a tripod, you do some great camera work. I love the action when you swing your camera around to catch the last train car receding into the distance. Nice work, Danny.

[@ash7700]

Thanks especially for this one, Danny. I'm fond of that particular geography--and those small North Central Florida towns--in that area. Feels like home to me.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Ash. There's no place like home.

[@philepstein524]

Hi Danny. You don't need a tripod with a steady hand and a gimbal, unless like me, a weak shoulder. Love the drone (not right over the train). It adds a new dimension to videography. Very good clear narration, no childish gestures or noises. Your work beats the hell out of the 2 schoolboy adults also working Florida. Please show your speedometer briefly when pacing a train or say it.

[@rjarnott35]

Your videos are fantastic, and you, sir, are a fantastic broadcaster. Keep them coming - especially the educational focused videos. Your series on signals and the video on signage are great!

[@peterdowdy3483]

Great video sir and what awesome shots with the drone😉😉 I really enjoy all your videos and the knowledge you share with other rail fans THANK YOU😎😎😎

[@UnitedRailroader]

Even without a tripod, this video is exceptional! Lots of coal traffic today i see. Great video Danny! Its always a good day when you upload!

[@timmcquaig711]

Hey Danny I live in Sparr so I get to see these trains all the time. Just saw a crew change at the same spot the other day. Keep up the great work ! Tim

[@chasespadavecchia6407]

7:30 that's exactly where Jerry Jacobson thrived with his railroads. He put customer service first where if someone needed 1 car switched once a day, every few days, or even a full cut of cars 3 times a day, it didn't matter, he did it. For that reason, all his railroads flourished, and the towns along his lines did too. He showed what freight railroading should be, may he rest in peace.

[@leslane4421]

I subscribe to a number of channels that deal with trains and I look forward to yours the most. Keep up the good work. I wish you had one every week.

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks, Les

[@cliffflud7283]

Even without the tri-pod Danny this was some excellent shooting. Nice video thanks for publishing it.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Cliff. Much appreciated.

[@danherrmann8755]

The sound never changes. Thanks for the video. Great education. The sound of weight. On the move.

[@eastamericantrains589]

I really find it awesome that you know so much about the lines that run through Florida. I see trains just outside of the Baltimore terminal and find it cool how I see the same engines on the trains in your video that I saw at some point.

[@jwjohnson2895]

I go into sand plant when I go Florida.every time it seems I get caught by that local. I enjoy your work. Wish they more like you that share information as you do

[@benchedthatpiece]

A video with no tripod is better than no video at all. Great job as usual Danny!

[@georgeclausen2408]

Thanks for the latest video, Danny! I always look forward to the next one as well as going back to see the older videos again.

[@jirky015]

Great video and commentary. I love the S-Line. You really get a feel for what old Florida used to be like driving along this route.

[@AmtrakTBL]

Great video Danny. The S Line videos are always my favorite.

[@oldmech619]

It amazes me that you can drive faster than a train. I think I have lived in Los Angeles too long

[@wmsbrum]

That was an old section of US 301 in Island Grove you were on. 301 did crazy splits in Hawthorne, and Lawtey as well, but these were corrected when it was 4 laned back in th late 60's early 70's. There is a long section between Maxville and Lawtey of old 301 as well.

[@yankeewhite554]

I work probably 500 feet from a CSX grade crossing in Nashville. Hefty amount of traffic on that line because Radnor Yard is about 2 miles south and Kayne Avenue is about 3 miles to the north. Lots of southbound coals go by from Kentucky. Every time one goes by and has a mid train or pusher DPU it's like a double bonus thrill. Don't know why but it just thrills the crap outta me. Great work, sir. I've always loved your videos and love to see when you've uploaded one so keep it up!

[@ntekniklaus3710]

I do nightly railfanning every weekend at the siding in Lacochee and noted a slow moving coal train with a DPU. There’s been a recent uptick in them and it’s the first time I’ve ever seen a DPU in Florida.

[@ronaldpiper4812]

Thank you for your fine job. From middle of illinois and other train brands but a special job you do ..

[@robinarmstrong5820]

Excellent videos, Danny! I'm a college student and scanner enthusiast who's trying to make my way into railfanning; the New England Central Railroad runs right by my university, and I'm trying my best to catch some trains there. Your videos are giving me something fun to explore when I'm not studying!

[@smiffy1071]

Greetings from across the pond! I just subscribed to your channel, and I have to tell you I really like the way you do things. Your videos are very interesting because not only do you get some interesting shots, but you also give some of the back story to what we are looking at....and, no annoying bland music! Please keep doing what you are doing!

[@CentralPennRailProductions]

Short line, interchange, and regional railroads have and always will care about customer service. The Big Class I's just care about their bottom line, and Wall Street-customer service is not their priority.

[@floridianrailauto9032]

That's why FEC & ASAB are my favorite railroads (Florida East Coast and Atlanta St Andrews Bay Line)

[@MBTAMoreRailfan]

Besides Pan Am Railways xD

[@JJRicks]

Power in the _center_ of the train? Wow! Now _that_ is something I've never seen before. Awesome catches!

[@lionbill]

You do pretty good for not having set-up time. Doesn't make me dizzy. . . Nice & steady! Thanx for another fine video Danny. Love that you pass-on so much knowledge.

[@lilmanjt]

Your getting good at the steady hand! LOL. Always a pleasure to watch your videos Dan

[@fredthompson4568]

You have very steady nerves, no tripod needed. Great catches!

[@MichaelN12]

Speaking of Center Sidings, there is a still a center siding in Teaneck NJ, which CSX now uses as a holdout to the Little Ferry and North Bergen yards or a pass track when the track singles up at the north end. There’s plenty of bridge shots on this triple siding but unfortunately the trains can’t be chased because there’s just too much traffic lights and slow speed limits.

[@dariuswilliams4623]

I love your videos Danny 💯 I rewatched them all again😂

[@markmead2813]

Another great one Danny, thank you.

[@erikjames9733]

God I love these videos... Danny always does a fantastic job...as a tribute I'm including the Sunset Limited to my HO layout

[@dannyholt105]

Awesome chase Danny! Nothing like a "c'mon let's just go see" adventure at times, eh? Such a Central Florida theme at its best. Thanks for the upload Danny! I needed it today. Cheers, Dan

[@needs2quit1atgmail87]

It is so funny in your videos about the tripod and not having enough time the same thing happens to me when I'm trying to shoot trains over here in California as well!! Great video thank you for the perfect narration

[@eg247Rvs]

Really like the maps !! This helps soo much !! Please keep doing in ALL VIDEOS

[@distantsignal]

Maps are a lotta work, but I like 'em too. I do them whenever I have the time.

[@jeanhorton7335]

I always look for your videos. I like them immensely and this one was no different. Hope to see another soon!

[@embee06311]

Another great video! Love those drone shots...

[@jovetj]

What a wonderful video! I sure don't see switching action like that around here!

[@kevingreenlow1403]

Hi Danny, I've noticed we share quite a bit of railway language, however, there are some big differences, for instance, you mentioned a train "backing up" in the UK we would describe the train as "setting back", also you say "ties" we would say "sleepers" and on crossovers its "Timbers", Unfortunately these private sidings are getting fewer over here as well, deemed not Economical, very sad! Another great video, from Kevin in Sussex England.

[@billginnj6595]

Always a pleasure to watch your videos and listen to your narrative. Thanks Danny!

[@Huelsystrainblog]

Another great video as always! It is fun to watch your videos because occasionally I will see a train on your channel that goes past my house in Ohio!

[@ericlebrun2184]

Congrats on 20k subs! Thanks for all your top-Notch content.

[@jeffreygoggin8]

Enjoyed the shot of the crossing signal at Orange Heights, still an old bell on top thw staff, throwback!!

[@Tomiata]

With lots of clarity, another great video. Thanks!

[@fueldixon9043]

Glad to see another video! Love ‘em. Keep up the great work my friend.

[@gatortrainchaser2080]

As ALWAYS, EXCELLENT VIDEO Danny! Thanks for sharing!

[@daar1113]

In Gainesville where we no longer have a through main line there is one company just south of the Deerhaven coal power plant that receives around 100 rock hoppers once or twice a week. The coolest part is the aggregate company there has on lease an old EMD GP7 in Atlantic Coast Line livery numbered engine 100. Once CSX drops off the cars, they unhook and then ACL 100 comes out of the rock yard and takes cuts of cars to shove them into the rock plant for unloading where they have a 4 siding storage yard on property. The engine used to be facing North as it came out of the yard but sometime in the last few months I've noticed it is now facing South. Must have driven it up to the wye in Alachua and turned it around for some reason. You can see it on Google maps and in 3D mode even make out the Atlantic Coast Line letters on the side. Just search Preferred Materials in Gainesville Florida to see it on satellite. They seem to get their deliveries first thing in the morning right as I'm about to go to work so I never really get to watch it operate, sadly.

[@moosejunky99]

Great job on all your videos... Your voice is easy to listen too...

[@ollieahokas9179]

What can I say, your videos are the best! Cheers from cold Sweden!

[@markh767]

Glad I stumbled across your channel, great videos I especially love your narration.

[@northwoodsrailproductions4538]

The Wisconsin Central railroads had a huge focus on individual customers. The Class 2 from the start relied on on line customers instead of overhead which led to lots of small locals

[@svenmartin840]

Great video Danny. You said that CSX was changing their lights to a European style signal. Today I went to the old Athol Junction period that ran from Springfield Massachusetts to Athol Massachusetts. It was used by the New York Central Penn Central Conrail in Springfield Massachusetts. Before they built the Quabbin Reservoir. And what's known as the "rabbit." That used to run from Athol to Palmer to Springfield. VA the Athol Junction. And yes it's kind of a shame that they ripped tracks out. A couple years ago. Where my grandmother used to live at she passed on two years ago. But they ripped out the trash that used to go to the factory .In Kornwestheim Germany. In 1984 when I was visiting her from the United States. I could time. The train will go every two or three days period with four boxcars. Shunt them to the main line. And they we're running the type 140s electric locomotives. Now they are running the type 185s. I hope you get to go over to Germany one day. Because I think you'll like their transportation systems

[@BenLomonRail]

That push and pull local was the highlight of this one. Never seen such a move before. Didn’t know it was a thing.

[@oldtown6240]

The videos are always first rate. Thanks.

[@danherrmann8755]

Great job. Enjoy watching.

[@john15207]

awesome video and narrating cant wait to see next.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks John!

[@dmorgan28]

Danny. Tripod or no tripod you make awesome videos. You and Jawtooth are my favorites. I enjoyed the video. Thanks 👍👍👍❤️

[@eddrck4679]

Danny your videos are awsome.Also CSX is useing dpu's lot more then on coal now.4 intermodal trains have them to.Q032,Q033,Q025 and Q026,all of them have dpu's on them.

[@danmartin8414]

Always enjoyable, Danny. Thanks!

[@williamjacobs236]

Your hand held shots are better then most people’s tripod shots !

[@roboftherock]

I bought a monopod when on holiday in Nashville in the early 1980s and it's still going strong. This was before the days of quick-release mounts. I can have it fitted to the camera and ready for use in 30 seconds (most of which would be spent getting from vehicle to shooting place). I may see about doing a conversion to a Q-R mount someday. Useful to have in the door pocket when pushed for time. Just a thought but when you include your own legs you've got a 'tripod'.

[@distantsignal]

Ha! 30 seconds?? If I'd had that much time, I'd have been on the tripod no sweat. I leave my stix extended and can pull 'em out and be leveled up in 20 seconds. Just never had that time on this day.

[@roboftherock]

@@distantsignal Ah, I've never had the room to leave my tripods extended. Never thought about it, hence the monopod suggestion. Each to his own, Danny. Good hunting, de MM5AON

[@Koksknoedel]

06:58 - same here in Germany. So much sidings are cut off, due to the decision to stop Single-Wagon-Delivery. Very sad to see this; when I was an engineer back in the 90s, it has been different.

[@railfan439]

Danny: A couple things you can buy or make that will help steady your hand held camera. At Home Depot (or wherever) get a 4 foot long 3/4" wooden dowel. In the hardware department they have a special screw that has wood screw threads on one end and 1/4-20 threads on the other. Also get a couple 1/4-20 nuts. Drill a hole in the end of the dowel, thread the wood screw in. Then on the 1/4-20 end thread on the two nuts so there is about 1/4" of thread sticking up. That will fit the bottom of your camera - now you have a monopod. The second thing is to get a 1/4-20 eye-bolt and a couple nuts. Also get a 5 foot length of light chain and a small "S" hook. Thread the nuts on the eye-bolt and attach the chain to it with the "S" hook. Thread the eye bolt into your camera, let the chain drop to the ground. Step on the chain and pull up gently on the camera. Both will help steady your hand-held videos. Jon

[@dazzifoxking1560]

Always excited to see new videos!

[@Galaxy2517]

Just watched the part about the siding that got cut..My thoughts exactly my friend!...Just imagine all the old lines that got cut just because there wasn't enough $$$$.

[@shnimmuc]

Very fine and informative. It is interesting that CSX is largely powered by GE as is BNSF. UP and KCS seem about evenly divided in their power between EMD and GE. Again you produce the best.

[@drumkidstu]

CN has a equal balance of power as well. CP largely uses GE.

[@cwsgershwin]

A new fan. Really enjoying your work!

[@anthonymaida5718]

Thanks for the Great video I always enjoy them.

[@jaredklock8754]

Excellent video Danny! Hoping to meet you at the Cordele Railfest this Saturday.

[@michaelmacdonell2942]

That smile, just at the end of your introduction...Yup, today,s going to be a good day.

[@Galaxy2517]

You tell a story like few other...*Hats off* and salute!

[@generosen999]

Great video Danny !!! Perfect ending to my weekend

[@jeffrumbach150]

Hey Danny looking forward to part 2 of doing this video

[@CSXandrewFEC]

Great video Danny once again!

[@TomedysTrains]

From 6:58 to 7:40, I agree with your opinion there Danny. It's sad to see industries not using rail transportation to haul freight anymore where they have to resort to ripping up the sidings and even removing the switch tracks, making it look like an almost irreversible change. Perhaps more industries using rail transportation would result in fewer trucks on the road resulting in fewer traffic jams and car accidents.

[@2012theyungin]

Hey Danny, did you know they changed all the speeds on all trains to 60 for the exception of Key trains and certain limitations on mixed freights. My father works on the S-line Jax to Tampa. You actually have him in one of your videos.

[@ianr8538]

Love your videos Danny. Always excited to see a new one. Don't quite understand the relationship between the engines on a train with front and rear or front and mid power. Which one is pulling or pushing more than the other? Is it tough on the couplings of the cars in between? With engines just in the front everything behind is being pulled....engines in the back all are being pushed. But what about the above scenarios?

[@vrmntthb]

Meet and swap...is that along the lines of precision railroading there? I gotta get down there soon! Keep em coming sir and in this neck of the woods it’ll be a long winter with these videos to get us through...

[@americanrailvideos7037]

Awesome video! Really like that EMD leader on Q442

[@scottdowney4865]

Just think of the tripod as "extra baggage"...pun intended Love all your video's!

[@gravelydon7072]

One of the reasons a siding may get pulled out is cost. Not the shipping cost but cost for the maintenance of the switch itself. If you do not have a certain number of cars per year, you will get the bill for switch maintenance. And that means both sets of points and the frog. Even though most of the wear and tear is going to be on the mainline route and not the customers route.

[@JRBlood]

Love the production quality, as always, Danny. Look into a monopod for those "Oh crap!" moments. :) Quick-release mounts on both the mono and tri and you should be set.

[@derbycityrailproductions2602]

Nice video Danny! I’m hoping to get down to Folkston at the beginning of April.

[@randallbyrd1973]

Good evening thank you for sharing this video.

[@ratfink55]

Tripod or not, it's still one heck of a good job Danny and much better than this Disney project I have been working on this evening ;) Thanks for the welcome's break.

[@anthonycedar7]

YAY! Love the frequent uploads!

[@762Media42]

Great job from Australia

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks!

[@lawrenceplatt9322]

Another great video, Danny, thanks!

[@therealandrewstrains]

In between driving trams around Melbourne (not the Florida one) there's nothing I like more than railfanning with you Danny

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Great video, Danny. Sadly it looks like for that customer the rates CSX asked got too high for it to make sense. To put a resolve to that ideally shortlines should capture the business but on a trunk like that it’s kinda difficult.

[@keatonconn8159]

Great vid Danny keep up the good work

[@cellovid]

I wish you would come and do a video of our local rail line in newberry and Alachua…. I have thought that it handled coal cars for crystal river, but there you were, way over east at 301, looking at crystal river coal hoppers. What are they hauling on our line? 😊

[@paulsimkins3895]

You make fantastic videos very informative 👍👍👍👍👍

[@kath44]

Awesome, love the video and very well done😁.

[@Mile54Productions]

Great video and catches!

[@ahgfl007]

Ah, for a mini-pod that can be placed on your hood as a firm foundation, or in my case a monopod that looks like a walking stick for the most part, but is in actuality a camera mount.