Big Freights, Job Briefings & Defect Detectors

How a normal railfan outing can lead to meeting new people and discovering new things.

[@Darkshark3296]

That L743 you caught was the same exact L743 that collided with I032 at Folkston on 4/15/24 at around 1:30 PM

[@elcastorgrande]

"Danny Harmon...out," but always welcome when you're in.

[@bhproductions1061]

Always a great day when Distant Signal uploads a video!

[@YourLocalHistorian]

Agreed

[@distantsignal]

Enjoy!

[@rwm2986]

Welcome to another very enjoyable episode of Danny's 'Good Food Guide' with some trains on the side!

[@suzanneknepp849]

It is always a pleasure to watch and listen to your videos. You keep us informed using your pleasant voice and kind demeanor. Wonderful!

[@rthomashouse6140]

1,052 axles!!! That is 253 cars (4 axles each) and 5 locos (6 axles each). Whoah!Whoa! Doesn't seem reasonable...🤔 But there it is...

[@BBT609]

That was a train us here in South Florida on a nice sunny afternoon was supposed to see but word had it that the crew went on the law and had to divide the train at Zana and Indiantown sidings. Never got to see him.

[@colinmulder6806]

​@@BBT609How long do you think it would've been before that train's NEW crew came on duty?

[@BBT609]

@@colinmulder6806a whole day or so

[@gracemember101]

It's a happy day when Danny posts a new video. Thanks, Danny.

[@jackkreighbaum783]

Many years ago, my school bus driver-boss and wife were both killed when they hit a stopped train at a dark, unprotected crossing in rural CA.

[@johnhawkes4048]

I love the trains but it's the little things that Danny does, restaurants, corn growing along the tracks and the milepost that make the shows great!

[@MainlineProductionsYT]

Spoke too soon Danny. That rock train with the AC4400CW in the front was the same one involved in a head on collision in Folkston hours after this was filmed. So much for modernization 😂. Great video as always DS

[@NVRAMboi]

Thanks Danny - and thanks for taking us along with you. Always enjoy your videos.

[@kyaing9047]

White reflectors can be found on the Tate&Lyle tank cars in the early 2000s.

[@AbelG8781]

True.

[@jovetj]

1:30 I'd like to augment your answer: It isn't so much that there aren't flashing lights or gates that is the problem alone. It's that there is little to *poor street lighting* to let a driver SEE that there is a train in the crossing that is the problem. Many a driver have driven straight into a train on a crossing at night that they didn't realize was there! Those reflective strips are properly called *retroreflective,* as they don't just reflect light, but reflect it back towards the source of the light. It's the exact same technology and materials that are used in modern road signs so they can be seen at night. I'm sure some of your signs on your fence are also retroreflective.

[@AroundTheWorldRailfan]

It’s the best time of the month when he uploads!

[@ajidamarjati]

It's gonna be a good day everytime Danny publish a new video!

[@Waterslide_Productions]

Facts

[@robertseip210]

Great anecdotal stuff on here - the corn sprouts, measured mile info, lunch spot. Typical awesome video, Danny! Keep up the great work.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks. Yes, I've learned over the years it's best to just write to the video you find. Not what you wish you had.

[@michaelmassie2383]

Your videos are just incredible. Thank you for your professionalism and informative videos. You're great.

[@vincenttolve9756]

You are as good at what you do as Beethoven was at what he did. Thanks for a masterful presentation.

[@distantsignal]

That's a heck of a compliment, Vince. Thanks!

[@zipperx1865]

Great video Danny, always enjoy your commentary as well as the trains. Me and my wife Karen also watch out for your lunch stops to see what you'll be enjoying this time. Cheers Danny!

[@gulfcoastliving3186]

I come for the rail fanning. I stay for the restaurant reviews. Another great video, Danny. Thank you for your time and efforts!

[@brentmiller3951]

I grew up with a father that worked for Southern Pacific. I am new to the rail fan thing .I love your videos

[@turkfiles]

Enjoy your videos very much. Learn something new from every one. The food stops are always a treat!

[@railfannoah5762]

Norfolk Southern is still doing basically the same thing with their Dash 9s, converting them into AC44C6Ms! But with their AC4400CWs they acquired in 2023 as well as their formerly BNSF/KCS (CPKC) Dash 9 units, they are going to modify the AC4400CWs and rebuild the Dash 9s. It’s set to be numbered up to 5000 to 5100 I believe if not more! But I am going to miss those old NS Dash 9s in their throughbred paint scheme as well as the standard cab units they had, now those were great in my opinion but it’s very interesting these days they rebuild locomotives and give them a second chance in life 🙂

[@GrnArrow092]

Upon the mention of a refrigerated boxcar carrying McDonald's french fries, it makes me wonder if CSX has a freight contract with Martin Brower which is the distribution company responsible for supplying the many McDonald's locations located all over the country.

[@RC.EST16]

Great video Danny! Thanks for sharing csx action in your home town. God bless ❤

[@rogertemple7193]

I really enjoy watching all of the places you go to and there is always a lot exciting train action wherever you go to along with the beautiful scenery thank you. 🇺🇲🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🇺🇲

[@distantsignal]

Thank you very much, Roger!

[@JohnnysTrainVideos]

Another good one Danny...

[@user-pd4cl2ty4d]

I thought Florida trains were short but when I measured one of your trains on Google maps it showed 12,000 feet BIG TRAIN

[@anthonyceleste6611]

Another excellent video. It was an honor to finally meet you as well in Wildwood

[@guildpilotone]

Sweet slaw is the best slaw!

[@johnmorton7429]

I'm in Louisville, Ky. and the measured milepost on CSX has the red top on both of the mileposts. And yes, those are the type the L&N used. There are a few around the area with house numbers.

[@fionalover2.0gaming18]

Outstanding Performance by you Mr Harmon 😊

[@AppalachiaRRlover]

It’s a good day when Danny posts a new video!!!

[@ratfink55]

Another great ride Danny and I'm loving the new radio. Time for me to call Travis Taylor and get an upgrade😄.

[@juliamason8393]

Danny since your last video, my 2nd oldest grandson graduated from the US Marine Corps bootcamp on April 12. He is going into the cyber security field of his training. His name is Tyler Mason. We are very proud of him.

[@chief1b]

That BBQ was looking great. Thanks

[@clarence43232]

Thanks for explaining the reflectors.. Made sense why they are there!

[@drezdin4557]

As a McDonald’s worker myself, yes we sell a ridiculous amount of

[@dmorgan28]

Danny that was another great video. You just keep this old retired engineer going! Take care and have a good one!👍❤️

[@distantsignal]

Much appreciated, Mr. Morgan.

[@notch8c40]

Awesome video danny! CSXT 245 Shown at 5:42 was the one involved in the head end with L741 (I think) and I032 at folkston, However it could likely still see a modernization, since the whole unit wasnt totaled.

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for another splendid video of railfanning, Danny! I always enjoy watching your videos and the information that you give us about the trains that you are seeing. I found your explanation on the "odd" shaped milepost marker #755 interesting.

[@216LittleCrider]

Woke up this morning to a new distant signal video, life is good

[@Metra_90_Video_Productions]

This has got to be the best railfan channel on KZbin, watching this i realized how much effort it must take to script these videos perfectly, what an inspiration

[@PHelm]

Mr. Harmon, it’s like being with you trackside! All the best sir.

[@tfs4499]

Another GREAT, informative video! Thanks Danny!

[@ne8r]

Heading to Marion, OH in June for a week of railfanning. Doesn't get much better than that.

[@user-ss9sy2fl3o]

Besides loving your detailed knowledge of trains, I look forward to the part where you stop for lunch 😅. My wife thinks I'm crazy, but this is by far my favorite guilty pleasure.

[@ditch46uk]

Great stuff Danny, thanks for another great video.

[@YourLocalHistorian]

Hey Danny, love your content, and I love the historical snippets here and there about the railroads in the south

[@Huelsystrainblog]

Made my day when I saw a new upload! I have met Logan and been to his shop, it is purely amazing! Lot of good Ohio places to railfan!

[@solarusthelonghaulerrailfa3226]

Those reflectors are also used for the same purpose on simi truck trailers

[@billwilson6670]

Danny, I used to go railfanning in Marion when I was a college freshman at OWU in Delaware. This was in 1967. I rode the Lake Cities from Hoboken to Marion twice; maybe three times. I'll dig out some pictures I took back then and send them to you.

[@distantsignal]

I would love to see those, Bill!

[@wayneyadams]

12:00 McDonalds french fries were always the best french fries anywhere. We used to hang out in the parking lot eating french fries, drinking Cokes waiting to pick up a drag race or two. It was crazy back then, we used to race along west 49th street in Hialeah. I'm not talking about these silly little rice rockets that sound like they are farting, but big V-8s of 400 to 455 cubic inches (6.6 to 7.5 liters) that shook the ground. Sorry, I got nostalgic, but back to the fries, no other french fries came close to the flavor of McDonald's french fries, so I'm not surprised by the idea of multiple cars filled with frozen fries.

[@henryhalter4765]

Love that you said 400-455... you running a Pontiac?

[@LoganisTrainBoy1]

All the YN2 AC44’s are on borrowed time. It was announced a few months ago that CSX is having all the AC44’s rebuilt into C6M’s. Having run quite a few, I like the rebuilds, they pull just as well as before but the AAR control stand is an improvement over the desktop. Only noticeable difference over an ES/ET44 is the FDL prime mover’s reverberation in the cab is worse. I only wear earplugs in a Gevo if I run with the windows open. On the AC44 and AC44C6M rebuilds I wear them regardless.

[@AbelG8781]

Also, the yellow reflective rule went into effect on 2005.

[@AevnsGrandpa]

Now that I am living in Jacksonville and bicycle down to Baldwin on the Jacksonville/Baldwin trail, I can hopefully get down to the tracks and see what I can see!

[@newworldredglobe]

know it's gonna be a good day when distant signal posts, love the trains and the food, keep it up!

[@sweynforkbeardtraindude]

Good stuff! I agree with you aboutMarion. My motto is, "Marion NEVER disappoints!"

[@ericbengtson2822]

Love your content, Danny

[@gregbuie8277]

cal-maine has large egglandbest egg plant south of hoboken,ga you might have seen it.

[@sterlingodeaghaidh5086]

The red stripe on the amtrak cars also mark floor height IIRC.

[@michaelalan1546]

Well done, sir enjoy your channel, my dad used to work for the BNSF as a trainmaster he’s now retired, but I’ve always enjoyed trains. Thanks again.

[@hunteroakespinwheel]

That sandwich looked really good! Nice catches, Danny. You provided a lot of cool and useful information. Love your videos!

[@christopherstyle878]

Drone shots mixed in with close ups at road level, always great editing by you sir. Thanks!!!

[@distantsignal]

Glad you like them!

[@russellyoung4753]

It's always a great day when Danny uploads a new video to watch fan from Texas here

[@DavidNSRailfan]

As always a fantastic video very informative and fun to watch thank you sir

[@colinagnes4552]

Came down to Lakeland from Ohio last week, despite encountering lakeland police searching for an escaped convict at the old Goddard fruit company, all your spots were perfect. Including your suggestion of Love Birds chicken! Thanks for the great videos!

[@distantsignal]

Ha! Glad that worked out. Yeah. Love Birds is theee best.

[@SGTGhost]

I wanted to point out that Norfolk Southern has white reflector and also Amtrak above next to some of the windows for superliner fleets and 1:47

[@neucoas]

Hi Danny. Just wanted to say how much I love your content. I am not from America, so I am planning to spend some days railfaning on my next trip to the US. Don’t think I will be able to see a lot, but at least I want to get some good drone shots of the rails and local factories.

[@stripervince1]

Fantastic info and video Danny. Im a retired signal/conductor and still learn something every time i watch one of your videos your

[@JustinsRailfanning]

One day may you check out the Florida Gulf and Atlantic Railroad up here in Tallahassee Florida? They got some cool freight movements each day on the weekdays with some really nice new engines, equipment, etc.

[@JesseOaks-ef9xn]

I saw a new post from you and moved it to the front of the line. Great video and a great sandwich.

[@BlackMan614]

My son worked for CSX and NS. From all accounts, CSX is by far the better run railroad. No wonder NS is having a proxy fight right now.

[@edwardroberts2997]

Hello Danny, This 82-year-old has been watching you for some 15 years

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks, Ed.

[@conradcovington119]

I work out west for BNSF, as a switchman, cool to hear other class one radio chatter, Interesting they job brief with dispatch.

[@cadesmith4278]

Fascinating stuff! Especially love the measured mile information and its converter charts in the CSX handbook. I would guess that the conversion information in the handbook is no longer needed due to the addition of GPS nowadays.

[@distantsignal]

Maybe. Still gotta have it and know it, though.

[@RailFanRob]

Great footage and information as always Danny. I appreciate what you do out there for all RailFans everywhere!

[@wayneyadams]

Those little crispy tips on BBQ Pork make the sandwich special. Now look what you did, I'm going to have to have one for lunch today. 😁

[@cowbdave99]

Yes it used to be you would come up to a train in the country and you couldn't even tell there was a train even going by. That wasn't not long ago. Me and my family almost ran right into a train one night that way

[@user-vh1uc6in7b]

Railfan Lunch time is so delicious 😋🤤.

[@MichaelM184]

Always love when you do a food review as well as railfanning. Keep it up

[@REVELLO608]

Great video Danny keep them coming

[@user-cv5di6yr4m]

Danny, Back in 1996 I helped restore the Dade City train station. I did all the glass in it, I removed all those little colored pieces trackside, bagged 'em and tagged 'em and when the carpenters and painters were done, I replaced all those little colored pieces. Kenny Phillips, aka Mustang Kenny Lutz, Florida.

[@swaool]

Great video, and learned something new - never knew that about the lines in the timetable indicating a "measured mile".

[@atlantaterminalproductions5167]

Awesome Video like always

[@centralfloridarailroadmodelers]

L743, engine 245 was the engine leading on the rock train that was involved in the Folkston head-on collision

[@SoutheasternRailfan]

Jeez nice video and on 5:55, those were the engines was involved of the wreck of the head on collision between I032 and L743

[@distantsignal]

Thanks. Yep, this was shot on April 14, one day before that collision.

[@SoutheasternRailfan]

Mhm

[@stevenreay7833]

The tale regarding the mileposts is a familiar activity when we ride the passenger services here in the UK. Particularly on the main lines, but they are present on most lines, mileage posts are at every mile and we would time ourselves and calculate the speed we were doing before the days of GPS's. It always fun when we realised we has reached 125mph on the East Coast Main between York and Darlington.

[@WaffleDragon]

Probably 15-20 years ago, me and my dad would chase Y225 when it would come down switching in south Tampa. One night, at the W. Pearl Ave. grade crossing, the gates went up and the lights turned off while the black corn syrup tankers were still passing by. I completely see the purpose of the reflective markings. It's also always fascinating to me to hear about how the passenger trains regularly pushing 100 MPH back then. What an amazing sight that must have been. If only we had high-definition cameras then.

[@ColtonRMagby]

1,052 axles. That's a LOT of train to move, but the CSX makes it look effortless.

[@colinmulder6806]

You know Danny, with the increase in traffic on the S-LINE, I do hope the siding at Lacoochee can be put back into service for meets & run arounds to help relieve congesstion.

[@PCBill0622]

I’m still working but get Friday afternoons off. I grab lunch and land at home for a new video posted 8 hours ago and already there’s tons of comments-certainly a tribute to Danny. Best of all I got another bbq to check out. Regarding Danny’s comment about those refrigerator box cars carrying McDonalds french fries: possibly-Martin-Brower is the exclusive distributor to McDonalds locations in Central Florida and their Orlando warehouse does have rail service and a Google Earth photo does show refrigerator box cars on the industrial spur there. How amazing is Danny’s knowledge! Lastly I was recently watching a railfan gathering in Decatur, GA on VR. The live host mentioned Danny although he had momentarily went back to the hotel. Wow does Danny get around!

[@smisky1086]

Always enjoy your videos with the incredible commentary and explanations!

[@dennispatterson4378]

Really enjoy your videos. You really put in a lot of really neat info in them. It sure has come a long way from when I was a kid sitting on my bike at the old depot in town watching the old southern locos switching. Keep up the great work sir.

[@wientzer]

Hi, I would love to go with you some time. I am a retired LEO Captain and I live in Zephyrhills. As a child in the 1970's, I grew up near Baltimore MD right on the C&O old Main Line. We then moved to Tennessee and were on the old Tennessee Central/CSX/L&N line. This part of Florida is fascinating with the myriad of lines so close to each other....I would love to see an actual train on the line that runs through Land 'O Lakes.

[@markgawrych5579]

Great video as always would be cool to see some of Florida's short lines being in Michigan I'm lucky we have a whole bunch of really cool short line railroads . The great lakes central, the Ann Arbor railroad, the lake state railroad, the Mid Michigan, the Huron and Eastern, marquette rail the Adrian and Blissfield and more

[@Nick19962010]

Something crazy about M452 I was thinking about. The older videos Danny when you mentioned its counterpart M453. Cincinnati has its own 452/453 but it a L452/453 when we caught CSX 3194 leading. It was slick!

[@tmangamingx]

Is that a new radio or the same one. It maybe because its a little on the dark side in this video. I sure do enjoy all the videos you give us to watch, I always try to watch everyone I can. Your voice is smooth as silk, Easy to listen too. Ver pleasant. thank you so much for doing these vids.

[@markb846]

Around 2000 a company called EWS which was at that time owned by Wisconsin Central and operated most freight trains here in the UK. introduced reflective stripes on some of their locomotives. I often wondered why. It never occurred to me that it was to offer some visual protection on dark crossings at night. They ordered over 200 Canadian built EMD locomotives to replace ageing UK built locomotives. Which were delivered in the same gold and yellow colours as the Wisconsin Central parent company.

[@kristoffermangila]

You're wrong about the livery of EWS and WC - its maroon and yellow.

[@ruslsdad]

Great job, as usual, Danny!