How Cars Get To Customers

I had a great question about car management. How does the railroad get cars to customers? So I did some research, and asked a good friend who's in the business.

[@railfanlynx]

When Danny Harmon uploads he’s making sure y’all are ok and don’t be depressed

[@SuperApplefan1]

yes amen

[@ekimp252]

Preach.

[@southeastmichiganrailfan5764]

Amen!!!

[@ut000bs]

He is! lol FACT!

[@DelcoImagery]

Amen

[@austindingess72]

Stopped in the middle of another video just to come watch this video. Never a dull moment in a distant signal video

[@wheeling827]

Same!

[@CitySlicker34]

'Tis a good day when Danny uploads

[@DelcoImagery]

Yes

[@Normal1855]

So true.

[@HughMartell]

Absoblumenlutely!!

[@chief7771]

just started watching this channel.

[@chamberlainman1012]

True

[@peterdibble]

The RFID scanners/tags were actually preceded by a barcode system in the 1960s-70s. I made a short documentary about that for anyone who's interested. A couple of those barcodes are actually visible throughout this video too. Great information as always, Danny!

[@nomadMik]

It's a great video, too. Good luck with your channel.

[@AuroraDorealus]

Cartrak ACI.

[@ibubezi7685]

Great video - hopefully, DS gives it a ping.

[@James_Knott]

I remember those. BTW, I used to work for CN.

[@billmorris2613]

I’m a retired road engineer off of the UP in New Orleans. Both answers were great explanations.

[@aaronhill443]

I had been wondering this for years but could never find a video that explained it.

[@brucebradley6180]

Best train videos on you tube. I enjoy everyone of Danny's videos. Thank you Danny

[@CarsSimplified]

Great stuff on this channel! Learning a bunch new stuff every day I watch!

[@Posttrip]

Fascinating how they come up with systems to handle thousands of cars. And, they were doing long before computers. I just subscribed.

[@stebro2738]

Clear, Clear < Clear! You DID explain it all well. You answered many questions well & cleared up so many unanswereds! THANKS!!!

[@thejackbox]

This channel is super under rated. Everything has a much more "professional" feel to it unlike most KZbin train channels.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks jack!

[@robertmoore8174]

Thank you for the video on how cars get around the railroads. Thank you.

[@sean.grogan]

Dude, you've got a fantastic voice; I feel like I could listen to you all day

[@davidanalyst671]

he talks like hes on a radio !!

[@joelanteri414]

He sounds like Chris hansen

[@ernestpassaro9663]

Very informative thanks

[@brvfd822]

Almost like he’s a professional.

[@joelschermerhorn5447]

@@davidanalyst671 Yes I noticed that too!

[@sclpete2917]

Thank you Danny and thank you Paul. miss the the ol SCL days, Like 1967 SCL Pete

[@arshooter1]

If you have a question about trains Danny is the man for the answer. Great job enjoyed the video.

[@whtlightnn]

I came here to learn about Automotive cars....but stayed because your channel is very informative!

[@James_Knott]

Many years ago, I was a telecommunications tech with Canadian National. One system I used to maintain, back in the 70s, was called "TRACS" which was used to keep track of all the cars in a freight train. Each car in the train was recorded on a punch card, so each train resulted in a stack of cards. The system communicated with a mainframe computer in Montreal. In addition to printing out a local list, it could also send lists of the cars in a train to a couple of remote stations. While I have seen other wyes, one I recall was just west of Kapuskasing Ontario, where the passenger train from Toronto could turn around to head back south again. The train would arrive in the morning, spend the day on the wye and leave in the late afternoon. It was an overnight trip in both directions.

[@gw7apm967]

In the UK we used a system called TOPS. This system knew where every vehicle was, whether loaded or empty. The computer system would allocate a vehicle or vehicles which was the nearest to the customer.

[@matthewsiglow5815]

Danny, thanks for adding that little tidbit about the wye. I've always known that railroads use them, but never gotten to see one in use. COOL!

[@rickyates3510]

Danny, it is not how many people you know, more importantly it is who you know, ie: your friend from CSX with the great answers. Well done and keep it up!!

[@jcarr0314]

I always wondered how trains were turned around Thanks for the explanation !!

[@gregbowen617]

Great video as always Mr Harmon! Greetings and thanks from Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺!!!

[@Jamesbond-uk2sz]

Enjoy your videos I had 2 uncles a brakeman and an engineer and a grandpa who was a conductor on the Milwaukee Road back in the 50,60,70,s I got to ride in the engine with my uncle when I was a young kid quite an experience the track was well used and the the train had a lot of rock to it top speed on the main line was 35mph. Trains have always intrigued me so I have to catch a glimpse when ever I can. You do a good job on the narration and I appreciate the attention to detail. Sincerely Chris Eden

[@4everdc302]

That was 8mins of shear railway facts. Thanks for posting 🚂🚃🚃🚃🇨🇦

[@rdgk1se3019]

When Danny posts a video, I hit the like button even before I watch the video.

[@CentralPennRailProductions]

Danny, great information. I will say, it's not all that hard to figure out where cars go and where they come from if you pay close attention to the same trains over the course of a year. What I mean is, if you watch a train of the same symbol, and it's counterpart, day in and day out, you will start to see the same cars bouncing back and forth to their destinations. Danny has videos that explain train symbols if you don't know what I mean, but an example would be the trash cars on Norfolk Southern train 15T. The counter part to this train would be 16T, and within that train somewhere you will see the trash cars come back empty. Sometimes, you'll see these same cars on other trains in a different part of the system taken by another train to the end destination. Rarely does one train take cars from Point A to Point B directly, except unit trains, which are mentioned in this video. A coal train, for example, will often be loaded by a crew that takes it from a mine to the railyard. The coal train will then go from the rail yard, Point A, to an export terminal or power plant, Point B, and head directly back to the mine for a refill-a true conveyor on rails.

[@GRE2057]

trains are changing on a daily Basis now since PSR took over

[@AmtrakandAWVRFan]

I do agree if you watch the same train closely, you’ll know what it usually has, but unfortunately counterparts are dwindling in numbers bc of PSR. Some counterparts are now combined on other trains, so a train may be a counterpart of two trains.

[@themanfromcabowabo1559]

Watching the same train for a year.......

[@fridasophia5356]

@@GRE2057 amen, and unfortunately this has made...the unorthodox methods of travel very difficult. One must invest in a scanner to stay "up to date"

[@lookingforthetrail]

Excellent video and wonderful informative information. The fact that you have a Pleasant voice and speak clearly and concisely helps make the video even better!

[@joachimlabudde3260]

Great job, Danny. Thanks and greetings from Germany and stay healthy. Joachim

[@Thehercccc]

Greetings from Alberta, Canada. Love your channel! Very professional and informative. Best description and footage of a wye that I’ve seen yet!

[@amfwelsh]

Love this channel. Could listen to you all day Danny

[@chrisloomis469]

Never really thought of this but this is a very good question and a very thorough explanation! Thank you.

[@m1sterhockey]

You are the best in the field by far. Love EVERY video you make!

[@JacobCothren]

Love the drone shot of the Amtrak

[@williamsmith8333]

Hello I love watching your clips on KZbin, straight to the point! I love trains and the horns! Keep up the good work!! Kevin from Buffalo New York!

[@kw5kw]

You speak so that everyone can understand you. Thank you!

[@muddtrack6969]

VERY GOOD DAN ! OLD MAN RAILFAN! KNEW SOME OF THIS, CLEARED UP MY THINKING! MANYTHANKS FOR THE VIDEO!!

[@Mercatoyd]

This video was very informative. I especially liked the ID info on the train cars.

[@chrisperry1151]

Still the best Train videos on KZbin. I still love your intro with Amtrak knocking down the searchlight signal!!! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@martinmax1589]

Wow! You answered a lot of questions that I've always asked but never got the answers until now! Thanks!

[@Andrewreedphotography]

It’s like Christmas when Danny uploads

[@thomasm1964]

In the UK, we don't tend to use Y junctions. We use one or other of the following : 01. Passenger : A locomotive at one end and a driving trailer at the other ( a carriage with a cab that can control the locomotive) 02. Passenger : A locomotive or integrated power car at each end of the train so the driver ( 'engineer' ) simply walks from one end of the train to the other when he needs to reverse 03. Passenger : Diesel or electric multiple units where motive power is distributed throughout the train and there is a driving cab at either end 04. Passnger ( archaic ) & Freight : A run-around loop where the locomotive draws forward from its train, runs back along an adjacent track and couples up to the other end of the train. This works because the locomotive can be driven from either end. We do have a few junctions that can be used as a 'Y' junction but they are not actually designed to turn trains as in the American system. They tend to be used as straight-forward junctions for the most part. In the case of mainline heritage steam charters, however, they can be used as Y junctions in the sense that Americans understand the term. The steam locomotive will uncouple and run with a mess coach from the station to the junction. There, it will enter and proceed beyond a set of trailing points ( 'turnout' ). Then it will reverse over the points and run 'wrong way' ( against the normal traffic flow ) out of the junction beyond another set of trailing points. Then, it crosses over the second set of points to regain the correct running track. Once it has done that, it runs back to the station where it left its train and passes the carriages on an adjacent track before reversing back over a third set of trailing points to couple up to what is now the front of the train, ready for the return trip. Of course, in some situations, the nearest suitable point to turn the engine may be behind the station. In that case, it has to run backwards to the junction and backwards againfrom the junction! Alas, we no longer have turntables on our system. Life was so much simpler when we did! Facing points : a set of points which allows normal traffic flow trains to cross from one set of tracks to another. Trailing points : a set of points which requires a normal traffic flow train to go beyond them, stop and reverse over them to cross onto another track. Typically used for sidings or to allow 'wrong way working' when a track is unavailable for exceptional reasons such as maintenance or accident.

[@CW-qt1qv]

Great questions and better answers. Presented very well. Thanks

[@donmiles9083]

Excellent info. Thank you for keeping these learning videos coming.

[@BeyondtheRailz]

I just started freaking out. Danny Harmon, he's back. The railroad historian.

[@dougaustin2689]

Thanks, that explains a few things I hadn't thought of. Cool ... Keep em' coming.

[@schwappingmags1008]

Your channel is a gem of information, thank you for these videos!

[@JessicaKasumi1990]

Don't forget the reason why CSX's reporting mark has that "T". To separate CSX from those leaser or private companies and because their full name is CSX Transportation.

[@unity3596]

T stands for transportation

[@fridasophia5356]

Chessie seaboard consolidated transportation

[@williamh.jarvis6795]

Myself, I am well aware that any railroad freight car, with its reporting (letter) marks ending with an X indicates that it belongs to a private lessor or company, not to any railroad itself, hence, I do understand why CSX's reporting marks must conclude with any other letter than an X (the inclusion of the letter T at the end).

[@truckingwithpacdawg2202]

Welp here I am in 2022 getting all the valuable info I’ve always been wondering. Dang thank you KZbin and Danny. Also those who have added info to this channel

[@ruslsdad]

Thanks Danny. Love videos like these. Keep on fanning!

[@jeffparker3334]

Another classic Danny Harmon video. The name of your channel, Distant Signal, always comes to mind when I’m up on my property in Mississippi. Every night around 10:30, off in the distance, I can hear a train horn blow. I always think of Danny’s channel.

[@34jared]

You are so great at what you do. Thanks !

[@Rolf-Dieter_Damm]

Thank you for your video and your explanations, Danny. Have a great weekend!

[@glenrummel4483]

Thanks Danny for another great and informative video. Keep up the great work!!!

[@spartacussimulations5571]

Very educational, I like this. Thank you Danny!

We need more of these type of videos.

[@moore4807]

Excellent explanation and valuable information! Thank You Danny

[@robertdean9392]

Great video and great information. Had a little idea and knowledge combined, but Paul and You filled in most of the blank spots. Be safe out there and take it easy.

[@stephenrick6672]

Thanks for answering all these questions. Very Informative.

[@bobmckinley2498]

Thanks for all your great information, much appreciated.

[@georgettedebuhr2660]

Danny Harmon, you're the best! Keep up the excellent work,! Have a nice day!😊🌈

[@charleyharper4298]

Very informative. Stuff all railroad fans think of.

[@kens.3729]

Great Q & A with the Retired CSX Railroad Retiree/Consultant. Thanks for leveraging an interview.

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent video I enjoyed watching it.👍😀😀😀😀😀🚂🇬🇧

[@nkyrailfan]

Great informational video Danny. Thanks for taking the time to answer many of these questions. Make sure to tell Paul thank you from all us rail fans.

[@greggporter5494]

It's been a while Danny. But you still are the best. Don't stop your great work.

[@vesubioromo9425]

Loyal VR railfan here. One of your videos popped up and I took a look. Very instructive, straight talk, no fluff. Great production. Makes it easy to watch a bunch. Thanks. Liked. Subbed.

[@fredashay]

When I was a kid, I once saw a Conrail locomotive pulling a bunch of subway cars on a rural track in upstate NY heading down to NYC.

[@katherinemorey6517]

Hi Danny, I am a very big fan of this channel. When you were talking about how cars are going to costumers, I was thinking about the fact that my wooden toy train layout is way way less complex and the trains actually are already put together for the work they do. The train goes to the loading center and picks up the freight, travels to the costumers dumps the freight out of the cars, and goes back to the loading center for another load. The railroad delivers each type of freight once a day. The railroad doesn't have single car trains. They can only haul two or more or none. I don't allow the trains to pull one car. They also have to haul FULL cars. I don't allow the cars to be 25%,50%, 75%, 80%, 90%, or even 95% full. They have to be 100% to 110% full. My engines are HANNAH, BRENT, ARRY, MOLLY, REBECCA, CARL, JASON, DOMINIC, FRANK, HARVEY, LOGAN, BILLY, STEVEN, CHRIS, SHAWN, and DAN. HANNAH is my favorite engine in my fleet. I am pretending that HANNAH and BRENT are cousins who love each other the same way actual cousins do. Cory Mears

[@distantsignal]

That's awesome, Corey! It sounds like you've got a serious railroad running there.

[@CSX500]

I love figuring stuff like this out! Such a different part of the hobby. Once again another fantastic video Danny!

[@yardlimit8695]

another video that NOBODY ELSE thought of making,,,,,,,,,,,leave it to danny to do these kinds of videos..........thanks danny

[@corey294]

A++! Another top notch video! Thank you! 👍🚂

[@CFRF13]

Ah so that's what the interview was about up at Railwatch, figured it would make its way into one of your videos sooner or later. Another fine episode.

[@franksita4719]

Great information that I did not know about how the cars get moved around. Your former CSX employee you interviewed was spot on!

[@TravisCyprien]

You got the answer correct from Paul. The system notices what’s empty and what is not. Sending cars to a customer or off loading goods to be empty. I had to do this in the rail yard. Site manager or yard master would print out a list and we as switchmen or conductors would dig the car out and build the train. No matter if it’s empty or full. Just depends where it’s going.

[@FlyForB6]

These videos make my week! Great work DH!

[@jbillma]

Thank you so much for this video and many others like it! I just realized that I was not subscribed to this channel. Needless to say, I had to correct that error... Last year, at the start of the pandemic, I moved from Zephyrhills to a home we just bought in Sulphur Springs, just a couple blocks from the Clearwater Subdivision. Now, I've always loved trains, and hearing train horns even (and especially) at night has brought me a measure of comfort, dating back to when I was a small child in Salem, Ohio, living just a few blocks away from what is now the NS Fort Wayne Line. (Amtrak's Capitol Limited runs on the line now, but at the time, it was owned by Conrail.) Even so, I was surprised (pleasantly) to find so many trains on this line (especially at night), as I knew that the Clearwater Subdivision does not lead to destinations outside the Tampa Bay Area... only to Pinellas, Pasco, and Hernando counties. Would you or your viewers have any insight into the volume of cars that traverse this subdivision, and if it's common for trains to deliver cars to/from customers at night?

[@driven64]

Mr Harmon. Thank you for this video!!!! I understood EVERY aspect of each topic! Great lessons! As a long-time railfan of Amtrak trains barreling thru a Maryland stop on the way into and out of Union Station in DC, as well as the trains in Tampa and Southern Mississippi, I'd like to thank you for your awesome video contributions to us true fans of the "high iron" and YOU!

[@dennisryan7487]

A Wye is also a type of sewer pipe, also doing a similar thing. Your sewer lateral from your house goes out to the street where it joins the Main using a wye. Thanks for answering my question on the continuous rail train loading. I'd still want to see that done !

[@csrrjefflloyd6496]

Re. the Neve Wye, there's a similar setup in Deshler, Ohio. It's where the CSX Toledo, Garrett and Willard Subs meet. There are three wyes there in Deshler and there are occasional trains that turn their power around as needed. Great video as always Danny!

[@deronwilliams338]

Learned something new today.

[@drgwnut]

Great information as always. It would be cool sometime to follow one car from the field to the customer and out again. That would be a nice illustration of how things work.

[@RollinIsbell]

Great information ... AGAIN! Thank you and keep them coming.

[@vhpilot66]

Fantastic info! When you post a video I drop everything to watch it ASAP! I also hit the like button even before I watch...one of the few guarantees in this world. Guaranteed your videos are a home run!

[@VisionsofEd]

Great video my friend lots of interesting information

[@lamarwildes8841]

You started out in my old hometown again(Baldwin)!!.....Great video as usual!

[@nightlightnumber9]

I’m so mad that I’m a fay late on a new video, not sure how that happened. I love to learn the what, why and how of the train systems and to watch trains. Thank you for all that you do for these video’s.

[@BrianBaldridge]

Thank you very much for these videos illuminating the problems and solutions related to running a railroad. Excellent content as alway.

[@tommy13t]

Love your videos. Starting CSX in the next few weeks and your videos are simply amazing.

[@jamesschad5231]

Always the BEST videos...Thanks Danny!

[@graveyg]

Excellent video. I learned so many things that I was wondering about. Thank you for taking the time to put this one together.

[@jtkm]

As a chain supply major, this was super interesting to learn!

[@kavoo0]

Dear Danny Harmon. Could you do a video on recognizing and identifying locomotive models? Like SD40s, DASH 8s whatever, and C9AW something something something?

[@AbelG8781]

All railroads stencil the locomotive type either on the cab sides or on the front of the pilot. As for aesthetic differences, there are far too many to list on here, just look at the cabs next time and you'll see the locomotive type stenciled in there somewhere.

[@roylafountain5478]

As always...excellent content and presentation. Thank you!

[@danherrmann8755]

Thanks for information about the railroad. You do a great job explaining what goes on in the railroad industry Your props are the real Mc coy to share with the U tubers like me. Thanks again. Later.

[@kevinreid3529]

Great vid as always Danny, Thanks for sharing. From your number one Canadian fan.

[@timcowan5597]

Love your videos Danny, waiting for the next one.Stay safe 👍🇬🇧

[@jman4652]

Very interesting 🤔 The Australian train system is very similar... Thank you for the info. Might have to watch more of your vids to see more about the American rail system. 👍😎

[@dallasembry6477]

Really appreciate all the educational info you impart

[@niobraraterminalrailroad2709]

Another great video Mr.Harmon. always look forward to seeing your new (and old) videos.

[@schneikey]

Have you encountered any interesting “Critters” while railfanning? Thank you for all of your great videos!!!

[@carlgomm9699]

This is a most interesting show, have always wanted to know about such things, this is a very interesting channel,I love this !!