Folkston - Railfanning Before The Dawn

These days, it's crucial to know a little about the schedule before venturing to a hotspot, planning to spend the day or the weekend. In this age of Precision Scheduled Railroading, their long lulls followed by bursts of action.
Here's a trip I just made to Folkston Georgia to illustrate.

[@TheRailroadCrossingChannel]

The minute you get a notification for a Distant Signal premiere...drop everything and turn on the reminder!

[@CSXNSTrainVideos]

Yes!

[@kamala2111]

You know it

[@ekimp252]

Preach!

[@CaptainJustice166]

Definitely!

[@RC944jim]

I’m in 😉

[@jimmyseaver3647]

"Some folks say they're pretty good"? Your videos are among the best that railfanning has to offer. You're knowledgeable, your camerawork is excellent, and you know when to speak up and when to let the trains speak for themselves. Truly a quality gem in the community.

[@cpttankerjoe]

He’s easily the best. I can film but I can’t seem to get the editing or voiceovers down

[@Mike-tg7dj]

I love your videos, I have been a secret rail fan since early childhood. I use to be afraid of them until one summer I stayed with my aunt and uncle in what was rural in those days. Their house set back about 50 feet from the high iron and the MOW track. Every summer it seemed the by then the L&N formerly Nashville, Chattanooga & St Louis would park there MOW crew and cars on the siding with full kitchen that fed the crew. They even had cars that were bunkhouse style with windows. I stopped fearing and couldn't get enough seeing those freight and passenger trains go by with their F9s, GP7s and the early Uboats. I really love going out there for my summers. Seeing that military train go by took me back to when I was in the U.S. Army and specifically I was a cavalry scout with a cavalry troop in Germany. We would go across the country to Grafenwohr for live fire practice and, we went by train. The funny thing is and I don't know how they did but, a private company loads the armored vehicles. This may have changed and they have gone back to loading their own cars. Back when I was in the Army we had to load and unload our equipment, we also rode with it across Germany. It was a task you had to do by the numbers, no goofing off, doing stupid stuff. One wrong move and you could be seriously injured or worse.Many a soldier have died in European rail yards just by raising their radio antenna to make contact with the electrical power lines for the electrified locomotives. Your can seriously hurt yourself by not watching what you are doing. It's especially bad at night to which that happened to us a few times both loading and unloading. Ah, the good old days!

[@distantsignal]

Hi MIke: You've certainly had some experiences over the years, especially in the army. Sounds very exciting. Yes, so many people of our generation have a connection to the railroad. Sadly, our children and grandchildren don't know much about it because trains are even running into mid-sized cities anymore. Oh well. Everything chsnges. Thanks very much for you compliments.

[@booti_boi6927]

I'm quite happy to be near the Canadian National Mainline as it rolls through Edmonton, Alberta. With the actual population of Canada being a narrow strip close to the border, there is just the single bit of mainline for both the CN and CPR across pretty much the whole country, so that means any and all freight going from one side of the country to the other on CN has to roll through town, and that means constant action and the shiniest rails

[@gmoore1985]

The E013 is two trains (E013 and E040) combined to save on crews. It will go to Radner Yard in Nashville, TN or Casky Yard in Hopkinsville, KY and be split up into two trains; E013 will go to Atkinson, KY and E040 will go to Evansville, IN.

[@deandeis5951]

Danny- if your really lookin for an all day- non stop hotspot location, you oughta get out to the Tehachapi Pass! From sunrise to sunset its trains, trains, and more trains!

[@tarf1a]

I like the yellow big rubber duck in the truck at 10:23! Another excellent video sir! Many thanks/

[@Suncast45]

I was a Special Agent for ICG RR in E. St. Louis years ago!. A Delta Air Lines DC 9 overran the runway at Knoxville, Tn and was destroyed. The fuselage and wings were transported to St. Louis, Mo for further testing. I had to babysit the hulk for 18 hours till it was handed over to TRRA in St. louis. Miss those RR days!. Thank You for the videos!

[@distantsignal]

Thank you!! That's an incredible story. You must have seen a lot over the course of your career

[@RiverLineProductions]

Great Video! Folkston in the morning is my all time favorite railfanning location... can't beat the small town atmosphere in the predawn! A note about that E013 coal train... The reason for the OUC markings on the cars is likely a train combination. The cars only carried the OUC markings until the mid train DPU, then the cars carried COAX and SEMX markings. Likely this first half of the train was an E040 or E041 out of Orlando, and when they got to Jacksonville, backed an E013 (the train starting with the 4 engines) onto it, and then used the E013 symbol for both trains, since both trains are headed to Indiana. With PSR, this has become fairly common to see. Up here in NJ/NY, we will get an empty oil train, say K021, out of Phillips 66 in Linden, NJ, with PPLX tanker markings for Phillips. Also in Linden, are ethanol refineries, so say we'll also get a K649 on the same day. Since both trains are North Jersey to Chicago, they'll just back the K021 onto the K649 and run them as one train with DPU. Therefore you'll see a K649 with the K021 PPLX cars on it, just as the E013 had E040/041s hoppers.

[@djlitebrite93]

River Line Productions top comment

[@syrmaine]

Mr. Harmon: If there's such a thing as a superstar in train watching you're it. Thanks for the information on Folkston. One thing also - near Folkston is one of the most peaceful and spiritual I've ever been to and that's the Okefenokee Refuge. Maybe mention that in a future video. But keep up the good work !! OUT !!

[@jack18888]

Oh man I'm like a little kid watching this. The Iron Horse rides on!

[@91_C4_FL]

Love that Seaboard System buffer car at 2:50!

[@MrBillCNW]

I enjoyed your video Danny. Thank you

[@pupslace]

9:26 a nice shave and a hair cut there :)

[@TolgaEastCoast]

Great video, Danny. On this regard you couldn't be more right. I've lately done all my buffing at first light. You just get so much more.

[@tropicalrailroadproduction5028]

Now I feel like railfanning at 4:30 am and 4:45 am and 5:30 am and 7:00 am

[@chrisc2683]

Great video as always. Thanks for sharing.

[@larryblaha]

Been there it is awesome.. Thanks Danny for the great video.

[@georgettedebuhr2660]

I stop whatever I'm doing. Never want to miss Distant Signal videos. They are the best!😅👍👍👍👍

[@93greenstrat]

The art and science of night rail photography/videography. I just saw Q031 yesterday. I didn't get the axle count, but it was remarkably short this time around.

[@SM-ir5cy]

Danny, found your channel a few weeks back and already watched most of your videos, thanks for the great and informative content!

[@distantsignal]

Awesome, thank you!

[@clevelandmaker386]

@@distantsignal great video again Danny.....I've looked at other channels and almost all of them give you great respect...some of the younger ones think of you just as I was saying....the voice of modern American railfanning too bad that you don't have a bigger budget....cause if it was me....id let you loose on this country so everyone from waycross to the tecapachi loop could hear you ..... oh yeah and one more thing....it was nice seeing a seaboard hopper with the original paint....im from the tail end of those years and they were my best rail memories! mopac blues, BN greens, warbonnets, CNW yellows, dark red Penns and my personal favorite that Rock Island lt. blue! well I'll see you again stay safe and sound... I'm out Cleveland Maker UP/MP milepost 323.8 New Orleans to Baton Rouge Louisiana

[@gabrielescobedo7124]

Thanks for your videos Danny i seen a military train come through Homerville Georgia but had all tanks on it last year.

[@therealgblum5075]

In 2018 I went 36 hours without sleeping in folkston and saw almost 50 trains. I love watching your videos!

[@therealgblum5075]

We stayed in the chesie caboose that trip.

[@vitissubrailfan2540]

Huh. I went in 2019 and saw 23.

[@tomkibbe835]

Danny your headline could say you were singing nursery rhymes and I woukd tune in. Always informative and always entertaining!

[@geoffreylee5199]

Rail-fanning is like fishing, sit, wait, enjoy peace and quiet …

[@daveschannel1466]

I like all your videos. I grew up in Florida Tallahassee and Jacksonville

[@donhunking2286]

Just before dawn and early morning is one of my favorites too . Few things as thrilling as 8800 hp. Roaring past close up in the dark/first light .

[@koryclarke1991]

I like your videos from the moment they start.

[@rodneykantorski736]

I love 3rd Trick Railfanning. Excellent video 👍

[@jamesweidman7462]

Thanks for the information on the cabins. They look great and will remind me of Maurice cabins on the Cape. Great video!

[@nathanshanas6046]

I always look forward to your videos, you do the voice over so well that I almost feel like I live there and know these places even though I reside in North Carolina. I would love to come out next time you are up in this neck of the woods and rail fan with you, I have found that your videos are by far the best I have seen on KZbin, no others can compare to the quality, or the knowledge

[@distantsignal]

Thank you so much, Nathan. I hope I can get back into North Carolina someday soon. There's so much good railfanning there and your state is so beautiful. Thanks again!

[@johnfranklin1955]

I’m with Danny, I love the sunrise time of day! 👍

[@mysticrailroad]

man these are some monster videos. i really appreciate what you do. big thumbs up.

[@gordonoconnor476]

Dang Danny, everytime I get a notification of a new video of yours, it's like, sorry honey, I have to watch this. NOW!!!!!

[@TexasRailfan2008]

Lol same

[@sunshinestaterailfan5960]

They are all good videos Danny!

[@RailfanTurner]

Terrific catches! I prefer to railfan during the daytime before dusk. The night is hard because there is not a lot of lights around trains at all different stations.

[@richmondrailfan8444]

FINALLY TYSM DANNY. I WAS WONDERING WHY EVERY TIME I SEE THIS GUY HE IS SINGLE STACK. TY TY TY TY TY

[@FrogandFlangeVideo]

Thanks, Danny. As always another entertaining and informative video.

[@shawntaber6480]

Train time is anytime! Thanks for another great video!

[@southeasttexasrailproductions]

Great video. Love that duck float in the back of that truck at 10:30 lol.

[@CaptainJustice166]

Another amazing video Danny!!! I have to make plans to head down to Folkston in the future!

[@gatortrainchaser2080]

Great video about Folkston! I was there in December 2018 and railside lodging is the ONLY way to go! Mid-day is slow for rail traffic in Folkston! Make sure to check out the Okefenokee Restaurant! Best bang for the buck! Awesome breakfast and lunch buffet!!!

[@davidremy4470]

Thanks Danny for another great video. You NEVER disappoint!!

[@distantsignal]

My pleasure, David!

[@ryanfields5181]

Great vids man. Dad and I enjoy them!

[@jefffowlkes7976]

Jeff Fowlkes I always enjoy your videos and can usually learn something about the trains, signals. Keep up the good work!

[@rwsaleh]

Those night shots were great. Night railfanning is just as great as daylight videos and I think it make the videos more intriguing.

[@MikeInPlano]

Great video, as always Danny. Can you imagine a naive non-railfan booking Peake's cabin thinking it's just a nice, quaint place to stay the night, not knowing what they're in for in the early morning hours? Reminiscent of the trackside hotel room in "My Cousin Vinny".

[@FL_GA_Videos]

1:59 I have seen many drivers almost get hit even when Amtrak auto train was approaching at 70mph! Great catch

[@jasmannygonzalez4376]

Awesome video & catches and I loved every single minute of all things CSX and Amtrak in Folkston Ga! and an awesome catch on that CSX train with the military vehicles on board! 5 Stars Danny Harmon aka +Distant Signal and the awesomest and the best channel on KZbin!

[@HyperActive7]

The railcams and talking to the local railfans is a big help. But pure ass experience and instinct of your own is key!

[@TheUglyDuckman]

With the 'Shave and a Haircut' from the Star, I was expecting a cheeky 'Morning, Danny' from the radio as well. Excellent stuff, tho

[@kelsogray]

I used to live near the tracks like that. I loved that location. It was on the outskirts of town where the double track went to single track and had two crossings. So lots of trains with lots of horn. I love the caboose. I grew up near Corbin, KY and can just barely remember seeing Chessie System locomotives.

[@Conrail1731]

Will consider your vacation tip the next time I plan a vacation. Thanks

[@malcolmmcfadden9023]

Awesome Horn show by Amtrak P091-12 and once again, great video Danny, love seeing these! You do one amazing job, we all care about you.

[@roadrailmediagroup]

Love this! “Get what you can” is a motto I live by. Also agree night ain’t for the best quality outcomes, but the challenge is a fun one.

[@GRE2057]

Always love when Danny Uploads a Video on Folkston Georgia!!! Love that place!!!! Cheers from Northern Michigan!!

[@louis9750]

KZbin needs to create a love button. Great video Danny!

[@sheleighrichards5977]

4 DPU’s and Big Daddy AT 53 made my day. Thanks Danny🚇

[@westrich54]

Thanks for another reminder that it has been too long since we have been to Folkston. We may reserve that cabin too! While I was watching this my wife sent me the link! I love her!

[@Weatherarorg]

Excellent video & advice as usual! It works the same way on the UP (ex-MoP & Cotton Belt) in Arkansas. From MP 373.1 on UP's (ex-MoP) Van Buren Sub at Conway, Arkansas, Highball, Danny, Out!

[@ericsturniolo]

Awesome video Danny! I really need to get back to Folkston! It’s been too long of a wait! Last time I was there, I almost got Amtrak 92 hitting a car within seconds at Martin St as they flew at track speed! I hate how the traffic has changed since then..

[@vitissubrailfan2540]

13:06 that sounds like my grandpa!! (Rip grandpa 1958-2019)

[@cameronschindler25]

Sorry for your loss, sir

[@trapdriver7006]

Excellent video it’s a prime example of the early bird catches the worm when you want to see a lot of trains.👍🇬🇧

[@ravenhawk6910]

I really need to get back to Folkston one of these days. The last time I was there was Jan. 2015 and I stayed in the Family Line caboose. It's such a shame it's no longer rentable because I loved it. Thanks for another great one Danny!

[@schnauzahpowahz]

The man... the myth... the legend... And sometimes the narrator of a random commercial on tv where i immediately blurp out loud "hey thats Danny!" DH ladies and gentlemen 👏 A treat as always

[@jamesemberton3239]

Living in Folkston, the trains can be rather frustrating. It's nice to see an outside perspective, an inside-looking-out kinda feeling

[@WarbonnetProductions]

Your such a inspiration for me Danny! Hope your doing ok through all this, can’t wait for the video!

[@jeanrivest1778]

Hey Danny, like always, this is a very nice video, fill with good information. Keep them rolling 😁

[@roman-soldier2361]

Hey Danny next time you go on vacation you should come up to Massachusetts and go to Palmer Mass, it’s a hotspot in Massachusetts for train watching. There’s two sets of tracks that run on each side of an old 19th century train station that is now a restaurant. It’s truly a good spot

[@MBTAMoreRailfan]

If danny ever goes there i wanna go with him. it’s not actually totally hot, it’s about 15 a day, maybe 2 or 3 mass coastals

[@joedelusso1415]

@@MBTAMoreRailfan don't think mass coastal comes that far west,their territory is usually from fall river eastward to the cape,i believe your thinking of the mass central..

[@WildBill042]

I love hitting up steaming tender. too bad the virus makes it a bit challenging. about 3 years ago I caught a military train roll through.

[@jmano33]

Unfortunately Palmer has gotten quiet as of late (I live out in the area).... I would suggest Fonda NY... on the CSX Chicago Line, much busier!

[@BackLot-te9dc]

Folkston Ga - a safe and entertaining location for rail fans. One of my favorite locations was CSX over the Ortega River. The old US 17 alignment is now a short pier and right next to the tracks and bascule bridge, ok for fishing per others. A homeless camp has started under the pier section, sooo. I like the night video, it works fine. Your videos are great! Keep it up.

[@HoosierDaddy_]

This is the best Railfan site by miles! Love your content and presentation.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks so much, Brad!

[@boweandrew3]

the best video yet Danny keep the videos coming

[@ramyg5037]

I was expecting a teen kid or a youth to be filming this video. Didn't expect a grown grown up filming this. Age is no barrier for rail fanning..

[@distantsignal]

Ha! I'll take that as a compliment. Yes, I'm way past a grown grownup!

[@MC-br1gk]

I love what you do and how you do it! Keep it up! Thanks!

[@jointedsteel4819]

Amazing video!

[@markabramowitz2901]

thanks Danny, very informative! keep it up

[@larrysierens1029]

I was very glad to see your new video I always look forward to them I usually watch them more than once because I find them so interesting lol😀

[@franksita4719]

Have never been to Folkston, but it is my bucket list! Your Southern voice is great for making these videos. Please continue!

[@Aleiria13]

I just subscribed, and am a BIG railroad fan sense I’ve been a 5 year old😁👍🏽. I live here in Kelso, Washington only 3 blocks away from the 1-5 corridor of our somewhat newly laid 4-track’s that run alongside our Cowlitz river. Our 4-lanes of track’s are shiny & new looking still due to the fact we get a passing BNSF or CSX train every 5-15 minutes here in Kelso. 👍🏽🥰 Thank-You for Your documentary for us railfans!👍🏽❤️😁

[@djupsman]

I've been doing work in folkston for 15 years or so and them trains are constant. I always find myself watching em if I'm close enough.

[@djupsman]

One every 20-30 mins it sounds like when I'm up there.

[@CSXNSTrainVideos]

Awesome Premier as always!

[@jefftherber4123]

Hey Danny. First time commenter. Enjoyed this one very much as we just stayed in the Chessie Caboose for Memorial Day and through Wednesday morning. Great time and fun helping my son with his new KZbin channel. Thanks for the effort and inspiration you are providing for all of us.

[@frankthomas855]

Loved the video. Ive got my eye on that caboose for whenever i get down that way. I really appreciate the time and effort you put into your videos. Never miss em. Thanks

[@johnhirtle4300]

Love your vids and enthusiasm! Thanks so much for rewarding our laziness by doing all the heavy lifting for us! 👍👍👍

[@Jumpingoffthecliff]

My favorite hotspot has to be the UPs triple track mainline in Nebraska, between Gibbon and North Platte. I’ve chased double stacks along there at 79mph! Thanks for another great video.

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

Dan The Man. Still got the best railfanning videos on here. (CSX needs to get you on a cab ride)

[@mattbalboa1349]

You produce the best videos. I agree with Mr. Cage. If you ever get west to Texas, let me know. The Espee... well UP Sunset main runs through Flatonia, a small town about halfway between Houston, and San Antonio. Flatonia has a diamond where the UP Cuero sub ( the DalSa) crosses the Sunset. UP and BNSF trains use both. With BNSF either heading south off the DalSa and heading west, or heading north up the DalSa off the eastbound Sunset. Mornings are fairly busy. It is usually very slow between 12 noon and 3:30 PM. After that, traffic picks up. The magical hours are midnight -to 6 A.M. Traffic is almost non-stop. Come on down. I'll bring the coffee maker, the grill and the sausage links.

[@gringo4x4do]

Another Great Video Mr Danny ! Thanks for getting up early to share this with all of us !

[@thomplacier677]

Thanks for another great video!

[@johncloar1692]

I will watch you video before any one else. Keep up the good work Danny.

[@ScottsRailroadVideos]

Great video. Gotta love to see some night shots! Also at 4:44 you can hear a crossing that has a very stick e-bell!

[@beulahpowell1478]

We love Folkston trains when we have time to ride up there. We have learned so much since we started watching you explain how and why each train operates. Very interesting. I love all of them. You're right about planning your day when and where you're train watching. In Folkston we have been there early morning noon or late evening and always catch two or three trains. Thank you Danny for a good job videoing.

[@scottgibson6735]

they’re good.enough that any time I get a notice of a new one,I’m here.Thankss for the video.

[@davidchristensen6908]

I enjoyed the night video. Your information on the train and where it’s from and going to had plenty of light to hear what you had to say. It was nice to see the cars go by in the spot lights of car headlights and street lights. I enjoyed the video very much.

[@ed12151]

that's right, Danny always has great videos for us

[@gracemember101]

Pretty good? They are among the best I've seen. So informative and just plain fun. My wife and I can't believe you do this just for fun.

[@davidurban6813]

Greetings from Red Wing mn. Thanks for the info on trackside lodgings. Never knew there was such places thanks for posting this video. Have a great night everyone.

[@Eddy63]

Another great video Danny ...Eddy out !!

[@38bigbob]

I Love your Videos. My hometown is Alapaha Ga. Which is 53 miles from Waycross. I use to go through Folkston all the time traveling to Jacksonville so this Video was fun to Watch

[@glenrummel4483]

Hi Danny! Another great video with lots of good information both railroad as well as travel advice.Keep up the good work.

[@Athenstrainman]

My buddy and I stayed in the FLC caboose for 2 days and 2 night in Folkston. No sleep, lots of interesting trains, waycross, chasing CN trains, saw CSX 911 and the 1776. It was crazy

[@MyrtleBeach123]

I enjoy your early morning videos and had no trouble seeing the subject matter with my room lights turned off. The signals are much easier to read too!