How Railroad Switches Work

This is from a question I got about different types of railroad switches. I tried to find and include as many as I could, but there are still more types out there.

[@Suran107]

I swear I'd even listen to this guy talk about his water cooler and staying hydrated. Just an absolutely pleasant and informative guy to narrate anything. Almost Morgan Freeman level but with a different style.

[@JasonMcLemore]

I grew up hearing this guy's voice as the station announcer for my local news station. Long before I knew about his railroad stuff through my son.

[@ferdinandfrancis9673]

Agree!!💯

[@fazapops]

I'm sure you couldn't pay Danny Harmon a bigger compliment!

[@edd17sp74]

1000%. Danny has the perfect voice for narrating.

[@GeorgeZ213]

Not sure what mic he uses, but is always very clear. No distortion. No need to wonder "did he say this or that?

[@RetireEatsDelivers]

Mr Harmon, my brother, passed away recently, he was a huge fan of your channel, and I'm so pleased he shared your channel with me. Watching your content makes me feel like we can still connect. Thank you for all you do sir!

[@juliamason8393]

Please accept my condolences on the passing of your brother. I too have lost a family member. My oldest son passed away last Dec. He was just 46 years old.

[@FalconXE302]

@@juliamason8393 ...from across the world, my condolences to you.

[@juliamason8393]

@@FalconXE302 Thank you . He was born weighing only 3lbs and 7 1/2 ozs in 1976. He lived longer than the Drs thought he would They said he probably. would not live longer than his 30's. An upper respiratory infection was what took his life along with complications of his dialysis. He had been born with kidney disease.

[@lovedfriend2020]

@@juliamason8393 WOW, I am that same age with Spina Bifida, and back in 1976, doctors were not sure of life and age. I know I was born in one hospital in CT and transferred to another one due to they didn't have the right stuff needed.

[@jacobdubielak]

Man that is so sad he seems like a good brother to you

[@marryellen7713]

He must be a millionaire. Man travels everywhere. He must have connections with every railroad. He knows were special trains is. I enjoy every video he makes.

[@johnsweeney9031]

I worked for the Chessie System in the 1980s. One of the biggest causes of back injuries on the railroad was from throwing those manual switches. It seemed like we had training on how to avoid back injuries every other month.

[@paulne1514]

I worked at a steel mill with over 100 miles of rail, and thousands of switches. In 20 years, not one injury from throwing a switch. The only maintenance we had was a broom! Guess where you worked, either the injured did it wrong or were to weak to do it the right way. Am wondering, were most of the injured women?

[@wolfgang548]

Your videos are always well narrated and in depth. It shows you're a true railfan.

[@An-Unknown_Presence]

I’m Feeling Lucky Today because Distant Signal Uploaded!

[@deathdealer_xiii1055]

One thing id like to add about switch targets is; as a railroader dont always rely on the switch targets. Always double check and triple check your switch points to make sure you are lined for the correct track you are coming in to

[@EdwardRingwald]

Very true! This is what I teach my Trainman trainees as a Conductor at the Florida Railroad Museum when switching for the locomotive runaround at our Willow runaround track. Never rely on the switch targets alone: Double and triple check your points before you signal the locomotive to proceed over the switch. Same thing when you reline the switch to the main track: Check your points.

[@ellisjackson3355]

I only ever look at the switch points

[@rbfishcs123]

@@ellisjackson3355 Same, been burned once on incorrect target that was vandalized - won't do that again ;)

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

@@EdwardRingwald Hey Ed, how's the 8330 holding up? I miss that old Geep!

[@marco23p]

It can be tricky too! A switch can be lined halfway, in such way that the "open" point seems very open, making you believe that it's lined properly, while the other point is just slightly open. If coming from the point-facing end, you'll derail.

[@gblargg]

I thought "a 15-minute video on how a switch works??" and now I see it's full of information and terms about many variations, and excellent camera work (especially the drone shots from above).

[@MrBillCNW]

It’s always a great day to have a Danny Hartman video uploaded and perfect timing. I can watch video with my morning coffee. Thank you Danny.

[@distantsignal]

Thank you Mr Bill

[@tedyoder3166]

@@distantsignal😊😊

[@pjotrtje0NL]

Florida alone has more types of switches than the entire Dutch railroad system! Very interesting, thanks Danny!

[@distantsignal]

Wow! Did not know that. And there are still more types on northern and midwestern RRs.

[@RNP688]

Now this sunday is for real

[@SignalAspect]

Dont we love it when Danny posts?

[@JohnR.1968]

Great vid Danny.I worked for a company that built switch panels off site . My job was to deliver the prefab sections on a trailer that would extend to designated lengths., sometimes up to 76ft long. It would require special permits and routes. Also escorts to block lanes when making very wide turns. Keep the great vids coming!!

[@avgjoe-cz7cb]

I'd bet you think that was the good ole days, I would. It's good not to kill anybody as your job. 76' feet is a good throw for any QB.

[@CDROM-lq9iz]

As someone who always has to work inside blue-flagged areas, one type of switch worth mentioning in that context are "spring switches." They work extremely similarly to normal hand thrown switches, except the points are connected to the arm on the switch stand via a spring. The purpose of those switches is to allow trailing point movement of rolling stock across a switch thats lined against you. The points move out of the way as you go through and snap back to the way they were before, which prevents you from going back the way you came. It keeps people like me inside those areas protected from accidental movements.

[@clarkpj1]

There was one of those in Marquette, Iowa on the Milwaukee Road when I was a kid to allow trains leaving the west yard to go southbound on the Mississippi river line. Loved watching it move back and forth as each wheelset went over it.

[@James_Knott]

I used to work for CN and there were plenty of those in Northern Ontario. The main line there was a single track, with periodic double track sections where trains could pass. Those sections had spring switches at each end. IIRC, they were also listed in the operating schedules, so that crews would know where they were. There were also "SS" signs next to them.

[@CDROM-lq9iz]

@@James_Knott That's interesting. I'm curious what kind of speeds they were used at. The spring switches I see all the time have an "S" on both sides of the target.

[@James_Knott]

@@CDROM-lq9iz That I couldn't tell you. I wasn't train crew. I was a technician with CN Telecommunications and often rode trains, including freights. It was also back in the mid 70s that I worked that closely with the railway. After that, I worked as a computer tech in Toronto for several years.

[@paulkoza8652]

They had these on Missouri Pacific back in the 1970s when I worked there. They make sense for given situations.

[@jeffreyandrews6700]

You covered a lot of good points about switches.😸

[@killerbees177]

Summer throughout the entire South was brutal. Glad you stayed healthy being out there

[@thomasbritton640]

Danny I'm 72 years old and look forward hearing that bell 🔔 like music 🎶 to ears there are guite a few rail fans visiting and starting up and nobody comes slose

[@robhow7962]

Wonderful filmmaking. I could be doing a million other things right now, and I'm completely engrossed in 50 year old railroad appliances.

[@Whitesmoke8080]

My brother fueled BNSF intermodal in Wellington, KS on the Amarillo sub. Wellington is the halfway point in which they do crew changes.

[@clydecessna737]

Sir, try this: Take a plastic bottle of water, half fill it with water and place it in the freezer overnight. The next day fill it up with water and you have ice water for a long time; if you wrap it with a towel you will be surprised how long it lasts. Take a second or third bottle and freeze it to the top as you will use it later and it will melt while it waits for your use. Thanks for the trains, you have taught me a lot.

[@joshsadventures1776]

From the railroad information, to the amazing videography, to the tasty food recommendations, your channel and videos are always the highlight of my day. You are awesome Danny! ❤

[@justmousinaround]

Funny thing about railroaders is they can tell you where all the locations are based on local food establishments.

[@redkevful]

Over here in England, the derail switch is known as a Catch Point, usually installed on sidings just before the exit onto the mainline. Good video as normal

[@hannahranga]

Same as in Australia

[@neiloflongbeck5705]

That's a trap point. Catch points were found on running lines 9n 8nclines facing the opposite direction to travel. These are now only found on heritage lines as all trains on the national network are fully braked.

[@James_Knott]

One of those would have come in handy in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, about 10 years ago. Look up Lac-Megantic rail disaster for details. Essentially, a train pulling several cars full of oil was parked on the main line, on an incline. The brakes weren't properly set and, after an engine fire, the train rolled down into the town and derailed, with the resulting fire destroying much of the town. There was no derail available, that might have been used to prevent the disaster.

[@ramrod2314]

That's good info sir thank you for sharing. 90 Degrees is about 35 here in Ontario Canada. and when we start heading to 40 with a humidex, well that is not a good day. That is waaaay to warm for me. The drone you use is a handy piece of kit I must admit.

[@lorenwillis425]

While filming that fuel truck, you got a great view of the yard ladder, all of those turnouts, evenly spaced in a row, numbered sequentially.

[@eastamericantrains589]

During my conductor training they told us to basically ignore the target. We’re supposed to check the switch points to make sure they “properly fit” and that there is no obstruction in the gap regardless of if a target is present. You killed it Danny you taught this just as my instructor did.

[@joewood1335]

gap and go

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

That's exactly right. Targets are not to be counted on because someone could have tampered with the targets or something could have run through the switch. Putting eyes on the points is the only way to be sure you're going the correct way. But if you are on a 40mph train in dark territory and you are coming up on a switch with a red target, you might have a better chance of getting it slowed down or stopped than just relying on points alone because you aren't going to slow or stop at every switch you encounter.

[@michaelsimms1772]

Good channel for all rail Fandom questions.

[@general5104]

Danny Harmon, the man with the golden announcer's voice! I JUST LOVE your channel !!! I railroaded with Southern Railway and with Norfolk Southern for almost 38 years. I've designed a lot of equipment, with GOD's help in design, for those companies. Lotta love !!!

[@rustyr0824]

Morgan Freeman level. Exactly. I was just telling a friend today that Danny could do the voice over for a railroad or history video and would do a most excellent job of it. Clearly spoken and soothing to the ears. And I love his food tips. Great job Danny.

[@BDTrooper76]

It has been awhile since your last posted video. I was thinking it must be related to the weather fronts pushing through your neighborhood. I'm glad to see you are well. Looking forward to your continued productions. This was another wonderful topic, switches, defect detectors, DPU. An endless supply of informative videos. Well done, and thank you.

[@chrisperry1151]

You’re the best, truly a brother from another, incorporating trains and great food stops. Danny wins 🏆 !!

[@distantsignal]

Haha! Thanks Chris!

[@bennyfactor]

Isn't it interesting how the illuminated vertical red-green signals are in the opposite orientation from automotive signals? And thanks for the sandwich tip, it looked outstanding.

[@koryclarke1991]

Danny’s videos get an automatic like before I even watch his videos.

[@CoffeeOnRails]

As ever facinating to see the difference in style in US operations as compared to over here in Britain. We still have a lot of manual throws in yards and especially in small industrial sidings, but most stuff on the mainline is all remote controlled, either through motors or though a physical linkage to a signal cabin

[@jasonmcbryde]

Great explanation for switching. Thank you. Stay hydrated!

[@EdwardRingwald]

Another fine Sunday morning watching a Distant Signal video after another fine Saturday as Conductor at the Florida Railroad Museum. I noticed the switch targets at the Tennessee Valley RR Museum (TVRM) are basically similar to the switch targets on the two switches on the Willow runaround at the Florida Railroad Museum, the only difference is an electric light on top of the switch stand which TVRM has.

[@justmousinaround]

Had worked 5 years as a signalman there is so much that could have been covered. This video is a great start...

[@distantsignal]

Thanks. Any ideas, let me know.

[@justmousinaround]

@@distantsignal Have only watched a few of your videos but find them informative and entertaining. Will watch some more and if any ideas come to mind I’ll send them along.

[@BeeLineEast]

I worked at the old Bethlehem Steel Corp. Frog and Switch Division. In Steelton Pa. I started in 1971 and worked there till it closed in 1992. The Signal dept. there manufactured the switches and the switch points and frogs etc. Nice informative video.

[@vanessasgram8]

We have been watching your great videos on KZbin Video channel on our Roku. WE really enjoy them. I'm a lucky wife whose hubby encouraged me to learn and love trains! HE has since age 5 (he's 86 now and I'm 81). We have haunted GA. Folkston, Dalton and everywhere in between. LOVE your videos and thank you for the great quality sound. Also we love the fact that you don't stand too close, so we can see entire cars. Keep up the great work.

[@wes5150.]

"How do Railroad Switches Work?" They work very well when you have a brakeman !

[@dripguy]

Nice overhead shot of the Amtrack train Danny!

[@robertridley-fj8zz]

Opened this on notification, but got distracted, until whilst outside, a CSX SUV drove down my street (which is unusual though not without simple explanation). Seemed a good reason to put aside what I was doing to come watch this.

[@kennethgrimsley7656]

Thank you for mentioning my neck of the woods ("The Bowline") Danny.

[@matthewb5364]

I love how you weave in other interesting bits of footage (like fueling, or other local attractions wherever you are) alongside the main subject of the video!

[@Railroad_Talk]

Great video as always! I shared your video with my community mainly newer conductors getting into the trade or looking to get into the trade. Appreciate the effort and attention to detail. Good stuff

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

Danny this is great info! Not all-encompassing like you said, but this certainly covers a lot of territory. I was wondering, you had the footage, but you did not explain the features of a crossover or a ladder track. For those wondering, a crossover is generally when you have two parallel tracks and a pair of turnouts between them so you can cross over from either Left to right, or right to left. There's a whole section of rules governing crossovers where such geometric figures are positioned on double track, or at the end of sidings, etc. And the Ladder track is line of track made up almost exclusively of turnouts in a yard. Each rung begins a new yard track, and while it is not capable of storing cars or equipment for obvious reasons, the ladder is often where equipment ends up staging in between switching maneuvers. Some yards have a rule that the ladder track shall be lined for the very last track, or perhaps track 6 when not in use. While the vast majority of ladders have the rule to leave lined as last used. The other thing you'll find with ladder tracks are that the switches do not have any padlocks. Newer switches won't even have any keeper hasps because they're designed mechanically to catch the handle and hold it when thrown. (Like the first switch in your video) older switches had some sort of keeper, usually just a giant "S" hook on a chain. In my training video, long gone now that I'm retired, I had the duty of explaining to new conductors the difference between a Rigid switch, a variable (often called a run-through switch) and a spring switch. Rigid switches were any kind of switch that did not have a mechanism to permit a train running through a fouled switch. I can safely say all the switches in this video were rigid switches, even the remote controlled ones. If a train ran through a rigid switch, (Run-through means making a trailing movement against the alignment of the switch) it would break the switch! Those little pot switches have swing arms on them that were intentionally made to break if a great amount of force was put on them. (Such as being run through) The modern day fuse if you will. But those tall WEIR switches did not and would suffer a great amount of damage if run through. Meanwhile a variable switch has a set of springs in the mechanism and will align with whichever direction a trailing move is made. Before railroads stopped maintaining them for such action, they were quite popular on sidings and especially on Wyes where there was no expectation on the trailing movements, only a facing movements. My fondest memory of this type of switch was there at Wooton park in Tavares, where the Sorrento branch began off the Florida Central mainline. And finally, spring switches were heavy-duty spring mechanisms that allowed trains to trail through them in either position, however the switch would return to its original alignment afterwards. Very useful on Sidings where a train would have to pass another train. If a train was in the siding, and they were behind a spring switch, then they could hold for the train they are supposed to meet and then proceed after that train had passed without handling the switch. Of course there was a safety hazard of the spring switch not restoring properly and derailing the very next facing movement. Or if the train leaving the siding should stall, and accidentally reverse direction mid-train. With class ones moving toward their PSR goal of 3-mile long trains, the safety factors involved with variable- and spring-switches are far too risky and so most of those switches have now been removed and replaced with rigid switches. But back in the day when an 8,000 ft. train was considered to be Extra-Long! the use of a spring switch or variable switch was much more reliable. I know you probably would have used this info in your video had you had the footage and time! Don't take this as a "You missed or forgot!" comment. I don't mean it that way at all. It's just the old trainer and fellow railfan in me that felt like it needed mentioning, after the video. Footnotes if you will. Thanks again Danny and keep up the good work!

[@philipcollins5440]

This was quite interesting 🤔 I've learned a great deal I didn't know 😅 thanks 👍

[@pinchy08]

I should consider getting me one of those water coolers. Great advice Danny.

[@AidenSexsmith]

Mr. Harmon, a few days ago, I was biking in the old Tampa Yard. Dad showed me some old street trackage in the area A great video and I love trains.

[@anacoman3265]

Still the best video series on KZbin when it comes to educating railfans on how railroads function! Keep it up, Danny!

[@rogertemple7193]

Thanks for the train info about both the trains and the tracks on your show take care and have a great week Thank You.🤠👍 🚂🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🚃🇺🇲💨

[@esjay2011]

Brilliant video so many variations. Great to see the refuelling.

[@alainaarrhodge5900]

Love your videos, Danny! Keep them coming and enjoy the fall cool down.

[@squibrail4014]

Outstanding video. Lots of great information, not just about railroad operations, but history, a hydration reminder, and even a restaurant review too.

[@BarredCoast0]

Informative as usual, Danny! Thanks for the explanation. I always look forward to your videos and this made my Sunday!

[@bigbirdie3874]

Your hard work to put these videos out is very much appreciated. Thank you Mr Harmon. Cheers from Canada.

[@LikeOnATree]

Sir, I love your channel! Your enthusiasm, informative content, great presence and amazing voice are an absolute joy to watch and listen to! I love learning about trains and am so thankful I’ve run across your channel! Thank you!!

[@bobpatterson9026]

Another well done video. Always a pleasure to watch you do your thing

[@jackpetrone4031]

Wow another informative and well thought out video. Thanks Danny

[@kens.3729]

Your Topics are Always Off the Charts, Solid. It’s Amazing how the Majority of Switches in Operation Today are handled Remotely from Hundreds of Miles away.

[@johnrockstone]

Thank you for another great informative video! Always a pleasure to watch your videos!🙂🙂

[@jameseubanks1509]

Danny, thanks for another job well done. In every video, we learn something new.

[@Ken_in_Wisconsin]

Thanks Danny. I always enjoy your videos.

[@antonmccune5203]

I loved that overhead view of Amtrak 91! Great videography!

[@RoyalKingOfTheRails]

Another amazing and informative video production! Thanks for making this video. Switches sure are cool. I always love watching the electric switches switch from open to reverse.

[@chrisherman7531]

Another fantastic and informative video Danny!!! Thank you and I hope you have a great week my friend!!

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for this interesting video on switches that you have encountered in your railfan outings, Danny! I found the video highly informative.

[@dapdne4916]

Used to live next to a train track (most used locomotive built in 1970's). Usually lumber and slso possibly diesel. I was so delighted when I found our train coming the other way. My train expert friend located this process being accomplished down the track about quarter of a mile. Thanks for the details. 🎉(Union Pacific)

[@distantsignal]

Very cool!

[@georgettedebuhr2660]

Your videos make my day, Danny Harmon. Very informative. Very pleasant to hear you narrate just about anything. Keep the great videos coming and have a nice day 😊

[@charlesdaugherty492]

Another top notch professional product. Well done and thank you.

[@davevan8864]

Just plain well done info......Always enjoyable. Thanks

[@paulausherman727]

Man Danny You have the best rail videos. This is like a Sunday morning treat. Thanks again Take care

[@LennartvandenBerg]

Danny, your films are always an inspiration for a model railroader, as i am. Keep on the good work! Greetings from the Netherlands! 😉

[@TrainWatcher1412]

Another great and educational video Danny. Thanks a lot and stay safe out there

[@tincanboat]

Great video. Lots of great information and scenery.

[@michaelqualkenbush1391]

Another amazing video! Thank you Danny for the information on how railroad switches work.

[@Cedar1969]

My uncle was engineer on the ACL . His run was the east / west route across Florida. This great local video has energized some memories.

[@matthewrinehart9514]

The first frog you did a close up of looked almost new. I appreciate your videos❤

[@mikehowey4869]

Great explanation of how switches work.

[@ThunderChasers]

Always love your videos. You remind me a lot of an old friend who also was a rail fan. Keep up the good work.

[@byrongilbert3720]

another excellent video. the highlight of my day.

[@NorthCountryTrains]

Another very informative video! Last weekend I got to see those remote-radio switches in action, up in Massena, NY. They serve a unique purpose l, and in cases like the ones mentioned they’re the best option for the job.

[@karlscribner7436]

Thanks for the information presented in the video. Your professional, easy going delivery is a pleasant experience.

[@frisco-mustangsub1314]

Thank you very much Danny for the info! Happy Monday!

[@robertdean9392]

Great to wake up and have one of your videos to watch wihile eating breakfast before heading to work !!!! This video answered alot of questions I have wondered about over the years. Thanks again, be safe and hydrated, and hope to see you on the" high iron " sometime soon !! Dean

[@craigstergriffin2097]

Again, I appreciate the Foodie info you provide for folks who like the high iron and good eats that are nearby!

[@tzadik36]

Thank you for this video! The mellifluous narrations are consistently delightful. The delicious food was replaced by the cooling barel. And the switches were also good.

[@Army_Outdoors_88N]

Great video Sir. I always love watching your videos, educational and entertaining always

[@tombell8626]

Being retired from Tampa Water Department, and having frequented the old Naval Reserve Center on Ybor Channel, I really enjoy the videos featuring Tampa. Thanks so much Danny, you not only provide me with information, you conjure up memories!!!

[@clarkpj1]

Keep it up Danny. Your productions just get better and better!

[@MrCTCuban26]

My son and I were in Plant City this past July, wish we would of know about Norma's!! As always, another informative video. I liked the segment on the radio controlled switches. Thanks Danny.

[@dshack4689]

Awesome video and topic and narration - as always!

[@seantaft9281]

Always agreat day when distant signal posts a video, best train channel ever!!! And absolutely the best commentary 😊

[@deauvilledad07]

Super video Danny. Great subject to have a video about. I always like it that you always include a part about food and the amazing places you purchase it. Well done 🤓

[@craigymac5386]

Excellent and very informative video yet again Danny. Hello from Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@iiigraghu]

A Great Presentation 💐🙏 Hearty Greetings from India 🇮🇳

[@everythingiscool6228]

Thank you for making this video. I love to learn more about railroading sense I want to enter that career. And see you on the high Iorn.

[@EngineerLewis]

The switches on the tracks entering the yard @11:30 are amazing to see ! Thanks for the highly educational video again Danny! 👍

[@wiseolesage]

This is a great video to any railfan. Thanks !

[@CFRF13]

Glad you decided to switch it up for this video. Keep up the great work. 😉

[@MoMonde]

Very good video! By the time I retired 136# switches were unloaded from a gondola complete and pre built to engineering instructions and welded in. This video reminded me of my early hire days on the Santa Fe RR working on the Hamlin section on the Orient line. My very experienced Section Foreman could build a 70# switch by memory with all the specs in the correct place. We even bent the stock rail by heating it with fusees and a hydraulic rail bender. Those old Section Men did EVERYTHING by hand and some of them could show the company houses they grew up in beside the tracks. All machines now ,and thank you for them!