Last Mile Switching On The Florida Central

[@jgbcodemonkey]

I love this kind of "behind the scenes" look at local switching. The guys and gals that do this stuff sure have a lot to keep track of!

[@jovetj]

Pun intended!

[@joshw1687]

The reaction at 13:00 is priceless when the hopper is just short of the tanker 😂

[@WestOkieRailroadVideos]

Seeing switch moves up close and personal like this is a serious treat. These days, you have to be very lucky or informed to find a railroad that won't try to run you off for standing a safe distance back on a public road, let alone help you out with finding the trains! This is among my absolute favorites from you, really made my morning better. Thanks for the great work!

[@DeathLetterBlues44]

It sure is nice to have a local guide to help with train filming. Great job by the guide Christian (I hope I spelled it correctly) and of course Danny.

[@Orangeblossomtrains]

Great video as always Danny, im glad I could be of help to you on your trip up here, and I had a great time!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Christian. Couldn't have done it without you!

[@dannyholt105]

Ah, I'm subbed to your channel already Christian. Now I know who to ask about things. Does FCEN have a certain schedule of when they have movements to Winter Haven? Thanks! Cheers, Dan

[@phlydude]

I think you will get many more subs as a result of this one - myself included!

[@generosen999]

Both of you guys are fantastic

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

Hey there Christian, do they still call the track there at All American the Lehigh siding or Lehigh track? I think I remember it being called that because of the concrete plant that it was built for.

[@549BR]

Best railroad videos around, with Danny "The Voice" Harmon.

[@djmiller232]

At 14:09 when they are backing into the empty tank car, look at the wheels of the tank car on the right side. They do not move at all. Those are some serious brakes!

[@garag3054]

Absolutely the most interesting educational switching I’ve come across. Thank you for putting this together. I hadn’t a clue. You’ve a fine voice for narration, too. 😊😊😊😊

[@DelayInBlockProductions]

Excellent video as always, good sir! I love the folks at FCEN!

[@AllanLoveJr]

I love these switch move videos. So much better than just main line Trains. And hello to the both of you Railfan's.

[@Chasingrail]

Us wisconsinites know your from Florida when you saw 60 is chilly 😉 Great video Danny, your definitely my favorite Railfanning channel!

[@austinyingst5902]

Liked the drone views. Three step protection was new, interesting. Thanks.

[@jovetj]

Being between cars is one of the most dangerous places any crew person can be. Slack maims.

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

@@jovetj that's right! And loaded tank cars are death traps. SLOSH!, SQUISH!

[@jamesshanks2614]

First time I ran a train with 47 loaded tank cars never gave it a thought until I got stopped at cp-150 and after stopping released the trains brakes and less than two minutes later went to full service when I started getting shoved into the CP, I stopped less than 5 feet from fouling the CP electrically. It was our first movement of a large number of loaded tank cars. My conductor asked why didn't you put it in emergency? No need, I knew she'd stop before we fouled the signal. I didn't release the brake on that train until I had an ok to go forward after that stop. ( cp means control point where there are crossovers or switches to a yard or siding ) I miss the old days.

[@railscanner]

Always great railfanning with you Danny!

[@way75mit9]

Awesome Vid, I grew up watching trains in the Northeast around Philly, during the Pennsy and Reading era just before Conrail , The crews working the North Philly and Wayne Jct yards were , a bunch of jerks and A-holes to us , I love how these Southern rail crews are so cool and polite to viewers & Rail fans !!!

[@zfactortedzabel9267]

Love the video! Shortline action with their older motive power is always interesting. The explanation of the switching and associated footage is a nice change from mainline trains. Well done Danny!

[@mark12.31]

Observations: 1) Another excellently produced video, Danny! Seriously, well done! 2) Knowing the names of the folks we're watching makes it more relatable. 3) I imagine walking on all that gravel and unlevel surface all day would make for some tired feet. Quality boots required! 4) It seems he had a great attitude about it all, talking with those watching, etc. The whole "whistle while you work" mentality. 5) Your information is stellar. Thanks for sharing another good one!

[@distantsignal]

Thank YOU, Mark

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

A lot of the walking we saw in the video was unnecessary. I wonder if he carries out his day-to-day duties like this all the time or if he was just cutting up for the camera? Reason being is because mounting and riding is far more efficient and much safer. Typically a conductor walks 3 mph but a shoving move can be made up to 20 mph. Even if they only shove 5 mph, they can get work done twice as fast over walking everywhere. Plus then the conductor who is riding removes the factor for tripping hazards which are evident along any wayside walking area.

[@pepobikest]

This was one of the greatest switching videos I have ever watched on the internet! You're the best Danny! Keep it up, please bring more last mile switching videos! Greetings from Brazil.

[@jorgel.fernandeziii8278]

Loved all your film footage and considering the fact that CSX actually is the great great great great grandson of the Seaboard Air Line, Atlantic coast line, Louisville and Nashville, Conrail, as well as a couple of other fallen flags that were swallowed up mainly at the beginning by the “SeaBoard Air Line” ! Yet, what’s truly amazing is that the Florida East Coast Railway was in the state of Florida before anybody else was but like the Seaboard Air Line, As Mr. flag were headed further south along the way not only did he build hotels along the rails ! Whatever little railroads along the way that were on the east coast were bought out one by one until he reached the last one in West Palm Beach and from that point on it was all Florida East Coast that went all the way to Key West ! Up until the 1935 Hurricane that destroyed all The rails from key west north to the Long key Fishing Camp in LongKey ! Locomotive number 153 still stands at the Florida gold coast Railroad Museum !!!!🌊🐺

[@jonathansabatino3987]

That conductor is one heck of a worker .that guy hustles

[@mikeyfromnj]

Hey Dan!! Nice vid, my favorite part is the cam right there in between cars hooking everything up. I had the opportunity to hook cars up at the ripe old age of 12. Out back of my apt building was a spur that ran from Camden,NJ to Ocean City, Somers Point to be exact, a power plant was there and still is today, not much coal is used, anyhow, this spur was a busy one, many stops, three of those were in town here. I used to hang around until one day I asked and they said sure why not, showed me what to do and that was it, from that point on when I showed up, got to help them. This line also had a passenger line, also got friendly with them and used to help them also, when they had to pull into the siding, I would throw the switch for them, and then 10 min later a freight whistled by with 200 or so empty coal cars from the above mentioned power plant. This was all in the mid sixty's, ain't no way any 12 yr old kid would be able to do that now, none the less, it was fun and got to live a dream!!!

[@distantsignal]

Awesome story. Thanks Mikey!

[@olentangy74]

You sound a lot like me! In the late 60s when i was growing up in Columbus, Ohio, there was a spur line run by what was then Penn central. This line served a lumber yard, and every day me and a couple of other boys ( I was 13) would wait for the local to come through. We got to know this crew on a first name basis. They would let us ride in the cab, throw switches, and cut the train even. One time they even picked us up on the outbound leg and took us for almost 10 mile ride down the line. We had to stay out of site in the caboose. They dropped us off right where they picked us up on the return leg. We never told our parents about our little trip, lol. It remains one of my favorite childhood memories. You would never see that today, when it is considered a crime to even stand on a RR right of way, even a spur line. The 60's was a great time to be a boy.

[@RCAvhstape]

My dad told me stories about 1950s NY City when his dad would bring him into the interlocking tower and let him throw the levers on part of the subway system. My grandpa was a union guy with a temper and my dad said one day grandpa got ticked off about something and threw a bunch of levers to gum up the whole works just to get back at his management. Lots of yelling and foul language was involved lol.

[@mikeyfromnj]

@@RCAvhstape Wow, gotta like that story, railroad management can be tough, can't blame your grandpa for that, I was a letter carrier for 30 years and postal supervisors can be tough as well!!

[@KCGADUDE]

Thanks for detailing this vital but not particularly glamorous aspect of railroading.

[@mas7475]

This is by far some of your best work. Excellent camera angles and footage, even better narration! I'm happy those guys working for the railroad we're willing to give you the scoop! Quality Quality Quality! I really am tickled pink!!!

[@bradfordthompson8326]

Oh wow 👏 One of my favorite Switching videos...hope you do more .....Danny...

[@distantsignal]

Working on one now, Brad

[@rickdee67]

Your knowledge of who what where and when along with your tone and likable personality make your videos the absolute best! I have watched every single one of your videos and look forward to many more! Prayers for Florida And that 1802 is GORGEOUS!

[@clivekibbler4578]

every one a star thanks to you all , a very enjoyable film

[@danielkennedy7845]

GREAT last mile! Thanks Mr. H!!

[@machinist04]

I learn something new with every video I watch!!!!

[@danherrmann8755]

Yes. Thanks for the video. Good understanding of the rail system.

[@RailroadScannerMan15]

Great video as always Danny, it helps when the railroaders are quite the nice fellas.

[@jdm1039]

I thoroughly enjoy watching industrial switching.

[@distantsignal]

Yes, me too.

[@rainbownines]

This small ball customer stuff is something we sadly don’t do in the UK anymore. It’s all fixed containers with last mile done by road, or bulk traffic from point to point. It’d be nice if we still did... Lovely video!

[@ratfink55]

That was fun Danny, Thanks! Always great to get to see the FC in action.

[@adkanp]

good detail on what the crew was doing and information about the customers.

[@deetjay1]

Switching is probably the most dangerous job on any railroad...Props to all the pro rails out there...Stay safe...

[@chrisperry1151]

Your videos and narration are nothing short of brilliant. I’d give you an Emmy award.

[@distantsignal]

Wow! Many thanks, Chris!!

[@ToddReuterOutdoors]

Danny, I can't get enough of these local switching videos. Another fantastic video to say the least!

[@NorthSideBoyzSerbia]

GP9 and GP11 what a great sound! Great video!

[@ShawnTheDriver]

1:49 I'm an aviation geek. Have been for most of my life. And while I love the sound of a turbofan and a jet engine...there is NO sound better than a good whistle and the engineer advancing the throttle of a train.

[@tedcartwright3183]

Hi Danny!! So good to hear your voice again. Your videos are totally fabulous. So much information adding to the "why" that makes trains special. You've become very good at adding in drown footage that helps explain the down time of a train, as well fill in time to add depth to the story. Your becoming the Herman Melville of Video Story Telling. I'm hoping still to bump into you so I can see what it takes to put together an epic story like this and a lot of your videos. Thanks as always, Ted

[@nmccw3245]

Thanks Danny. Really enjoy the ballet of customer switching.

[@RealJeep]

Always a great video Danny. Rich's knees are either steel or shot walking on ballast all day.

[@michaelmccarthy4615]

Thanks for explaining the products and services that the rail customers use/need. It makes the things that surround me more interesting..

[@TJusnow]

I’ve always wanted to work on a railroad. And I absolutely love how informative your channel is on how a days work is done correctly.

[@bhigdaddymark]

As always, another great Distant Signal video! Nice to see my friends and fellow model railroading enthusiasts/club members Bill Dusenbury and Christian Johnson! Always great content on this channel, always. Happy New Year and all of the very best 2019 has to offer for you Danny, Christian and Bill. Thanks again for your fine work Danny!

[@jeeptjxwrangler1088]

Great video! Love watching switching operations! 👍🏻

[@davidaycock631]

This has to be one of my favorite videos you have put out! I'm a sucker for switching!!! It was nice to see all the steps and time it takes to get these sorts of jobs done! keep up the great videos. I love watching them!!!

[@raymondhawk7320]

Danny- This video was linked at the end of your “CSX Symbology” video. I enjoyed this Florida Central video very much, on switching operations to local customers. This video was fun, entertaining, and educational. I wish this video showed the operations for the entire work day of this fabulous crew of the Florida Central! Excellent filming and narration of this video, sir. I hope to see more videos like this one, in the future. Thank you, Danny, and to all the crew members at the Florida Central, on a job well done!

[@emptybucket1988]

Metal wheels grinding on metal rails is what i think makes trains so special

[@jeremythompson8665]

Another superlative look at switching in Florida. Really helpful in planning realistic running on my FEC/CSX HO layout

[@yardlimit8695]

danny, i did enjoy this day as usual............these single car deliveries are GREAT...........good to hear the clear talk between conductor and engineer..........especially when he called for 3 step protection.....and when he called out 14 cars and then halved it to 7 ............you have a real knack for getting the good stuff on your videos.........YOU'RE THE BEST.... ,,,,,,,,thanks.

[@briang6040]

Great video once again. The cars slamming into each other and the disconnecting of the air line hose is so entertaining to me .

[@Isochest]

I love all of this shortline bread and butter real rail traffic. Serves customers directly.

[@Steve-xf4uv]

Really enjoy these switching videos; so interesting to see how all this is done - and why. Your narrative is excellent. Informative . I learned a lot from this; too bad I'm too old to apply for a job. Looks like serious work but fun. Thanks DANNY.

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks, Steve.

[@thinkcorrectly407]

Enjoyed it very much, very clear narration.

[@railanimal4380]

Super interesting, really like these last mile switching videos

[@dag221]

I cut many sheets of plywood from Dixie Ply at my last shop in north Florida. I never thought about it coming in on rail. Very neat.

[@timothybogans3905]

What a treat , great video and commentary about short line railroad operations , the Florida Central is a potential modeling subject thank you for sharing.

[@ShortCycle.]

Have recently found and watched most of your videos Danny and the quality seems to improve all the time, and your narration is easy to listen to. As a UK viewer, it's interesting to see how things work on USA lines - much of it is alien to me! Would like to see more of this last mile, stuff as it seems particularly interesting, especially with the extra info from the train Crew. Thanks.

[@jortor]

enjoy your videos very much, thank you for sharing

[@SureShotImages]

That’s a great conductor. Works diligently and precisely. Crew’s worked together many times before. It’s easy to see.

[@frankrobinson2330]

Some of the best rail videos. Love the additional commentary. Thank You

[@shortliner68]

Videos like this one give a lot of good ideas for interesting trackside industries in the model railroading world. Thanks for posting.

[@enginetruck20]

Outstanding video on railroad operations. As always, your video skills paired with you narrating expertise provided another great video.

[@ivyandroses4373]

I thought that hose was going to snap ! I guess they are designed to un couple that way. I learn several new thing's everytime I watch your videos. Thanks !!!

[@adamnicoladis6151]

Mr Harmon, I have to say best video yet! It’s awesome that you can show off such awesome Florida shoreline action! Been watching for about 3 years and have probably seen every video you have! You drive my constant love for railroad lore and I couldn’t thank you enough for that. From deep in Union Pacific territory, Adam out!

[@davidbarnett9312]

Good stuff! Extremely professional from start to finish. In the ancient days before voice communication, I had a steady job on the local [SP] from Houston to Hearne and then the turn-around next day. There were two challenging customers on the route which involved dropping cars into the siding. Said sidings were too short for the engine to enter, so the engine stayed on the main and I rode the car to be dropped. The engineer would get up some speed, 'brake' so that the couplers would come together, then I would pull the cut lever while hanging on to the ladder, then the engine would speed up and the other brakie would throw the switch once the engine was clear. Meanwhile I climbed the ladder and would start applying the brakes until I got the car spotted. More often than not, we didn't need the engine to enter the siding to spot the car correctly. Not bragging. Just lucky. With respect to odor, the Farmer's Co-op in Bryan, Tx stunk to high heaven, especially after it rained. You got that rotten grain on your boots and it stayed with you.

[@GardenHermit]

Thanks Danny - I'm a big fan of your videos from Southampton, England. Particularly like the switching videos - excellent.

[@jovetj]

If you say shunting we'll still know what you're talking about! 😉

[@donniebenton4467]

Good job Danny.. I worked out there on occasion back in the 70s to the mid 80s.. SCL and SBD then..

[@JohnLobbanCreative]

Great narration. Very professional!👍

[@jungojerry1658]

Best railfanning I've seen. Really appreciate the in-depth explanations of what we're looking at.

[@dreadnaught3894]

Fascinating . . . . and fantastic getting to see the work and techniques involved in 'breaking' a freighter. Thanks so much!

[@roberttrainor7659]

this video is excellent, great quality in video, audio and narration also editing. nice of you to give a shout out to your guide. what a great railfan friendly operation

[@philipellis2089]

One of your best, always like the videos that show operations for customers big and small!

[@kitn1mcc]

Great video. Great crew

[@bharris401]

I use to live in Ocoee and I work in Apopka so I've always seen these trains go by and wondered where they were going... now I know lol. Amazing video!

[@MrGoodnplenty1957]

arguably, some of the most professional videos done. Great work as always Danny.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Randy!

[@lionbill]

Thanks Mr. Harmon, your videos are always interesting and entertaining.

[@yuckyool]

I was an "Industrial Engineer" that rode dozens of switch jobs for Santa Fe Railway in Dallas and Amarillo. Of course, back then, there was the Engineer and 3 crewman (perhaps if I wasn't around, the Conductor would have reviewed the switch list from the convenience of his vehicle or the cab?)! Most jobs were paid for 8 hours (excluding the 30 minute meal break) and could be done in about 5 hours -- the early quit was a reward for good productive work, I suppose. The reduction in man-power on freight railroads did NOT lead to a reduction in freight served or $revenues, although unit trains, intermodal and mergers into 6 super-railroads were also a large factor in improved efficiency. I can NOT underscore how important safety is/was. Little mistakes can lead to lifetime injuries or even death, so doing it the safe way was always emphasized. We were taught where to stand, how to grab and board a moving freight car . . . when to ask for help. And yes, it was physical -- all kinds of weather, walking and climbing and riding on the sides of freight cars. Sometimes fixing stuck brakes and air hoses. Night shifts too. I always showed a lot of respect for the workers who did these out-of-the-way, necessary/difficult jobs, and I was treated fairly. I learned a lot and got my data observations.

[@CardboardSliver]

Kinda neat to see both power units running LHF. You don't see that often. Also that GP11 is super clean. She looks as good as the day she was built! Good job FCR for keeping her in great working order!

[@yerkees01]

Probably getting repainted soon. That red is the Pinsley corporate scheme and Regional Rail announced the other week all three Florida lines are getting an SCL-inspire repaint

[@charlesbutler4646]

This is one of your very best, so educational and enjoyable. Thanks Danny.

[@wheeliefish5161]

Great video Danny! I love your switching videos. I love all the info and different artifacts that you talk about.

[@soarinskies1105]

Your voice is calming and very enjoyable to listen to, great video.

[@aaronzylman1420]

Amazing video! We are new to Tampa area; happy I found your channel. Among the highest quality on KZbin! Subscribed!

[@freespeechforever]

That fella must be really fit!, excellent video, am catching up with you Danny!

[@jgehbinv]

Dan - excellent presentation! Thanks for sharing.

[@NSCSXRailfan457]

11:39 that smile was so good

[@KutWrite]

Very nice, thanks. I enjoyed the proper safety and switching procedures of this crew. I don't understand why the conductor/flagman couldn't ride the lead (last) car up to the crossing, stop the train, get off and flag the crossing. Seems like unnecessary walking, which the CSX taught us to avoid. Brings back some memories.

[@deepspacecobra4276]

Could be a restricted clearance area ie no riding equipment

[@fstop6139]

It's safer to walk and it means more money in your pocket......No one wants to ride a gondola or bulkhead flat to mention a few undesirable riding cars

[@markmead2813]

Great video Danny! Love local switch jobs. I live in Georgia now and get plenty of CSX, NS and Amtrak trains racing past.

[@Mercatoyd]

Another really great video Danny.. the narration explaining the action really adds to the flow of the video..

[@distantsignal]

Yeah, this one was a lot of fun. The Florida Central folks were great, too.

[@SteadyGhetner]

Thank you for being a rail fans' rail fan! Come back to the curve in Altoona, PA someday. NS does some short line work in nearby Holidaysburg/Duncansville, PA as well. A wonderful vid once again and many thanks to Chris Johnson too!

[@davidremy4470]

That was , as usual, an informative and entertaining video. It's really a pleasure to watch PROFESSIONALS at work. That's due you Danny, all your videos are TOP NOTCH sir. Thanks for your very informative and interesting work, it's very much appreciated.

[@kegboy12]

Excellent video! Very nicely done.

[@epacm50]

Another Awesome Video!!!! I wish Alan was with you guys. You all would of had a blast.

[@distantsignal]

Who's Alan?

[@AustNRail]

Watching this from Sydney Australia and an avid N scale modeller, I found this fascinating to watch. I hope Christian can show me around if I ever make it to the USA.

[@rj4590]

Love it.A lot more interesting than your basic run by.The best narration too.

[@johnuser5162]

Great to see you back, Danny! Great video, as always!

[@fldon2306]

Hueytown, Alabama, 2018(?) I was making a delivery with the dock perpendicular to a rail siding, and, sure enough, along comes the train of about six cars and engine to deliver tank cars for the customer next door. The train cleared my truck by about five feet. And the conductor is operating the whole unit from a remote control he’s wearing, belted to his waist, walking along side the train; And, of course, the locomotive is massive that close up!

[@alabamarailfan]

Really enjoy these types of switching videos. Helps us better understand what the railroads really do. Fine work, Danny!

[@billyreynolds4749]

GREAT VIDEO! Excellent videography and excellent commentary!! I really enjoyed watching this video! Thanks for making it!

[@bccarl88]

It’s a bit interesting watching these videos as a locomotive conductor now. lol Great video as always Danny!!