My Train Finding Basics

Lots of railfans ask me for my secrets to findings trains on a typical outing. Using research, maps, timetable and the radio, here's how I've improved my odds over the years.

[@PracticalEngineeringChannel]

Thanks for the shoutout Danny. Just so you know, my two boys like your channel better than mine ;)

[@RINEYMOTORSPORTS]

I really enjoy your Channel I just watched the one where they tunnel board the water line under the railroad tracks

[@jetx_47]

The legend himself!

[@jovetj]

You both have supremely respectable talent and content! If I were rich....

[@MaksBrochu]

I've been enjoying your channel for a long time, and what Danny said is true, your channel is great !

[@BPSspace]

Knew you'd be a Distant Signal fan - You and Danny are always a must-watch :)

[@TrainsandTrucksProductions]

When Danny uploads, you stop what you are doing and watch the video.

[@jaredklock8754]

I know right, I literally stopped playing Fallout 4 to watch this 🤣

[@CSC2001]

I stopped cleaning my house to watch

[@Seaboardsystem-t7e]

So true

[@jeffbowen4]

Agreed!

[@terryboldenjr.3555]

Amen

[@michiganrailfanfilms353]

babe, wake up, new Danny Harmon video just dropped

[@paulkoza8652]

Go back to sleep.

[@fred.larson2720q]

I can't really say I am a "railfan" but for some reason I really enjoy your videos. They are so well done, especially the drone shots.

[@distantsignal]

Ha! You don't have to be a railfan.We're glad to have you.

[@sharpestjim]

I have loved trains since I was a very young lad. Danny's videos let me railfan from my living room. I'm not burning gas nor am I out there sweating in the Florida heat and humidity. A cup of coffee, a Distant Signal video, and I'm good to go!

[@7thsonofa7thson80]

Your welcome here. Us railfans welcome anyone to railfan with us. Stick around you may get the bug, and you will learn a lot.

[@7thsonofa7thson80]

Looking at me people wouldn't think im.a railfanner. I'm a long haired,bearded,hippy looking type. Lol.

[@7thsonofa7thson80]

Riding an amtrak at high speed is incredible. Took one to NYC from Chicago for a wedding. It was a fun trip. Good scenery. Nice people, great train crew.

[@phillyphakename1255]

I love practical engineering, been watching him for three quarters of a decade now. The detail of the information, interesting content matter, clear explanations, all of it is great. Much like your channel, Danny. But I will still give the edge to you in terms of style. The cinematography, the lunch discussions, the before and after back yard discussion, all of it is wonderful.

[@timeimp]

Seeing Practical Engineering on this channel is world's colliding Danny! Another great video explaining what all that radio chatter means! Cannot wait to see the next video!!

[@gusfring9895]

The scanner is the KEY to the railroad universe. You nailed it! Interesting zoom shot of #92 at the end - it looks like the train is in danger of tipping over. Great work as always, Danny!

[@Hawqis1]

That traffic backup waiting 20+ minutes is pretty patient. Not too long ago, at one of those "no horn zones," the driver in front of me decided to back up when the gates were down. I blew my horn and she still backed into me.

[@on4drums]

Danny, best channel for train enthusiasts out there. Hands down. Just, thank you.

[@darrenhillman8396]

Great to see you again Danny! Its like an old friend dropping by for a coffee and a chat about all things railway. I am one of your fans from across the pond in the UK and I am a retired railway signal engineer (41 years from 1977 - 2018). Really enjoy your content. Wish we had such unrestricted access to train-watching in the country. Everywhere is fenced off here. Love your drone footage too - really adds to the story. Take care, Mr Harmon, and we’ll see you again next time. Best wishes from the UK! 🇬🇧

[@Konstructed-By-Kantoski]

I live 30 miles from Altoona, PA so I don't really have a problem finding trains. There's always something to see. A lot of the places I go have dedicated viewing platforms that I always meet other railfans. Part of the fun for me is meeting different people from literally around the world and sharing stories. Some of the best afternoons I've spent I may have only seen a train or two but did get to hear some very interesting tails.

[@johnrudy9404]

Hey Dan. Back to your channel after a long hiatus. Introduced a lady who rails(but not against the night😅)to your channel. This episode was very pleasant. You always bring calm and easy viewing. Best to you. Thank you for your work.

[@MarketPlaceRentals]

Gradys channel is excellent. I've watched much of his content but when I get a notification from Danny I stop what I'm doing. Two absolutely great gentlemen 👍🏻

[@anthonyhunt701]

Danny,i’m relearning what I loved.Was doing music & now retired and back to railfanning. Thank you! 🚂

[@BarredCoast0]

Hello Danny! Good to see you again! I never miss a video that either you or Grady puts out. Y'all have the very best of railroad and railfan info on the net! Thanks for all you do and God bless you! 🚂

[@HyperActive7]

Being very familiar with the territory helps too and just knowing from experience that the railroad don't always cooperate.

[@jeffthanson]

Well done Danny! Anytime I her your opening segment it reminds me of simpler times ... thanks for all you do! Also, your railroad radio content is the best on KZbin, so please keep sharing that, it is the best!!

[@AlanMullen-w1f]

Good 👍 show, always learning something. Thanks.

[@gregbowen617]

Great stuff as always Mr Harmon! Thanks for the tip on the Practical Engineering channel, I will check it out…cheers from Melbourne Australia

[@BattlestarCanada]

Love your detailed informative videos. I always loved to watch trains but had no clue what-so-ever what all the jargon meant. You're voice also makes this very easy to digest!

[@dansrailfanadventures]

It's always a good day to see a Danny Harmon upload!!!

[@peggyscott66]

Danny, always a fun to watch one of your videos. So informative and interesting. I did find Practical Engineering channel and subscribed. I esp enjoy looking around the Lakeland Tampa area. Thanks!

[@PCBill0622]

That top comment reminds me of the old commercial:”When E F Hutton talks people listen.” Yup that’s Danny’s reputation as well. I’ve been in Florida 1.5 years and Danny’s videos have led me to all these spots. That US 41/old 41 is interesting to head up there - it will eventually take you back to 41. The CSX rules that allow the conductor to mount/dismount on moving trains is certainly a time saver. BNSF rules require full stop. Danny’s restaurant reviews are always great as well. Sooooo blessed to have another one of his videos to watch!

[@brianwilson7314]

Another fantastic video, Danny. Always look foward to your videos.

[@djor316]

Mr Danny when my signal goes off I am right to your chaNNEL. i LOVE YOUR VIDEOS. I was in La Plata VRF channel and we were all chatting about your channel. So many love your channel. I have been with you about 2 years now and I enjoy it God Bless Sir and be safe.

[@iiigraghu]

Earnest Excellent Enterprising Extraordinary Emerging Evolving Endeavor 💐 Hearty Greetings from Hyderabad, India 🇮🇳

[@TheeFishGuy]

Been looking forward to your video for what seemed like an eternity! Thanks for making my Sunday morning better!

[@harrisdail9939]

Listening to you talk about the train with Ronnie the conductor it reminded my of two of my master sergeants I had in the army both had work railroads before going in service. They both told me that the way to judge the economy was to watch the trains. A weak or bad economy would create fewer but longer trains. A strong economy would create more and shorter trains. Over the years I have found that to be solid advice

[@elcastorgrande]

Glad to see you again, Danny.

[@jovetj]

10:05 Exactly correct, Mr. Harmon! The track ends, so it can't give any non-diverging, track speed indication at all. It has to be Limited or Medium or Slow.

[@1891ProductionsRailfan]

You always know you’re getting something great when Danny uploads!

[@larrymcneil8038]

Good to see you Danny thx for another gem of a video!!!!!

[@dennismcgough9476]

Another excellent video, Danny. Thank you for sharing your time and expertise with us.

[@peterkazmir]

+1 for Practical Engineering! It's a great channel!

[@chrisecoff6155]

Another fine one! Sad to see that old raceway going belly-up - I've been keeping an eye on Cleetus Mc Farlane's Freedom Factory, as the developers are beginning to "circle the wagons" all around him. And it's also cool to see those old P42's still hanging on in Amtrak service. I guess the Alstoms aren't able to overcome their teething problems? Can't have Quality Control with no QUALITY, right?🤣

[@billbaber6653]

Thanks Danny from the son of NS conductor retired 82 Atl to Chatt wish I could talk to him now good show

[@mdwomble69]

Danny, Just wanted to tell you how much I love your videos on You Tube!! Can't wait for new ones to come out. I am a Rail fan from childhood, as I grew up on the ACL/SCL/CSX mainline on the Fitzgerald Sub. I also went to work as a Clerk/Operator in Manchester, GA. Then transferred to Atlanta and worked for a total of 17 years until the CSX decided that they did not need but just a few railroad clerks on the job! Great memories, though. Keep up the great work you do!

[@MaryYoungblood-xy8vg]

We only have one mainline in our area UP Sunset Route Lordsburg Sub. Last time we went, they were fleeting westbounds and we saw four westbound double-stack trains within 20 minutes. Best railfanning we've done in awhile.

[@SebisRandomTech]

No better way to conclude a day of railfanning than to watch Danny’s latest video!

[@PaulCashman]

What a great surprise to see a shout-out for Grady at the end! His Practical Engineering content is awesome!

[@jovetj]

And his interest in trains (and subsequent railroading series) is just icing on the cake!!

[@thomasmackowiak]

Thank you for the information on how you do your research so that when you go railfanning you have a good chance of seeing trains to record for the rest of us to watch and enjoy. I enjoyed watching CSX train #M452 putting together its train and then seeing the conductor get on the train at Wabash Avenue so that the train can be on its way to Waycross, Georgia.

[@DOTD7382]

An upload on my birthday from my favorite creator on KZbin!?!?!!??? Heck yeah!!

[@dmorgan28]

Danny it’s always good to see your video. They are all full of information and great to watch. Thanks and take care. 👍❤️

[@RCAvhstape]

I was just thinking when I woke up this morning that it's been a while since a Distant Signal vid and what do you know! Danny your vids always make me wish I was there is Florida hanging out with you trackside and chasing trains. I know more about your area's railroads than I do about my own. And the delicious and unhealthy food segments are always a treat!

[@williamcap2236]

It's like the old E.F. Hutton commercials...... When Danny posts people listen !!

[@jovetj]

10:35 There's one of those aforementioned STOP -DISMOUNT signs, facing the other direction, off to the right! 😁

[@slovitte]

I wish Mr. Harmon was my neighbor..... Love the drone shots and scanner traffic.

[@MrWilsonbw]

08:44 "Amtrak is not always punctual..." Understatement of the year!

[@vote4carp]

As a two-way radio tech, I appreciate you always talking about it! A good setup really enhances the experience. That's not a cheap Kenwood you've upgraded to, very nice and ready for NXDN!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks! Yeah, you're not kidding. I followed my friends C.J. and Evans into getting that NX5700 and quickly learned it's way more radio than I need. It's really sweet though.

[@jameseubanks1509]

Thanks, Danny. We always learn something new from you!

[@rrelectric5159]

Great show. I have watched Practical Engineering several times and always enjoy his explanations.

[@Crazcosmopwnu]

I've never though about rail traffic having radio communications similar to air traffic. That's pretty neat! Also as a Lakeland local, Love Bird is amazing and a must stop for anyone passing through!

[@dennisworkmansr.714]

It was interesting hearing a shout out to Arcata, I'm in Eureka about 7 miles from there, We haven't had a railroad here for many years, although there is quite a history on the railroad we used to have, not sure of the year but was built in the 1800s for the logging and around 1915 the railroad was built connecting our part of the country to the SF bay area, very interesting history.

[@wendellellison3482]

Programming scanner with the 97 AAR frequencies used by all main railroads really helps. You can get these as well as head of train, end of train and DPU frequencies from Radio Reference. It really makes a big difference!

[@distantsignal]

Yes, I've done that with my Uniden BC125AT. I use that as my "channel finder"

[@bobstedman5232]

Danny I love your videos. Lots of good information and great videos.

[@sunshinestaterailfan5960]

Came home from work to a DH upload, it is a good day.

[@SuperDave30]

I’m so glad to see you and a new year and new video Mr. Danny! 😊

[@mikedurhan9941]

IIRC: When I was a 14-year old kid (circa 1958-59) there was an ACL conductor on my Lakeland Ledger paper route, named George Cox. He wore a very nice uniform, meaning he worked on a passenger train out of Lakeland. He told me that (back then) train 91 and 92 were called The Champion. It was pulled by E-units that were painted purple and silver - later black and yellow. Now, I see it is called a Seaboard name, Silver Star, but is still 91 and 92. Interesting...........

[@Adamdaj]

My favorite Lunch Stop is the Dog House when I'm visiting my Aunt and Cousins down there in Tampa. Mr. Harmon I don't know when I coming down, but I give ya heads up. Keep up with the swell videos and maybe you get up north again to visit STRASBUG and the PRR Museum.

[@columbusrailfanner2179]

Another fantastic video as always. Keep it up danny!

[@Allyn65]

I am a fan of your videos and keep up the good work your videos are so informal

[@Parkergamer5852]

Every time he uploads a video, I show it to my Papa me and my Papa like watching trains

[@davidkalbacker6033]

Terrific as always - many thanks for all your sharing of information and suggestions.

[@stephengering1986]

I been watching this channel since I first saw how to read csx signals very Awesome video

[@rylixoxo]

Thank you Danny for pitching into a great day 🎉

[@Garythefireman66]

Great video Danny, and Grady's channel is also one of my favourites

[@thomasm1964]

Yup. Listened to that radio chatter. Didn't understand a word of it! This poor Brit is left scratching his head!

[@CocosPlayound]

I was overdue! Love the video as always

[@Eddy63]

Excellent info Danny ... Thx for all you do ... Eddy Out!!!

[@nmccw3245]

Grady is an awesome engineer and a fellow rail fan. We know his boring under the tracks video was just an excuse to hang around the trains. 😜

[@johnbogle6475]

Agreed. Knowing approximate Mile post numbers and having a radio will go a long way in catching a train. Knowing where the defect detectors are a great way to get a heads up via the radio as well. I was at a crossing once that went over an occupied siding. I wanted t wait to see both trains (passing and parked (set and centered?)). The conductor came up and said We're gonna be here a while. I said I was happy to wait :). There has been a trend (I'm guessing more so in the open spaces of the Western desert) to build longer and longer trains (it saves on labor). The problem is having sidings long enough to fit and more importantly, locating a hot bearing or other fault mid train. The conductor may have to walk a mile or more (up to 40+ minutes) and if they're stopped on the main line this can wreak havoc with regular train flow. One time, some idiot had high sided a vehicle on the main (not at a crossing). There was a Z train (UP's designation for a priority train), a mixed consist train and an Amtrak head to toe in the same block waiting for clearance. I'll bet the federal fine for that trespasser was severe. OUCH! :). Being a west coaster, I don't believe UP or BNSF have a "white" signal light. I think the authority to doubly occupy a block can only come directly from the dispatcher via warrant. Love your video's. Thank you.

[@IMRROcom]

3:01 I found your missing Micro SD card.

[@michaelqualkenbush1391]

Always love your videos! Very informative and it is always great to see the operations of the CSX and NS in your area and when you go farther north into Georgia and Florida to railfan. I also find the various signs on your fence quite interesting as well.

[@Canuck1000]

Great video! I also suggest the CN GIS network map (I am not allowed to copy the link). It contains the railway map of all railway lines (Class I to Class III) by color for Canada, US and Mexico, including which line owns the connection between two railway lines. You can zoom in and out, use traditional map or aerial images, and trackage rights among others. It is up-to-date.

[@jovetj]

10:17 Not just likely... a surety! That signal head is Green-Yellow-Lunar White-Red.

[@benjaminv.5662]

The way I find the train by my residence is I listen for the whistle. The time of day will give me a good idea what's being hauled either an autorack or a shove job. A track to Robbins lumber one-way and another to the autorack in town n country.

[@faf713]

I love your videos Danny. Try to watch all of them, some more than once. Fred in Houston

[@distantsignal]

Thanks Fred.

[@turbo1438]

Hi Dan, sad to hear about East Bay Raceway closing. Those short tracks are fading away like.. wig wag signals? Haha Always enjoy your well made train videos. Take care.

[@jeffreyeisenstein2768]

Thank you Danny! Sunday with a SMILE! ☺

[@oldad6207]

1st thing I do is listen to Danny when he posts. Drop everything else.

[@jimmykinninger3155]

You are the man, Danny!!! Thanks...

[@MattTheLizard]

Danny...you are a national treasure

[@billmorrison3714]

Nicely done, Danny.

[@randyogburn2498]

Another great video & I do enjoy watching trains, but when they keep a road blocked that long its too much. While I get they have a job to do the irony is that is the main reason I'm on the road in the first place is for my job.

[@jfchonors8873]

Great teaching video and fantastic drone footage Thanks Danny

[@f304]

Canadian trackside guide is great if you live in Canada, All maps, Radio and rolling stock information.

[@erneststrickland1956]

Your videos make my day

[@smokeyson]

You should check out Fred's Market restaurant in Lakeland. I don't know exactly where in Lakeland it is but I used to drive trucks out of Auburndale so whenever I was there I always stopped there.

[@renaldojason]

Good way to start off Sunday

[@MattTheUPRailfan2006]

Honestly it didn't take me that long to get familiar with my area, (Kinder, Louisiana)...We have plenty of action down here of like 15 trains a day, trains like M-LIEW, M-NOEW, M-LIBT, S-FBNO, M-BTLI, M-SALI, M-AGLI, M-EGLI, M-LIHO, M-LIHO and many more, it took me about 2 months to get familiar with the UP De Quincy Subdivision which has 7 trains, and the UP Lake Charles Subdivision which has 8 trains inlcuding 3 locals, UP LLJ62, LLJ61 and the UP LLC14 which works in Eunice, Louisiana.

[@terryl7874]

Danny as always I enjoyed this video.!

[@kriscook3737]

Thank you Harmon, love the channel. Question have you seen a video from JJ Ricks I believe a few years back whare he has a way to access software (ats or train mon 5) I believe that allows you to few a live railroad layout on your phone. I tried and did not have alot of luck but it did seem interesting and would be interesting to have. I’m in the Texas area where UP, CPKS, and BNSF RULE. We do see Norfolk Southern here alot as well. Keep up the good work!! As i my friend on EC says.

[@SteamCrane]

Simple. Be somewhere along the ex-NYC Water Level line between Buffalo and Cleveland. Other sections split off.

[@michaelphelan832]

Danny, outstanding videos as always the information I'm looking for is what kind of radios do you use ? The voice quality is so Crystal Clear and strong. Nothing like my Radio Shack receiver from 40 years ago.

[@LancesLens]

Great video Danny!!

[@paulw.woodring7304]

Very close Danny on the purpose of a single red light at the top of a signal array. That just about always means the only aspects a train can get at that control point start with "Medium", or in the case of the one at Gay Rd., a "Restricting" signal. While CSX signals indicate speed only and not direction, the inference is that the only move for a train past that signal is a diverging move of some kind, or it would get a restricting signal that is just the Lunar light (like at the end of signaled track or the entrance to a yard). Some color light rules might be different than what I remember from former B&O territory. B&O CPLs could just display the Lunar White for restricting. The general definition of Medium Speed on CSX is 30 mph, but can be changed by timetable special instructions and local speed limits, and if the light below the red is flashing that upgrades the signal one speed (like from Medium to Limited - 45 mph). When there are three heads on a signal installation the second one down is known as the "Medium" position, and the bottom one the "Slow" position. Eg.: Red-over-yellow-over-green is "Medium-Approach-Slow". Medium speed through switches, turnouts, etc.; approaching the next signal not exceeding slow speed (15 mph). A significant change from 15 years ago, they were not allowing getting on and off moving equipment at all, but change in management emphasis to PSR, I guess they no longer consider it the danger they did then.

[@distantsignal]

That's an excellent explainer, Paul Thanks!

[@mmi16]

Since Danny primarily fans in CSX territory he gets favored by the CSX rule book that requires trains to call signals and track occupancy over the road radio channel for the territory the train is operating upon. Not all railroads have this requirement.

[@mels1811]

Brilliant video

[@Bhil3]

Great video, very informative. I wonder what kind of scanner and what frequencies you have. I use one but don’t get anywhere near the info you get, and still don’t know all of the subs, yards, etc. around this part of Florida. While I have not bumped into you yet, I did just bump into Jawtooth a week ago.

[@paulperrottet113]

Great video. Interesting operations. Danny, I believe the fixed normal speed Red, is is displayed to give relativity and to differentiate between normal, (track) speed, medium and low speed lights as signal heights can vary significantly to ensure visibility. Here's another special request: Can you use your wonderful video skills to add some sub-titles to the radio conversations, as find it very difficult to fully understand the chatter and am missing out on lots of the info.

[@distantsignal]

Ha! Thanks. I know what you mean about understanding the radio. It's hard if you don't know what you're listening for. Captioning that would be a labor-intensive production but it might be interesting.

[@paulperrottet113]

@@distantsignal Keep up the great work. Living from Australia, I have never been to your part of Florida, but I feel I know it intimately from your videos.

[@jovetj]

Signal heights are not an issue. Modern train signals are built with modular, interchangeable parts. So, the signals tend to be all the same general dimensions. The signal heads themselves will be different heights based solely on the number of lamps, bu their spacing above the ground and between each other will be consistent (e.g. Red to Red on modern CSX signals is usually a vertical offset of 7 feet, if I recall correctly). For the Limited, Medium, and Slow speed aspects, the top red is needed for them. (Top and middle red for Slow speed aspects!) If the signal can't show normal-speed aspects, because all movements need to slow down for a turnout (for example), then there's no need to spend the money on extra lamps/colors on top that will never be used.