New EMDs & Precision Scheduled Railroading

This is a railfanning trip out to see if I can understand the effects of Precision Scheduled Railroading on CSX in my area. I caught some new EMDs and some other things I'd never seen before.

[@soarinskies1105]

Danny: “All of Lakeland is a no horn quiet zone” Amtrak Train 91: *Sounds horn for Danny* *Careful now he’s a hero*

[@kylehamm5884]

“All of Lakeland is a quite no horn zone.” Amtrak 91 driver: Sounds horn for Danny Shoutout to that man!

[@buddyburtonphotography]

LaMarcus Ballinstone I second that comment.

[@CSX4772]

Only a matter of time before someone gets hit in the quiet zone. It's just not a good thing

[@onesandzeros]

Are there signs at the crossings (for motorists that is) indicating that it's a quiet zone?

[@kylehamm5884]

onesandzeros yes and a lot of them

[@royreynolds108]

Several cities in Florida found out about 'no horns' ordinances went into effect and operation the crossing accidents went up. This is history.

[@ViewpointUnique]

"And so, after waiting 40 minutes for Q452, this is all I got of him. Hope you enjoyed that." LOLOLOL! Definitely love that you put your failures in your videos and make light of them.

[@rickboivin7732]

"Well, that ain't no good..."

[@jerrysmith7385]

NS may have overstepped "precision railroading" with 2 derailments on horseshoe curve, thanks Danny for the video.

[@suburbanrailfanner545]

phillyslasher MEGA OOF

[@kermitthemutantlevitatingf7836]

I just can't get over the look of the new ST-70's, they look so good in the CSX livery. It just looks so new, like its a new model just from the factory, which it is. Its just beautiful

[@beeble2003]

The amazing light in that shot makes them look even better! (5:00)

[@dannytriplett8625]

I think you must be a radio/television announcer. Your voice is soo clear and precise. Reminds me of Walter Cronkite. I love trains but listening to you makes it even better. Thanks for taking us on adventures we otherwise couldn't go on..

[@johnopalko5223]

He's been doing TV and radio voiceovers for more than 20 years. He does have a wonderful voice.

[@leeklemetti1887]

@ Danny Triplett : Nice complement!

[@katsebua]

There are train videos and train videos ... These give you context. Makes it 1,000% more interesting.

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

Danny you hit the nail on the head @10:19 the guys in the main office have NO CLUE what we do out in the field. And you're absolutely right, taking a big, brand new 6-axle engine into a tight-radius industry spur is a bad idea! Several factors at play here for sure but to them it's just a locomotive. Anyone who argues with them is just a loose cannon that should probably retire.

[@LakeVillaRailProductions]

Ya I mean that is y we have the GP locos

[@stanpatterson5033]

Yeah, but tiptoe in there and roll a rail over and you know darn well who they'll be looking to for an answer as to why it happened. "How many other locomotives were in there before with no problems?" That happened in the town I live in last fall. It's a really tight curve to get loads of lumber in to one customer and finally after decades of neglect, one rail rolled off the tie plates which were sitting on rotten old ties with too few spikes... To be fair, they only ever send 4-axle locos to do that work, but they just never want to invest any time or money in the spur track. So after having 2 locos out of commission for a night and half the next day, they finally sent a crew in to bolster things back together and spend a little time on giving the curve a little tlc, but it's still a tiptoe operation into and out of that spur. Another spur off the other way is so precarious and ancient that a decade ago they forbade a work set from going in. They have to separate the locos and use only one loco to shove hoppers of plastic pellets in to that customer. That makes for some interesting operations because it's a slight uphill going in there, and depending on which rundown set of junk the crew draws for the job, one loco sometimes isn't enough to push an entire string of hoppers in the spur all the way, so they have to split the string and make a few runs. Damned-if-you-do, damned-if-you-don't sort of a situation.

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

@@stanpatterson5033 I mean if the crew rolls a rail, it's the crew's fault internally but then the customer is responsible for maintaining the track, not the carrier so in that regard there's no loss on CSX's behalf. Hell it might even be their plan; eliminating a crew and a carload-only customer! Win-win for CSX corporate... 😒

[@RAAndre]

Yeah, but how else can you test out those new radial trucks in real world situations? Aren't they supposed to be able to handle this?

[@stanpatterson5033]

Just because something is "supposed to be able to do it" doesn't mean it's a wide-open license to just go ahead and do it. There are sometimes other limitations, too. Lighter rail, poor ties and maintenance in the area, questionable gauge.... Not saying that this is the case in this example in the video, but....

[@realcanadianrailfan110]

I love the diesel smell as well as the sweet scent of creosote on a hot summer's day! Awesome video Danny, as always!

[@proudfoamer2]

Great video. Hard to believe CSX is using those NEW EMD'S as switchers. And you got the perfect voice for narration.

[@tsteague5891]

Real Canadian Railfan its the same with pilots... oh the smell of burn jet fuel in the morning!!!

[@railvideosbc]

Thomas Teague I LOVE the smell of jet fuel, but a diesel loco pushing it in run 8 smell pretty good.

[@realcanadianrailfan110]

@@railvideosbc we'll get along amazingly if we get the chance to railfan together!

[@railvideosbc]

Real Canadian Railfan haha yes we will! 😂

[@spazman2644]

Don't worry Dan you're not alone in loving the smell of diesle exhaust. I love it too

[@blakek5llak5la]

It's crazy to watch them using their newest, biggest and best power for little local jobs like that! Really cool stuff, great video!

[@blakek5llak5la]

@phillyslasher I know I'm just saying what the company is thinking haha

[@wcox4]

Those number plates were how the ties were placed in that switch panel in numerical order.

[@KraziIvan]

Yeah, cut to size for the template.

[@hunterriley9904]

Yep

[@Railfan9743]

Railfans always have a great day when Distant Signal uploads!

[@LakeVillaRailProductions]

I love that smell of diesel fuel too Danny don't worry u are not alone nice vid too keep up the good work

[@tampabayrails]

You know it's a good day when DS uploads

[@vitissubrailfan2540]

Even though ten months later, this comment is accurate

[@jeffbowen4]

I work near the Airport Road crossing and the state made the crossing smoother and updated a drainage pipe. But the reopening was delayed a week due to rain.

[@gregbowen617]

Another cracking video from Danny Harman.... I enjoy watching the switching, especially when the locomotive running the local is such a huge beast!!!

[@DFWRailVideos]

Hey Danny! nice shot of those SD70ACe-T4's! Keep up the good work!

[@Lawrence-St.Lawrence1701]

Admittedly , I was called a "Diesel Sniffer" once when I mentioned that I liked the smell of diesel locomotive exhaust. Enjoyed the video!

[@shariys1]

Diesel huffer 😂😂😂

[@lowellfultz1990]

"People may think I'm nuts, but the smell of diesel exhaust is one aspect of railfanning that I really love". My 15 year old grandson and I both agree that a Diesel perfume for the ladies would be a GREAT idea!! Love that smell!!

[@egg3050]

Amazing video just keep doing what your doing because there great!

[@johnlanham9057]

7:10 C-44 running hammerhead, also heard that called ‘“long hood.”

[@cameron.s.9368]

We say long hood in Canada probably same in states

[@CentralJerseyRailfan]

John Lanham CSX 9000, C40-9W

[@thomasboese3793]

Many times railfanning I've heard running long hood forward as "Steam-Engining."

[@shariys1]

I've always heard it as running long hood forward.

[@ironhorsemedia2881]

John Lanham Yes LHF

[@DieCastoms]

In the early 90's, my family and I worked at a theme park in Massachussettes called Edaville Railroad. They ran a small selection of preserved narrow gauge locomotives from a couple railroads in Maine. My father operated the blacksmith shop and woodworking shop. Then, later in the 90's and into the early oughts, I worked at a tree farm in Connecticut that offered hayrides to customers. I was one of the drivers for several years and drove an Allis Chalmers diesel tractor, towing a wagon that could seat 40+ adults. Again, my father ran a very small blacksmithing shop in the corner of one of the big barns on the property. The particular smells of the steam locomotives, dad's coal fire, and that tractor even some 25 to 30 years later are still burned into my mind, and the smell of similar engines or forges still bring back fond memories of those parts of my life, sometimes without any warning at all.

[@donmack1463]

You're not alone. I've loved that smell since being a little fellow taking the New York Central to Chicago with my grandmother. Great memories!!!😊

[@buddyhenson2559]

You mentioned the Sunday local work being related to PSR. You are exactly right. One of the key components of PSR is reducing or eliminating local customer dwell by requiring them to be “Open Gate” customers. This means as soon as a customer’s car arrives on the railroad’s property, it is spotted by the next possible local or yard job. This causes the customer to unload and release the car quicker to keep from paying various fees. It keeps the car fleet moving, thus reducing the need to have as many cars online at any given time. Reduced number of cars online leads to faster trains, improved efficiencies, fewer locos, etc etc. Not all customers may like this, but from a railroad perspective it makes great business sense. Thanks for the video as always!

[@lateefcarrere1649]

6:44 - Battery dies as train passes. DH: "Hope you enjoyed that." Me: "Uh...maybe?" :) #batterylifeproblems

[@Stackedwithcash]

Distant signal you never fail to impress me! Those new emds look spectacular! I was surprised to see them use one of the new ones for switching those, you’re right, they were not designed for that. They need to order some tier 4 TP56s for switching. Great catch and keep up the work!

[@peterfleming4431]

"...This is all I got of him. Hope you enjoyed that." Danny is just good stuff.

[@danielhildebrand6892]

Gotta love seeing new power running hammer head or LHF. BTW Toko is just a few miles from me. From my corner to yours. Lol

[@clonetrooper576]

Youre not crazy! i like the smell of diesel too from trains haha

[@richardharrisjr.8862]

Me to sir love it

[@jameswise3971]

For the love of diesel smoke me too!

[@trainsareepiv]

Same I also love it

[@kyaing9047]

Awesome catches, especially that T4 switching move. Have a great rest of your weekend!

[@jasonking2943]

Good video Danny I could tell you woot about psr nothing positive so I will keep quiet! After 27 years of working for NS I'm glad I can see the light at the end of the tunnel

[@3006USMC]

My buddy works for NS as engineer for 12 yrs. PSR is horrible and will put many outa work. Hes talked me outa of applying. Way to inpredictable. Bummer.

[@jasonking2943]

@@3006USMC I would not recommend anyone to work with any class one railroads

[@3006USMC]

Jason King 🙁

[@samsmith2016]

Danny Harmon, YOU ARE THE BEST VIDEO TAKER OF TRAINS. WITH YOUR EXPLAINING WHERE YOU ARE TAKING VIDEOS AND MONORTORING. "YOU ARE THE BEST"

[@davidoolsen]

I remember growing up and going from Chicago to Sioux City to visit Grand parents and Aunt. Aunt Marie was the scedular at the roundhouse in morning side for the Milwakee Road. We always got to get rides in the engins and I still remember the smell to this day.

[@RailsCanada]

My 10 year old is really enjoying your channel :)

[@kencarp57]

LOVED the Q452 clip Danny! Thanks for “respecting our time”. 😂

[@bradklingensmith]

Those flange squeals reminds me of running to Horseshoe Curve.

[@southernrailfanning5516]

Someone needs to make us railfans a diesel exhaust cologne! Nice video Danny!

[@bfurailroad1104]

It's already being made. It's called DEF (Diesel exhaust fluid) Gitcha' some today at your local truckstop!

[@jujubee463]

Eau de Diesel, or Moonlight of the Rails?

[@jovetj]

Your wife or girlfriend might have some input on that. "99% of the time, it works never."

[@Aleiria13]

👍🏽👍🏽😂Right??? 🥰Train’s & Truck’s🥰

[@WeldinMike27]

In Australia, we call the tie plates, fish plates. And ties are sleepers.

[@explorer914]

EMD doesn't only smell good. They sound really nice too 😊 And the smell of creosote timbers on a hot summer's day only adds to the happiness. 😊

[@mflynn2009]

Thank you. As a kid growing up near the railroad. Near EMD in LaGrange. Now as an adult your videos are mental health restoring especially since I’m familiar with the area you talk about.

[@phillyphakename1255]

I am more of a plane spotter than a rail fan, but I love your videos all the same. Those new efficient engines remind me of the high bypass turbofans in modern airliners, which don't produce those black smoke trails on takeoff. Last time I saw those was in 2019 when American Airlines retired the MD88s. Sad to see that aspect of the hobby go, but it is far better for the planet, for the humans, and for the profits to burn less fuel.

[@bobgallo2178]

Very cool post, thanks for sharing.

[@supercuda1950]

Talk about professional. Your creativity is off the chart and I love those new emd's. Job well done.

[@midnightwind8067]

Always enjoy your videos.

[@platec4798]

Danny - Thanks so much for sharing. Great video content and I really appreciate your comments along the way. Plate C

[@ash7700]

Thank you! Great compilation clip, Danny! Count me in, too, as a fan of diesel exhaust aromatics. Have yet to see a locomotive I couldn't love!

[@upsd402]

Love the comment about the new EMD. Great video, love how professional it is

[@NOVARailandWeatherEnthusiast]

*me talking about my local railroad timetable* Distant signal: *Posts* Me: OH HECK YES! (That was literally my reaction lol)

[@vitissubrailfan2540]

Lol Dude Thats Funny

[@anthonystrains1672]

CSX RF&P Guy cant wait for the EMDs to run the RF&P and Rivanna

[@NOVARailandWeatherEnthusiast]

Anthony's Trains I agree!

[@chsrails]

Same

[@doubleutubefan5]

Right around on the 6 minute and 50 second mark I had a good laugh when your battery ran out

[@NJP76]

I got a chuckle from that as well. I think that has happened to all of us at one time or another. Another one is a full memory card. Don't ask me how I know, LOL.

[@spencerbass7142]

Very good as usual. Thank you.

[@Noonespecial237]

As a long time railroad employee, I can’t think of a worse way to spend my day than running long hood lead and switching tiny cuts of cars with a wide body...

[@djmiller232]

6:33 - 6:48 is the best part of this video. "Hope you enjoyed that." Hilarious! :-) 12:23 - 12:44 is a close second. "I officially hate these locomotives now." Ha! Thanks for another great video, Danny!

[@craigb2279]

Just wanted to comment that I learn more from Distant Signal videos about Railroading than any other video's I have ever watched. Keep up the good work

[@danmartin8414]

Interesting to see the lack of graffiti on the K301 empties headed back to Bone Valley. I guess those cars aren't exposed to the public all that often. Another great video, Danny!

[@tomasnordin9778]

Thanks for the vid from Sweden.

[@distantsignal]

I appreciate it, Tomas!

[@williamcallaway2245]

Nearly everything you do Sir is Fabulous, keep it up Sir and I'll be watching.

[@phillipwilliams1415]

Excellent as always. I too love the diesel smell, well only when I'm an Amtrak passenger!!!

[@dmorgan28]

Another awesome video Danny. Wow that’s an awfully big locomotive for switching. Enjoyed it. Thanks 👍👍👍❤️

[@cfiffie]

I really enjoyed this and all of the previous videos. Thanks for making these!!

[@rickwatts7885]

Another A++ video. Thank you for your hard work.

[@tommy4trains]

Fantastic content as always!

[@marka87]

Thanks for posting - love your videos

[@jamescarryl9690]

Great video Danny. Too bad about the dead battery. Thanks for sharing and passing the train nomclamature. Take care and stay safe out there

[@cameron.s.9368]

One of the best train content creators on the platform. Hope you keep it coming for quite awhile!

[@lloydgrisham8821]

Great stuff as usual. Your narration and explanations are excellent! Thank you!

[@danherrmann8755]

Great video. I learn a lot about the rail road. Safety is one reason I watch. Massive weight and horse power. Can not be played with. When I feel the ground shake it tells me there is a lot of weight on the rails. Give them the room they need. Later.

[@NotAzoo]

Danny, you are a phenomenal narrator, you make the videos incredibly interesting and help new rail fans learn much about the railway operations as well as history. Thank you for your great work.

[@paulbrown4625]

Danny, you're quite a funny guy! I love it! Thank you for so much information. I truly love these trains and would one day love to see one entire trip from start to finish. Going from way down south to up north in Chicagoland area. Boy that would be something!

[@ThePeejRR]

Thanks for sharing all these videos as well as your knowledge!. Awesome stuff!

[@tiduffield]

The saddest announcement in the railfanning video world... "Danny Harmon.. out". It means only one thing. Now I have to wait for the next one. Dammit! Fantastic stuff.

[@RailfanDaniel1997]

Great videos as always!

[@gatortrainchaser2080]

As ALWAYS Mr. Harmon a GREAT VIDEO and THANKS for sharing!!

[@WilliamCrew]

Thanks for the upload sir! You always make good quality videos. Keep it up!

[@charlesbutler4646]

I loved this one Danny, great video.

[@davidpulaski5628]

Shiny new EMD's, expert camera angles, professional narration, beautiful quad copter videos. Thank You, "Distant Signal", you rule!

[@railhunterproductions]

Your channel’s getting even better!

[@railenthusiast4830]

Another awesome video Danny - thanks!

[@stanagepole9633]

What a lovely vid, thanks Danny, it was a great start to a rainy English day!

[@gregorysmith3341]

Great series. I've always been interested and now I know more.

[@BarredCoast0]

Y'all always make my day when my notifications show up. Love that bell!

[@dorothyfishbaugh4728]

Enjoyed this video!

[@masswolf]

great stuff Danny..i always enjoy your videos!

[@stephengering1986]

Good video to watch keep them coming

[@timdaugherty5921]

You are amazing Danny!

[@roballen5670]

Those New Ace T4 are Awesome. Great video. Keep them coming.

[@RiverLineProductions]

Awesome video & great coverage of the new EMD Tier 4s!

[@firedyna97]

Great video Dan. Your sense of humor is always a bonus. Keep it up.

[@fredbartels3958]

Thanks for this interesting and informative video!

[@billwilson6670]

Excellent video, as usual.

[@ravenhawk6910]

Another fantastic video Danny! Love those new Tier 4 units.

[@curtnicholson7771]

You put out some of the most informative videos I've ever seen! Great job Danny and keep it up because believe me they are greatly appreciated.

[@scottmccullough6136]

Great job as always Danny. "Long hood lead forward or Southern Style" The way Southern used to run all their trains back in the day.. I always love the education I get just from watching your video, We will be headed down your way next month to see the Mouse in Orlando and we will be making all the normal stops on the way down and back: Cordele, Folkston, Callahan, Baldwin, Jacksonville........ I hope to hit most of the spots that you've mention in this video as well, hopefully to catch those new EMD's.

[@ZLDSmogless]

One aspect of railfanning I enjoy is the sound that trains make. Over here in the UK, most of our trains are electric and sound pretty sweet.

[@jmadden50]

Great video Danny! Thanks for sharing with us.

[@Death_From_Below]

Great video Danny, thank you.

[@proudfoamer2]

I love the narration. Keep them coming.

[@MrZip-yo7lm]

Danny, your videos are like Santa 🎅.....a joy to see and they never get old.

[@tylersebring8045]

Great video man i love the way you tell stories and shoot video of trains really awsome

[@randyprice264]

I've watched many of your videos over the past month or so and enjoy every one. Your vast knowledge of railroads and their histories amazes me! I lived in Lake Wales for about three years back in the mid-70s and remember trains along that line through the middle of town.

[@DaveSender66]

Nice work Danny it's good to see you!!!