Switching The Auto Train

I spent a day in Sanford, Florida shooting the Auto Train as it arrived, was switched and unloaded. I finished the day with fried chicken!

[@VirtualRailfan]

Fabulous video showcasing quite a unique operation! Keep em coming!

[@WabashWesternRails1]

Hello! @Virtual Railfan! I’ve met you at La plata RR days you gave me the Awesome items at the gas station!

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks, Virtual! Maybe you can get a camera on Persimmon Ave.

[@scottmccullough6136]

A camera would be great at our 23rd Street location here in Chattanooga, Tn. It's a giant crossover for NS, CSX and theres even a turnout for the TVRM. Its 8 tracks wide and it used to be 60 to 70 trains a days, but.........precision scheduled railroading ????? Thanks for what you do, I saw your camera the last time I was in Cordele, Ga. on my way to Folkston and Danny's beautiful state of Florida of course.

[@sportsguy1992]

@@distantsignal when I do move to Lakeland Florida soon whenever. I'm not sure when yet. But railfanning can be risky too just like you said. Safety is important for sure.

[@jackulmen5791]

I mean Very Fabulous!

[@KMACKTIME]

Best rail fan channel on the internet hands down. The level of detail and knowledge is top notch. Well done

[@Gamengofan376]

Argee I go here for all my research

[@VinnieRozzisi]

I never thought I would see both a Ferrari and the Corvette coming off the auto train. I guess that means it's a very trustworthy way to move your car!

[@jonglass]

I wonder if it's the cheapest way to transport a Ferrari from NY to FL, and if that was the only reason it was on the train? :-)

[@marinusapeldoorn6631]

Indeed I think it could be a very safe way to move your sports car. It is protected by let's say 2000 tons of steel 😁

[@ebnertra0004]

@@jonglass Probably cheaper than gas to drive it down. Fuel efficiency isn't at the top of the priorities list for most sports cars...

[@supertoasting1011]

so back in the day most autoracks were open air (similar to when you see vehicles being delivered on a trailer) but people/kids would throw rocks at the cars and they'd end up with broken windows and scratches so they installed walls onto the autoracks which is why they look how they do today.

[@IstasPumaNevada]

Could be trustworthy, or could just be cheap and convenient. Being able to afford a sportscar doesn't automatically make you a good judge of services, or wise. :)

[@richardo2315]

You may not think about your videos this way, but you are doing something amazing about generation gap and such. It's usually younger people on KZbin. You are uniting people of all ages under the same hobby and educating in the same time. Huge thank you.

[@distantsignal]

This is one of the nicest compliments I've ever gotten, Richardo. Many thanks!

[@sanddabz5635]

There is no way you were NOT a RR engineer or conductor! Your railroading knowledge is unbelievable! I learned answers to questions I've always wanted to know and also learned answers to questions I didn't even know I had. Thank you Danny!

[@UltraMagaFan]

Luckily for us we don’t have to work on a railroad to learn stuff about railroading. Danny makes these awesome videos. I’ve also learned a bunch of stuff from him.

[@7thsonofa7thson80]

He does voice overs at a tv station i think.

[@johniacono3725]

Great Video.

[@osten01]

As a foreigner outside of the states, these videos of yard operations are notably entertaining and informative. Enjoyed your narration behind as well. Keep it going and hope to see more videos like this!

[@distantsignal]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Jumpingoffthecliff]

Your work is so outstanding in every way, shooting, editing, narration, just fantastic. Thanks for your incredible work.

[@distantsignal]

Thank you for such a nice compliment.

[@minnesotarailfan11]

@Jumpingoffthecliff I have to agree he is absolutely amazing with the work he does.

[@RollinIsbell]

Thanks for the peek behind the curtain. Back in the late '70s ... I used to pick up one of my UF roommates at the terminal in Sanford after his trip down from Eastern Pennsylvania. I still remember the time he told me that he didn't need a ride this trip because he was brining his car down on the Auto Train. I thought that was the coolest thing ever.

[@garykuipers2696]

As a retired conductor and member of Operation Lifesaver I can't thank you enough for your safety advice concerning track side clearance. Most railfans are safety conscience, but there are a few who are not.

[@marinusapeldoorn6631]

Gary, looking at your last name you must have dutch ancestors. Regards from the Netherlands

[@mbbuckeyes8386]

I just took the auto train in late January from Lorton to Sanford and it was awesome!! I had a roomette and it was clean and comfortable. Not cheap but saves on driving time down I-95. It was relaxing and the employees were friendly. They even announced cities and points of interest on the trip. If you are looking for an alternative to driving from the north east coast to FLA, this is the trip you want to experience.

[@oxenforde]

I love that he knows every detail about the locomotives … and, he describes the automobile as “red”.

[@distantsignal]

Yeah. Not a car guy.

[@davidsimmons9763]

I like cars more than trains and you cracked me up at that point!!!

[@bradklingensmith]

@@distantsignal the new C8 Corvette

[@marinusapeldoorn6631]

It was hard to see the difference between the Ferrari and the Corvette.🤠 This would have been less difficult 25 years ago

[@JruGordon]

I've often wondered how the autotrain worked. Thanks for making this

[@killerbees177]

This is one of the trains that are on my bucket list.

[@Triplebuc50]

Me Too.!! I took a trip with my Grandson From Pontiac, Michigan to Chicago, then from Chicago to Washington D.C., then down to DeLand Florida, where my daughter picked us up and her home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Next either Chicago to San Francisco or Another trip to Florida with another Grandchild.

[@rustyr0824]

Excellent as usual. I live 24 miles south of the North stop for the auto train. So it was nice to see how operations are conducted to get everything switched out and passengers and their cars or motorcycles safely off loaded. You made me laugh about needing to send flowers to the place that you applied for long ago. And as always your eating well. Thank you again, I am enjoying my journey with you back in time from my chair here at home in Stafford VA. :-)

[@1BillT]

Amazing story as told by a true professional. Thank you!

[@Weatherarorg]

25 Feet is what UP Steam & Ed Dickens are saying too! Great message & Great Video as usual!

[@jeremycross8598]

A long time ago when I was a lot younger my grandparents took me to Sanford to watch this train work. A crew member came over and gave me a spare key to unlock the autorack doors on the end of the cars! Still have it to this day!

[@aceadman]

Excellent! Really cool to see this in action. Thanks much as usual!😊👍👍

[@spenceranderson2072]

Now we know how 511 is so clean, goes through that washer so much.

[@Mnrr6131]

True. You should see the P32s where I am(706 and 708 are not in great condition)

[@deepsea631]

I love the Auto Train. Easiest way to get north and south along the I-95 corridor. Thanks for the great video.

[@andrewpalm2103]

Excellent video! And a great safety message at the end. When I was a teenage railfan in the early 60's I nearly got run over by an NKP freight in the Michigan City yard. The standard routine there was to uncouple the two 400 class GP7s and the ex-LE&W caboose from the arriving train while it was still moving. The engines would run ahead onto the engine track, the train would coast into a yard track, and the caboose (running slower than the train) would coast into the caboose track. I was unaware of this, and while I was focusing on the engines I glanced to my right and saw the lead car of the train silently bearing down on me, about 60 feet away. (I'll never forget the end of that hopper car!) I got out of the way, but my heart was racing and I realized I'd just barely avoided a horrible death. When I got home my mother had been worrying about how long I'd been gone. I never told her or my father what an idiot I'd been. Trains are great, but a moment's inattention and they can kill you.

[@wwhitby]

An old-head conductor friend of mine always used to say that you only get one mistake on the railroad, and that's the one that kills you.

[@andrewpalm2103]

@@wwhitby I was stupid, but lucky, eh?

[@RCAvhstape]

@@wwhitby While riding Amtrak I spoke to a freight engineer who was deadheading home and he told me that there are no minor injuries on the railroad, you start with amputations and it gets worse from there.

[@rickwatts7885]

This video should be on a commercial network like the Discovery channel. Premium quality work! Your history shines through. Like a member of the Atlanta Braves playing on a 10-12 year old park league team compared to most other channels. Love your work. Thanks for all you do!

[@distantsignal]

Wow! That's a NICE compliment, Rick. Many thanks!

[@samuelbennett227]

The train wash is really cool. They need to run the Amtrak Silver Star through that! Great video!

[@warrenvanwyck2765]

Add that train wash for the Amtrak California Zephyr -- I went out on a stop and cleaned my own window.

[@karlmahnke7602]

Qqq+

[@tonytins]

I've always wanted to ride the Auto Train. A non-stop journey across the northeast just sounds like a dream.

[@mikeskinner45]

Excellent coverage of Auto Train. Amtrak really seems to care about this one. Liked the overhead shots especially. But the high point of the video was your takeaway from Fred's. Fried chicken, mashed and gravy, lima beans. Yum!

[@Blowrods]

When I’m stoned this channel is a must. Love it!

[@WxWiseOne]

I took the Auto Train back in 2019. It was a really great trip and the crew and staff where fantastic.

[@volvo09]

Very cool train. I'd take that instead of flying and renting a car. I can't stand flying.

[@WxWiseOne]

@@volvo09 if you do it get a sleeper as dinner comes with and you have privacy

[@SteveSmithRailways]

From a viewer across the pond, I often watch the Auto-Train come through Ashland on the rail cam, so it's great to see the operation at the terminus. Thanks for a great video. Regards Steve

[@distantsignal]

What time of the day does AT come through Ashland?

[@SteveSmithRailways]

@@distantsignal I think it can vary but according to their log, one at 07.30 and the other at 17.00

[@davidsimmons9763]

They actually bet (but not with real money) on how many passenger cars and how many Autoracks just before it comes through on VR in the comments. It varies according to demand, but it’s fun to guess!

[@SteveSmithRailways]

@@davidsimmons9763 yes, I do notice in the comments that.

[@larryclark5355]

I was an electrician tech on NJT. The large headed cable being pulled out was a 27 pin connector, there are 2 such cables one on each side. From the engine point of view the engineer side cable allows signaling between the engine and crew, door control trainline and controll voltages to be shared. On the opposite side that cable allows the Cab car engineer to control the engine. The 480 volt 3 phase plugs are about the size of a baseball and must have a continuous path to operate. I enjoy your videos and look forward to more.

[@Charlie-gv3zt]

I was an assistant conductor for NJT from 2005-2007. What years did you work there?

[@larryclark5355]

@@Charlie-gv3zt '88 - '95,shop,Dover, County Yard, Long Branch (first crew) Port Jervis and yard at Lake Hopacong

[@Charlie-gv3zt]

@@larryclark5355 Wow, why did you leave? I left in 2007 to go work for the LIRR.

[@larryclark5355]

@@Charlie-gv3zt While in Dover inspecting a line up i slipped off a platform that had no lights. Dover yard was still under renovation and I landed on a pile of used ties that were not mover offsite. My right lower leg was shattered.

[@Charlie-gv3zt]

@@larryclark5355 Wow, I am sorry to hear that😔. I hope you got railroad retirement!

[@antonyjerome7478]

When I was last rail fanning the auto train at Sanford visiting from the U.K. , the switching guys invited my son and I into their sun shelter to watch close-up and shared their drinks with us. Great guys.

[@distantsignal]

Very cool!

[@jackshittle]

Jaw Tooth learned his lesson the other day about standing too close. A train was inbound but he didn't notice that the sides of the train were spraying weed killer. The only reason he didn't get sprayed is because the operator noticed him and shut it off at the last second. After the car that was doing the spraying cleared him - the operator turned the spraying back on.

[@bhigdaddymark]

You're on point, I saw that video! I like his videos too as he has that easy-going terrific Danny Harmon demeanour.

[@Unknown_Ooh]

Jaw tooth is a joke

[@theofficerfactory2625]

Saw the same with the Baltimore&ohio KZbin channel. Only they kept on spraying.

[@jeffrumbach150]

Jaw tooth was in Thurmond West Virginia

[@RT4Him]

Danny, You have a new big fan out west. Working my way through your previous videos. They are all first rate. I am also sure I heard you on an Ad last nite. Thank you for the many hours filming and editing a great part of this nation. Rich Northern Nevada

[@distantsignal]

Ha! Could be. Welcome aboard.

[@johnkolbjr8375]

Awesome Danny. Yes that was a C8 Corvette. Aka “the red car”

[@Boss42n]

On the Auto Train now. Looked out the window and saw the scenery at the 8:47 mark. I immediately thought of this video. We will soon be arriving in Sanford. Had a great trip. Thank you Danny for this video.

[@tedmaas3588]

Danny, you never fail to produce TOP SHELF video! Will be patiently waiting for your next production! Ted in AZ

[@crc760]

I 2nd that

[@kennyb1472]

814 needs a bath lol. Great video. Love learning about trains 👍🏾

[@sargentrowell81]

Great idea covering the Auto Train yard. I'm a big Amtrak fan so that was awesome to me. That was also pretty bizarre seeing just how short the Silver Meteor was that day. Back on the topic of the Auto Train, does anyone else wish that there was more than one of those in the US? Maybe a west to east one? And then a second north to south Auto Train for the west coast?

[@SD40Fan_Jason]

There have been many discussions about the Lexington route that was scrubbed in the 70's and the possibility of bringing it back. But it would take a King's fortune to build the infrastructure and supply the facilities with equipment to power and operate it. Given that Amtrak is government-subsidized and struggles daily with cross-country and inter-city services, there's no chance they will ever be able to afford another route, despite being a profitable service over the long run. What it would take is for someone else, separate and isolated from Amtrak to build and operate it. If it doesn't make any money but enough people rely on the service then the government could force Amtrak to take it over. But that's the closest speculated scenario out there right now.

[@Genius_at_Work]

@@SD40Fan_Jason Similar Thing happened in Germany. The semi-nationalised (private Company but owned by the Government; the worst kind of Service as it combines the Disadvantages of both) Deutsche Bahn abandoned Auto Trains a few Years ago (IIRC 8), shortly before abandoning all Sleeper Trains six Years ago. They were running them at heavy Losses, but the Austrian nationalised ÖBB took over the Sleeper Trains and makes record Profits with them. That just shows how inefficient the Deutsche Bahn is at literally everything, but their ridiculous Bureaucracy and insane Management Salaries explain that. Anyway, it's sort of the same with Auto Trains, although the Difference is not that extreme as with the Sleepers.

[@fdo.eduardo1925]

I love trains but I love more this kind of videos where you can see things you dont every day and also learn. Great video. Thanks!

[@bmorris106]

Have taken this train 4 times north and 3 times south, it’s always been a great trip, very enjoyable and meeting new people on the train has been great.

[@douglasengle2704]

Thank You for the video. When I was an early teen our family took AutoTrain from Florida to N. Va. They seemed to be unloading the vehicles before the passengers start to disembark. This was around 1975 when AutoTrain was private non Amtrak train. I was actually looking forward to having 40 minutes or so to look over the operation, but almost as soon as we got off the train and got ourselves oriented our yellow '73 Pontiac Lemans station wagon rolled up to the curb and we got in and left. It seemed like is was only about 10 minutes from when the passenger cars had come to a stop at the terminal. That was great train trip! We had coach seats up in the dome section of a car. At that time the auto racks where placed a head of the passenger cars so from the dome at night I watched this hugely long train in front of us snake its way through the darkness with the headlights of the locomotives occasionally noticeable about 1/2 mile a head. The dinner car was actually two cars with a full width articulation passage way connecting them so it was something like 160 feet on unobstructed interior length! Up in the dome it was quiet and the interior lighting was limited to the footwell and individual reading lights so you could easily watch at night everything going by outside. The train only stops once to pickup fuel so the experience is that it is always moving. This doesn't seem like it should make big difference compared to other long distance trains, but it makes the passenger experience much more close nit, everybody is doing about the same thing and this is train is much more family oriented than likely any other passenger train travel that is not a tourist railroad. The cars had been beautifully rebuilt with Burgundy interior valor trim! They used traditional battery electric car axle generators so the A/C and electricity stayed no matter what was going on with the locomotives. Climate control was excellent through hot humid south east USA! It was just great experience!

[@brandochlovely3590]

As usual, excellent. I subscribe to many channels across many disciplines. Distant Signal is, by far, the most well-produced channel out there. The amount of information provided per unit of time is second to none. Thank you Dan. You are a cut (perhaps two cuts) above the rest.

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks!

[@larryhall2805]

I agree.

[@5thman677]

Great opening shot of Amtrak with the ditch lights activated and the horn blasting.

[@irish00011]

Danny: What a great and smooth production of a video about the Auto Train. I hadn't been aware this was an everyday 24/7/365 operation. In fact, I was under the belief it was only seasonable; I.E., the snowbirds retreating to a warmer climate for the Winter season, and then the return back North the following Spring. What a fun capture you've produced. And, only you, with your 'newsroom' voice delivery would make it so enjoyable. Thank you, it is wonderful.

[@davidsimmons9763]

Lots of people take it for lots of reasons. I have family in the Shenandoah Valley and use Autotrain often. Of course the snowbirds keep it rolling.

[@williamd7823]

Just rode the auto train southbound in late August. Fabulous trip. Terrific train crew. The roomette was a little cramped for 2 seniors but not bad. We left early but were trailing behing a slower southbound freight which put us into Sanford about an hour late. Our car was delivered within 30 minutes of our arrival (we did not pay extra for express unloading - just lucky!) Our attendant said they have been very busy thru the C-19 epidemic and have lowered their coach seating capacity. They did a great job of cleaning and keeping people safe. Lots of college students returning to school. I was surprised to find out how many folks did NOT know about the Auto Train - considering it has been operating for over 30 years. Thanks for the yard tour.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks William! Two points in your post struck me: 1. That CSX would let a freight train get out in front of Auto Train. and 2. That college students are wealthy enough to take a $500+ trip to return to college!

[@firecaptain5405]

Another excellent production, Danny. I especially appreciate the safety message at the end. While I’m working, I see many rail fans out here in St. Louis and for the most part, everyone stays clear and safe. I appreciate them being safe. I enjoy seeing folks out there and when I can, give them a wave or a horn shout out.

[@albertvieira6635]

All I know is soon as I hit the lottery you're going to be my tour guide I want to see that yard where the Auto racks it looks really interesting

[@christopherstyle878]

Excellent video Danny! Thank you sir. Love the production quality of your videos... they never disappoint. Glad you're including safety reminders as well. I see too many people getting too close to the tracks.

[@distantsignal]

Hi CHris. Yes, I've seen quite a few people lately who stand on tracks, stand three feet from passing Amtrak trains and other unsafe stuff. I don't like to preach but I figure I can reach a lot of railfans and maybe help change the culture a little.

[@sroevukasroevuka]

The railroaders say safety is no accident.

[@sroevukasroevuka]

@@distantsignal and if it prevents an accident or a death its a win win situation. Common sense dictates be safe around trains. You will not win against a train.

[@kjrehberg]

That's amazing the Dash-8 can haul the entire consist of auto carriers! Thanks for the video!

[@paulbrown4625]

Without a doubt, one of the best informative Amtrak Auto Train videos I have ever seen. Danny you are a consummate professional and you have the voice! I think those folks at that TV station were crazy not to hire you but then again, I'm glad they didn't as your lovely wife has no doubt made up for that misfortune!! I met my bride with some friends in a serendipitous way and have been with her almost 40 years! So blessed. Thanks again from an old train enthusiast and that train is on my bucket list!! Blessings to you my friend, keep em coming!!

[@samfranklin248]

Thanks, Danny…very well done. Have taken the auto train many times and always enjoyed the ride. Your video brings back pleasant memories. Stay well. Sam Franklin Callawassie Island, SC

[@Chris_Blaney]

As always a superb job Danny! I especially appreciate the safety message at the end, as my best friend was killed by an Amtrak train while troubleshooting a problem with a car on one of his consists. He was only 20 working as a conductor for CSX. Hope you’re doing well, and I look forward to the next one!

[@barrettwbenton]

Very sorry to hear about your friend!

[@kevinleukie1278]

Loved the video. I always see the Auto Train going through the drawbridge at the Lake Shore Pier in Jax. It's awsome seeing what it looks like when it reaches its destination.

[@multicolorfilms]

Very, very nice job Danny! This is definitely an underrated sight here in Florida. After riding auto train in early March, I can tell ya, it was something I’ll never forget. Great job again!

[@distantsignal]

Thanks. Yes, it's definitely one of Amtrak's best services.

[@multicolorfilms]

@@distantsignal Definitely! Glad you mentioned the Dash 8s. I’m my documentary about them they were my favorites. Will you be including the Dade City Railfest anytime soon?

[@distantsignal]

I really didn't shoot anything much at Dade City. What I got wasn't really worth using. Hopefully next time.

[@multicolorfilms]

@@distantsignal ok let’s hope’

[@karlsangree4679]

This is far and away better than any documentary I've seen on The Discovery or Science Channel. It was brilliantly filmed, edited, and narrated. Superb!

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks!

[@constantcoogan7238]

My friend, your speaking voice is absolutely wonderful and comforting. Thank you for your videos.

[@marinusapeldoorn6631]

Totally agree

[@xorbitman]

This was great! Your video was amazing thank you for posting! I was supposed to take the Auto-train back from Orlando to Lorton, VA. I had left my 2012 G37s Coupe (Red) in Cape Coral after my wife and I drove down for the first time from Montreal. I will never do this again. I'll either fly and rent a car or for longer stays, I will drive down the 401 Trans-Canada Hwy to Messina, NY and take the i81 down to the 15/270 all the way through Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia avoiding the east coast and the NJ turnpike. It takes under 10 hours as Ontario has increased the speed limit on the highway. Going down to Lorton you have to leave between 2 am and 3 am as it takes time. The train leaves Lorton at 2:30 PM however they don't like taking cars past 2:00 PM. I know this is very early however there are no cars on the road and within a few hours of driving you get daylight and the traffic doesn't start until 7 am. Cape Coral is a quick and easy drive from Orlando, about 3 hours. I recommend spending a few hours in Orlando when you arrive in the morning something like either downtown Disney or my favorite downtown Universal studios city walk with all the cool restaurants and colors. Maybe take some time and drive around downtown Orlando. Then after lunch drive back, that way you get to spend the best of day doing something instead of driving back right away. Anyway my car was stuck in my condo during Covid and my friend who lives across the street was able to drive my car every week to keep her running. I finally had to have her shipped back to Montreal using a snowbird transport service; Cape Coral to Fort Lauderdale the another truck back to Montreal. There was only 2400 kms all last year or about 1500 miles! The lowest mileage I've ever put on any car in my entire life in one year! Hopefully next year I will take the Amtrak Auto Train with a cabin and it's own bathroom. I will never take the NJ turnpike again. The whole drive down south from NYC is insane. I don't know what's worse? The wear on your body or the wear on your car. The train on the other hand is beautiful. It actually saves money on gas, hotels, restaurants and wear and tear on your car. I found your video fascinating. My dad was a railway lifer. He had a Masters degree in Civil Engineering, an MBA and several diplomas over the years for specialization courses. He was instrumental in expanding CNR's rail service in their St. Lawrence region which included Central Vermont, at that time one of the busiest corridors in CN's network. He was also responsible for maintenance and repair and when he was on duty he had a pager that went off in case of a derailment and had to go there even in the middle of winter at night. I worked for CN for 3 summers as a "Chain and Rod man" for the engineers that added sidings and used surveying equipment such as a theodolite and was taught how to use one by the middle of my first summer; It was really cool! Sidings are railway tracks that run to the back of loading docks of large companies so that their manufactured goods can be efficiently shipped out by rail. It was a great way to spend the summer; out doors. On the rainy days I would work in the diazo/blueprint room making copies and coloring coding the sidings and adding the switchgear information. Very cool work. This was before anyone had PC's and computers in the office. Slide rules and calculators only were used! The money was good too. It helped pay for my tuition and books.

[@lindsaymoore7232]

This has always been one of my favorite Amtrak trains for years. I would love to take a trip down there and see this in person. I can spend all day there. Great job Danny!

[@brettoreilly9669]

As a track safety worker here in Brisbane Australia mate your last words on safety is spot on we have no issue with rail fans coming out and having a gander just don't get cranky when we ask you to move back a bit we don't want to see anybody get hurt from track machines or work trains or even other equipment we are using. We have a couple of young boys chase us down on the rail grinder almost get hit by a grinding stone that broke and smashed the windscreen and put a hole on their car door

[@ssmatt4924]

This is way underrated channel. Should have millions more subs.

[@sayswithoutgoing]

All car-hauling trains I've ever taken (Europe): You just drive on and drive your own car off again at the other end. No shunting either, the ramps connect to the side of the freight cars, on both decks at the same time. The cars are connected so you just drive through the whole train. Fascinating to see the meticulous workings required here.

[@chesterraybon3442]

Great showing that end of the auto-train. Had seen the front end and how they start before so thanks. Loved the train wash. Take care and God Bless.

[@michaelgarrity6090]

This is a wonderful video about the Autotrain. I wish they still had the one that used to come out of Chicago, stopping either in Indianapolis or Cincinnati to pick up more passengers and cars. They only ran that one for a short time back in the 70s as I recall.

[@brianhickey5949]

So very cool to see and know what goes on with something folks take for granted :) I like that train wash! Excellent education as always, Danny!

[@denniskimmell4983]

I took auto train about 45 yrs ago to Lorton, Va. Then back to Sanford, Fl. Very nice and really enjoyed the trip!! Would recommend to other people who might be thinking about it!!

[@Dutch64]

A BIG Thank You. For many years I wondered how this all was done and thanks to you now I understand! Thanks again for all you do and for doing all this work so we all have a better understanding of this! By the way, on the Lehigh Valley RR back in the day they had a passenger train named John Wilkes!

[@UweJMeyer]

Sir,thanks for this new brilliant video. It's a pleasure to hear your very enjoyable voice, very easy to understand even as a fan from Europ,especially Germany.Thanks for the outstanding informations and pictures.I prechuade the work and the time you spend for us railfans whole over the world.I can imagine how much work such a Video takes. Thanks for that, and have a nice weekend. Greatings from a German fan 👍🇺🇲🇩🇪🚂😄

[@ralphclark6034]

Another great job Danny, been a Rail fan since I was eight years old. Got to ride in the engine in 1955 in New Jersey. Great videos my friend !!!

[@theoutdoorvirginiancousins6210]

You are making me a train fan. Thanks.

[@ralfie8801]

Not only can stuff come off the train, but the metal banding material they use for some loads can break if the load shifts. Then you have what is basically a knife blade hanging off the side of the car, even though it's not sharp, that thin strip of metal can cut you in half if you get hit by it as the train passes by at speed.

[@joncalon7508]

I've actually seen pictures of coiled steel that was supposed to be tightly wound flapping off the side of the car because the banding holding it together broke. At speed, it would quite literally cut someone standing too close to the tracks in two.

[@ralfie8801]

@@joncalon7508 I’ve seen it several times while walking to the head end of trains to work on one of the locomotives. I ran into a band in the dark, it wasn’t sharp, so no injury, but we cut it off behind the sill of the flat car it was on so it wouldn’t / couldn’t hurt anybody.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

WESH should have hired you for your voice alone. You have a wonderful announcer's voice. Tone, enunciation, negligible regional accent, pacing, and all the rest of the qualities of a natural sounding announcer. Took me ages to develop that, but then only worked on that side of the mic in radio for a couple of years. Sometimes, if the sunspots and stars are all lined up right, I can get the old pipes working fairly well, but you have it all, hands down.

[@distantsignal]

Thanks. Trying to get my"negligible regional accent" back. The media world has been overrun with non-descript, characterless voices. I don't think I want to be one of them.

[@The_DuMont_Network]

@@distantsignal Naahhh. You should be doing voiceover$ just the way you are.

[@1981troublemaker]

You & Mr. Mike Armstrong a.k.a CoasterFan2105 are the best narrators for train enthusiasts like I. Thanks a lot.

[@GeorgiaRailfan55]

A great way to start my day!

[@Flo-M]

Excellent photography and narration! Super informative and fun to watch! Thank you.

[@thegreyspectre9838]

I’ve been designing wireless control and stopping systems for the past 10 odd years now. Couldn’t tell you how many yards I’ve been too or how many locos I’ve been on but it’s nice to stumble across a channel such as this and see people that are interested/passionate about locomotives. Puts a new spin on how to look at my work.

[@bhigdaddymark]

I knew it, I knew it, I KNEW IT!!! The very first time I saw a Distant Signal video and immediately subscribed, I said to myself and at one point in another of Danny's videos or two, I said to Danny "With that voice, you ought to consider doing voice-over work in radio, TV broadcasting or in Hollywood" as I could immediately hear it (I'm going to get back into it as I've done college radio and a couple of PSA announcements for an Orlando radio station years ago) as I've always wished that I had that resonance in my voice as Danny does and so very many in radio. His mentioning that he once applied at WESH in Orlando confirmed what I knew the first time I watched one of his videos years ago now. Without question the finest production of this genre on all of KZbin with the absolute best Hollywood Big production camera angles, SUPERB narration, stocked full with brilliant information and the most pleasant demeanour ever as Danny's videos are of TV and film documentary caliber! When Christian Johnson got a shout out, I said "I know that guy!" Nor was I surprised that he was consulted for favourable shooting locations of the Auto train. He was a member at the HO Club that I'm a member of in Orlando and on my channel I have two videos of us racing Amtrak trains: his two P42 locomotives led consist versus my Acela. We had fun and he's a good guy, so hearing a shout out to him was nice. As usual Danny, a solid TEN stars!!

[@frankperez8202]

Very interesting and informative. Rode the original AutoTrain back in the 70s, looking forward to ride this one soon.

[@lauramccann9959]

Love your voice Danny, and your delivery. Thanks for a most interesting topic; The AUTOTRAIN who would have known. Bless you.

[@kyledillard3496]

As always this was a great video Danny. You’re second to none when it comes to educating us all on how and why trains and train systems work. Thanks!

[@marinusapeldoorn6631]

Betcha Danny used to be a teacher!

[@marinusapeldoorn6631]

You are such a perfect narrator. Love your insight view of the Florida railroads. Regards from the Netherlands

[@distantsignal]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@louisdekoster2670]

Hoe gaat het ermee

[@marinusapeldoorn6631]

@@distantsignal I enjoyed it, thanks. Highly appreciate your culinary twists in lunch & diner choices 😄

[@marinusapeldoorn6631]

@@louisdekoster2670 Het gaat uitstekend Louis. En bij jou?

[@torg0]

As a frequent traveler on at AT, I thoroughly enjoyed watching this video. Looking forward to Thanksgiving :) Thanks!!

[@RedheadedMusic]

Excellent whole production from Narration, knowledge and POV. You sir are a true professional, Thank you Danny for the great video.

[@distantsignal]

Thank you!

[@MotoRestoFL]

I had a motorcycle on the AutoTrain in 2008. Had a Superliner Roomette sleeper. Bikes came off first in both Lorton and Sanford.

[@KDM66]

Just an AWESOME video!! Thanks for your hard work!!

[@ricknixdorf7316]

This was an extremely interesting video. I had no idea that the auto train was such a complicated and efficient operation. Great job as usual.

[@kristoffermangila]

This video would definitely appeal to both railfans AND carfans! I mean, that crossing area is definitely a great place to look at cars and bikes coming in and out. In that video I saw some cool Harleys coming in, and a Ferrari spyder in classic Maranello Red and a C8 Corvette convertible, also in red coming off the train! Plus a Jeep hauling a trailer is icing on the cake!

[@andreydunin6712]

This is a fantastic video, I only recently found out about the auto train and wondered about the logistics, this helped a lot! Thank you!

[@micahbea-taylor414]

Tio

[@brianwarbrick2225]

Hi Danny. From the UK. I loved your video and the very comprehensive narrative that you gave with it. As a Retired Railwayman myself I heard your warnings regarding trespassing and being far too close to any passing train. Unfortunately you missed out that other category of people vulnerable of shock and that's the train crew. As a person next to the track knows they're not going to get hurt- hopefully but the train driver can't always tell what's in a person's mind. A near miss can put train crew off work for months or longer with the shock of nearly hitting someone etc. So to you great American rail fans please spare a thought for the drivers and don't scare them into sick leave. Thanks Danny I hope you don't mind my sticking my experienced thoughts into your comments bag. But other than that I always wondered how the cars were despatched on and off and now I do thanks again. Best wishes Brian.

[@piedmontrailfan81]

Another Danny video! Awesome!

[@Nathan_Breeze]

I certainly hope this guy is on TV, or has a radio show or something. His voice is just perfect...he has THE voice.

[@distantsignal]

Many thanks!

[@EntertainmentWorldz]

great video bro

[@dorothyfishbaugh4728]

SUPER VIDEO!!! It was awesome to see all that about the Auto train operation. And hear your wonderfully detailed explanation of it all! As always I ENJOY your videos!!!

[@jackpetrone4031]

Great video and timely safety talk. Please keep them coming.

[@epiccsx]

Great video about Amtrak's AutoTrain operations! I rode that guy to Florida for the new year, and it's very handy. Don't have to get a rental car now! I'm over in Ohio, so it's a 5 hour drive to/from the station in Lorton, VA, but I like that it goes through the mountains in PA. The crew onboard the train announced when we were passing through some notable towns, like Richmond and Ashland, VA, Rocky Mount, NC, and Folkston, GA. The breakfast, lunch, and dinner isn't bad, and the coaches are similar to first-class on a plane! Now, the ride back up to Lorton was even more interesting. It was on the day the winter storm hit the MD/VA area earlier this week. Everything seemed normal til the crew announced we would be coming to a stop at Petersburg due to blocked tracks to our north. As we rolled into the area and it got light outside, I noticed a nice snow was on the ground and trees. Almost a foot of heavy, wet snow had come down overnight, and with it, hundreds of trees and power lines onto the tracks. The crew announced that we were to move 3 miles north and stop again. We sat for quite a while this time. Amtrak 92 rolled past at about 1 PM and was to go in front of us. We sat there til it got dark before finally getting on the move again. We were set to proceed but stop again in Richmond, and that got changed and we made our stop north of Richmond to wait for the 2 Amtraks in front of us (90 and 92) to go north, then 4 southbounds. They only had 1 of the 2 tracks cleared and open, so they had to do single-track operations. Now, we were going to move a little bit to sit some more. The passengers started clapping when the train budged again after our 8-10 hour stop in Petersburg, and one of the passengers reminded them it was premature clapping (lol). While rolling through Richmond toward our stop after dark, we passed a stopped northbound CSX intermodal with what looked like some sort of heritage locomotive on the front. Lo and behold, it was was CSX 911 in the honoring first responders paint scheme! I heard from some railfans online that it was CSX X032, which would follow right behind us. When we came to a stop north of Richmond, the southbounds that came past us were Amtrak 91, 93, 53, and CSX I031. It was probably an hour and a half before the first southbound rolled past, due to Amtrak 90 and 92 being given permission to proceed north before the 4 southbounds. Finally, about 10 PM, we got on our way north. We arrived at the Lorton station at about 1 AM, 17 hours later than expected, but not disappointed. It was quite an interesting ride to start the new year! Keep up the good work!

[@davefuelling7955]

I really enjoyed this video, your narration is top notch and you really do a great job of directing our point of looking at what you're describing. Many other video makers talk about what they are showing us but not in a way that leads our gaze to the right place on the screen so we are confused about what we are looking at. I moved to Belleview, FL about 4 1/2 years ago and enjoy seeing places I know, like the shot of the crossing gate control box at the SE Robinson St. crossing in Belleview and the Magnolia Street crossing in Ocala in your video on how crossing signals work. Keep up the excellent work.

[@WMAJ6]

Thanks for the yard tour. I will be there in a few weeks. Looking forward to seeing it in person.

[@vrmntthb]

Yes that red buggy after the Enzo entry was a 2021 corvette… And a great view of this great train ride by you sir and appreciate all you do!

[@JFORSNY]

A real quality video, lots of information and great shots. I was not surprised that you at one time applied for a job in broadcasting. You have a wonderful voice and a calm demeanor. Look forward to your next project.

[@marycope5858]

I am a true railfan and your video is so interesting!! Thank you for sharing this!!

[@Triplebuc50]

Yes Danny, I enjoy your very informative Railroad & Train Video’s, alway Clear, nice pace, informative, educational, listening enjoyment. Please continue as long as possible, I visit Florida every year since retiring from FoMoCo. In 2006, I have Family in New Smyrna Beach and St. Pete Florida, have rode by the Auto Train terminal a few times, always thinking I must try this Train trip with my Car, I would need to drive from Michigan to Lorton Virginia, about 7-8 hour drive, although my Wife has No interest in taking a Train to Florida. Although I did take a Amtrak train from Pontiac Michigan to Chicago, then changing trains to Washington D.C., then change again to a train to Deland Florida, close to New Smyrna Beach where my Daughter Lived. It was much longer than Flying or even Driving, but I was on a train with a Sleeper Car, pretty good food, but it was hard to get good sleep in my Sleeping Car. Clickity- Clack down the Tracks. So, The Auto-Train with a Bedroom and my Car is my next Train Journey I hope to do one Winter soon, with my Wife or Grandson, hopefully. Thanks for your informative Videos and keep them Coming. Best regards, Robert F. Walker presently 72 years old!

[@moriver3857]

Great video. I have ridden the auto-train northbound with my motorcycle. What an experience. Rode my bike back to FL, from PA. Also have ridden that 97 train from Miami to N.Y.,, and back and other trains, including a trip from Montreal, CA, to Dallas Texas in a roommatte. Superb experience. Wish Amtrak had more funds and less government subsidies for them to expand. Probably have more than 100,000 miles on Amtrak and European trains. Love trains, though I was once an airline flight crewmember.