I tend to forget that you don't just know all these things on the top of your head, Danny. 😄 I appreciate when you're open about the details you don't know and consult with experts to fill in the gaps.
AND, you never talk down to us BUT you certainly make a (surprisingly) involved answer easily understood with marvelous examples - keep up the wonderful work
@@geeceediam4566 That is one thing that makes Danny's videos so damned nice to watch - he talks to his viewers like he's talking to friends and family.
Over the years, I've come to realize how prevalent and extensive the American RR system actually was. My schooling let me down to this fact, whether through history or social studies. I knew that there "was" a RR in my home town. But as the conversation would re-emerge, there was facts that changed. Then I found out that there was 2 railroads in my home town. The elders just assumed that I knew that we had 2 RR's in town. I did not. As I continue to focus on railroad history, I'm finding even more railroad history that I never even knew existed.
@@lancereagan3046 The USA has such an amazing history of RR. Too bad car-centric design won. Had the USA doubled-down on RR you would have the world's most advanced rail-based public transit network.
I’m a retired nurse from the city who knows next to nothing about trains. Your channel is so interesting to me that I become excited when I see that you have posted! Thank you for the research you perform and your ease of making train information understandable to a novice like me! Keep up the great work!
Aren't his videos amazing? That's so cool that you've discovered the joy of trains later in life. I've loved them since I was 3 or 4 years old. To this day, the sound of a train horn, no matter how distant, excites me. I only wish that I knew more about them. That's why we have Mr Harmon!
Great video as usual! It is important to note that railroad companies prefer to meet railway lines at an angle smaller (or greater) than 90 degrees. At at a right angle, both wheels on the axle jump the gap at the same time, which increases the wear and the forces acting on the diamond. At an angle, only one wheel jumps the gap at one time.
That's also where to my understanding the name comes from. If it's got a non-90° angle, you'll see a sorta diamond-shape on the inside (instead of just a square).
@@skendermakota2381It's funny, though, because motorcycles are instructed to always cross railroad tracks at exactly a 90 degree angle, even if it means swerving a bit within the lane upon approach. This is because motorcycles only have one wheel per axle, so there's a greater chance of the wheel getting stuck in the rut of the train crossing it it crosses at a shallow angle.
You haven’t had your mind blown until you’ve been watching one of Danny’s videos on UA-cam AND out of nowhere you hear him narrating a commercial on cable television at the same time.
5:10 what's even cooler to me is that the AC tower wasn't just closer to the track, it was on the opposite corner of the diamonds and craned across when the Union Station Association acquired it. Great video Danny!
Such a cool and interesting video. I've lived in Orlando all my life and I never knew Tampa put in a streetcar system in the 2000s. Honestly more cities should have them, but we all know who screwed that pooch. [Glares at automotive companies] That barbecue joint looks legitimately awesome.
That barbecue place is awsome, I have gotten food there many times in the past. Just wish it wasn't so far from where I now live. Used to live just around the corner from there.
Danny, of all the train videos I watch (and there are a bunch), you are clearly my favorite. Your attention to education is outstanding. As a life long rail fan, I have learned so much that I never had any idea about before watching your videos. You're a real asset to our railfanning community and I'm sure glad YT has created the platform for you to share your broadcasting skills with us. Thank you!!!
Dan, you did an excellent job in answering the viewers question. I'm a retired conductor, 43 years of service, started out as a tower man. You are indeed a professional; properly researched for a proper answer. I thoroughly enjoy your channel.✝🚂😎
Very cool video as always. We enjoyed watching. In my 25 years on the Canadian Pacific Railroad of course now CPKC I was incharge of maintaining a diamond most of my career that crosses the Canadian National in Duplainville Wisconsin which used to be Milwaukee Road crossing the Soo Line back in the day. Us at the Canadian Pacific were in control of the diamonds and maintaining them. The Wisconsin Central now Canadian National MoW crews would come out and help us on big projects at the Duplainville diamonds then the maintenance would be billed equally. Have a wonderful rest of your thursday evening.(Steve)
WOW!!! I never suspected that diamonds were so complicated. I thought trains just cross them when there was no other train coming (much like cars at a 4-way intersection).
I'm pretty sure there are some examples of railroad crossings that are operated like that, i.e. without any signaling system/without any coordination between both lines, thus transferring the responsibility for mutual exclusive usage of the diamond to the train drivers by visual checking for trains possibly arriving on the other line - but this, of course, drastically limits the maximum speed or even requires to come to a full stop in front of the crossing
Your videos always teach me things i didn't know I wanted to know. I also enjoy the restaurant reviews. I may never travel to Florida, but if I do I'll know where to eat.
Man I think about all the research involved to put this together. I have always loved trains. Looking at those diamonds is interesting. Seeing how railroads had to cooperate, to cross trains safely. Tryibg to imagine the maintenance involved, it has to be staggering. Keep up the good work!!
This channel has made me start railfanning my local railroad, the Portland and Western, and its Toledo Hauler train that runs frequently in the small lumber town of Toledo, OR where I recently moved to. Also Danny you should know whenever I play your videos and you say "Hello again railfans" my girlfriend grins from ear to ear and says "Hi Danny!" Love the channel and I always immediately watch your new videos whenever I see you upload them!
You always do an excellent job and I much appreciate the information and insights your videos provide. I have watched most of them and only wish you had the time and other resources to do more. Keep up the great work.
Absolutely incredible video. I've always wondered how they controlled movements on those just never thought to ask. Always look forward to seeing your videos. I can't wait for the next one.
Danny, thanks for a great video! We sometimes see a railroad feature like a diamond and don't realize that there are a lot of rules and information behind it. You are the best one to explain it to us. Thanks again.
Danny I worked as a Train Operator in several towers in the Cincinnati area for the Chessie System back in the late 70’s on into the 80’s when the mergers created CSX. Man what great memories. Thanks for your hard work to educate us RailFans. 😎👍🏾
Another award winning video.🏆 Appreciate the time you take to do your homework. I can relate to that in my job before I retired. A one hour presentation can take numerous hours of prep time. Always look forward to your videos. Once again your taught an old dog a new trick! 👍😁🇺🇲
Great video, Danny! Always fascinating hardware on the RR... there are some crazy diamonds up north and even was one in Miami when the Seaboard crossed six FEC tracks to access one of the old docks.
Really cool to see how you guys do things in the US, especially how all of the different companies play together. I’m in Ireland, all of the rails and trains are owned and operated by Iarnród Éireann, which is a subsidiary of the state-owned company Córas Iompair Éireann. Definitely streamlines the process for us when it’s all one company operating on all of the rails, although there is a small exception on some of the Inter-city routes crossing the border to Northern Ireland. Here we also use an unusually wide track gauge of 1,600mm/5 ft 3 in. Love these videos and how it highlights the differences and similarities of railways throughout the world! Keep ‘em coming!
As always, this was a "diamond" of a video. I always smile when I get a notification saying you have posted a new video because I know it's going to make the day that much better. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Danny!! 😊
Hey, Danny. Glad to see you again and teach us other railfans about the diamonds. You do an excellent job. Take care, Danny, and I will be looking forward to seeing you soon. Robert over and out.
I've always enjoyed listening to trains going across diamonds. I'm generally not a fan of loud noises, but that rhythmic thunder is just music to my ears. Thanks for another great video!
Great informative video Danny! I actually filmed a short line and CSX meeting at a diamond, and it was the short line that went first. Somehow, the CSX crew seemed impatient having to wait for their turn.
Another great video Danny. You’re a mind reader as I was just thinking about that the other day. I’ve seen other videos of trains “hitting the diamond” so it made me wonder about how the traffic is controlled.
Thanks for the ton of information. I'll try to incorporate some of that in my model railroad. Someone in Fostoria Ohio has a steaming channel of the dispatchers there and it can be crazy.
I was really looking forward to this video. From 1960 to 1969 i was a towerman on the Chicago Terminal Division of the Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific and while there were junctions and yards there were a lot of diamonds. My favorite tower was Joliet UD controlling at that time 16 diamonds the RI double track main and two yard track coach yard crossing double track Santa Fe and the double track Chicago & Alton with a lot of crossovers. Dispatchers had a little work on the division issuing slow orders, working one shift at a tower that had a CTC 😅machine as well as a conventional interlocking machine 17:41
Great video as always Danny! I wanted to mention a rule we have at NS for automatic interlockings. When approaching a signal governing an automatic interlocking at a speed of 25 mph or less, movement must proceed towards the interlocking prepared to stop (similar to operating on an Approach) even if the signal can be seen as displaying a favorable indication. The reason for this is the timing system you mentioned. When moving slowly towards an interlocking, it is always possible that the time may run out as you are approaching. This means you could go from having a Clear straight to a Stop within seconds. This rule exists to prevent crews from potentially passing a signal at danger. If you do not comply with this rule and approach an interlocking, the signal drops, and you get enforced, you will still be found at fault for failure to operate in accordance with the rules and will be thrown out on the street and taken to investigation. Auto Interlockings are nifty but if you don’t understand all of the rules that go with them, you can very easily end up in trouble! Hope this information was helpful!
Although not stated in your analysis, the rule must presume that approaching the crossing at a speed greater than 25 mph will insure the train will preserve the occupancy required by the system logic and foul the track circuit protection against the opposing track, but a train that approaches at a speed of less than 25 mph will be able to stop prior to fouling, if an opposing train calls for a signal. The logic is a bit more complicated, just think "if then, but".
@@glennfoster2423 that is exactly why the rule exists. If you are going faster than 25 mph, the signal will not time out and drop. A speed of greater than 25 mph when approaching an automatic interlocking protected by NS Rule 280 will preserve your occupancy.
One of few diamonds in my neck of the woods still have tilt board signals protecting the crossing. First you pull up and come to a complete stop. You have to get permission from the dispatcher to cross and line the signal up for your movement. Then drop a 15 minute fusee on both sides of diamond and then position the tilt board signal for your movement. All the while looking out for any other train movement from the other line. But...they rarely see or even meet other over the lightly travelled routes. Be safe out there and thanks for sharing some good information.
This is sort of like the "five minute rule". Where specified, a train desiring to enter a main track in signalized territory an employee may open a switch, attend the switch (to line it back normal should a train on the main track approach), and after 5 minutes (or time specified by the railroad based on maximum authorized speed) enter the main track.
Thank you for sound recording quality on this one. This banging on diamond may be most intriguing part of this video. Also, that streetcars and BBQ place parts feels nicely interconnected.
Excellent presentation and both informative and easy to follow along. Just off Milwaukee's downtown a 2 track streetcar line crossed the Milwaukee Road's 2 track approach to the depot and was at a bit of an angle and I believe set in bricks. Because of their later arrivals interurbans frequently did have to build a bridge over or under the steam Road especially in the Midwest. Thanks for the top-notch presentation
@distantsignal I like how informative you are and people ask great questions. I'm gonna try to work for the railroad. Can't wait to mention you when I do come to Florida.
Danny, many years ago, in my neck of the woods (Fort Wayne, Indiana), two of the Easterly and Westerly Railroads crossed each other in an Industrial district. The Pennsylvania, and the Wabash, basically changed places -VIA- and 'X' diamond; where one was moving to the Northeast, and the other to the Southwest. One old Pennsy conductor had told me that the Wabash had absolute control of the diamond. If anyone from the Pennsy had irritated the dispatcher/controller at the Wabash tower, he could hold up the Pennsy train in a retaliation move as punishment and placed that train behind schedule.
Great video as always Danny. Watching the close-ups of the diamond (which were great) I noticed a loose bolt moving around. I know you said these required more maintenance but it would be interesting in a part 2 if there is any video of service work or the time table they use to service them. For example, do they have crews that tighten the bolts periodically? Thanks again!
Thanks for another great video! Now that I record my own, I appreciate those times when you're able to get a great shot from the shade. Those spots are rare but cherished!
Thank you so much for the shout out in this video!!! This video, as always, was awesome and was very informative!!! Looking forward to any and all future videos from you. Keep up the good work!!!
Great video as usual, Danny. As an aside, some railroads require engineers to reduce the throttle 1 or 2 notches while locomotives were crossing the diamond. This is to reduce arcing in the traction motors if they were under power during the jarring of the crossing. Keep the great videos coming!
Hey Danny, we've been missing your videos, My 2 toddlers and I met you last year at Rail fest in Folkston, and love watching your great videos. I love all the area details and info you have on all your adventures. Keep up the great work sir!
Danny another one of your spectacular videos and once again we see why you are so special. You did a video on a request that you said woo I need some more information to do this one and you went out and did some great research and information seeking through the connections you have made over the years and so we get one more of your great informative videos again. Great job and I really thought it was neat to see how one of the first diamonds shown was right in the middle of a highway and I would imagine it could have been just as easily completely paved but is actually left in paved right in the center for whatever reason. My guess is leaving them the ability to visually inspect it and possibly tighten up some of the many bolts involved in the building of one of these centerpieces of railroading. It makes me wonder how many non attentive drivers accidentally drive into one of these and get their vehicle hung up. Danny a heads up on dome information you may want to pass on to your viewers is how a lot of crossings now have smaller signs with what railroad is responsible for that crossing and a phone number to call if there is a problem with the crossing and a lot of times it gives their number or name for that crossing. If that info is not there call the nearest law enforcement agency or 911 and tell them what is wrong and if you can describe to them good enough information of location they will take it from there to inform the appropriate railroad that they have a problem such as stuck gate or broken gate or in my case one day. On my way to and from work at the Belvedere Chrysler Assembly Plant I would twice a day cross the former Illinois Central now Canadian National Freeport Subdivision tracks on the road that actually takes you into town on the east side of the plant. The one day as I was crossing the prebuilt concrete grade crossing that was installed approximately five years earlier as starting to break up and the was a piece of the concrete the size of a bowling ball laying in the highway/crossing and this road gets quite a bit of traffic all day from employees and suppliers and farmers and gravel trucks due to the many pits located in the area. Anyone hitting this thing may damage there vehicle and or be injured or involved in and accident or a truck or train may hit and throw it at another vehicle. I called the number on their sign and buy the time I was returning Homs after a days work the crossing had been cleaned up and a temporary blacktop patch installed. That spring a complete new road grade crossing was installed in one day. Keep up the great work Danny.
That was a great video Danny. I have been missing seeing a lot of years on here on UA-cam. I don’t know why but this is one of the first that I’ve seen that you’ve just had a map 10 days so I’ll be watching more in the future. I hope have a great day in it’s great viewing here in Knoxville Tennessee
It's amazing the level of knowledge and details that you usually bring to each topic discussed here in this channel. It's not something shallow, you actually goes through every details! KEEP IT GOING, it's amazing! Best regards from Portugal. 😄
Hey Danny, great video as always, I remember when the TECO Line streetcar in its early days at that diamond in Tampa had a CSX employee hop on the street car, cross the tracks and repeat this process as the next street car came down the line, I'm glad they installed the automatic signal, and the automatic signal was new to me until I saw your video thanks again.
This brings back many memories. My grandfather used to operate tower #112 in San Antonio where the SP and MKT intersected. When I was a young kid in the early 80s he would take me there to visit some of his old railway buddies still working there. I remember how cool it was when they let me flip the switches and push the buttons to operate things. Also reaching out and handing paperwork to the passing engineers at cab level from a platform on the side of the tower stairwell. These were the last days before they eventually tore down the tower. Today its all automated. The SP and MKT (and MP) are long gone and its all UP railroad now in the San Antonio region. This video brought up fond memories indeed. Thanks for sharing.
Danny I always like the way you explain things so clearly. You're obviously a man of great intelligence and railroading experience, and sometimes you talk in technical terms that I don't understand....... But I thoroughly enjoy your explanations anyway. You have a wonderful attitude and a pleasant way of explaining things. I hope you'll be doing this serious for a long time to come!!!😊
Great video, thanks Danny. Always intrigued to see what you have in store for us. I appreciate it. Those diamonds look like they get the crap beat out them..
We railfans are all learners! None of us knows everything. Railroading is very complicated industry and there's always something to learn! (One of the reasons it's great to be a railfan!)
Thank you for that, very informative, you have answered a lot of questions for me. I am a relatively new subscriber, but have watched and really enjoyed a lot of your videos.
Another fantastic, informative video. I lived the first nine years of my life in Dover, Ohio. That town once had a PRR/B&O diamond. Of all of the places that my dad and I used to visit to watch the B&O coal trains go by, next to that diamond (probably 25 feet from it) was my favorite. I absolutely love that mesmerizing cadence. Thanks, sir, for the wonderful - and nostalgic - video.
The legend is back
Yes!
We always wait impatiently for the next video.
Oh yes for sure 😊
Fr
Fr
Danny Harmon is a True Class Act. His Railfanning Knowledge is Priceless. Thank you, Danny. 👍🙏
I tend to forget that you don't just know all these things on the top of your head, Danny. 😄 I appreciate when you're open about the details you don't know and consult with experts to fill in the gaps.
AND, you never talk down to us BUT you certainly make a (surprisingly) involved answer easily understood with marvelous examples - keep up the wonderful work
@@geeceediam4566 That is one thing that makes Danny's videos so damned nice to watch - he talks to his viewers like he's talking to friends and family.
Over the years, I've come to realize how prevalent and extensive the American RR system actually was. My schooling let me down to this fact, whether through history or social studies. I knew that there "was" a RR in my home town. But as the conversation would re-emerge, there was facts that changed. Then I found out that there was 2 railroads in my home town. The elders just assumed that I knew that we had 2 RR's in town. I did not. As I continue to focus on railroad history, I'm finding even more railroad history that I never even knew existed.
@@lancereagan3046 The USA has such an amazing history of RR. Too bad car-centric design won. Had the USA doubled-down on RR you would have the world's most advanced rail-based public transit network.
I’m a retired nurse from the city who knows next to nothing about trains. Your channel is so interesting to me that I become excited when I see that you have posted! Thank you for the research you perform and your ease of making train information understandable to a novice like me! Keep up the great work!
Aren't his videos amazing? That's so cool that you've discovered the joy of trains later in life. I've loved them since I was 3 or 4 years old. To this day, the sound of a train horn, no matter how distant, excites me. I only wish that I knew more about them. That's why we have Mr Harmon!
I was the boy in the green and black shirt!
I’m subscribed to you
Great video as usual! It is important to note that railroad companies prefer to meet railway lines at an angle smaller (or greater) than 90 degrees. At at a right angle, both wheels on the axle jump the gap at the same time, which increases the wear and the forces acting on the diamond. At an angle, only one wheel jumps the gap at one time.
That's also where to my understanding the name comes from. If it's got a non-90° angle, you'll see a sorta diamond-shape on the inside (instead of just a square).
This is what I do when I drive my car over speed bumps, same thing happens to car axles if they hit anything full on 90 degrees
@@_SpamMe I think it's called a diamond because of how expensive they are to install.
Thank you for this comment; it makes a lot of sense.
@@skendermakota2381It's funny, though, because motorcycles are instructed to always cross railroad tracks at exactly a 90 degree angle, even if it means swerving a bit within the lane upon approach. This is because motorcycles only have one wheel per axle, so there's a greater chance of the wheel getting stuck in the rut of the train crossing it it crosses at a shallow angle.
You haven’t had your mind blown until you’ve been watching one of Danny’s videos on UA-cam AND out of nowhere you hear him narrating a commercial on cable television at the same time.
5:10 what's even cooler to me is that the AC tower wasn't just closer to the track, it was on the opposite corner of the diamonds and craned across when the Union Station Association acquired it. Great video Danny!
Funny enough, last night I was watching an old Union Pacific employee training video discussing interlocking procedures. Great timing Danny!
Such a cool and interesting video. I've lived in Orlando all my life and I never knew Tampa put in a streetcar system in the 2000s. Honestly more cities should have them, but we all know who screwed that pooch. [Glares at automotive companies]
That barbecue joint looks legitimately awesome.
I also lived in Orlando and never knew about the TECO street cars until I left. The best part about the TECO trolly is it's free.
That barbecue place is awsome, I have gotten food there many times in the past. Just wish it wasn't so far from where I now live. Used to live just around the corner from there.
They have some of the best Ribs in all of Polk County.
Is this type of transportation cost effective. They make little profit, if any. They are a drain on the city budget.
GM, Firestone and Standard oil destroyed the interurban railroads.
HOORAY! New video from Danny, as excellent as always. Thumbs up from Mexico 🇲🇽
Danny, of all the train videos I watch (and there are a bunch), you are clearly my favorite. Your attention to education is outstanding. As a life long rail fan, I have learned so much that I never had any idea about before watching your videos. You're a real asset to our railfanning community and I'm sure glad YT has created the platform for you to share your broadcasting skills with us. Thank you!!!
Dan, you did an excellent job in answering the viewers question. I'm a retired conductor, 43 years of service, started out as a tower man. You are indeed a professional; properly researched for a proper answer. I thoroughly enjoy your channel.✝🚂😎
Great job Danny, another fantastic video!
Very cool video as always. We enjoyed watching. In my 25 years on the Canadian Pacific Railroad of course now CPKC I was incharge of maintaining a diamond most of my career that crosses the Canadian National in Duplainville Wisconsin which used to be Milwaukee Road crossing the Soo Line back in the day. Us at the Canadian Pacific were in control of the diamonds and maintaining them. The Wisconsin Central now Canadian National MoW crews would come out and help us on big projects at the Duplainville diamonds then the maintenance would be billed equally. Have a wonderful rest of your thursday evening.(Steve)
WOW!!! I never suspected that diamonds were so complicated. I thought trains just cross them when there was no other train coming (much like cars at a 4-way intersection).
I'm pretty sure there are some examples of railroad crossings that are operated like that, i.e. without any signaling system/without any coordination between both lines, thus transferring the responsibility for mutual exclusive usage of the diamond to the train drivers by visual checking for trains possibly arriving on the other line - but this, of course, drastically limits the maximum speed or even requires to come to a full stop in front of the crossing
Your videos always teach me things i didn't know I wanted to know.
I also enjoy the restaurant reviews. I may never travel to Florida, but if I do I'll know where to eat.
Love the videos Danny. Always fun to see how different parts of the railroad work!
Love to see the wall growing in railroad signs
LETS GOOOOOO I’ve been waiting for this for ever. Keep making the amazing content. ❤
O M gosh, can you imagine the damaged cars from hitting that diamond that were not paying attention?
O M Gosh, can you imagine the destroyed cities from constantly making concessions for the automobile?
Always a smile when I see a Distant Signal video!!!
Always appreciate the time and effort that goes into your videos. I definitely learned something new today!
This is the best railfan channel out there, by far. Keep up the great work, Danny!
Thanks Danny, as always, one of the very best railfan channels. ❤
Thanks for doing all the research and groundwork. Really appreciate your videos!
Man I think about all the research involved to put this together. I have always loved trains. Looking at those diamonds is interesting. Seeing how railroads had to cooperate, to cross trains safely. Tryibg to imagine the maintenance involved, it has to be staggering. Keep up the good work!!
Great content I appreciate your channel.
Awesome 😎 content as always and your Narration is always perfect and I ❤ how your wall is growing with railroad stuff!
Your videos are always informative and this one is no exception. Thanks for all your good work.
When a video answers a question you're always had, but never thought to ask. Thanks, Danny!
Good job Danny
This channel has made me start railfanning my local railroad, the Portland and Western, and its Toledo Hauler train that runs frequently in the small lumber town of Toledo, OR where I recently moved to. Also Danny you should know whenever I play your videos and you say "Hello again railfans" my girlfriend grins from ear to ear and says "Hi Danny!"
Love the channel and I always immediately watch your new videos whenever I see you upload them!
She's a keeper!!
You always do an excellent job and I much appreciate the information and insights your videos provide. I have watched most of them and only wish you had the time and other resources to do more. Keep up the great work.
A great video as always. thanks for going into this aspect of railroading.
Absolutely incredible video. I've always wondered how they controlled movements on those just never thought to ask. Always look forward to seeing your videos. I can't wait for the next one.
Great job Danny thank you for another amazing video and I can’t wait for the next one to come out
Thank you for your time in making this video it was informative and enjoyed as usual
Thanks Danny for these great shows
Danny, thanks for a great video! We sometimes see a railroad feature like a diamond and don't realize that there are a lot of rules and information behind it. You are the best one to explain it to us. Thanks again.
Danny I worked as a Train Operator in several towers in the Cincinnati area for the Chessie System back in the late 70’s on into the 80’s when the mergers created CSX. Man what great memories. Thanks for your hard work to educate us RailFans. 😎👍🏾
I'm really wondering where the hell the FTC was at when CSX gobbled up all these smaller railroads...
Another award winning video.🏆 Appreciate the time you take to do your homework. I can relate to that in my job before I retired. A one hour presentation can take numerous hours of prep time.
Always look forward to your videos. Once again your taught an old dog a new trick! 👍😁🇺🇲
Glad to see you back Danny. Always, I mean always, I really enjoy your tutorials and the fantastic information that you provide. Thank you so much!!!
Always enjoy your videos Danny. Keep them coming.
Great video, Danny! Always fascinating hardware on the RR... there are some crazy diamonds up north and even was one in Miami when the Seaboard crossed six FEC tracks to access one of the old docks.
Really cool to see how you guys do things in the US, especially how all of the different companies play together. I’m in Ireland, all of the rails and trains are owned and operated by Iarnród Éireann, which is a subsidiary of the state-owned company Córas Iompair Éireann. Definitely streamlines the process for us when it’s all one company operating on all of the rails, although there is a small exception on some of the Inter-city routes crossing the border to Northern Ireland. Here we also use an unusually wide track gauge of 1,600mm/5 ft 3 in. Love these videos and how it highlights the differences and similarities of railways throughout the world! Keep ‘em coming!
I love all the information you give on your channel.
It's been awhile great to have ya back. Another Awesome video. Keep them coming.
As always, this was a "diamond" of a video. I always smile when I get a notification saying you have posted a new video because I know it's going to make the day that much better. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Danny!! 😊
Hey, Danny. Glad to see you again and teach us other railfans about the diamonds. You do an excellent job. Take care, Danny, and I will be looking forward to seeing you soon. Robert over and out.
I've always enjoyed listening to trains going across diamonds. I'm generally not a fan of loud noises, but that rhythmic thunder is just music to my ears. Thanks for another great video!
I always look forward to your videos. Like the rail content, love the food reviews.
Great informative video Danny! I actually filmed a short line and CSX meeting at a diamond, and it was the short line that went first. Somehow, the CSX crew seemed impatient having to wait for their turn.
It's always a good day when there's a new Danny Harmon video! 😊
Glad to see you back Danny. My son is still dying to meet you. It's amazing how much speed these trains carry through the diamonds.
Another great video Danny. You’re a mind reader as I was just thinking about that the other day. I’ve seen other videos of trains “hitting the diamond” so it made me wonder about how the traffic is controlled.
Thanks for the ton of information. I'll try to incorporate some of that in my model railroad. Someone in Fostoria Ohio has a steaming channel of the dispatchers there and it can be crazy.
I was really looking forward to this video. From 1960 to 1969 i was a towerman on the Chicago Terminal Division of the Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific and while there were junctions and yards there were a lot of diamonds. My favorite tower was Joliet UD controlling at that time 16 diamonds the RI double track main and two yard track coach yard crossing double track Santa Fe and the double track Chicago & Alton with a lot of crossovers.
Dispatchers had a little work on the division issuing slow orders, working one shift at a tower that had a CTC 😅machine as well as a conventional interlocking machine 17:41
always very professional and informative, many thanks for the effort you put in.
I do enjoy your video's and you do such a good job explaining what goes on with different trains. Thanks😊
Great video as always Danny!
I wanted to mention a rule we have at NS for automatic interlockings.
When approaching a signal governing an automatic interlocking at a speed of 25 mph or less, movement must proceed towards the interlocking prepared to stop (similar to operating on an Approach) even if the signal can be seen as displaying a favorable indication.
The reason for this is the timing system you mentioned. When moving slowly towards an interlocking, it is always possible that the time may run out as you are approaching.
This means you could go from having a Clear straight to a Stop within seconds. This rule exists to prevent crews from potentially passing a signal at danger. If you do not comply with this rule and approach an interlocking, the signal drops, and you get enforced, you will still be found at fault for failure to operate in accordance with the rules and will be thrown out on the street and taken to investigation.
Auto Interlockings are nifty but if you don’t understand all of the rules that go with them, you can very easily end up in trouble!
Hope this information was helpful!
Although not stated in your analysis, the rule must presume that approaching the crossing at a speed greater than 25 mph will insure the train will preserve the occupancy required by the system logic and foul the track circuit protection against the opposing track, but a train that approaches at a speed of less than 25 mph will be able to stop prior to fouling, if an opposing train calls for a signal.
The logic is a bit more complicated, just think "if then, but".
@@glennfoster2423 that is exactly why the rule exists. If you are going faster than 25 mph, the signal will not time out and drop. A speed of greater than 25 mph when approaching an automatic interlocking protected by NS Rule 280 will preserve your occupancy.
One of few diamonds in my neck of the woods still have tilt board signals protecting the crossing. First you pull up and come to a complete stop. You have to get permission from the dispatcher to cross and line the signal up for your movement. Then drop a 15 minute fusee on both sides of diamond and then position the tilt board signal for your movement. All the while looking out for any other train movement from the other line. But...they rarely see or even meet other over the lightly travelled routes. Be safe out there and thanks for sharing some good information.
This is sort of like the "five minute rule". Where specified, a train desiring to enter a main track in signalized territory an employee may open a switch, attend the switch (to line it back normal should a train on the main track approach), and after 5 minutes (or time specified by the railroad based on maximum authorized speed) enter the main track.
Thank you for sound recording quality on this one. This banging on diamond may be most intriguing part of this video.
Also, that streetcars and BBQ place parts feels nicely interconnected.
Danny, that was really interesting! Trains and all that heavy iron always have amazed me. Thank you.
Excellent presentation and both informative and easy to follow along. Just off Milwaukee's downtown a 2 track streetcar line crossed the Milwaukee Road's 2 track approach to the depot and was at a bit of an angle and I believe set in bricks. Because of their later arrivals interurbans frequently did have to build a bridge over or under the steam Road especially in the Midwest. Thanks for the top-notch presentation
Glad it was helpful!
@distantsignal I like how informative you are and people ask great questions. I'm gonna try to work for the railroad. Can't wait to mention you when I do come to Florida.
Danny, many years ago, in my neck of the woods (Fort Wayne, Indiana), two of the Easterly and Westerly Railroads crossed each other in an Industrial district. The Pennsylvania, and the Wabash, basically changed places -VIA- and 'X' diamond; where one was moving to the Northeast, and the other to the Southwest. One old Pennsy conductor had told me that the Wabash had absolute control of the diamond. If anyone from the Pennsy had irritated the dispatcher/controller at the Wabash tower, he could hold up the Pennsy train in a retaliation move as punishment and placed that train behind schedule.
Thanks again, Danny. I always enjoy your videos.
Great work. Keep making these videos, love them.
Great video as always Danny. Watching the close-ups of the diamond (which were great) I noticed a loose bolt moving around. I know you said these required more maintenance but it would be interesting in a part 2 if there is any video of service work or the time table they use to service them. For example, do they have crews that tighten the bolts periodically? Thanks again!
Love your videos, you break the railroad rules and thermology down like a teacher, keep up the good work
Thanks! Yeah, it's the only way I can do it and understand it myself.
Excellent video Danny! RR Diamonds have been something that I've always wondered about. Very glad to see a new video released.
As always a wonderfully clear explanation. Thank you for your research and attention to detail. I love your videos. I learn so much every time.
Thanks for another great video! Now that I record my own, I appreciate those times when you're able to get a great shot from the shade. Those spots are rare but cherished!
Thank you for another great video Danny appreciating all the info you provide. Have a great day.
Thank you so much for the shout out in this video!!! This video, as always, was awesome and was very informative!!! Looking forward to any and all future videos from you. Keep up the good work!!!
Another fantastic video Danny. Thanks for all the interesting info and great closeups of trucks at the diamonds
Great video as usual, Danny. As an aside, some railroads require engineers to reduce the throttle 1 or 2 notches while locomotives were crossing the diamond. This is to reduce arcing in the traction motors if they were under power during the jarring of the crossing. Keep the great videos coming!
Hey Danny, we've been missing your videos, My 2 toddlers and I met you last year at Rail fest in Folkston, and love watching your great videos. I love all the area details and info you have on all your adventures. Keep up the great work sir!
Was thinkjng I hadn't seen you in a while Danny. Good to see you back at it. Know you've had a got summer so far. Looking forward to part two.
Another excellent video. Your network of experts are resources for rail fans everywhere. Thank you!
This is a highly informative video that answered questions I've had over the years.
Danny another one of your spectacular videos and once again we see why you are so special. You did a video on a request that you said woo
I need some more information to do this one and you went out and did some great research and information seeking through the connections you have made over the years and so we get one more of your great informative videos again. Great job and I really thought it was neat to see how one of the first diamonds shown was right in the middle of a highway and I would imagine it could have been just as easily completely paved but is actually left in paved right in the center for whatever reason. My guess is leaving them the ability to visually inspect it and possibly tighten up some of the many bolts involved in the building of one of these centerpieces of railroading.
It makes me wonder how many non attentive drivers accidentally drive into one of these and get their vehicle hung up.
Danny a heads up on dome information you may want to pass on to your viewers is how a lot of crossings now have smaller signs with what railroad is responsible for that crossing and a phone number to call if there is a problem with the crossing and a lot of times it gives their number or name for that crossing. If that info is not there call the nearest law enforcement agency or 911 and tell them what is wrong and if you can describe to them good enough information of location they will take it from there to inform the appropriate railroad that they have a problem such as stuck gate or broken gate or in my case one day. On my way to and from work at the Belvedere Chrysler Assembly Plant I would twice a day cross the former Illinois Central now Canadian National Freeport Subdivision tracks on the road that actually takes you into town on the east side of the plant. The one day as I was crossing the prebuilt concrete grade crossing that was installed approximately five years earlier as starting to break up and the was a piece of the concrete the size of a bowling ball laying in the highway/crossing and this road gets quite a bit of traffic all day from employees and suppliers and farmers and gravel trucks due to the many pits located in the area. Anyone hitting this thing may damage there vehicle and or be injured or involved in and accident or a truck or train may hit and throw it at another vehicle. I called the number on their sign and buy the time I was returning Homs after a days work the crossing had been cleaned up and a temporary blacktop patch installed. That spring a complete new road grade crossing was installed in one day.
Keep up the great work Danny.
This is such great information. Thank you for sharing.
That was a great video Danny. I have been missing seeing a lot of years on here on UA-cam. I don’t know why but this is one of the first that I’ve seen that you’ve just had a map 10 days so I’ll be watching more in the future. I hope have a great day in it’s great viewing here in Knoxville Tennessee
It's amazing the level of knowledge and details that you usually bring to each topic discussed here in this channel. It's not something shallow, you actually goes through every details! KEEP IT GOING, it's amazing!
Best regards from Portugal. 😄
Much appreciated, Gustavo.
Great video as always. I lived near a diamond when I was young and it took a few years after moving to have a good sleep without that distinct noise.
Hey Danny, great video as always, I remember when the TECO Line streetcar in its early days at that diamond in Tampa had a CSX employee hop on the street car, cross the tracks and repeat this process as the next street car came down the line, I'm glad they installed the automatic signal, and the automatic signal was new to me until I saw your video thanks again.
This brings back many memories. My grandfather used to operate tower #112 in San Antonio where the SP and MKT intersected. When I was a young kid in the early 80s he would take me there to visit some of his old railway buddies still working there. I remember how cool it was when they let me flip the switches and push the buttons to operate things. Also reaching out and handing paperwork to the passing engineers at cab level from a platform on the side of the tower stairwell. These were the last days before they eventually tore down the tower. Today its all automated. The SP and MKT (and MP) are long gone and its all UP railroad now in the San Antonio region. This video brought up fond memories indeed. Thanks for sharing.
Danny I always like the way you explain things so clearly. You're obviously a man of great intelligence and railroading experience, and sometimes you talk in technical terms that I don't understand....... But I thoroughly enjoy your explanations anyway. You have a wonderful attitude and a pleasant way of explaining things. I hope you'll be doing this serious for a long time to come!!!😊
I enjoy your videos, Danny. Keep up the fantastic work!
Great video, thanks Danny. Always intrigued to see what you have in store for us. I appreciate it.
Those diamonds look like they get the crap beat out them..
Thank you for explaining the crossings. Have a great day be safe out there on the high iron.
You have a great narration voice! Interesting content, great to see so much rail content from my home town of Tampa!
Fascinating and so well presented, thanks!
Another great video Danny! Your videos are very educational to rail fans and people who aren’t . Keep it up!
We railfans are all learners! None of us knows everything. Railroading is very complicated industry and there's always something to learn! (One of the reasons it's great to be a railfan!)
Thank you for that, very informative, you have answered a lot of questions for me. I am a relatively new subscriber, but have watched and really enjoyed a lot of your videos.
Another fantastic, informative video. I lived the first nine years of my life in Dover, Ohio. That town once had a PRR/B&O diamond. Of all of the places that my dad and I used to visit to watch the B&O coal trains go by, next to that diamond (probably 25 feet from it) was my favorite. I absolutely love that mesmerizing cadence. Thanks, sir, for the wonderful - and nostalgic - video.
Excellent content and production as always Danny!
Thank you for a very well organized and informative video. I learned a lot!
Love your videos always look forward to them.