I swear I'd even listen to this guy talk about his water cooler and staying hydrated. Just an absolutely pleasant and informative guy to narrate anything. Almost Morgan Freeman level but with a different style.
Mr Harmon, my brother, passed away recently, he was a huge fan of your channel, and I'm so pleased he shared your channel with me. Watching your content makes me feel like we can still connect. Thank you for all you do sir!
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your brother. I too have lost a family member. My oldest son passed away last Dec. He was just 46 years old.
@@FalconXE302 Thank you . He was born weighing only 3lbs and 7 1/2 ozs in 1976. He lived longer than the Drs thought he would They said he probably. would not live longer than his 30's. An upper respiratory infection was what took his life along with complications of his dialysis. He had been born with kidney disease.
@@juliamason8393 WOW, I am that same age with Spina Bifida, and back in 1976, doctors were not sure of life and age. I know I was born in one hospital in CT and transferred to another one due to they didn't have the right stuff needed.
I worked for the Chessie System in the 1980s. One of the biggest causes of back injuries on the railroad was from throwing those manual switches. It seemed like we had training on how to avoid back injuries every other month.
I worked at a steel mill with over 100 miles of rail, and thousands of switches. In 20 years, not one injury from throwing a switch. The only maintenance we had was a broom! Guess where you worked, either the injured did it wrong or were to weak to do it the right way. Am wondering, were most of the injured women?
As someone who always has to work inside blue-flagged areas, one type of switch worth mentioning in that context are "spring switches." They work extremely similarly to normal hand thrown switches, except the points are connected to the arm on the switch stand via a spring. The purpose of those switches is to allow trailing point movement of rolling stock across a switch thats lined against you. The points move out of the way as you go through and snap back to the way they were before, which prevents you from going back the way you came. It keeps people like me inside those areas protected from accidental movements.
There was one of those in Marquette, Iowa on the Milwaukee Road when I was a kid to allow trains leaving the west yard to go southbound on the Mississippi river line. Loved watching it move back and forth as each wheelset went over it.
I used to work for CN and there were plenty of those in Northern Ontario. The main line there was a single track, with periodic double track sections where trains could pass. Those sections had spring switches at each end. IIRC, they were also listed in the operating schedules, so that crews would know where they were. There were also "SS" signs next to them.
@@James_Knott That's interesting. I'm curious what kind of speeds they were used at. The spring switches I see all the time have an "S" on both sides of the target.
@@CDROM-lq9iz That I couldn't tell you. I wasn't train crew. I was a technician with CN Telecommunications and often rode trains, including freights. It was also back in the mid 70s that I worked that closely with the railway. After that, I worked as a computer tech in Toronto for several years.
One thing id like to add about switch targets is; as a railroader dont always rely on the switch targets. Always double check and triple check your switch points to make sure you are lined for the correct track you are coming in to
Very true! This is what I teach my Trainman trainees as a Conductor at the Florida Railroad Museum when switching for the locomotive runaround at our Willow runaround track. Never rely on the switch targets alone: Double and triple check your points before you signal the locomotive to proceed over the switch. Same thing when you reline the switch to the main track: Check your points.
It can be tricky too! A switch can be lined halfway, in such way that the "open" point seems very open, making you believe that it's lined properly, while the other point is just slightly open. If coming from the point-facing end, you'll derail.
Great vid Danny.I worked for a company that built switch panels off site . My job was to deliver the prefab sections on a trailer that would extend to designated lengths., sometimes up to 76ft long. It would require special permits and routes. Also escorts to block lanes when making very wide turns. Keep the great vids coming!!
From the railroad information, to the amazing videography, to the tasty food recommendations, your channel and videos are always the highlight of my day. You are awesome Danny! ❤
Danny Harmon, the man with the golden announcer's voice! I JUST LOVE your channel !!! I railroaded with Southern Railway and with Norfolk Southern for almost 38 years. I've designed a lot of equipment, with GOD's help in design, for those companies. Lotta love !!!
The goat of UA-cam returns for another epic video if you kind of fun to see a video of the evolution of engines of how they started what they are now I live in the great city Minnesota. We have lots of trains well done, young man.
Over here in England, the derail switch is known as a Catch Point, usually installed on sidings just before the exit onto the mainline. Good video as normal
That's a trap point. Catch points were found on running lines 9n 8nclines facing the opposite direction to travel. These are now only found on heritage lines as all trains on the national network are fully braked.
One of those would have come in handy in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, about 10 years ago. Look up Lac-Megantic rail disaster for details. Essentially, a train pulling several cars full of oil was parked on the main line, on an incline. The brakes weren't properly set and, after an engine fire, the train rolled down into the town and derailed, with the resulting fire destroying much of the town. There was no derail available, that might have been used to prevent the disaster.
This is the best channel I've watched your voice is awesome I put you on TV at night so I can calm down and go to sleep keep up the good work MR Harmon - Mary Harper have a great day
It has been awhile since your last posted video. I was thinking it must be related to the weather fronts pushing through your neighborhood. I'm glad to see you are well. Looking forward to your continued productions. This was another wonderful topic, switches, defect detectors, DPU. An endless supply of informative videos. Well done, and thank you.
Danny I'm 72 years old and look forward hearing that bell 🔔 like music 🎶 to ears there are guite a few rail fans visiting and starting up and nobody comes slose
I thought "a 15-minute video on how a switch works??" and now I see it's full of information and terms about many variations, and excellent camera work (especially the drone shots from above).
He must be a millionaire. Man travels everywhere. He must have connections with every railroad. He knows were special trains is. I enjoy every video he makes.
Love your videos. I know this is nitpicking, but one small correction on the switches in the old abandoned flour mill yard in Tampa. The statement I believe you made was there were no guard rails on the switches. Technically, you are correct. However, the frogs are self guarded. If you look closely, the outside of the frogs is raised up to keep the wheel planted on the correct route while going through the frog. You see those style of switches mainly in yards and industrial areas. Love your videos. Keep them coming. 😁👍
THANKS! YES, I got an education from a friend in the track-building business on those as soon as it posted. He told exactly what you said. Self-guarded frogs for low-speed turnouts in yards and industries.
As ever facinating to see the difference in style in US operations as compared to over here in Britain. We still have a lot of manual throws in yards and especially in small industrial sidings, but most stuff on the mainline is all remote controlled, either through motors or though a physical linkage to a signal cabin
That's good info sir thank you for sharing. 90 Degrees is about 35 here in Ontario Canada. and when we start heading to 40 with a humidex, well that is not a good day. That is waaaay to warm for me. The drone you use is a handy piece of kit I must admit.
I worked at the old Bethlehem Steel Corp. Frog and Switch Division. In Steelton Pa. I started in 1971 and worked there till it closed in 1992. The Signal dept. there manufactured the switches and the switch points and frogs etc. Nice informative video.
During my conductor training they told us to basically ignore the target. We’re supposed to check the switch points to make sure they “properly fit” and that there is no obstruction in the gap regardless of if a target is present. You killed it Danny you taught this just as my instructor did.
That's exactly right. Targets are not to be counted on because someone could have tampered with the targets or something could have run through the switch. Putting eyes on the points is the only way to be sure you're going the correct way. But if you are on a 40mph train in dark territory and you are coming up on a switch with a red target, you might have a better chance of getting it slowed down or stopped than just relying on points alone because you aren't going to slow or stop at every switch you encounter.
I love how you weave in other interesting bits of footage (like fueling, or other local attractions wherever you are) alongside the main subject of the video!
If you ever get up to the East broad Top RR in Orbisonia, PA, you can get some really old harp switch stands and bend the rail while switching. No points involved.
Morgan Freeman level. Exactly. I was just telling a friend today that Danny could do the voice over for a railroad or history video and would do a most excellent job of it. Clearly spoken and soothing to the ears. And I love his food tips. Great job Danny.
Dan, you should have been a rules instructor and examiner. Being a retired railroad conductor (43 years) I have never heard a more complete and descriptive explanation of switch operation. I always enjoy your videos. God bless and continue the excellent work.😎🚆✝
Your Topics are Always Off the Charts, Solid. It’s Amazing how the Majority of Switches in Operation Today are handled Remotely from Hundreds of Miles away.
Opened this on notification, but got distracted, until whilst outside, a CSX SUV drove down my street (which is unusual though not without simple explanation). Seemed a good reason to put aside what I was doing to come watch this.
Brought back plenty of memories and knuckle busting wrench turning when adjusting those switches. I was a signal maintainer/testman for the NJ TRANSIT commuter railroad...
We have been watching your great videos on UA-cam Video channel on our Roku. WE really enjoy them. I'm a lucky wife whose hubby encouraged me to learn and love trains! HE has since age 5 (he's 86 now and I'm 81). We have haunted GA. Folkston, Dalton and everywhere in between. LOVE your videos and thank you for the great quality sound. Also we love the fact that you don't stand too close, so we can see entire cars. Keep up the great work.
There was a set of super 'easy-to-operate' switches in the Belen NM yard until recently. They were solar charged, battery-powered motor switches. I saw them being operated on the live camera. All the guy had to do was walk up, press a button on the stand and a motor changed the points. It was so cool! They got rid of them a few years ago...replaced them with manual switches. Can't get anyone to tell my why they did away with the push-button motor-op units. All the best!
This is sincerely one of the most enjoyable channels that I have *ever* heard; and with a name like mine, I've "heard' lots of them. Great job, as always, Mr. Harmon
9:45 I have a white/red target in that style, in fairly good condition because it was never used. I also have a 1955 catalog for Bethlehem Steel switchstands. That target type is called an M-Pattern there
It might be 00:45 on a Monday morning here in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺, but I am not going to sleep before I watch the master at work! Thanks for an excellent and informative video! Cheers from oz…
Used to live next to a train track (most used locomotive built in 1970's). Usually lumber and slso possibly diesel. I was so delighted when I found our train coming the other way. My train expert friend located this process being accomplished down the track about quarter of a mile. Thanks for the details. 🎉(Union Pacific)
Sir, try this: Take a plastic bottle of water, half fill it with water and place it in the freezer overnight. The next day fill it up with water and you have ice water for a long time; if you wrap it with a towel you will be surprised how long it lasts. Take a second or third bottle and freeze it to the top as you will use it later and it will melt while it waits for your use. Thanks for the trains, you have taught me a lot.
Awesome video, Danny, was a fun watch, and sad to see spots I've been to recently changed by way of new signals or gone entirely like Ardent Mills. The pressed Cuban sandwich looked really appetizing, no doubt that's how it's done down here in Miami. Really liked the lighting on the empty Ardent Mills grain train.
Totally agree with Suran107! Now, after that super-satisfying water cooler comment, I'm gonna HAVE to go get one and forget the bottled water!!!!👍👍👍 Great video as always! Thank You! Kim
Really interesting and informative. Here in the UK we still have a few places where turnouts are operated by rods connected to levers in adjacent signalboxes (Towers in the US).
Amazing. Here in the US, the last pipe-connected "armstrong" switch was removed from service some ten years ago. There are just a handful of staffed towers left, mostly around Chicago, and they are all electric or electro-pneumatic.
Isn't it interesting how the illuminated vertical red-green signals are in the opposite orientation from automotive signals? And thanks for the sandwich tip, it looked outstanding.
At 9:40 mark, you can see that they have misassembled the lantern indicator. The red and green on the lantern are opposite the red and green of the semaphore. Good thing it's in a museum!
I think you are incorrect. The lanterns would not be matched to the unlit metal target indicators (red to red, green to green), they must be offset for proper indication. Red light over green target, green light over red target, when the switch changes position, the green target and green light will mate up, same with the red, if the red light and red target or green light to green target were not offset, you'd have a dual incorrect indication. You'd have it showing both a green and red indication on the same side, and at the same time. That IS NOT an indication you want!
@@Honestware you better look very closely, as you're wrong. Tgw way that high switch target is set up is correct, when it turns the red sideways 8 target and the red lamp both will face the train despite whether they are in front or not. If the 45 degree greem target is displaying to the train, the green lamp will also be on yhe same direction, giving green indication from both the green target and green lamp. I had to stop the vidro and study that target because at first glance, and the way we perceive things, it looks wrong, but it's not. I inotoalky thought the sane as you, but after studying it, found it IS correct. It is set up as it should be for correct color indication from both the lit lamps and the metal target signs when turned. Even though it may not look correct, it is.
11:56 I actually got to see this up close at Collier Yard in Petersburg VA back in 2017. It was the only time I ever saw it happen but it was crazy to see just how tiny the truck looked compared to the locomotive it was fueling.
Conagra glour mill was in that location long before the downtown area was developed as it is today. Remember working the mill after we ran to Port Tampa and the old Tampa yard went UNDER Kennedy blvd. That piece of property was very valuable even back then.
Great video Danny. I learned all my switch knowledge from working with my dad on model railroads. He had books full of historical railroad information on all kinds of stuff. I was taught that if you have to walk over railroad tracks (you shouldn't, but if you have to) to take care to stay away from powered switches, if that thing moves and catches your foot you are having a bad day.
I used to work for CN and often walked in a rail yard. One thing I was taught was to never step on top of the rail. So, you also wouldn't place a foot near enough to a switch to worry about it.
The Juice Train! Remember watching it in 1980s near what I think was named Collier Yard in Petersburg, Virginia. I've lived in the midwest since 1990s and as far as I know the yard is gone but Petersburg is still there.
I worked New Jersey Transit until injured in '98. Worked at the MMC in Kearney,NJ next to Oak Island. The ORANGE tropicanna cars were a normal visitor when I was there. They looked much better in orange than white, just my opinion
6:50 - correct, that is a Right Hand Turnout. And happens to be a Right Hand Normally Closed switch machine. Right hand because it's on the RHS of the track when "facing" the Turnout, as oppose to "trailing". And the Right hand blade is normally Closed. The internal configuration of that machine changes if it were mounted to the LHS of the track or if the normal lie of the Turnout was for the right versus left.
Another fine Sunday morning watching a Distant Signal video after another fine Saturday as Conductor at the Florida Railroad Museum. I noticed the switch targets at the Tennessee Valley RR Museum (TVRM) are basically similar to the switch targets on the two switches on the Willow runaround at the Florida Railroad Museum, the only difference is an electric light on top of the switch stand which TVRM has.
When you mentioned the frogs, I've seen a few older spring-loaded frogs. I don't know the true name of them but when you're looking at it the main rail looked continuous but it was split and when the diverging wheel passed it would force the rail open so it could pass through.
Im friends with one of Danny Harmon's relatives i can attest the family is usually good people that just want to see people smile and be successful. This is a wonderful attribute
Another super video ! I love all the technical stuff. But you have to be on the right of way to get that RR smell !! Thank you for all the great info !!!
Great to wake up and have one of your videos to watch wihile eating breakfast before heading to work !!!! This video answered alot of questions I have wondered about over the years. Thanks again, be safe and hydrated, and hope to see you on the" high iron " sometime soon !! Dean
@@distantsignal Have only watched a few of your videos but find them informative and entertaining. Will watch some more and if any ideas come to mind I’ll send them along.
Being retired from Tampa Water Department, and having frequented the old Naval Reserve Center on Ybor Channel, I really enjoy the videos featuring Tampa. Thanks so much Danny, you not only provide me with information, you conjure up memories!!!
The heat was no joke this summer up here in JAX. glad you didn't melt. Cool enough now to open the windows at night. Just hot enough during the day. Great outside weather.
Your videos make my day, Danny Harmon. Very informative. Very pleasant to hear you narrate just about anything. Keep the great videos coming and have a nice day 😊
Thank you Danny for another great informative video! I have relatives living in Northeast Georgia. So maybe some day I’ll bump into you while visiting. Stay safe out there!
I swear I'd even listen to this guy talk about his water cooler and staying hydrated. Just an absolutely pleasant and informative guy to narrate anything. Almost Morgan Freeman level but with a different style.
I grew up hearing this guy's voice as the station announcer for my local news station. Long before I knew about his railroad stuff through my son.
Agree!!💯
I'm sure you couldn't pay Danny Harmon a bigger compliment!
1000%. Danny has the perfect voice for narrating.
Not sure what mic he uses, but is always very clear. No distortion. No need to wonder "did he say this or that?
Mr Harmon, my brother, passed away recently, he was a huge fan of your channel, and I'm so pleased he shared your channel with me. Watching your content makes me feel like we can still connect. Thank you for all you do sir!
Please accept my condolences on the passing of your brother. I too have lost a family member. My oldest son passed away last Dec. He was just 46 years old.
@@FalconXE302 Thank you . He was born weighing only 3lbs and 7 1/2 ozs in 1976. He lived longer than the Drs thought he would They said he probably. would not live longer than his 30's. An upper respiratory infection was what took his life along with complications of his dialysis. He had been born with kidney disease.
@@juliamason8393 WOW, I am that same age with Spina Bifida, and back in 1976, doctors were not sure of life and age. I know I was born in one hospital in CT and transferred to another one due to they didn't have the right stuff needed.
Man that is so sad he seems like a good brother to you
@@jacobdubielak He was not my brother, he was my oldest son.
I worked for the Chessie System in the 1980s. One of the biggest causes of back injuries on the railroad was from throwing those manual switches. It seemed like we had training on how to avoid back injuries every other month.
I worked at a steel mill with over 100 miles of rail, and thousands of switches. In 20 years, not one injury from throwing a switch. The only maintenance we had was a broom! Guess where you worked, either the injured did it wrong or were to weak to do it the right way. Am wondering, were most of the injured women?
Your videos are always well narrated and in depth. It shows you're a true railfan.
It’s always a great day to have a Danny Hartman video uploaded and perfect timing. I can watch video with my morning coffee. Thank you Danny.
Thank you Mr Bill
@@distantsignal😊😊
Summer throughout the entire South was brutal. Glad you stayed healthy being out there
Nice overhead shot of the Amtrack train Danny!
As someone who always has to work inside blue-flagged areas, one type of switch worth mentioning in that context are "spring switches." They work extremely similarly to normal hand thrown switches, except the points are connected to the arm on the switch stand via a spring. The purpose of those switches is to allow trailing point movement of rolling stock across a switch thats lined against you. The points move out of the way as you go through and snap back to the way they were before, which prevents you from going back the way you came. It keeps people like me inside those areas protected from accidental movements.
There was one of those in Marquette, Iowa on the Milwaukee Road when I was a kid to allow trains leaving the west yard to go southbound on the Mississippi river line. Loved watching it move back and forth as each wheelset went over it.
I used to work for CN and there were plenty of those in Northern Ontario. The main line there was a single track, with periodic double track sections where trains could pass. Those sections had spring switches at each end. IIRC, they were also listed in the operating schedules, so that crews would know where they were. There were also "SS" signs next to them.
@@James_Knott That's interesting. I'm curious what kind of speeds they were used at. The spring switches I see all the time have an "S" on both sides of the target.
@@CDROM-lq9iz That I couldn't tell you. I wasn't train crew. I was a technician with CN Telecommunications and often rode trains, including freights. It was also back in the mid 70s that I worked that closely with the railway. After that, I worked as a computer tech in Toronto for several years.
They had these on Missouri Pacific back in the 1970s when I worked there. They make sense for given situations.
One thing id like to add about switch targets is; as a railroader dont always rely on the switch targets. Always double check and triple check your switch points to make sure you are lined for the correct track you are coming in to
Very true! This is what I teach my Trainman trainees as a Conductor at the Florida Railroad Museum when switching for the locomotive runaround at our Willow runaround track. Never rely on the switch targets alone: Double and triple check your points before you signal the locomotive to proceed over the switch. Same thing when you reline the switch to the main track: Check your points.
I only ever look at the switch points
@@ellisjackson3355 Same, been burned once on incorrect target that was vandalized - won't do that again ;)
@@EdwardRingwald Hey Ed, how's the 8330 holding up? I miss that old Geep!
It can be tricky too! A switch can be lined halfway, in such way that the "open" point seems very open, making you believe that it's lined properly, while the other point is just slightly open. If coming from the point-facing end, you'll derail.
Great vid Danny.I worked for a company that built switch panels off site . My job was to deliver the prefab sections on a trailer that would extend to designated lengths., sometimes up to 76ft long. It would require special permits and routes. Also escorts to block lanes when making very wide turns. Keep the great vids coming!!
I'd bet you think that was the good ole days, I would. It's good not to kill anybody as your job. 76' feet is a good throw for any QB.
You covered a lot of good points about switches.😸
From the railroad information, to the amazing videography, to the tasty food recommendations, your channel and videos are always the highlight of my day. You are awesome Danny! ❤
Funny thing about railroaders is they can tell you where all the locations are based on local food establishments.
Danny Harmon, the man with the golden announcer's voice! I JUST LOVE your channel !!! I railroaded with Southern Railway and with Norfolk Southern for almost 38 years. I've designed a lot of equipment, with GOD's help in design, for those companies. Lotta love !!!
While filming that fuel truck, you got a great view of the yard ladder, all of those turnouts, evenly spaced in a row, numbered sequentially.
The goat of UA-cam returns for another epic video if you kind of fun to see a video of the evolution of engines of how they started what they are now I live in the great city Minnesota. We have lots of trains well done, young man.
Many thanks.
Over here in England, the derail switch is known as a Catch Point, usually installed on sidings just before the exit onto the mainline. Good video as normal
Same as in Australia
That's a trap point. Catch points were found on running lines 9n 8nclines facing the opposite direction to travel. These are now only found on heritage lines as all trains on the national network are fully braked.
One of those would have come in handy in Lac-Megantic, Quebec, about 10 years ago. Look up Lac-Megantic rail disaster for details. Essentially, a train pulling several cars full of oil was parked on the main line, on an incline. The brakes weren't properly set and, after an engine fire, the train rolled down into the town and derailed, with the resulting fire destroying much of the town. There was no derail available, that might have been used to prevent the disaster.
"How do Railroad Switches Work?"
They work very well when you have a brakeman !
This is the best channel I've watched your voice is awesome I put you on TV at night so I can calm down and go to sleep keep up the good work MR Harmon - Mary Harper have a great day
That's a very nice compliment, Mary. Thank you!
@@distantsignal no problem
It has been awhile since your last posted video. I was thinking it must be related to the weather fronts pushing through your neighborhood. I'm glad to see you are well. Looking forward to your continued productions. This was another wonderful topic, switches, defect detectors, DPU. An endless supply of informative videos. Well done, and thank you.
Danny I'm 72 years old and look forward hearing that bell 🔔 like music 🎶 to ears there are guite a few rail fans visiting and starting up and nobody comes slose
I thought "a 15-minute video on how a switch works??" and now I see it's full of information and terms about many variations, and excellent camera work (especially the drone shots from above).
He must be a millionaire. Man travels everywhere. He must have connections with every railroad. He knows were special trains is. I enjoy every video he makes.
You’re the best, truly a brother from another, incorporating trains and great food stops. Danny wins 🏆 !!
Haha! Thanks Chris!
Love your videos. I know this is nitpicking, but one small correction on the switches in the old abandoned flour mill yard in Tampa. The statement I believe you made was there were no guard rails on the switches. Technically, you are correct. However, the frogs are self guarded. If you look closely, the outside of the frogs is raised up to keep the wheel planted on the correct route while going through the frog. You see those style of switches mainly in yards and industrial areas. Love your videos. Keep them coming. 😁👍
THANKS! YES, I got an education from a friend in the track-building business on those as soon as it posted. He told exactly what you said. Self-guarded frogs for low-speed turnouts in yards and industries.
As ever facinating to see the difference in style in US operations as compared to over here in Britain. We still have a lot of manual throws in yards and especially in small industrial sidings, but most stuff on the mainline is all remote controlled, either through motors or though a physical linkage to a signal cabin
That's good info sir thank you for sharing. 90 Degrees is about 35 here in Ontario Canada. and when we start heading to 40 with a humidex, well that is not a good day. That is waaaay to warm for me.
The drone you use is a handy piece of kit I must admit.
Florida alone has more types of switches than the entire Dutch railroad system! Very interesting, thanks Danny!
Wow! Did not know that. And there are still more types on northern and midwestern RRs.
I worked at the old Bethlehem Steel Corp. Frog and Switch Division. In Steelton Pa. I started in 1971 and worked there till it closed in 1992. The Signal dept. there manufactured the switches and the switch points and frogs etc. Nice informative video.
Wonderful filmmaking. I could be doing a million other things right now, and I'm completely engrossed in 50 year old railroad appliances.
During my conductor training they told us to basically ignore the target. We’re supposed to check the switch points to make sure they “properly fit” and that there is no obstruction in the gap regardless of if a target is present. You killed it Danny you taught this just as my instructor did.
gap and go
That's exactly right. Targets are not to be counted on because someone could have tampered with the targets or something could have run through the switch. Putting eyes on the points is the only way to be sure you're going the correct way. But if you are on a 40mph train in dark territory and you are coming up on a switch with a red target, you might have a better chance of getting it slowed down or stopped than just relying on points alone because you aren't going to slow or stop at every switch you encounter.
I love how you weave in other interesting bits of footage (like fueling, or other local attractions wherever you are) alongside the main subject of the video!
I’m Feeling Lucky Today because Distant Signal Uploaded!
Here in the UK we call "switches" - "points". Also, we call "bumping posts / butting blocks" - "buffer stops". Great video as always Danny.
Thanks Dave.
A Great Presentation 💐🙏
Hearty Greetings from India 🇮🇳
My brother fueled BNSF intermodal in Wellington, KS on the Amarillo sub. Wellington is the halfway point in which they do crew changes.
If you ever get up to the East broad Top RR in Orbisonia, PA, you can get some really old harp switch stands and bend the rail while switching. No points involved.
Morgan Freeman level. Exactly. I was just telling a friend today that Danny could do the voice over for a railroad or history video and would do a most excellent job of it. Clearly spoken and soothing to the ears. And I love his food tips. Great job Danny.
Dan, you should have been a rules instructor and examiner. Being a retired railroad conductor (43 years) I have never heard a more complete and descriptive explanation of switch operation. I always enjoy your videos. God bless and continue the excellent work.😎🚆✝
Thank you, Gary. That's much appreciated.
Great video, congratations and another congratulations for show the Cuban sandwich, an excellent creation of my contry
Your Topics are Always Off the Charts, Solid. It’s Amazing how the Majority of Switches in Operation Today are handled Remotely from Hundreds of Miles away.
Good channel for all rail Fandom questions.
I'm assuming you were previously in the railroad business with your knowledge. Thanks a great video!
This is a great video to any railfan. Thanks !
“…red and yellow and rusty & more rusty…”. 😂. Great video as always Danny.
The basso profundo of rail videos hits a base clearing home run once again. Thanks Danny.
That's pretty fancy complimenting... and much appreciated!
Great explanation of how switches work.
Still the best video series on UA-cam when it comes to educating railfans on how railroads function! Keep it up, Danny!
Opened this on notification, but got distracted, until whilst outside, a CSX SUV drove down my street (which is unusual though not without simple explanation). Seemed a good reason to put aside what I was doing to come watch this.
Always a great day when Danny releases a new video
Brought back plenty of memories and knuckle busting wrench turning when adjusting those switches.
I was a signal maintainer/testman for the NJ TRANSIT commuter railroad...
We have been watching your great videos on UA-cam Video channel on our Roku. WE really enjoy them. I'm a lucky wife whose hubby encouraged me to learn and love trains! HE has since age 5 (he's 86 now and I'm 81). We have haunted GA. Folkston, Dalton and everywhere in between. LOVE your videos and thank you for the great quality sound. Also we love the fact that you don't stand too close, so we can see entire cars. Keep up the great work.
There was a set of super 'easy-to-operate' switches in the Belen NM yard until recently. They were solar charged, battery-powered motor switches. I saw them being operated on the live camera. All the guy had to do was walk up, press a button on the stand and a motor changed the points. It was so cool! They got rid of them a few years ago...replaced them with manual switches. Can't get anyone to tell my why they did away with the push-button motor-op units. All the best!
This is sincerely one of the most enjoyable channels that I have *ever* heard; and with a name like mine, I've "heard' lots of them. Great job, as always, Mr. Harmon
Many thanks, Kevin. That's a nice compliment.
9:45 I have a white/red target in that style, in fairly good condition because it was never used. I also have a 1955 catalog for Bethlehem Steel switchstands. That target type is called an M-Pattern there
It might be 00:45 on a Monday morning here in Melbourne Australia 🇦🇺, but I am not going to sleep before I watch the master at work! Thanks for an excellent and informative video! Cheers from oz…
Used to live next to a train track (most used locomotive built in 1970's). Usually lumber and slso possibly diesel.
I was so delighted when I found our train coming the other way. My train expert friend located this process being accomplished down the track about quarter of a mile.
Thanks for the details. 🎉(Union Pacific)
Very cool!
Sir, try this: Take a plastic bottle of water, half fill it with water and place it in the freezer overnight. The next day fill it up with water and you have ice water for a long time; if you wrap it with a towel you will be surprised how long it lasts. Take a second or third bottle and freeze it to the top as you will use it later and it will melt while it waits for your use. Thanks for the trains, you have taught me a lot.
Awesome video, Danny, was a fun watch, and sad to see spots I've been to recently changed by way of new signals or gone entirely like Ardent Mills. The pressed Cuban sandwich looked really appetizing, no doubt that's how it's done down here in Miami. Really liked the lighting on the empty Ardent Mills grain train.
I loved the overhead shot of AMTRAK. Also the way you tout local businesses. Please keep that up.
Have you ever Done a video on thermite welding?
My uncle was engineer on the ACL . His run was the east / west route across Florida. This great local video has energized some memories.
Moved to Dunedin in 1988 from Cumberland,Md., the B&O reached there in Nov. 1842. Trains still going through town.
Great explanation for switching. Thank you. Stay hydrated!
Totally agree with Suran107! Now, after that super-satisfying water cooler comment, I'm gonna HAVE to go get one and forget the bottled water!!!!👍👍👍
Great video as always!
Thank You!
Kim
Great video Danny! The tracks at 13:42 are “wobbly”. 😯
Danny when I get an alert Distant Signal has a new post a smile always comes on my face and the day gets brighter. Keep up the good work my friend
The first frog you did a close up of looked almost new. I appreciate your videos❤
Really interesting and informative. Here in the UK we still have a few places where turnouts are operated by rods connected to levers in adjacent signalboxes (Towers in the US).
Amazing. Here in the US, the last pipe-connected "armstrong" switch was removed from service some ten years ago. There are just a handful of staffed towers left, mostly around Chicago, and they are all electric or electro-pneumatic.
Isn't it interesting how the illuminated vertical red-green signals are in the opposite orientation from automotive signals? And thanks for the sandwich tip, it looked outstanding.
At 9:40 mark, you can see that they have misassembled the lantern indicator. The red and green on the lantern are opposite the red and green of the semaphore. Good thing it's in a museum!
I think you are incorrect.
The lanterns would not be matched to the unlit metal target indicators (red to red, green to green), they must be offset for proper indication.
Red light over green target, green light over red target, when the switch changes position, the green target and green light will mate up, same with the red, if the red light and red target or green light to green target were not offset, you'd have a dual incorrect indication.
You'd have it showing both a green and red indication on the same side, and at the same time.
That IS NOT an indication you want!
@@HolidayDecorator no, the lanterns rotate with the other targets. As it's assembled you'll have the wrong color showing on the lantern at all times.
@@Honestware you better look very closely, as you're wrong. Tgw way that high switch target is set up is correct, when it turns the red sideways 8 target and the red lamp both will face the train despite whether they are in front or not. If the 45 degree greem target is displaying to the train, the green lamp will also be on yhe same direction, giving green indication from both the green target and green lamp.
I had to stop the vidro and study that target because at first glance, and the way we perceive things, it looks wrong, but it's not. I inotoalky thought the sane as you, but after studying it, found it IS correct.
It is set up as it should be for correct color indication from both the lit lamps and the metal target signs when turned. Even though it may not look correct, it is.
11:56 I actually got to see this up close at Collier Yard in Petersburg VA back in 2017. It was the only time I ever saw it happen but it was crazy to see just how tiny the truck looked compared to the locomotive it was fueling.
Conagra glour mill was in that location long before the downtown area was developed as it is today. Remember working the mill after we ran to Port Tampa and the old Tampa yard went UNDER Kennedy blvd. That piece of property was very valuable even back then.
Great video Danny. I learned all my switch knowledge from working with my dad on model railroads. He had books full of historical railroad information on all kinds of stuff. I was taught that if you have to walk over railroad tracks (you shouldn't, but if you have to) to take care to stay away from powered switches, if that thing moves and catches your foot you are having a bad day.
I used to work for CN and often walked in a rail yard. One thing I was taught was to never step on top of the rail. So, you also wouldn't place a foot near enough to a switch to worry about it.
The Juice Train! Remember watching it in 1980s near what I think was named Collier Yard in Petersburg, Virginia. I've lived in the midwest since 1990s and as far as I know the yard is gone but Petersburg is still there.
Thank you for another great informative video! Always a pleasure to watch your videos!🙂🙂
I worked New Jersey Transit until injured in '98. Worked at the MMC in Kearney,NJ next to Oak Island. The ORANGE tropicanna cars were a normal visitor when I was there. They looked much better in orange than white, just my opinion
Danny’s videos get an automatic like before I even watch his videos.
Thanks for another excellent video, Mr. Harmon. Very informative, as usual. I could listen to your voice all day.
6:50 - correct, that is a Right Hand Turnout. And happens to be a Right Hand Normally Closed switch machine. Right hand because it's on the RHS of the track when "facing" the Turnout, as oppose to "trailing". And the Right hand blade is normally Closed. The internal configuration of that machine changes if it were mounted to the LHS of the track or if the normal lie of the Turnout was for the right versus left.
Another fine Sunday morning watching a Distant Signal video after another fine Saturday as Conductor at the Florida Railroad Museum. I noticed the switch targets at the Tennessee Valley RR Museum (TVRM) are basically similar to the switch targets on the two switches on the Willow runaround at the Florida Railroad Museum, the only difference is an electric light on top of the switch stand which TVRM has.
When you mentioned the frogs, I've seen a few older spring-loaded frogs. I don't know the true name of them but when you're looking at it the main rail looked continuous but it was split and when the diverging wheel passed it would force the rail open so it could pass through.
I loved that overhead view of Amtrak 91! Great videography!
Im friends with one of Danny Harmon's relatives i can attest the family is usually good people that just want to see people smile and be successful. This is a wonderful attribute
Another super video !
I love all the technical stuff.
But you have to be on the right of way to get that RR smell !!
Thank you for all the great info !!!
Dont we love it when Danny posts?
Great to wake up and have one of your videos to watch wihile eating breakfast before heading to work !!!! This video answered alot of questions I have wondered about over the years. Thanks again, be safe and hydrated, and hope to see you on the" high iron " sometime soon !! Dean
Keep it up Danny. Your productions just get better and better!
Ohh happy day, a post from DS. Love your video's Danny.
Had worked 5 years as a signalman there is so much that could have been covered. This video is a great start...
Thanks. Any ideas, let me know.
@@distantsignal Have only watched a few of your videos but find them informative and entertaining. Will watch some more and if any ideas come to mind I’ll send them along.
Being retired from Tampa Water Department, and having frequented the old Naval Reserve Center on Ybor Channel, I really enjoy the videos featuring Tampa. Thanks so much Danny, you not only provide me with information, you conjure up memories!!!
Always love your videos. You remind me a lot of an old friend who also was a rail fan. Keep up the good work.
Another fantastic and informative video Danny!!! Thank you and I hope you have a great week my friend!!
The heat was no joke this summer up here in JAX. glad you didn't melt. Cool enough now to open the windows at night. Just hot enough during the day. Great outside weather.
Great video. I especially liked the remote control switches that can be operated from the cab.
Brilliant video so many variations. Great to see the refuelling.
Excellent and very informative video yet again Danny. Hello from Scotland 🏴👍
Your videos make my day, Danny Harmon. Very informative. Very pleasant to hear you narrate just about anything. Keep the great videos coming and have a nice day 😊
Again, I appreciate the Foodie info you provide for folks who like the high iron and good eats that are nearby!
So many interesting details ... just waiting for some creative modelling challenges in my layout! Thanks!
Wow another informative and well thought out video. Thanks Danny
Thank you Danny for another great informative video! I have relatives living in Northeast Georgia. So maybe some day I’ll bump into you while visiting. Stay safe out there!