Last Mile Switching On The Florida Central

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  • čas přidán 5. 01. 2019
  • I spent a day in the Orlando, Florida area following a short line as it dropped cars to customers. 60 degrees, crystal blue sky and a friendly train crew. Doesn't get much better than that.

Komentáře • 548

  • @joshw1687
    @joshw1687 Před 5 lety +46

    The reaction at 13:00 is priceless when the hopper is just short of the tanker 😂

  • @jgbcodemonkey
    @jgbcodemonkey Před 5 lety +58

    I love this kind of "behind the scenes" look at local switching. The guys and gals that do this stuff sure have a lot to keep track of!

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Před 5 lety +4

      Pun intended!

  • @DeathLetterBlues44
    @DeathLetterBlues44 Před 5 lety +11

    It sure is nice to have a local guide to help with train filming. Great job by the guide Christian (I hope I spelled it correctly) and of course Danny.

  • @WestOkieRailroadVideos
    @WestOkieRailroadVideos Před 5 lety +27

    Seeing switch moves up close and personal like this is a serious treat. These days, you have to be very lucky or informed to find a railroad that won't try to run you off for standing a safe distance back on a public road, let alone help you out with finding the trains! This is among my absolute favorites from you, really made my morning better. Thanks for the great work!

  • @Steve-xf4uv
    @Steve-xf4uv Před 4 lety +1

    Really enjoy these switching videos; so interesting to see how all this is done - and why. Your narrative is excellent. Informative . I learned a lot from this; too bad I'm too old to apply for a job. Looks like serious work but fun. Thanks DANNY.

  • @DelayInBlockProductions
    @DelayInBlockProductions Před 5 lety +4

    Excellent video as always, good sir! I love the folks at FCEN!

  • @garag3054
    @garag3054 Před 5 lety +15

    Absolutely the most interesting educational switching I’ve come across. Thank you for putting this together. I hadn’t a clue. You’ve a fine voice for narration, too. 😊😊😊😊

  • @549BR
    @549BR Před 5 lety +12

    Best railroad videos around, with Danny "The Voice" Harmon.

  • @zfactortedzabel9267
    @zfactortedzabel9267 Před 5 lety +5

    Love the video! Shortline action with their older motive power is always interesting. The explanation of the switching and associated footage is a nice change from mainline trains. Well done Danny!

  • @Orangeblossomtrains
    @Orangeblossomtrains Před 5 lety +133

    Great video as always Danny, im glad I could be of help to you on your trip up here, and I had a great time!

    • @distantsignal
      @distantsignal  Před 5 lety +18

      Thanks Christian. Couldn't have done it without you!

    • @dannyholt105
      @dannyholt105 Před 5 lety

      Ah, I'm subbed to your channel already Christian. Now I know who to ask about things. Does FCEN have a certain schedule of when they have movements to Winter Haven? Thanks! Cheers, Dan

    • @phlydude
      @phlydude Před 5 lety

      I think you will get many more subs as a result of this one - myself included!

    • @generosen999
      @generosen999 Před 5 lety

      Both of you guys are fantastic

    • @SD40Fan_Jason
      @SD40Fan_Jason Před 5 lety

      Hey there Christian, do they still call the track there at All American the Lehigh siding or Lehigh track? I think I remember it being called that because of the concrete plant that it was built for.

  • @djmiller232
    @djmiller232 Před 5 lety +20

    At 14:09 when they are backing into the empty tank car, look at the wheels of the tank car on the right side. They do not move at all. Those are some serious brakes!

  • @raymondhawk7320
    @raymondhawk7320 Před 2 lety

    Danny- This video was linked at the end of your “CSX Symbology” video. I enjoyed this Florida Central video very much, on switching operations to local customers. This video was fun, entertaining, and educational. I wish this video showed the operations for the entire work day of this fabulous crew of the Florida Central! Excellent filming and narration of this video, sir. I hope to see more videos like this one, in the future. Thank you, Danny, and to all the crew members at the Florida Central, on a job well done!

  • @Isochest
    @Isochest Před 5 lety +2

    I love all of this shortline bread and butter real rail traffic. Serves customers directly.

  • @Chasingrail
    @Chasingrail Před 5 lety +13

    Us wisconsinites know your from Florida when you saw 60 is chilly 😉
    Great video Danny, your definitely my favorite Railfanning channel!

  • @ivyandroses4373
    @ivyandroses4373 Před 4 lety

    I thought that hose was going to snap ! I guess they are designed to un couple that way.
    I learn several new thing's everytime I watch your videos.
    Thanks !!!

  • @bharris401
    @bharris401 Před 3 lety

    I use to live in Ocoee and I work in Apopka so I've always seen these trains go by and wondered where they were going... now I know lol. Amazing video!

  • @mas7475
    @mas7475 Před 5 lety +2

    This is by far some of your best work. Excellent camera angles and footage, even better narration! I'm happy those guys working for the railroad we're willing to give you the scoop! Quality Quality Quality! I really am tickled pink!!!

  • @pepobikest
    @pepobikest Před 5 lety +6

    This was one of the greatest switching videos I have ever watched on the internet! You're the best Danny! Keep it up, please bring more last mile switching videos! Greetings from Brazil.

  • @rickdee67
    @rickdee67 Před rokem

    Your knowledge of who what where and when along with your tone and likable personality make your videos the absolute best! I have watched every single one of your videos and look forward to many more! Prayers for Florida
    And that 1802 is GORGEOUS!

  • @SureShotImages
    @SureShotImages Před 5 lety

    That’s a great conductor. Works diligently and precisely. Crew’s worked together many times before. It’s easy to see.

  • @deandanielson8074
    @deandanielson8074 Před 5 lety

    Fun to see how cars are switched to and from various industries -- just like a model railroad.

  • @innercityprepper
    @innercityprepper Před 2 lety

    Love the industrial area content here, a rarely seen and very interesting part of railroading!

  • @yardlimit8695
    @yardlimit8695 Před 5 lety

    danny, i did enjoy this day as usual............these single car deliveries are GREAT...........good to hear the clear talk between conductor and engineer..........especially when he called for 3 step protection.....and when he called out 14 cars and then halved it to 7 ............you have a real knack for getting the good stuff on your videos.........YOU'RE THE BEST.... ,,,,,,,,thanks.

  • @ShawnTheDriver
    @ShawnTheDriver Před 5 lety +3

    1:49 I'm an aviation geek. Have been for most of my life. And while I love the sound of a turbofan and a jet engine...there is NO sound better than a good whistle and the engineer advancing the throttle of a train.

  • @bhigdaddymark
    @bhigdaddymark Před 5 lety +6

    As always, another great Distant Signal video! Nice to see my friends and fellow model railroading enthusiasts/club members Bill Dusenbury and Christian Johnson! Always great content on this channel, always.
    Happy New Year and all of the very best 2019 has to offer for you Danny, Christian and Bill. Thanks again for your fine work Danny!

  • @tedcartwright3183
    @tedcartwright3183 Před 5 lety +2

    Hi Danny!! So good to hear your voice again. Your videos are totally fabulous. So much information adding to the "why" that makes trains special. You've become very good at adding in drown footage that helps explain the down time of a train, as well fill in time to add depth to the story. Your becoming the Herman Melville of Video Story Telling. I'm hoping still to bump into you so I can see what it takes to put together an epic story like this and a lot of your videos. Thanks as always, Ted

  • @doubleutubefan5
    @doubleutubefan5 Před 5 lety +17

    This is awesome. I love using model trains to do just this rather than driving them around in an oval on a table.

  • @55nimrod55
    @55nimrod55 Před 5 lety +2

    Very entertaining. Much better than watching trains wiz by at 60mph.

  • @davidbarnett9312
    @davidbarnett9312 Před 5 lety

    Good stuff! Extremely professional from start to finish. In the ancient days before voice communication, I had a steady job on the local [SP] from Houston to Hearne and then the turn-around next day. There were two challenging customers on the route which involved dropping cars into the siding. Said sidings were too short for the engine to enter, so the engine stayed on the main and I rode the car to be dropped. The engineer would get up some speed, 'brake' so that the couplers would come together, then I would pull the cut lever while hanging on to the ladder, then the engine would speed up and the other brakie would throw the switch once the engine was clear. Meanwhile I climbed the ladder and would start applying the brakes until I got the car spotted. More often than not, we didn't need the engine to enter the siding to spot the car correctly. Not bragging. Just lucky.
    With respect to odor, the Farmer's Co-op in Bryan, Tx stunk to high heaven, especially after it rained. You got that rotten grain on your boots and it stayed with you.

  • @TJusnow
    @TJusnow Před 5 lety +2

    I’ve always wanted to work on a railroad. And I absolutely love how informative your channel is on how a days work is done correctly.

  • @deetjay1
    @deetjay1 Před 3 lety

    Switching is probably the most dangerous job on any railroad...Props to all the pro rails out there...Stay safe...

  • @ratfink55
    @ratfink55 Před 5 lety +2

    That was fun Danny, Thanks! Always great to get to see the FC in action.

  • @davesb45
    @davesb45 Před 5 lety +1

    One of the best so far

  • @davidaycock631
    @davidaycock631 Před 3 lety +2

    This has to be one of my favorite videos you have put out! I'm a sucker for switching!!! It was nice to see all the steps and time it takes to get these sorts of jobs done! keep up the great videos. I love watching them!!!

  • @way75mit9
    @way75mit9 Před 3 lety

    Awesome Vid, I grew up watching trains in the Northeast around Philly, during the Pennsy and Reading era just before Conrail , The crews working the North Philly and Wayne Jct yards were , a bunch of jerks and A-holes to us , I love how these Southern rail crews are so cool and polite to viewers & Rail fans !!!

  • @briang6040
    @briang6040 Před 5 lety +1

    Great video once again. The cars slamming into each other and the disconnecting of the air line hose is so entertaining to me .

  • @mikesmallridge
    @mikesmallridge Před 5 lety +1

    thanks to the RR also. they are great for allowing us to see and understand

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Před 5 lety

      It's surprising what some positive PR can do...

  • @RailroadScannerMan15
    @RailroadScannerMan15 Před 5 lety +3

    Great video as always Danny, it helps when the railroaders are quite the nice fellas.

  • @AllanLoveJr
    @AllanLoveJr Před 5 lety +34

    I love these switch move videos. So much better than just main line Trains. And hello to the both of you Railfan's.

  • @shortliner68
    @shortliner68 Před 5 lety

    Videos like this one give a lot of good ideas for interesting trackside industries in the model railroading world. Thanks for posting.

  • @KanadaVCK
    @KanadaVCK Před 5 lety

    i really enjoy the old florida train stations, thnx for the great shots 👍

  • @michaelmccarthy4615
    @michaelmccarthy4615 Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks for explaining the products and services that the rail customers use/need.
    It makes the things that surround me more interesting..

  • @chrisperry1151
    @chrisperry1151 Před 5 lety +1

    Your videos and narration are nothing short of brilliant. I’d give you an Emmy award.

  • @ToddReuterOutdoors
    @ToddReuterOutdoors Před 5 lety +3

    Danny, I can't get enough of these local switching videos. Another fantastic video to say the least!

  • @neonhomer
    @neonhomer Před 5 lety +2

    Who the heck *doesn't* like these videos? I get excited like a little kid when I see a new one up!

  • @adkanp
    @adkanp Před 4 lety

    good detail on what the crew was doing and information about the customers.

  • @philipellis2089
    @philipellis2089 Před 5 lety

    One of your best, always like the videos that show operations for customers big and small!

  • @ShortCycle.
    @ShortCycle. Před 5 lety +2

    Have recently found and watched most of your videos Danny and the quality seems to improve all the time, and your narration is easy to listen to.
    As a UK viewer, it's interesting to see how things work on USA lines - much of it is alien to me!
    Would like to see more of this last mile, stuff as it seems particularly interesting, especially with the extra info from the train Crew.
    Thanks.

  • @enginetruck20
    @enginetruck20 Před 5 lety +1

    Outstanding video on railroad operations. As always, your video skills paired with you narrating expertise provided another great video.

  • @nmccw3245
    @nmccw3245 Před 5 lety +11

    Thanks Danny. Really enjoy the ballet of customer switching.

  • @marailfan9371
    @marailfan9371 Před 5 lety

    Superb as always, and educational to boot. Thanks, waiting for your next video with baited breath, LOL!

  • @mark12.31
    @mark12.31 Před 5 lety +1

    Observations:
    1) Another excellently produced video, Danny! Seriously, well done!
    2) Knowing the names of the folks we're watching makes it more relatable.
    3) I imagine walking on all that gravel and unlevel surface all day would make for some tired feet. Quality boots required!
    4) It seems he had a great attitude about it all, talking with those watching, etc. The whole "whistle while you work" mentality.
    5) Your information is stellar.
    Thanks for sharing another good one!

    • @distantsignal
      @distantsignal  Před 5 lety +3

      Thank YOU, Mark

    • @SD40Fan_Jason
      @SD40Fan_Jason Před 5 lety

      A lot of the walking we saw in the video was unnecessary. I wonder if he carries out his day-to-day duties like this all the time or if he was just cutting up for the camera? Reason being is because mounting and riding is far more efficient and much safer. Typically a conductor walks 3 mph but a shoving move can be made up to 20 mph. Even if they only shove 5 mph, they can get work done twice as fast over walking everywhere. Plus then the conductor who is riding removes the factor for tripping hazards which are evident along any wayside walking area.

  • @matthewmickles1997
    @matthewmickles1997 Před 5 lety +10

    6:12 he finally climbs on a car. I'd of been riding them till I absolutely needed to walk but maybe he enjoys walking.

  • @SteadyGhetner
    @SteadyGhetner Před 5 lety

    Thank you for being a rail fans' rail fan! Come back to the curve in Altoona, PA someday. NS does some short line work in nearby Holidaysburg/Duncansville, PA as well. A wonderful vid once again and many thanks to Chris Johnson too!

  • @jorgel.fernandeziii8278

    Loved all your film footage and considering the fact that CSX actually is the great great great great grandson of the Seaboard Air Line, Atlantic coast line, Louisville and Nashville, Conrail, as well as a couple of other fallen flags that were swallowed up mainly at the beginning by the “SeaBoard Air Line” ! Yet, what’s truly amazing is that the Florida East Coast Railway was in the state of Florida before anybody else was but like the Seaboard Air Line, As Mr. flag were headed further south along the way not only did he build hotels along the rails !
    Whatever little railroads along the way that were on the east coast were bought out one by one until he reached the last one in West Palm Beach and from that point on it was all Florida East Coast that went all the way to Key West ! Up until the 1935 Hurricane that destroyed all The rails from key west north to the Long key Fishing Camp in LongKey ! Locomotive number 153 still stands at the Florida gold coast Railroad Museum !!!!🌊🐺

  • @jkbdevel
    @jkbdevel Před 5 lety

    Thanks for another entertaining and informative video. Can't wait for the next one.

  • @ironhorsethrottlemaster5202

    Hi Danny it's been awhile since I've seen a new video it's good to see you back out railfanning I love this video you don't see very much switching activity are the local railroads good job man peace out have a great day

  • @CardboardSliver
    @CardboardSliver Před 5 lety +2

    Kinda neat to see both power units running LHF. You don't see that often.
    Also that GP11 is super clean. She looks as good as the day she was built! Good job FCR for keeping her in great working order!

    • @yerkees01
      @yerkees01 Před 9 měsíci

      Probably getting repainted soon. That red is the Pinsley corporate scheme and Regional Rail announced the other week all three Florida lines are getting an SCL-inspire repaint

  • @adamnicoladis6151
    @adamnicoladis6151 Před 5 lety +1

    Mr Harmon,
    I have to say best video yet! It’s awesome that you can show off such awesome Florida shoreline action! Been watching for about 3 years and have probably seen every video you have! You drive my constant love for railroad lore and I couldn’t thank you enough for that. From deep in Union Pacific territory, Adam out!

  • @jeremythompson8665
    @jeremythompson8665 Před 6 měsíci

    Another superlative look at switching in Florida. Really helpful in planning realistic running on my FEC/CSX HO layout

  • @greyhoundruby
    @greyhoundruby Před 2 lety

    Really interesting insight into switching. Great commentary, always very informative and enjoyable to listen to.

  • @Steamerchoo
    @Steamerchoo Před 5 lety +2

    Great video, ex CNR geep 9, thanks for taking me Trackside, Steve in Canada😀

  • @DoubleSpikeProductions
    @DoubleSpikeProductions Před 5 lety +22

    12:55 I love the reaction from the train being stopped just too short.

  • @matthewjones9912
    @matthewjones9912 Před 5 lety +1

    Thank you! Great video. Love the local action!

  • @tracksidemedia9608
    @tracksidemedia9608 Před 5 lety

    Appreciate the time and research you put into these. Simply fantastic!

  • @danherrmann8755
    @danherrmann8755 Před 4 měsíci

    Yes. Thanks for the video. Good understanding of the rail system.

  • @Tamalain
    @Tamalain Před 5 lety

    Excellent show. Thank you for your work.

  • @bccarl88
    @bccarl88 Před 5 lety +3

    It’s a bit interesting watching these videos as a locomotive conductor now. lol
    Great video as always Danny!!

  • @spotts9668
    @spotts9668 Před 5 lety

    Excellent video...great production and tons of information!! Thanks!

  • @kegboy12
    @kegboy12 Před 5 lety +1

    Excellent video! Very nicely done.

  • @craigymac5386
    @craigymac5386 Před 5 lety

    Great video, really interesting and enjoyable. Giving me plenty of tips for building my new HO layout here in sunny Scotland. 👍

  • @bigkat1919
    @bigkat1919 Před 4 lety +1

    Love those old GP7s and GP9s

  • @tampabayrails
    @tampabayrails Před 5 lety +12

    I always love it when Danny uploads a new video!

  • @frankrobinson2330
    @frankrobinson2330 Před 5 lety

    Some of the best rail videos. Love the additional commentary. Thank You

  • @GardenHermit
    @GardenHermit Před 5 lety +2

    Thanks Danny - I'm a big fan of your videos from Southampton, England. Particularly like the switching videos - excellent.

    • @jovetj
      @jovetj Před 5 lety

      If you say shunting we'll still know what you're talking about! 😉

  • @charlesbutler4646
    @charlesbutler4646 Před 5 lety

    This is one of your very best, so educational and enjoyable. Thanks Danny.

  • @KCGADUDE
    @KCGADUDE Před rokem

    Thanks for detailing this vital but not particularly glamorous aspect of railroading.

  • @tannerwarwick2974
    @tannerwarwick2974 Před 5 lety +49

    That’s the loudest air hose break I’ve ever heard

  • @benchedthatpiece
    @benchedthatpiece Před 5 lety

    I've always enjoyed watching switching and I really enjoyed this video. Very nice work!

  • @jgehbinv
    @jgehbinv Před 5 lety

    Dan - excellent presentation! Thanks for sharing.

  • @tedpennebaker9542
    @tedpennebaker9542 Před 5 lety +1

    Great post and commentary Danny. Thank you for your efforts.

  • @dreadnaught3894
    @dreadnaught3894 Před 5 lety

    Fascinating . . . . and fantastic getting to see the work and techniques involved in 'breaking' a freighter. Thanks so much!

  • @billyreynolds4749
    @billyreynolds4749 Před 5 lety

    GREAT VIDEO! Excellent videography and excellent commentary!! I really enjoyed watching this video! Thanks for making it!

  • @EdCannata
    @EdCannata Před 5 lety

    Thanks for the great (as always) video. Happy New Year!

  • @bogusbits6810
    @bogusbits6810 Před 5 lety +1

    Nice job! One of the better narrations on train switching I have listened to!

  • @jeeptjxwrangler1088
    @jeeptjxwrangler1088 Před 5 lety +3

    Great video! Love watching switching operations! 👍🏻

  • @danvanderzwaag2283
    @danvanderzwaag2283 Před 5 lety

    Love the way you all get along with the railroad emplyees.

  • @therealandrewstrains
    @therealandrewstrains Před 5 lety

    Another outstanding video Danny! Love the first mile/last mile action. Going to share this one on my blog. Love the sounds of the ties creaking, the handbrakes coming on, and the pop (loud I'll grant you) of the train line parting. Thanks as always from Australia.

  • @SuperOptimus217
    @SuperOptimus217 Před 5 lety

    This is amazing! I live in Orlando & I always see these engines. Thanks for sharing.

  • @Flyby-1000
    @Flyby-1000 Před 5 lety

    Another awesome video Danny!!!! Love it... Up close and personal / behind the scenes... Those are the best...

  • @mikeyfromnj
    @mikeyfromnj Před 5 lety +22

    Hey Dan!! Nice vid, my favorite part is the cam right there in between cars hooking everything up. I had the opportunity to hook cars up at the ripe old age of 12. Out back of my apt building was a spur that ran from Camden,NJ to Ocean City, Somers Point to be exact, a power plant was there and still is today, not much coal is used, anyhow, this spur was a busy one, many stops, three of those were in town here. I used to hang around until one day I asked and they said sure why not, showed me what to do and that was it, from that point on when I showed up, got to help them. This line also had a passenger line, also got friendly with them and used to help them also, when they had to pull into the siding, I would throw the switch for them, and then 10 min later a freight whistled by with 200 or so empty coal cars from the above mentioned power plant. This was all in the mid sixty's, ain't no way any 12 yr old kid would be able to do that now, none the less, it was fun and got to live a dream!!!

    • @distantsignal
      @distantsignal  Před 5 lety +3

      Awesome story. Thanks Mikey!

    • @olentangy74
      @olentangy74 Před 4 lety +5

      You sound a lot like me! In the late 60s when i was growing up in Columbus, Ohio, there was a spur line run by what was then Penn central. This line served a lumber yard, and every day me and a couple of other boys ( I was 13) would wait for the local to come through. We got to know this crew on a first name basis. They would let us ride in the cab, throw switches, and cut the train even.
      One time they even picked us up on the outbound leg and took us for almost 10 mile ride down the line. We had to stay out of site in the caboose. They dropped us off right where they picked us up on the return leg. We never told our parents about our little trip, lol.
      It remains one of my favorite childhood memories. You would never see that today, when it is considered a crime to even stand on a RR right of way, even a spur line. The 60's was a great time to be a boy.

    • @RCAvhstape
      @RCAvhstape Před 3 lety

      My dad told me stories about 1950s NY City when his dad would bring him into the interlocking tower and let him throw the levers on part of the subway system. My grandpa was a union guy with a temper and my dad said one day grandpa got ticked off about something and threw a bunch of levers to gum up the whole works just to get back at his management. Lots of yelling and foul language was involved lol.

    • @mikeyfromnj
      @mikeyfromnj Před 3 lety

      @@RCAvhstape Wow, gotta like that story, railroad management can be tough, can't blame your grandpa for that, I was a letter carrier for 30 years and postal supervisors can be tough as well!!

  • @lionbill
    @lionbill Před 5 lety +1

    Thanks Mr. Harmon, your videos are always interesting and entertaining.

  • @cliffsta87337
    @cliffsta87337 Před 5 lety +1

    Excellent video. Thanks for sharing.

  • @jungojerry1658
    @jungojerry1658 Před 5 lety

    Best railfanning I've seen. Really appreciate the in-depth explanations of what we're looking at.

  • @timothybogans3905
    @timothybogans3905 Před 5 lety +1

    What a treat , great video and commentary about short line railroad operations , the Florida Central is a potential modeling subject thank you for sharing.

  • @wheeliefish5161
    @wheeliefish5161 Před 5 lety +4

    Great video Danny! I love your switching videos. I love all the info and different artifacts that you talk about.

  • @johnuser5162
    @johnuser5162 Před 5 lety +3

    Great to see you back, Danny! Great video, as always!

  • @soarinskies1105
    @soarinskies1105 Před 5 lety +1

    Your voice is calming and very enjoyable to listen to, great video.

  • @MojoFromMempho
    @MojoFromMempho Před 5 lety

    Another excellent video. I like the format and style in which you present. 👍

  • @jasmannygonzalez4376
    @jasmannygonzalez4376 Před 5 lety +1

    Awesome Video Danny and well done!! 5 Stars and I enjoyed every bit of switching and I Thank You for posting this!!