Amtrak on its way into Tampa must turn the train around and back it down into the station. Because of the neighborhood where the wye is, we get a closeup look at the operation.
I've received quite a number of comments asking "Why don't they just put an engine on either end?" It's because these are long distance trains. They run two locomotives at the head end, pointed forward. This provides for all needed on-board power, plus a backup engine in case one fails en route. The cabling and other mods that would be needed to run a push-pull setup wouldn't make sense to merely save 15 - 18 minutes on the turn at Tampa over a 31 -hour trip. Also, there is no drone footage in this video because my new DJI Air 2s had some flight restrictions built in that I couldn't override at that location. It was apparently under the approach to a nearby Class D airport.
Additionally, the Amfleet carriages have seating that only faces one direction. Amtrak runs them forward for passenger comfort (running "backwards" can lead to motion sickness for more sensitive passengers). Even if you could run locomotives on both ends, you'd still end up with cars running the wrong way around.
@@pjotrtje0NL the carriages are pointing in the correct direction. As he said Tampa is the end of the line that's why the train backs into the station so everything is pointing in the right direction
I appreciate that your video wasn't just about trains. You also managed to provide a history lesson, demonstrate respectful cultural exploration, and support a local business!
Its the right thing to do support mom.and pop businesses. I hate walmart for how they treat employees and hurt mom and pop businesses. Local food usually is best too. Where i railfan there a many small buisnesses i eat at and support. I get gas at an independent station at my fav spot hes a bit more than big oil but its better service and im helping a family and the owners a veteran.
That's funny that you all should say that. When I got the notification for this upload, I thought to myself 'I've just been notified of Danny's upload'. The funny part is that I was exactly right. Spooky, eh?
I'm an Ybor city native and my grandmother's house backed up to those same railroad tracks. Fond memories of running outside to wave to the train . Sometimes they would throw us candy when they passed.🙂
We live in Winter Park, about two hours north of Tampa, where the tracks go right through our downtown shopping and park district. My son was in love with trains from a very early age, so we used to stand in the park close to the tracks and watch trains go by all the time. One day while picking up passengers, a conductor waved us over to the doorway, stepped down, took an Amtrak pin off his lapel, and handed it to me for my son. One of my best memories of his childhood.
The ' JUMP FROG ' is something I've never seen . I was a rail train operator on the Union Pacific and rode the loaded rail trains and worked in 18 states . I unloaded 18 strings of rail that was welded for the ' AAR ' Test Facility just outside of Pueblo , Colorado . The pieces of rail varied from as short as 30 feet to several hundred feet and we spent 4 days unloading the rail according to a very detailed list of where each piece was unloaded . Everything from the sub grade to the signal systems of the railroads is tested at the facility . At the time I was there they had 3 tracks 4 , 7 and 11 miles long and trains of all types of rail cars were run for hours and some that ran 24 hours . It's a ' FRA ' facility and highly regulated . Extremely interesting facility. Without a doubt the most enjoyable place I worked in my railroad career . I enjoy your videos a lot and look forward to each that you post . Great video .
What you call jump-frog is actually an old invention. It used to be common on crossings where a narrow-gauge or light railway crossed a standard gauge line. Recently it's gained popularity in turnouts on tram networks where the diverging line is far less frequently used. It isn't much fun because the wheels on the secondary line must climb on, roll across and run off the railhead of the primary line. The flange on the railhead is a bad omen, isn't it? If you're a railwayman, you can imagine the wear & tear it comes with and the permanent speed restriction on the secondary line. After a few derailments they get replaced by traditional "frogs". Until somebody re-discovers the hole in the pipe and nobody remembers whey they fell out of use previously.
@@szabados1980 Good information. Too often, people don't look into the history of why things are done the way they are so they "change" things. Years go by and then they find there is a problem. Sometimes progress means relearning what happened in the past so you don't make the same mistake.
@@szabados1980 As a railroader the first thing I thought about the Jump-Frog was its a perfect example of a track device to cause a derailment . The cost of the jump-Frog vs a regular frog must have been the reason for it's use . Walking speed of the train should be in the rules during movements .
Never even heard of a "Jump Frog"! Somewhat different than the setup for a diamond and vey useful I imagine. I've seen "replicas" of a jump frog on some poorly constructed MODEL railroads!! 😛 Now we can say they are prototypical!! 😁
I'm a 3rd generation rail fan and have lived in Tampa for over 27 years... never get tired of seeing rail videos showing off the local action! Excellent job, sir...
My dad died of natural causes while working on a railroad track crew he loved his job. I miss him, we used to take the train Maine to Florida and back the Pullman cars and the porters were always a treat , Had many rail adventures with my dad , Got train rides nobody gets . Like in the Snowplow pushed by a steam locomotive from Bartlett, NH through Crawfords Notch over Frankinstein Trestle , The last Steam powered passenger train Portland Maine to Boston Mass the sound of a steam whistle makes me cry to this day , a sound that marked time in a time past the whistle at the Sawmill its 5 AM , One on the morning train 5:40AM , the Woollen mill 7AM and you best be in your seat at school when you hear it .
It’s on my bucket 🪣 list to take the wife on a Amtrak trip. Recently retired from law enforcement seven years ago and after having an heart attack in October I’m afraid I better get on that bucket list. I’m doing awesome and feel great but time just gets away from you and I don’t want no regrets. Thanks for sharing your passion Danny. You bring sunshine to those rainy days.
8:30 The Pennsylvanian does an interesting backup move of its own, but it’s a dead head move after passengers are dropped off in Pittsburgh. The train backs out of the station and travels about 5 miles to a wye off the Norfolk Southern Pittsburgh Line (former Pennsylvania Railroad main line), reverses onto the wye, and then after clearing the switch goes forward onto the Pittsburgh Line facing eastbound. It then reverses again for the 5 miles back to the Pittsburgh station and is now positioned for the next eastbound run to New York City.
Came here to say this. The train reverses east out of Pittsburgh Station to CP Home, and stops a few car lengths short of the signal. There, a hand throw switch leads to an industrial line that used to connect to the Low Grade freight line, now known as the Conemaugh Line. After shoving back into this industrial line several hundred yards, there is another switch that then leads back to the Pittsburgh Line via CP Home. Now turned around, the train gets the signal at CP Home, and reverses back for the Amtrak Station for the night. This train will become the eastbound train the following morning.
Thank you Mr Harmon . I remember Ybor city and Tampa Amtrak station so well. I used to work at a micro Brewrey in Ybor city, when I was Homeless. I now live in Baytown Texas. I beat Homelessness, and and drugs. And have a Beautiful home. But l. Still come to Tampa to visit. Thanks for the memories. GOD BLESS. And I love riding Amtrak, I can't wait till they resume service from New Orleans to Jacksonville, loved that Gulf Coast trip Before Hurricane Katrina. I was in Gulfport Mississippi and Biloxi. And they builded a small platform next to Greyhound bus station for Amtrak.
Congratulations to you, Ronald. Glad to hear you turned things around. Yes, that Sunset Limited was a great ride, even though it was plagued by delays. Maybe Amtrak will restore the service someday.
Fond memories! About 30 years ago my wife, 2 young sons (2 & 4) & I took this train (Silver Meteor) from Kingston, RI to Tampa. & back a week later.. A fascinating experience.. Civilized Travel!!! Had a "roomette" (a weird "L" shaped bunkhouse made so they could fit twice as many travelers in the same space) on the way down for my wife and the little one, and a real stateroom (with delivered coffee, newspaper & a few other amenities..) for the 2 of them on the way back. Sitting in the last car when coming into Tampa, NOT expecting the reverse, a little, quite old conductor almost hobbled to the end of the train with this 9 or 10 inch long brass thing in his hand (What was it???) and proceeded to insert it into the end of a rubber hose tied to the end railing.. We turned around in our rear seats and enjoyed a tweeting whistle punctuated view of a slow back up into Tampa. When we got there, the tracks spread out and no less than 3 other complete train sets were there rumbling and waiting to leave. One of the most indelible experiences of that train trip... along with the splitting of the 2 trains in Jacksonville.. one engine going to Miami with half the train and one engine going to Tampa. Of course, the reverse coupling of the 2 trains on the way back was rather awesome also. (Too many more experiences for this post!!)
Stumbled across this on my newsfeed, don't normally view this type video. Am a retired rail: Tower Operator, Yardmaster, Dispatcher and Locomotive Engineer and I find this very well done. Thank you for the memories; wish you continued success!
Wonderful video! I always love your style and presentation, very well narrated with superb information and great filming, I love coming back to your channel time and again! Also, as I spent a lot of time in Florida during the late 1990s, especially around Tampa and Clearwater, seeing those sunkissed views again brings back some lovely memories of visiting the old Clearwater Depot and the short section of street running. Keep up the great work! 😁
My dad retired from CSX after a career that started with Atlantic Coast Line. He loved the railroad dearly and even helped move the train to the train museum in our town of Waycross, GA. I have wanted to ride Amtrak but haven’t had a chance yet.
As a former freight conductor and track worker its a very through explanation for those who are totally clueless in the world of railroading. brake lights, shove moves, signals, etc. nice job
Danny. another train home run! As a tv producer, I appreciate that you included the comment about several trips to get the needed variety of angles! Awesome sir!! You make railfanning come alive!! Joe Carleo - Retired PBS international producer.
Thanks, Danny - As usual, a fascinating, well-shot, engagingly narrated piece, and the culinary suggestions added a nice touch. One can sure work up an appetite chasing those trains! As you asked for suggestions...I recently re-posted a 1977 photo I'd taken of Reading No. 2101 pulling a Chessie Steam Special out of the tunnel and across the bridge over the Potomac into Harpers Ferry, and a friend quickly let me know "The #2101 is about to go back into service and will pull Reading Rambles excursions in 2022 on the Reading and Northern RR." Wow- I'd had no idea that handsome machine would run again! I can imagine how fascinating a video program or two by you would be. Hopefully, it's not too far off your beaten path. Don't know how good (or existent!) the Cuban food might be up there, but I know I'd enjoy seeing your coverage of a Reading Ramble!
Super interesting, Danny! I've also been wondering for a couple of years now about that baggage car whistle-I could've sworn I heard one in Chicago one time, but I couldn't find really much of anything about them, and so I started to think I was just going crazy haha. Thanks for the information! I can't wait to see what neat finds you bring to us next. This is surprisingly efficient considering the slow speeds and ridiculous amounts of crossings, not to mention turning the entire train around hahaha.
Always get a chuckle when I see a crew member covering a crossing with a small red flag. An old method that seems so out of place in today's society yet works just fine. Thanks for the video and the shots of the jump-frog.
That wye takes up a lot of real estate! Would be great to see drone video of this operation from up high for a perspective of the magnitude of the wye area. Interesting video, thanks!
Love those Cuban treats. In Puerto Rico we call them Alcapurrias de Jueyes. Made from seasoned land crab meat and grated green plantains. The most sought after in the entire island come from a town called Piñones. There’s a special allure to eating seafood at a carribean beach town…😂😂🤣 “As always,” thanks for the video!
Thanks for a really clear and professional description of this reverse move. Most Amtrak passengers have no idea what's involved, I'm qualified as both Conductor and Locomotive Engineer on a Massachusetts tourist railroad and have both given and received instructions for movement over the radio from the leading end of the movement. Most of our crossings are 'stop and warn' with a crew member 'on the ground.' Not Amtrak, but VIA Rail's Canadian (#s 1 & 2) have a long backing move into, I think, Sioux Lookout.
What makes these videos so fun to watch is just how pleasant and educational they are, no flashy editing or unnecessary add-ons that could annoy someone. It's just useful train and eatery related info.
Wow, great video! Have been a RAIL FAN longer then I can remember. You sound as though you were in radio or a professional announcer which really made this stand out as one of the better videos on RU-vid. Thank you
Another excellent video Danny, thank you. As an enthusiast here in Scotland, I've got a decent understanding of how our railways work but the U.S. system is very different. Your descriptions of the various equipment and operations may be obvious to your North American audience but they're a great help to the rest of us. I learn a lot from your easy-going narration and thoroughly enjoy your work. Cheers for now, Dougie.
Can't thank you enough for your quality videos and comments about good local food. You always have new information to share. Turning on a "Y" is really an eye opener for the novice. Thank you so m
My dad started with Atlantic Coast Line in Tampa. Purple engines. We left Tampa Union on vacation, heading to Ohio. Rode on many railroad cars during his career. I remember him talking about the Silver Star. I still have his old lantern when he switched the tracks. Also have his blue hat he wore working there passenger runs. Lots of memories riding this train. Remember our luggage being put on the carts and rolled to baggage car. Loved the video. My dad is still Living and is 97.
Terri your dad would love the old switching engine in Davenport for the rock plant. It's the ACL 100 painted up just as you say in purple and silver livery. I am certain you can find dozens of photos of it online but it's neat to see in person as well.
I'm sure glad I found your videos. You have the best commentary. I enjoy history of many subjects and your supply of the local history where ever you are recording makes the story so much more personal. Thanks, Danny.
Thank you so much for this video. I used to take the 91, 97, 92 or 98 trains, depending on when I had to be back north, to Winter Park. Always wondered how they turned around in Tampa. Very interesting.
Man! This is a great series! Great to learn all kinds of things railroad related and all simple enough for the unitiated to understand. Love the food section too! Keep on railfanning!
I truly enjoy your channel have been watching for quite some time. What I enjoy the most is the detailed information you leave us with, explaining as you go, train information and moment. Great channel and love the content. Thank you!
Thanks Danny, I've sat in my car at those same locations, at the wye, to see Amtrak 91 and 92 do this turn, and rode back from Orlando on board twice. The 17 crossings through Ybor City still are unlike any place that I've see.... backwards!
Love your videos Danny. Went with a friend 2 weeks ago to Moore Haven and Clewiston for the sugar cane train. What a great day with near perfect shots.
Always so very, very interesting, and learn so much. I’ve always loved trains and the RI ran passed end of our street as a kid. Even though I work for a major US air carrier, I still love being the first one at a railroad crossing to watch trains! Be safe!
Thank you for the work you put into these videos! I still love watching anything to do with railroads and trains. Been fascinated with trains since I was kid!
Danny, another great one. You're videos teach so much, bring often wondered subjects into focus, all while being completely entertaining and fun. Please keep going, doing what you do and sharing your time w us.
Being a train buff all my life I really enjoy your videos which are well researched and very entertaining. Living over here in Largo I don’t get to see much freight traffic so depend on your videos for insight as to what’s going on. I’m of the age that I rode many steam trains both here in the US and in Scotland and England with lots of fond memories. Keep up the great work and I look forward to your next productions
Your Florida train videos are very interesting. I have learned so much train history. El Segundo crab cake, check . Who would ever known about that switch if you hadn't pointed it out. Thanks for pointing out historic Ybor City, virtually unknown to most people outside of Florida.
WOW Danny, i've watched that entire operation in person several times and my favorite part was standing down by the "now gone" TN signal house and watching him leaving Tampa and crossing the diamond at speed, thanks Danny for bringing back some great memories. Thanks for all the information and education as usual. I'm really liking the restaurant reviews at the end of your videos, thanks for the latest, ill definitely be stopping by to try that Cuban Sandwich the next time I get back down your way. Sooner rather than later, I hope.
I grew up in Tampa, and my dad was a Passenger Service Agent on the Silver Meteor from St. Pete to NYC. I rode the train with him many times throughout my childhood. This video brought back many memories for me.
Danny I just wanted to say I really enjoy your videos. My family moved to Tampa in the mid 60’s and I have many fond memories of growing up there. I had a very close friend in junior high school and his dad was a conductor for Seaboard and then Amtrak. Thanks for the stroll down memory lane.
Thanks for highlighting so many fascinating rail facts in your episodes, Florida has a lot of interesting rail activity. Hope Brightline will eventually help alleviate some interstate congestion between Tampa and Orlando, it's a nightmare driving in that region! Love seeing local eateries! 😋
This was fascinating! Thank you! We were on that train in November and wondered what the backingup was all about. I will be back on it in a few weeks and this time I'll know!
Awesome video of Amtrak’s Sliver Star making the reversing move into TUS aka Tampa Union Station and I am always looking forward to another Danny Harmon video and your narration is always top notch! From a fan of this channel and I thank you very much Danny Harmon @Distant Signal for posting this and this video makes me happy!
Danny, your videos are so interesting and full of information. I check everyday to see if you’ve posted. My only suggestion is more videos more often! Great job thanks!
Thank you, Danny! I always look forward to your videos. They're always so professional and the narration is so polished, I think you sound like a professional announcer. Thanks, again!
Love the video as always Danny. Thanks so much for sharing. As a 2 year Davenport, Fl. resident I am trying to collect as much Railroad information as I can from your wonderful videos. I currently live in Providence Golf Club just north of Davenport, Fl. on the CSX line. I have a scanner that I use to try and catch both CSX and Amtrak traffic as they go bye. Love all of your videos. Please continue to add more and thank you so much for an awesome job.
You are tops, Danny, in originality, clarity of what you are doing, extremely informative, and super educational. Thanks for the top quality of all your videos. Ne plus ultra.
Love it! Danny's train and exquisite little-known foodie spot videos! You know, one of the first things you learn as a Freight Conductor is all the places you can stop without blocking crossings, so you can get a bite to eat. But most of those places have you running to the second unit about two hours later. On the other hand, these gems of food bites you share make up for it. Edit: I don't know if it's worth mentioning here or in a future video, but this ride makes a perfect day trip for anyone who wants to see what riding on Amtrak is like. Pick up the train at any point North of TUS, coming South. Then as long as the trains are close to being on time, the layover in Tampa is about 2.5 hours. The only drawback is the hike from TUS to anywhere reasonable to eat, drink and shop. It's about 4 blocks to the nearest TECO trolley station which will haul you up to Ybor City. Then be sure to get back to the station in time for the Northbound Superstar and get off at the station you boarded coming South. My stepsons loved it when they were 11 years old. Their little eyeballs were fixated on the windows from Winter Park all the way to the Wye.
My day was made when I saw a new video from Danny! As always, this fairly new railfan has learned something new! Thank you so much, Danny. I love your stops for lunch. Unfortunately they don't have deviled crab or Cuban sandwiches up here in New Hampshire!
Hey Danny! That’s really near to see Amtrak 92 do those moves to be able to back into the station! I’m always looking forward to the next video you put out! Have a fantastic day! See you down the line!
Thank you for posting this Mr Harmon! I recently took the Silver Meteor from DeLand to Tampa and then the Star back to DeLand. Gave me the chance to try out the Dreamliner II roomette. Was surprisingly nice. Thank you for all the work you put into your channel. Me & my youngest appreciate it greatly.
I rode Amtrak from Denver to Reno over the summer. Denver was very similar to Tampa. To get into the Denver Union Station, the train had to back up. I don't know how far it was, but it was a pretty long back. The fun thing in Reno is that about a decade ago, Union Pacific lowered the tracks to go through the, "trench" which actually goes under downtown Reno. The Amtrak stops at the station and when you disembark, you look up about 45 feet, enter the historic train station from track level, and go up to ground level.
The original CZ did the same-westbound the CB&Q crew would take the CZ across the “buck main” onto the DRGW. Then reverse into Denver Union Station. The cars traveled throwaway car/window wash rack that had special brushes to clean the dome cars. Amtrak 5&6 still use the buck main. Now it’s BNSF to UP.
Having done several cross country trips on Amtrak I love it when you cover them. As a rider you aren't fully aware of what is happening and why. I seem to recall a similar backing move required in Denver maybe? Can't remember exactly, but I remember standing down on the lower deck of the sleeper car talking to the porter about what was going on, the safety stop before finishing the back-in, and so on. The employees on Amtrak tend to be really nice people and fun to talk to sometimes. On a cross country trip you are trapped in there with them for two days or so, so it pays for everyone to be nice. I've seen them stop the train in the middle of the night and get the Amtrak police to come eject troublemaking passengers (drunks, etc.) and that's kind of funny.
@@johnkerrison6698 At DC it's usually a locomotive change, the NE corridor to NY/Boston uses electric and the rest of the route south or west of DC uses diesel.
At least they don't just throw the troublemaker(s) off the train while it's moving. To me, I think it would serve the troublemaker's justice to stop the train, kick them off wherever the train is, and then go on. Contact the local sheriff to pick them up so they can make a visit to the jail.
Great video as always Danny!! You did an excellent job explaining the interesting Amtrak maneuvers. Also, that devil crab looks really yummy!! I gave you a big like on this one =- ) :D
Always the absolute tops in railfan videos, great job Danny. Now that the border looks like it might stay open for a while I can plan my next outing to Florida, and someday I hope to run into "railfan Danny" ! Thank you for all the interesting and informative videos, I have learned so much !!
My dad was a railroad man. He started with Central of Georgia, then later with Southern Railway (later known as Norfolk Southern). We lived in rural Georgia and then moved to Atlanta when he went to work for Norfolk Southern. Every other weekend he would come home to rural GA and then on alternating weekends we would come to Atlanta on the Nancy Hanks II which ran from Savannah to Atlanta. This craziness went on for about a year. My mom would get us kids up early Saturday, feed us breakfast, drive to Millen, GA to get on the train arriving in Atlanta about 1 pm. Then we would be house hunting until leaving on Sunday evening about 6 pm, arriving back in Millen about 11 pm. She would then drive us sleeping kids home and get us in bed to be in school the next day. Don't know how they managed that for a year. I remember we had 2 phones growing up (back then there was no call waiting, etc.), one phone being for his work, because he worked crazy hours and was always on call. Sometimes we might see him a couple times a week because of his schedule. He was the man in the caboose radioing to the engineer. He actually died while at work on the train, massive heart attack many decades ago.
