Folkston - Railfanning Before The Dawn 

The minute you get a notification for a Distant Signal premiere...drop everything and turn on the reminder!

"Some folks say they're pretty good"? Your videos are among the best that railfanning has to offer. You're knowledgeable, your camerawork is excellent, and you know when to speak up and when to let the trains speak for themselves. Truly a quality gem in the community.

I'm quite happy to be near the Canadian National Mainline as it rolls through Edmonton, Alberta. With the actual population of Canada being a narrow strip close to the border, there is just the single bit of mainline for both the CN and CPR across pretty much the whole country, so that means any and all freight going from one side of the country to the other on CN has to roll through town, and that means constant action and the shiniest rails

I love your videos, I have been a secret rail fan since early childhood. I use to be afraid of them until one summer I stayed with my aunt and uncle in what was rural in those days. Their house set back about 50 feet from the high iron and the MOW track. Every summer it seemed the by then the L&N formerly Nashville, Chattanooga & St Louis would park there MOW crew and cars on the siding with full kitchen that fed the crew. They even had cars that were bunkhouse style with windows. I stopped fearing and couldn't get enough seeing those freight and passenger trains go by with their F9s, GP7s and the early Uboats. I really love going out there for my summers. Seeing that military train go by took me back to when I was in the U.S. Army and specifically I was a cavalry scout with a cavalry troop in Germany. We would go across the country to Grafenwohr for live fire practice and, we went by train. The funny thing is and I don't know how they did but, a private company loads the armored vehicles. This may have changed and they have gone back to loading their own cars. Back when I was in the Army we had to load and unload our equipment, we also rode with it across Germany. It was a task you had to do by the numbers, no goofing off, doing stupid stuff. One wrong move and you could be seriously injured or worse.Many a soldier have died in European rail yards just by raising their radio antenna to make contact with the electrical power lines for the electrified locomotives. Your can seriously hurt yourself by not watching what you are doing. It's especially bad at night to which that happened to us a few times both loading and unloading. Ah, the good old days!

Danny- if your really lookin for an all day- non stop hotspot location, you oughta get out to the Tehachapi Pass! From sunrise to sunset its trains, trains, and more trains!

The E013 is two trains (E013 and E040) combined to save on crews. It will go to Radner Yard in Nashville, TN or Casky Yard in Hopkinsville, KY and be split up into two trains; E013 will go to Atkinson, KY and E040 will go to Evansville, IN.

Rail-fanning is like fishing, sit, wait, enjoy peace and quiet …

I love 3rd Trick Railfanning. Excellent video 👍

I was a Special Agent for ICG RR in E. St. Louis years ago!. A Delta Air Lines DC 9 overran the runway at Knoxville, Tn and was destroyed. The fuselage and wings were transported to St. Louis, Mo for further testing. I had to babysit the hulk for 18 hours till it was handed over to TRRA in St. louis. Miss those RR days!. Thank You for the videos!

I like the yellow big rubber duck in the truck at 10:23! Another excellent video sir! Many thanks/

Danny I can't tell you the number of times I have crossed those tracks and through Folkston. GA. on my way from Fla. to WNC since 1977.. I LOVE your videos and small towns you travel to. I am becoming a BIG Railfan myself because of you, your videos and a friend who is a Railfan! Keep up the GREAT Work I will be watching! Thank you Sir!

Great video, Danny. On this regard you couldn't be more right. I've lately done all my buffing at first light. You just get so much more.

Great Video! Folkston in the morning is my all time favorite railfanning location... can't beat the small town atmosphere in the predawn! A note about that E013 coal train... The reason for the OUC markings on the cars is likely a train combination. The cars only carried the OUC markings until the mid train DPU, then the cars carried COAX and SEMX markings. Likely this first half of the train was an E040 or E041 out of Orlando, and when they got to Jacksonville, backed an E013 (the train starting with the 4 engines) onto it, and then used the E013 symbol for both trains, since both trains are headed to Indiana. With PSR, this has become fairly common to see. Up here in NJ/NY, we will get an empty oil train, say K021, out of Phillips 66 in Linden, NJ, with PPLX tanker markings for Phillips. Also in Linden, are ethanol refineries, so say we'll also get a K649 on the same day. Since both trains are North Jersey to Chicago, they'll just back the K021 onto the K649 and run them as one train with DPU. Therefore you'll see a K649 with the K021 PPLX cars on it, just as the E013 had E040/041s hoppers.

Terrific catches! I prefer to railfan during the daytime before dusk. The night is hard because there is not a lot of lights around trains at all different stations.

Love that Seaboard System buffer car at 2:50!

The art and science of night rail photography/videography. I just saw Q031 yesterday. I didn't get the axle count, but it was remarkably short this time around.

Just before dawn and early morning is one of my favorites too . Few things as thrilling as 8800 hp. Roaring past close up in the dark/first light .

I enjoyed your video Danny. Thank you

I stop whatever I'm doing. Never want to miss Distant Signal videos. They are the best!😅👍👍👍👍

The man... the myth... the legend... And sometimes the narrator of a random commercial on tv where i immediately blurp out loud "hey thats Danny!" DH ladies and gentlemen 👏 A treat as always

Great video as always. Thanks for sharing.

man these are some monster videos. i really appreciate what you do. big thumbs up.

The railcams and talking to the local railfans is a big help. But pure ass experience and instinct of your own is key!

Those night shots were great. Night railfanning is just as great as daylight videos and I think it make the videos more intriguing.

Been there it is awesome.. Thanks Danny for the great video.

In 2018 I went 36 hours without sleeping in folkston and saw almost 50 trains. I love watching your videos!

Oh man I'm like a little kid watching this. The Iron Horse rides on!

Living in Folkston, the trains can be rather frustrating. It's nice to see an outside perspective, an inside-looking-out kinda feeling

I really need to get back to Folkston one of these days. The last time I was there was Jan. 2015 and I stayed in the Family Line caboose. It's such a shame it's no longer rentable because I loved it. Thanks for another great one Danny!

Will consider your vacation tip the next time I plan a vacation. Thanks

Thanks, Danny. As always another entertaining and informative video.

Great video about Folkston! I was there in December 2018 and railside lodging is the ONLY way to go! Mid-day is slow for rail traffic in Folkston! Make sure to check out the Okefenokee Restaurant! Best bang for the buck! Awesome breakfast and lunch buffet!!!

9:26 a nice shave and a hair cut there :)

Love this! “Get what you can” is a motto I live by. Also agree night ain’t for the best quality outcomes, but the challenge is a fun one.

I've been doing work in folkston for 15 years or so and them trains are constant. I always find myself watching em if I'm close enough.

Train time is anytime! Thanks for another great video!

I always look forward to your videos, you do the voice over so well that I almost feel like I live there and know these places even though I reside in North Carolina. I would love to come out next time you are up in this neck of the woods and rail fan with you, I have found that your videos are by far the best I have seen on RU-vid, no others can compare to the quality, or the knowledge

Danny, found your channel a few weeks back and already watched most of your videos, thanks for the great and informative content!

They are all good videos Danny!

Mr. Harmon: If there's such a thing as a superstar in train watching you're it. Thanks for the information on Folkston. One thing also - near Folkston is one of the most peaceful and spiritual I've ever been to and that's the Okefenokee Refuge. Maybe mention that in a future video. But keep up the good work !! OUT !!

FINALLY TYSM DANNY. I WAS WONDERING WHY EVERY TIME I SEE THIS GUY HE IS SINGLE STACK. TY TY TY TY TY

Danny your headline could say you were singing nursery rhymes and I woukd tune in. Always informative and always entertaining!

Another amazing video Danny!!! I have to make plans to head down to Folkston in the future!

I used to live near the tracks like that. I loved that location. It was on the outskirts of town where the double track went to single track and had two crossings. So lots of trains with lots of horn. I love the caboose. I grew up near Corbin, KY and can just barely remember seeing Chessie System locomotives.

@ 1:57 Car Crosses Tracks With Gates Down "You Almost Never See This in Folkston"

I like your videos from the moment they start.

Excellent video it’s a prime example of the early bird catches the worm when you want to see a lot of trains.👍🇬🇧

1:59 I have seen many drivers almost get hit even when Amtrak auto train was approaching at 70mph! Great catch

Nice video. Very good. When I go railfaning on certain days I call my dad first and ask how busy are the tracks today? Since he works for the railroad he has access to the locations of all trains going from Chicago to Cleveland and Toledo to Lima. He knows the times they come through, tracks their on, speed their going, and how long until they arrive to where I’m filming. It’s a very nice thing to have

I like all your videos. I grew up in Florida Tallahassee and Jacksonville

I’m with Danny, I love the sunrise time of day! 👍

Jeff Fowlkes I always enjoy your videos and can usually learn something about the trains, signals. Keep up the good work!

My buddy and I stayed in the FLC caboose for 2 days and 2 night in Folkston. No sleep, lots of interesting trains, waycross, chasing CN trains, saw CSX 911 and the 1776. It was crazy

13:06 that sounds like my grandpa!! (Rip grandpa 1958-2019)

Thanks for the information on the cabins. They look great and will remind me of Maurice cabins on the Cape. Great video!

Thanks Danny for another great video. You NEVER disappoint!!

With the 'Shave and a Haircut' from the Star, I was expecting a cheeky 'Morning, Danny' from the radio as well. Excellent stuff, tho

Great video. Love that duck float in the back of that truck at 10:30 lol.

Great video, as always Danny. Can you imagine a naive non-railfan booking Peake's cabin thinking it's just a nice, quaint place to stay the night, not knowing what they're in for in the early morning hours? Reminiscent of the trackside hotel room in "My Cousin Vinny".

4 DPU’s and Big Daddy AT 53 made my day. Thanks Danny🚇

Great vids man. Dad and I enjoy them!

Excellent video & advice as usual! It works the same way on the UP (ex-MoP & Cotton Belt) in Arkansas. From MP 373.1 on UP's (ex-MoP) Van Buren Sub at Conway, Arkansas, Highball, Danny, Out!

Have never been to Folkston, but it is my bucket list! Your Southern voice is great for making these videos. Please continue!

Thanks for another great video!

Folkston Ga - a safe and entertaining location for rail fans. One of my favorite locations was CSX over the Ortega River. The old US 17 alignment is now a short pier and right next to the tracks and bascule bridge, ok for fishing per others. A homeless camp has started under the pier section, sooo. I like the night video, it works fine. Your videos are great! Keep it up.

Always love when Danny Uploads a Video on Folkston Georgia!!! Love that place!!!! Cheers from Northern Michigan!!

I'm with you Danny, best part of day is before 10am.

One of the best things about shooting at night, while you can't see the train very well, you can see the signals which are hard to see in the sunlight. Watching the signals drop is a big thrill, and you should always try to get on the side where you will have a clear view of the signal tower as the train passes. Point the camera at the signal till after it has dropped, or pan from the train to the signal before the train gets to it. This is the most enjoyable way to film at night, IMHO

Where is the LOVE button?! Never thought of making train watching a vacation, but will plan one soon! Great videos Sir!

thanks Danny, very informative! keep it up

Another Great Video Mr Danny ! Thanks for getting up early to share this with all of us !

Great video. Gotta love to see some night shots! Also at 4:44 you can hear a crossing that has a very stick e-bell!

I was very glad to see your new video I always look forward to them I usually watch them more than once because I find them so interesting lol😀

I love Folkston. I used to sit there all day in the shade and watch trains.

You produce the best videos. I agree with Mr. Cage. If you ever get west to Texas, let me know. The Espee... well UP Sunset main runs through Flatonia, a small town about halfway between Houston, and San Antonio. Flatonia has a diamond where the UP Cuero sub ( the DalSa) crosses the Sunset. UP and BNSF trains use both. With BNSF either heading south off the DalSa and heading west, or heading north up the DalSa off the eastbound Sunset. Mornings are fairly busy. It is usually very slow between 12 noon and 3:30 PM. After that, traffic picks up. The magical hours are midnight -to 6 A.M. Traffic is almost non-stop. Come on down. I'll bring the coffee maker, the grill and the sausage links.

This is the best Railfan site by miles! Love your content and presentation.

We love Folkston trains when we have time to ride up there. We have learned so much since we started watching you explain how and why each train operates. Very interesting. I love all of them. You're right about planning your day when and where you're train watching. In Folkston we have been there early morning noon or late evening and always catch two or three trains. Thank you Danny for a good job videoing.

Hey Danny, like always, this is a very nice video, fill with good information. Keep them rolling 😁

Awesome Horn show by Amtrak P091-12 and once again, great video Danny, love seeing these! You do one amazing job, we all care about you.

Thanks for another reminder that it has been too long since we have been to Folkston. We may reserve that cabin too! While I was watching this my wife sent me the link! I love her!

Best time of day apart from no light. Cheers.

I love what you do and how you do it! Keep it up! Thanks!

I just subscribed, and am a BIG railroad fan sense I’ve been a 5 year old😁👍🏽. I live here in Kelso, Washington only 3 blocks away from the 1-5 corridor of our somewhat newly laid 4-track’s that run alongside our Cowlitz river. Our 4-lanes of track’s are shiny & new looking still due to the fact we get a passing BNSF or CSX train every 5-15 minutes here in Kelso. 👍🏽🥰 Thank-You for Your documentary for us railfans!👍🏽❤️😁

My favorite hotspot has to be the UPs triple track mainline in Nebraska, between Gibbon and North Platte. I’ve chased double stacks along there at 79mph! Thanks for another great video.

the best video yet Danny keep the videos coming

Great video, thanks for sharing

Pretty good? They are among the best I've seen. So informative and just plain fun. My wife and I can't believe you do this just for fun.

I drive through Folkston on a regular basis to visit my Mother-in-Law in Macclenny, and will usually avoid the overpass to try and catch a train coming through town. I had no idea about these cabin though, and will have to see about renting one sometime. The Ms. Chessie looks awesome!

RU-vid needs to create a love button. Great video Danny!

I will watch you video before any one else. Keep up the good work Danny.

Stopped at Folkston once on our way back North from Florida. We could stay only a couple hours, but it was a fantastic experience. Planning on a longer stay on our next trip.

Awesome Premier as always!

Dan The Man. Still got the best railfanning videos on here. (CSX needs to get you on a cab ride)

I love the Chessie system vintage caboose

Great video, Danny! I agree with Mr. Cage's comment...yours are the BEST videos on YT.

I was expecting a teen kid or a youth to be filming this video. Didn't expect a grown grown up filming this. Age is no barrier for rail fanning..

I enjoy your early morning videos and had no trouble seeing the subject matter with my room lights turned off. The signals are much easier to read too!

I gotta spend a night in Folkston GA soon. I’m sure to be woken up early by morning rush hour trains.

Spent some time recently at a fabulous Canadian hotspot in Savona, BC. The CN and CP mainlines are right across the river from each other, and in about 4.5 hours over lunchtime I counted 14 trains. No scanner, no timetables, just a great spot to watch high priority trains at work.

I’m just watching some extra videos Danny. Believe me they are all good. Cool video. I might call one of these and make reservations some day. Thanks 👍👍👍❤️