You may not think about your videos this way, but you are doing something amazing about generation gap and such. It's usually younger people on RU-vid. You are uniting people of all ages under the same hobby and educating in the same time. Huge thank you.
There is no way you were NOT a RR engineer or conductor! Your railroading knowledge is unbelievable! I learned answers to questions I've always wanted to know and also learned answers to questions I didn't even know I had. Thank you Danny!
Luckily for us we don’t have to work on a railroad to learn stuff about railroading. Danny makes these awesome videos. I’ve also learned a bunch of stuff from him.
I never thought I would see both a Ferrari and the Corvette coming off the auto train. I guess that means it's a very trustworthy way to move your car!
so back in the day most autoracks were open air (similar to when you see vehicles being delivered on a trailer) but people/kids would throw rocks at the cars and they'd end up with broken windows and scratches so they installed walls onto the autoracks which is why they look how they do today.
Could be trustworthy, or could just be cheap and convenient. Being able to afford a sportscar doesn't automatically make you a good judge of services, or wise. :)
A camera would be great at our 23rd Street location here in Chattanooga, Tn. It's a giant crossover for NS, CSX and theres even a turnout for the TVRM. Its 8 tracks wide and it used to be 60 to 70 trains a days, but.........precision scheduled railroading ????? Thanks for what you do, I saw your camera the last time I was in Cordele, Ga. on my way to Folkston and Danny's beautiful state of Florida of course.
@@distantsignal when I do move to Lakeland Florida soon whenever. I'm not sure when yet. But railfanning can be risky too just like you said. Safety is important for sure.
As a foreigner outside of the states, these videos of yard operations are notably entertaining and informative. Enjoyed your narration behind as well. Keep it going and hope to see more videos like this!
A long time ago when I was a lot younger my grandparents took me to Sanford to watch this train work. A crew member came over and gave me a spare key to unlock the autorack doors on the end of the cars! Still have it to this day!
As a retired conductor and member of Operation Lifesaver I can't thank you enough for your safety advice concerning track side clearance. Most railfans are safety conscience, but there are a few who are not.
This video should be on a commercial network like the Discovery channel. Premium quality work! Your history shines through. Like a member of the Atlanta Braves playing on a 10-12 year old park league team compared to most other channels. Love your work. Thanks for all you do!
Me Too.!! I took a trip with my Grandson From Pontiac, Michigan to Chicago, then from Chicago to Washington D.C., then down to DeLand Florida, where my daughter picked us up and her home in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Next either Chicago to San Francisco or Another trip to Florida with another Grandchild.
I was an electrician tech on NJT. The large headed cable being pulled out was a 27 pin connector, there are 2 such cables one on each side. From the engine point of view the engineer side cable allows signaling between the engine and crew, door control trainline and controll voltages to be shared. On the opposite side that cable allows the Cab car engineer to control the engine. The 480 volt 3 phase plugs are about the size of a baseball and must have a continuous path to operate. I enjoy your videos and look forward to more.
@@Charlie-gv3zt While in Dover inspecting a line up i slipped off a platform that had no lights. Dover yard was still under renovation and I landed on a pile of used ties that were not mover offsite. My right lower leg was shattered.
Excellent coverage of Auto Train. Amtrak really seems to care about this one. Liked the overhead shots especially. But the high point of the video was your takeaway from Fred's. Fried chicken, mashed and gravy, lima beans. Yum!
From a viewer across the pond, I often watch the Auto-Train come through Ashland on the rail cam, so it's great to see the operation at the terminus. Thanks for a great video. Regards Steve
They actually bet (but not with real money) on how many passenger cars and how many Autoracks just before it comes through on VR in the comments. It varies according to demand, but it’s fun to guess!
Jaw Tooth learned his lesson the other day about standing too close. A train was inbound but he didn't notice that the sides of the train were spraying weed killer. The only reason he didn't get sprayed is because the operator noticed him and shut it off at the last second. After the car that was doing the spraying cleared him - the operator turned the spraying back on.
Danny: What a great and smooth production of a video about the Auto Train. I hadn't been aware this was an everyday 24/7/365 operation. In fact, I was under the belief it was only seasonable; I.E., the snowbirds retreating to a warmer climate for the Winter season, and then the return back North the following Spring. What a fun capture you've produced. And, only you, with your 'newsroom' voice delivery would make it so enjoyable. Thank you, it is wonderful.
I just took the auto train in late January from Lorton to Sanford and it was awesome!! I had a roomette and it was clean and comfortable. Not cheap but saves on driving time down I-95. It was relaxing and the employees were friendly. They even announced cities and points of interest on the trip. If you are looking for an alternative to driving from the north east coast to FLA, this is the trip you want to experience.
Without a doubt, one of the best informative Amtrak Auto Train videos I have ever seen. Danny you are a consummate professional and you have the voice! I think those folks at that TV station were crazy not to hire you but then again, I'm glad they didn't as your lovely wife has no doubt made up for that misfortune!! I met my bride with some friends in a serendipitous way and have been with her almost 40 years! So blessed. Thanks again from an old train enthusiast and that train is on my bucket list!! Blessings to you my friend, keep em coming!!
Excellent video Danny! Thank you sir. Love the production quality of your videos... they never disappoint. Glad you're including safety reminders as well. I see too many people getting too close to the tracks.
Hi CHris. Yes, I've seen quite a few people lately who stand on tracks, stand three feet from passing Amtrak trains and other unsafe stuff. I don't like to preach but I figure I can reach a lot of railfans and maybe help change the culture a little.
@@distantsignal and if it prevents an accident or a death its a win win situation. Common sense dictates be safe around trains. You will not win against a train.
Great idea covering the Auto Train yard. I'm a big Amtrak fan so that was awesome to me. That was also pretty bizarre seeing just how short the Silver Meteor was that day. Back on the topic of the Auto Train, does anyone else wish that there was more than one of those in the US? Maybe a west to east one? And then a second north to south Auto Train for the west coast?
There have been many discussions about the Lexington route that was scrubbed in the 70's and the possibility of bringing it back. But it would take a King's fortune to build the infrastructure and supply the facilities with equipment to power and operate it. Given that Amtrak is government-subsidized and struggles daily with cross-country and inter-city services, there's no chance they will ever be able to afford another route, despite being a profitable service over the long run. What it would take is for someone else, separate and isolated from Amtrak to build and operate it. If it doesn't make any money but enough people rely on the service then the government could force Amtrak to take it over. But that's the closest speculated scenario out there right now.
@@SD40Fan_Jason Similar Thing happened in Germany. The semi-nationalised (private Company but owned by the Government; the worst kind of Service as it combines the Disadvantages of both) Deutsche Bahn abandoned Auto Trains a few Years ago (IIRC 8), shortly before abandoning all Sleeper Trains six Years ago. They were running them at heavy Losses, but the Austrian nationalised ÖBB took over the Sleeper Trains and makes record Profits with them. That just shows how inefficient the Deutsche Bahn is at literally everything, but their ridiculous Bureaucracy and insane Management Salaries explain that. Anyway, it's sort of the same with Auto Trains, although the Difference is not that extreme as with the Sleepers.
As usual, excellent. I subscribe to many channels across many disciplines. Distant Signal is, by far, the most well-produced channel out there. The amount of information provided per unit of time is second to none. Thank you Dan. You are a cut (perhaps two cuts) above the rest.
I have had the pleasure of traveling on the Auto-Train when it was an independent railroad painted in white, red, and purple colors. It was great fun traveling with the whole family by train.
@@marinusapeldoorn6631 The old privately run operation closed shop in 1981. I travelled with my family on the train several times in the late 1970s. The Amtrak era began less than two years later on the same route, and using some of the old equipment. At that time there was a greater variety of car types in use. The older cars had been built at mid century and had some curious amenties, such as seating and ashtrays for smoking in the vestabules for some of the bathrooms. During this era a short reel of cartoons would be played for the children during the morning, on the second day of travel. "Dick Tracy" was amongst the offerings. During this early period of the Auto Train's history a rail fan had his home adjacent to the rails. He would sit on his back porch and wave to the passengers with a flashlight as the train passed through during the night . He did this without fail for years. As a child I thought this was wonderful, and I still do.
Excellent video! And a great safety message at the end. When I was a teenage railfan in the early 60's I nearly got run over by an NKP freight in the Michigan City yard. The standard routine there was to uncouple the two 400 class GP7s and the ex-LE&W caboose from the arriving train while it was still moving. The engines would run ahead onto the engine track, the train would coast into a yard track, and the caboose (running slower than the train) would coast into the caboose track. I was unaware of this, and while I was focusing on the engines I glanced to my right and saw the lead car of the train silently bearing down on me, about 60 feet away. (I'll never forget the end of that hopper car!) I got out of the way, but my heart was racing and I realized I'd just barely avoided a horrible death. When I got home my mother had been worrying about how long I'd been gone. I never told her or my father what an idiot I'd been. Trains are great, but a moment's inattention and they can kill you.
@@wwhitby While riding Amtrak I spoke to a freight engineer who was deadheading home and he told me that there are no minor injuries on the railroad, you start with amputations and it gets worse from there.
Not only can stuff come off the train, but the metal banding material they use for some loads can break if the load shifts. Then you have what is basically a knife blade hanging off the side of the car, even though it's not sharp, that thin strip of metal can cut you in half if you get hit by it as the train passes by at speed.
I've actually seen pictures of coiled steel that was supposed to be tightly wound flapping off the side of the car because the banding holding it together broke. At speed, it would quite literally cut someone standing too close to the tracks in two.
@@joncalon7508 I’ve seen it several times while walking to the head end of trains to work on one of the locomotives. I ran into a band in the dark, it wasn’t sharp, so no injury, but we cut it off behind the sill of the flat car it was on so it wouldn’t / couldn’t hurt anybody.
Very, very nice job Danny! This is definitely an underrated sight here in Florida. After riding auto train in early March, I can tell ya, it was something I’ll never forget. Great job again!
@@distantsignal Definitely! Glad you mentioned the Dash 8s. I’m my documentary about them they were my favorites. Will you be including the Dade City Railfest anytime soon?
Have taken this train 4 times north and 3 times south, it’s always been a great trip, very enjoyable and meeting new people on the train has been great.
Another excellent production, Danny. I especially appreciate the safety message at the end. While I’m working, I see many rail fans out here in St. Louis and for the most part, everyone stays clear and safe. I appreciate them being safe. I enjoy seeing folks out there and when I can, give them a wave or a horn shout out.
This has always been one of my favorite Amtrak trains for years. I would love to take a trip down there and see this in person. I can spend all day there. Great job Danny!
As always a superb job Danny! I especially appreciate the safety message at the end, as my best friend was killed by an Amtrak train while troubleshooting a problem with a car on one of his consists. He was only 20 working as a conductor for CSX. Hope you’re doing well, and I look forward to the next one!
Sir,thanks for this new brilliant video. It's a pleasure to hear your very enjoyable voice, very easy to understand even as a fan from Europ,especially Germany.Thanks for the outstanding informations and pictures.I prechuade the work and the time you spend for us railfans whole over the world.I can imagine how much work such a Video takes. Thanks for that, and have a nice weekend. Greatings from a German fan 👍🇺🇲🇩🇪🚂😄
Excellent as usual. I live 24 miles south of the North stop for the auto train. So it was nice to see how operations are conducted to get everything switched out and passengers and their cars or motorcycles safely off loaded. You made me laugh about needing to send flowers to the place that you applied for long ago. And as always your eating well. Thank you again, I am enjoying my journey with you back in time from my chair here at home in Stafford VA. :-)
A BIG Thank You. For many years I wondered how this all was done and thanks to you now I understand! Thanks again for all you do and for doing all this work so we all have a better understanding of this! By the way, on the Lehigh Valley RR back in the day they had a passenger train named John Wilkes!
Hi Danny. From the UK. I loved your video and the very comprehensive narrative that you gave with it. As a Retired Railwayman myself I heard your warnings regarding trespassing and being far too close to any passing train. Unfortunately you missed out that other category of people vulnerable of shock and that's the train crew. As a person next to the track knows they're not going to get hurt- hopefully but the train driver can't always tell what's in a person's mind. A near miss can put train crew off work for months or longer with the shock of nearly hitting someone etc. So to you great American rail fans please spare a thought for the drivers and don't scare them into sick leave. Thanks Danny I hope you don't mind my sticking my experienced thoughts into your comments bag. But other than that I always wondered how the cars were despatched on and off and now I do thanks again. Best wishes Brian.
I really enjoyed this video, your narration is top notch and you really do a great job of directing our point of looking at what you're describing. Many other video makers talk about what they are showing us but not in a way that leads our gaze to the right place on the screen so we are confused about what we are looking at. I moved to Belleview, FL about 4 1/2 years ago and enjoy seeing places I know, like the shot of the crossing gate control box at the SE Robinson St. crossing in Belleview and the Magnolia Street crossing in Ocala in your video on how crossing signals work. Keep up the excellent work.
I’ve been designing wireless control and stopping systems for the past 10 odd years now. Couldn’t tell you how many yards I’ve been too or how many locos I’ve been on but it’s nice to stumble across a channel such as this and see people that are interested/passionate about locomotives. Puts a new spin on how to look at my work.
WESH should have hired you for your voice alone. You have a wonderful announcer's voice. Tone, enunciation, negligible regional accent, pacing, and all the rest of the qualities of a natural sounding announcer. Took me ages to develop that, but then only worked on that side of the mic in radio for a couple of years. Sometimes, if the sunspots and stars are all lined up right, I can get the old pipes working fairly well, but you have it all, hands down.
Thanks. Trying to get my"negligible regional accent" back. The media world has been overrun with non-descript, characterless voices. I don't think I want to be one of them.
As soon as I received the notification I "auto" matically couldn't wait to watch this video. I rode this train southbound once several years ago and it was nice to see what exactly happens upon arrival. And yes, that second red sports car was a Corvette!
Kudos Danny on another fantastic video! Thank you so much for the bit on the end about safety around active tracks. This video was difficult for me because my Good friend David Felts was an engineer for the Auto Train for a very long time. He had considered retiring for about two years but just couldn't shake the idea of leaving what he considered the best job in the world! Sadly he passed away suddenly at his home in Central Florida a few years ago. When I was just a kid, he let me ride in the cab of the CF-7 they used to switch the yard out with. I got to ride thru that washer a bunch of times and I've got to tell you it's even neater seeing it from the inside. Dave was also a history buff and could show you where all the old railroads used to line up there. I think I remember his details pretty well. He used to tell me about his time before the Auto train working as a crew for the Seaboard Coast Line out of Sanford and down to Groveland on the old ACL / Orange belt line. When I was just 21 years old and working in IT, Dave pushed me to pursue my dream of working for the railroad if that was what I wanted to do and, 21 years later I have no regrets about the choice! The only thing I wished I could have done was worked with him on Amtrak. But now that I am retired I think back and have some really fond memories of my career and also of Dave's. Most of mine with Dave are there in the Sanford yard. Thanks again Danny!
Thank You!! I didn't know David, but the name is sure familiar. I love talking to those old SCL guys. It was real railroading back then. Sorry to hear he went like that. I think Amtrak should let kids who were on the train ride through that washer. That would be a serious attraction. Thanks for your compliments.
@@distantsignal I have heard Dave on your videos in Folkston as he's calling signals. In fact he has pointed himself out to me on some of your videos, ha! He always took great joy in seeing the railfans at the Folkston platform.
When I was last rail fanning the auto train at Sanford visiting from the U.K. , the switching guys invited my son and I into their sun shelter to watch close-up and shared their drinks with us. Great guys.
Thanks for the peek behind the curtain. Back in the late '70s ... I used to pick up one of my UF roommates at the terminal in Sanford after his trip down from Eastern Pennsylvania. I still remember the time he told me that he didn't need a ride this trip because he was brining his car down on the Auto Train. I thought that was the coolest thing ever.
I always said you had that golden radio voice, Danny. As surprised as I am that station never hired you, I'm glad you got to meet your Wife instead. Big thanks for this video, too. I operate trains on the A line from Rice Yard and Waycross to the Stanton Connection (MP799.8) in a simulator called "Run 8", and having this demonstration about PO53 and its switching duties in Sanford is invaluable to me as well.
All car-hauling trains I've ever taken (Europe): You just drive on and drive your own car off again at the other end. No shunting either, the ramps connect to the side of the freight cars, on both decks at the same time. The cars are connected so you just drive through the whole train. Fascinating to see the meticulous workings required here.
As a track safety worker here in Brisbane Australia mate your last words on safety is spot on we have no issue with rail fans coming out and having a gander just don't get cranky when we ask you to move back a bit we don't want to see anybody get hurt from track machines or work trains or even other equipment we are using. We have a couple of young boys chase us down on the rail grinder almost get hit by a grinding stone that broke and smashed the windscreen and put a hole on their car door
On the Auto Train now. Looked out the window and saw the scenery at the 8:47 mark. I immediately thought of this video. We will soon be arriving in Sanford. Had a great trip. Thank you Danny for this video.
Danny, You have a new big fan out west. Working my way through your previous videos. They are all first rate. I am also sure I heard you on an Ad last nite. Thank you for the many hours filming and editing a great part of this nation. Rich Northern Nevada
Just rode the auto train southbound in late August. Fabulous trip. Terrific train crew. The roomette was a little cramped for 2 seniors but not bad. We left early but were trailing behing a slower southbound freight which put us into Sanford about an hour late. Our car was delivered within 30 minutes of our arrival (we did not pay extra for express unloading - just lucky!) Our attendant said they have been very busy thru the C-19 epidemic and have lowered their coach seating capacity. They did a great job of cleaning and keeping people safe. Lots of college students returning to school. I was surprised to find out how many folks did NOT know about the Auto Train - considering it has been operating for over 30 years. Thanks for the yard tour.
Thanks William! Two points in your post struck me: 1. That CSX would let a freight train get out in front of Auto Train. and 2. That college students are wealthy enough to take a $500+ trip to return to college!
I have taken the auto train multiple times. i really hope they expand the auto train service. imagine being able to take your car to LA from the east coast without having to do a weeks long drive. a tip for taking the auto train. you can wait up to an hour for your car. if you don't pay for priority the sooner you get to the station the longer you will have to wait for it to be unloaded.
Our family had the opportunity, in 2008, to take the Auto Train to and from Florida. It was an amazing experience with excellent service and onboard crew. Ironically, we arrived in Sanford about thirty minutes ahead of schedule and had to wait aboard the train for the yard crew to arrive that day. Would take the Auto Train again! Thanks for the video. Cheers from Canada!
Just started watching your channel. Thank you for explaining the railroad lingo and everything else in your videos. I appreciate all of your hard work! Keep it up!
Glad I found your channel. A lot of the channels I've seen are just videos of trains passing with little or no commentary. I love how you educate as well as entertain. I love planes, trains and buses, but it's not always easy to identify a particular aircraft or locomotive, so I love it when videographers mention what a particular unit is and how to recognize it.
Another wonderful video, Danny! And a rather interesting one, too! I love your attention to detail and the information you provide us. Although I must admit, one of my favourite parts of your videos is what you have for lunch! 😄 You seem to know some of the best local diners to get a good meal. But on a serious note, thank you very much for that little PSA at the end. As an engineer, I too, see many people too close to the tracks or even on the tracks and it never ceases to amaze me that people would put their life in jeopardy like that. So thank you for that! And thanks for another great video!
Great video Danny! Watching from the UK, it's great to have a glimpse of rail operations on the other side of the puddle! And thanks for the safety warming at the end, always worth reminding us all!
Made my evening. Finally, another 'Distant Signal' video. I always look forward to seeing your next, totally entertaining & informative, edition, Danny. Thank you, as always. Ron
Taking the Auto Train to Florida has always been on my bucket list. This was a great video and gave a behind the scenes view that few ever see. Thank you!
Thanks for posting this. I am in the planning stages of building an HO modular layout of the original Auto-Train of the 70’s. I know a lot has changed since then, but this is the best video I have seen on behind the scenes operations, and I feel I can adopt a lot of the movements on the layout.
Just rewatched this, and realized you mentioned there would be a part 2 of auto train switching. Seeing that beast put together in Sanford and blast off is a sight and a half, looking forward to it!
You are a man after my own heart! I simply adore trains ❤️ Your videos are delightful and so interesting and informative. We travel full time in our RV all over the country and I am always giddy when I see a train. Other folks avoid campgrounds near train tracks... I seek them out🚂! The rumble of the train and those wonderful horns just thrill me! Your channel pleases me very much and your soothing Southern voice brings a smile to this Southern lady's face. My husband shared this video with me this morning knowing it would make my day.
These are some of the best railroad videos that I have ever seen. I have been a rail buff for more than 60 years. I have learn a lot from Danny's videos. I rode the Auto Train from Virginia to Florida many years ago. It was a nice trip.
Another great video Dan, I always look forward to the next one. It seems I always learn something new, things I can use here in Pittsburgh, PA! Keep up the good work! I feel as if we're friends!
I knew it, I knew it, I KNEW IT!!! The very first time I saw a Distant Signal video and immediately subscribed, I said to myself and at one point in another of Danny's videos or two, I said to Danny "With that voice, you ought to consider doing voice-over work in radio, TV broadcasting or in Hollywood" as I could immediately hear it (I'm going to get back into it as I've done college radio and a couple of PSA announcements for an Orlando radio station years ago) as I've always wished that I had that resonance in my voice as Danny does and so very many in radio. His mentioning that he once applied at WESH in Orlando confirmed what I knew the first time I watched one of his videos years ago now. Without question the finest production of this genre on all of RU-vid with the absolute best Hollywood Big production camera angles, SUPERB narration, stocked full with brilliant information and the most pleasant demeanour ever as Danny's videos are of TV and film documentary caliber! When Christian Johnson got a shout out, I said "I know that guy!" Nor was I surprised that he was consulted for favourable shooting locations of the Auto train. He was a member at the HO Club that I'm a member of in Orlando and on my channel I have two videos of us racing Amtrak trains: his two P42 locomotives led consist versus my Acela. We had fun and he's a good guy, so hearing a shout out to him was nice. As usual Danny, a solid TEN stars!!
This was great! Your video was amazing thank you for posting! I was supposed to take the Auto-train back from Orlando to Lorton, VA. I had left my 2012 G37s Coupe (Red) in Cape Coral after my wife and I drove down for the first time from Montreal. I will never do this again. I'll either fly and rent a car or for longer stays, I will drive down the 401 Trans-Canada Hwy to Messina, NY and take the i81 down to the 15/270 all the way through Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia avoiding the east coast and the NJ turnpike. It takes under 10 hours as Ontario has increased the speed limit on the highway. Going down to Lorton you have to leave between 2 am and 3 am as it takes time. The train leaves Lorton at 2:30 PM however they don't like taking cars past 2:00 PM. I know this is very early however there are no cars on the road and within a few hours of driving you get daylight and the traffic doesn't start until 7 am. Cape Coral is a quick and easy drive from Orlando, about 3 hours. I recommend spending a few hours in Orlando when you arrive in the morning something like either downtown Disney or my favorite downtown Universal studios city walk with all the cool restaurants and colors. Maybe take some time and drive around downtown Orlando. Then after lunch drive back, that way you get to spend the best of day doing something instead of driving back right away. Anyway my car was stuck in my condo during Covid and my friend who lives across the street was able to drive my car every week to keep her running. I finally had to have her shipped back to Montreal using a snowbird transport service; Cape Coral to Fort Lauderdale the another truck back to Montreal. There was only 2400 kms all last year or about 1500 miles! The lowest mileage I've ever put on any car in my entire life in one year! Hopefully next year I will take the Amtrak Auto Train with a cabin and it's own bathroom. I will never take the NJ turnpike again. The whole drive down south from NYC is insane. I don't know what's worse? The wear on your body or the wear on your car. The train on the other hand is beautiful. It actually saves money on gas, hotels, restaurants and wear and tear on your car. I found your video fascinating. My dad was a railway lifer. He had a Masters degree in Civil Engineering, an MBA and several diplomas over the years for specialization courses. He was instrumental in expanding CNR's rail service in their St. Lawrence region which included Central Vermont, at that time one of the busiest corridors in CN's network. He was also responsible for maintenance and repair and when he was on duty he had a pager that went off in case of a derailment and had to go there even in the middle of winter at night. I worked for CN for 3 summers as a "Chain and Rod man" for the engineers that added sidings and used surveying equipment such as a theodolite and was taught how to use one by the middle of my first summer; It was really cool! Sidings are railway tracks that run to the back of loading docks of large companies so that their manufactured goods can be efficiently shipped out by rail. It was a great way to spend the summer; out doors. On the rainy days I would work in the diazo/blueprint room making copies and coloring coding the sidings and adding the switchgear information. Very cool work. This was before anyone had PC's and computers in the office. Slide rules and calculators only were used! The money was good too. It helped pay for my tuition and books.
