Danny Harmon, I just LOVE your voice! You could be any kind of announcer you wanted to be! Your voice is robust and clear and SO easy to listen to !!! That, plus you know your stuff about the RAIL industry! I, very much, appreciate you and your channel contents!
02:59 - How do you deliver that line while keeping a straight face? Absolutely the truth, and very well put, too. Your professionalism, while always evident, really shines at this moment. As serious as you sounded delivering the line, I still burst into laughter as I comprehended both the message and your means of delivery. Bravo.
seeing old railroad signs and posts/signals fading away from the elements has always been so fascinating to me. it gives me a really intriguing feeling about the railroad!
Yes indeedy. I like driving through Georgia because the roads go under so many old railroad bridges that still have the original company names on them. It's great to see fallen flags from the fifties and sixties proudly standing, still representing those venerable railroads which will never die as long as the bridges still advertise them.
It's so good to hear a narrator who has a good media voice, can speak clearly, and is properly miked. Good inflection too. Sounds like a pro. The 'net video world is so overcrowded with narrators who speak too fast, can't enunciate, and sound illiterate. Great job here, though!
You did a FANTASTIC job with explaining everything! Absolutely amazing! I work as an engineer for Canadian Pacific but in the Chicago area, we traverse some CSX trackage to deliver oil and ethanol trains to them and you explained everything beautifully! Wonderful video! Truly! Thanks for explaining for railfans! Nice job!
I have been trucking for over 40 years and millions of miles and Never found any railroad tracks that are used along with the so called curve of the land. What happened to the curve of this great DECEPTION when railroad drill through the mountains and build bridges over valleys to maintain flat and level from coast to coast across every continent? Thanks for the great information. Take your level and see if the tracks are flat and level where you are. Have fun.
Just subscribed to your channel! I live in Melbourne so I railfan the FEC. Although I do visit the CSX Auburndale Sub now and then. Your channel is entertaining and very informative! This is The Melbourne RailHam, out!
Thanks Danny. I will be checking out more of your videos. Filmed and edited like a professional. I get goosebumps when I’m stopped at a crossing and hear the whistle to far away yet to see the train then it comes screeching by. Oh man I love that feeling.
I must say this was the first video of yours I watched. I had some TH-cam playing in the background because I love learning new things and this video was apparently next in line. I was in my 8 month son’s room changing his diaper (fun times) when this video started playing. I was maybe about two minutes in and was like, “man, this sounds interesting!” I promptly restarted the video when I got back to the living room. Your enthusiasm for railroading, tempered with your smooth delivery and radio announcer-like voice quality are an amazing combination. I have lots of subscriptions and am generally quite selective when adding new ones, watching several videos from any particular TH-camr before deciding whether or not to hit that Subscribe button. I wasn’t even halfway through the video before I subscribed! Well done! I’m looking forward to watching your older content and seeing what else you come up with in the future. Thanks!
The use of "X" and "W" signs varies greatly by railroad. In the west, the big railroads BNSF use them interchangeably, but UP uses "X" to mean a railroad-vehicle crossing, and W" for everything else.
The railroad I’m employed by has four different whistle boards that we use. On our former Louisville & Nashville right of way, is the sign with the “W”. The most frequent are those we encounter on the former Central of Georgia Railway, which is two lines, a dot, and a line, of course seen at crossings. The next, most similar one, is on the west side of the only tunnel we use, on the former Southern Railway. Two lines, and two dots (Two longs & two shorts, which actually pre-dates the modern standard crossing signal). The last one is on the east side of the tunnel, and though on the former Southern, this sign traces its origins to the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway, and simply states “W&R”, or “Whistle & Ring”. From the era where each state mandated a different whistle signal for grade crossings. Plus we’ve got the ever popular Yard Boards, and though they are replicas, are styled to match the section of track they are controlling, either Southern or L&N.
With regards to your comments on the old whistle post at 5:35, dash dash dot dash (_ _ . _) is also Morse Code for the letter "Q" which in the maritime world, means "I request free practique." In other words, it means that the train is technically requesting free practique or the right of way over the cars and trucks waiting at the grade crossing.
I think it's important to note. Not all rail lines have the same sign rules or types. They can even vary from division on the same railroad, based on the division's traditions. For the railroad I worked for we (MofW) didn't use yellow boards for our Form B limits. A red board was placed middle of track 2 miles before our actual work zone, we also placed portable derails at the red boards. Train crew had to be in constant communication with me (track foreman) so I could have track safe and clear in time for them to not stop at red board.
No yellow/red board? That's interesting. We have yellow/red boards at two miles before the work zones. At one mile prior we have a board that has a huge B on it and then the red board at the beginning of the work limits.
There are other railroad signals but they're not usused too much anymore. But the MOST IMPORTANT WHISTLE SIGNAL you might hear is a rapid sucession of short horn blasts. THAT is the whsitle signal for EMERGENCY EXITS. ALL TRAINS STOP. Whistle signals were a way to communicate with the ground crew(brakemen and conductor)such as on 'Road Switchers' or 'Yard Switching'. You can look them up 'On Line' Railroad Hand Signs, Railroad Whistle Signals. Hand signals could be given by hand at day and with a lantern at night. Before hand held two way radios we relied entirely on 'Hand Signals' passed from one ground crew member(Conductor) to the other ground crew member('Rear Brakeman'), to the other ground crew member('Head Brakeman')to the engineer. Examples were 'Ahead' 'Back Up' Stop' 'Kick' 'Easy(slow)' or 'Car Length' hand siganls telling the engineer how far you want him to go and continually updating him everytime you went half that stated distance'. The rule was that if the engineer didn't get an 'Updated' car length hand signal he was to stop so as to prevent an accident. But we had plenty of accidents anyway account 'Missed' hand signs and crew member not paying attention.
"be sure if you liked this video to hit the like button" You know dang well we all liked the video, it's one of the few channels I use the notification bell thing. I just save time and hit the like button before the video starts.
Good vid. Informative. where I was on the Chicago and NorthWestern/ U.P., we used YARD LIMIT sign in the same manner as your S/L sign. Also, those yellow /red boards have gotten MANY folks canned. This is why when crews go on duty, they check, check and recheck their train orders. I would HIGHLIGHT any "FORM Bs" in yellow marker. Blowing through a foremans working limits without authority will get you canned. It's also why railroaders have "can insurance". Working on the mainline is navigating MANY BOOBY TRAPS. I worked with old head switchmen that had 30 + years that had NEVER left the yard. Wizards with a switchlist but could NOT copy a track warrant to save their lives.
I agree with all comments that admire your speaking voice, pacing, and research. Excellent. I like the narration on track age, type, and condition. Please show some closeups of the forgings that identify date and manufacturer of rails, if you can do it without any violation of right-of-way restrictions - maybe explain the types of track (jointed, welded, etc).
A whistle post with an "X" or an "MX" indicates "multiple crossings" or multiple crossings in a row and to be prepared to blow a grade crossing sequence multiple times in a row.
Thank you! That easily explains the one over here on the S-line in Belleview, on a stretch of track with four crossings within one mile. I had been wondering!
So a “W” and an “X” is not a no-whistle/horn crossing; if a crossing has a restriction like that where a train is not to use its horn (local sound ordinances, for example) what sign is used on the line to remind engineers NOT to sojnd the horn?
Very interesting thanks for sharing your RR knowledge I learned from it. Fun fact here in California the UP mp's are different it's a piece of pipe with a gable top indicating the milage. You were clear in how you explained it so those who have not seen or heard rr terminology can learn from it. I thought I knew a lot about the RR clearly I didn't but do. So thanks again sir you are very knowledgeable about the RR. I'm glad they're still here and not an obsolete mode of transportation.
Thanks Danny! There were only two signs that I knew what they were. The "W" post and the speed limit signs. I used tto live near a "NS' leased track from High Point, NC to "EOT" in Asheboro. The most prominate sign was the "W", when the grade crossing was around a blind curve. Just watching videos here, I kind of guessed at the speed limit signs. Thanks again. You make them I will watch them.
You produce some very informative videos. Keep up the good work and thanks for all your postings. I worked for west coast railroads and it's nice to learn about things on eastern railroads.
Yano, as much as I love and am into trains, I never really gave enough though into what the various signage actually means! Your video is very informative, well-edited, and you have a very good commentary/narrating voice. Thank you for a great and very useful video!
A informative,classy,and interesting video. I'am glad to subscribe.This is my first seeing this channel,and I have to say not my last. Thank you for sharing.Railroaders ROCK!
Great lesson Danny! I agree about the paint bombers. Wish I could shove that spray can up his (ahem)... Then we could all enjoy it. Thanks for the wonderful class Danny! I just can't get enough. Cheers, Dan
Another great informative video Mr. Harmon. Always look forward to them, and your commentary as usual is superb. Loved the video of the lift bridge in Decatur, Al. Used to be twin tracks till you got past the depot, guess for maintenance they changed it to 1. Thanks again, I'm out.
Well, he put it so eloquently to describe the individual(s) who are responsible for the markings. I once told a conductor that I was training it was animal markings, where they had marked their territory. He said, "Don't do that, it's an insult to animals to compare them with the (responsible individual.)"
Good that you highlighted that. I deal with these low class individuals a lot up here at my job in the Fresh Pond Yard for the New York & Atlantic Railway
Rule 14L for whistle use: travelling 44mph or above, start blowing the horn at the whistle post. Travelling 44mph or below, 20 seconds of whistle/horn warning is required before occupying the crossing, with the last blast of the horn occurring while going over the crossing.
Ok you read that out of the book.i am an engineer for 15 years and blow out of instinct.Now this PTC blows the first blow for me and I take over for the rest no early or late blows.
@w4csc You are SO right! Whistles are obsolete and too quiet to get people's attention. Nathan Manufacturing has this wonderful invention called the Airchime that works MUCH better. It's perfect for the modern railroad.
Going 300kmh, whistles would not be effective. I don't know about Europe or Asia, but in North America, level crossings would not be allowed on a line with speeds that fast.
This is another reason why I’m glad I model the 1950’s. No graffiti on my cars. No such thing as “graffiti artists”, just low lifes marking their territory.
Very nice informative video Danny. Fun fact to add to the APP signals. Not all can only display an approach indication. Some APP (examples found in Mulberry and on the Park Spur) they can display indications such as clear, or an approach medium). Trains lined through the diamond at Mulberry on either side, the APP on the side its lined will display a green Clear signal, then knock back down to approach when a train passes. Park spur if lined out onto the A Line will display an Approach Medium on its APP, to a medium speed indication on the Park Spur absolute As far as the mileposts go, im sure ive seen a few near Oxford on the S Line. MP A761 on the A Line in Debary has one with the roof as well. Ill have to go search for them and take a photograph.
Danny, thanks for the video. I enjoy riding the train when I can. Last year I took the Amtrak from Tampa to West Palm. By train it was faster getting there, plus along the track there are some interesting things to see. I don't see too many trains over here in Pinellas but I do hear a train horn from time to time. Must be the approach to Brian Dairy Rd crossing. Thanks for the tip on the signs and will look for them on my next train ride.
You're just like me Danny... Fascinated by this stuff. I like tracks and signals more than trains, spent most of my career as a signalman, then a conductor. Keep up the great videos. Might run into you one day, out on the tracks, I'm retired now but still go watching sometimes. I live in Haines city....
As a Track Foreman on the LIRR I removed a 85# rail rolled in 1896 in the VD yard still in use every day . I cut a 2 foot section with the markings still in my garage !
4:13 The warning board (aka: a "candle") is between the tracks. So the warning is for BOTH tracks. If it was on the field side of the main (right of the main track), the warning would be for the main only. If it was on the field side of the siding (left of the siding), the warning would be for the siding only.
Two things to add: a "W" or the --.- is still called a "whistlepost" in modern railroad language and to add to that, any whistlepost with an "X" means more than one crossing follows the whistlepost. This way they don't need 47 whistleposts whilst tootling through town. The other sign I had hoped to see in your video is the one warning crews, railfans, trespassers and anyone else who can read that the area is under Remote Control Operation. In RCO zones, locomotives are unmanned and can start and stop without warning. When a locomotive is operated by an engineer they are supposed to sound their bell and depending on the location, they are also supposed to sound the whistle as well. But with remote controls, the warning is not required so its generally not practiced.
@@distantsignal with the wealth of information you've provided to folks, this little tidbit is not going to be missed. And maybe you could do a video of those RCO zones. I think the sugar mill still uses an RCO down in Okeechobee?
Thank you for your video, what a nice insight to American railroad signs. I work on the trains here in Australia and I've often wondered what alot of your signs mean.
This was but a small glimpse into one railroad. I try to maintain a small but growing website with references to different North American railroad rules. Many of my guides include sign references. You might find it interesting. signals.jovet.net/rules/index.html (Refer to the CSXT sheet for the signs shown in this video, for example.)
Great vid! I frequently pass the 1 mile marker (at a RR crossing) on the CSX main in Richmond, VA---it's just south of the James River Bridge. I didn't realize it went up to 803!! :)
Good job on this one: Variety, grate lighting and sound, segments follow an orderly pattern. Just enough information to spark interest w/o bogging down.
The most attractive thing in railroads, that it is looking the almost the same around the world. Just set down beside a rail in any where in the world, and you will feel like to be at home!
I'm not sure how it works in the U.S., but here in Canada, our railroads also put the mile on the signal masts. So, if it says '1723', it's 17.23 miles from the closest division point, or, crew change point. We also have the mile marker on decals on the back of the R.R. crossing signs at crossings. Very nice video.
In Canada, every signal has a number plate on it to identify it uniquely. But, in the United States, number plates are only found on permissive signals. The presence of the number plate itself makes the signal permissive, meaning the rules are a bit more relaxed, and that a train can pass a "red" permissive signal at Restricted Speed (maybe after stopping first, depending on the rules or other signs) to keep moving. In Canada, a signal is permissive unless (1) it has an "A" sign on it, or (2) it displays more than one signal head and the signal heads are aligned vertically. A Canadian permissive signal with more than one signal head will have the heads to the opposite sides of the signal mast. This practice used to be quite common in the U.S. as well and could be seen on older signals, but is not standard any longer. Most number plates in the U.S. show the signal's milepost number times ten. For example, if "3579" were displayed on the number plate, the signal is at approximately mile 357.9. When multiple tracks are present with multiple signals, sometimes the tenths digit is tweaked to ensure they have unique numbers. Other railroads will use track numbers to uniquely identify them (e.g. "3579-1" and "3579-2"). It's also common for odd numbers (tenths digits) to be for one direction on the line, and even numbers for the opposite direction. These variations are why the mile number shown is just approximate. I am not really certain about Canadian number plate numbering schemes.
After watching a few videos on the signalling system and definition on colour combinations in Canada, I learned that the vertical alignment of multiple signal heads also show that that line is C.T.C. controlled and offset alignment indicates R.T.C. controlled blocks/lines.
*Real Canadian Railfan* That isn't always a sound assumption to go on. There can be absolute and permissive signals in almost every type of traffic control system. The sight of the signals alone doesn't tell you anything about that. You have to have some context. You have to examine where particular signals are placed, how trains around them operate and tracks there are used, and which aspects the signals show. But the ultimate guide is having the timetable for the line in-hand, which explicitly states what is going on where. Even OCS lines can have absolute signals, such as where they cross a foreign railroad or such... but such signals can never grant movement authority like a CTC signal does.
I've seen 4-digit plates on signals on both CN and CP lines but the interpretation would have the unlisted decimal point shift one space to the right, so "1723" would be interpreted as 172.3 milepoint. In a double track operation, the number would be suffixed with a letter such as "N" or "S". On an East-West running line, seeing a signal marked 1723N would mean you would be looking at a signal at the 172.3 mm on the North track, and most likely there would also be a signal near it with a plate reading 1723S, for the corresponding signal on the South track. Where we have more than 2 tracks running parallel, they number them 1,2,3, etc. Track 1 is always the Northern-most track on an E-W line.
It's not that bad.signals.jovet.net/rules/index.html The complete rulebook you have to memorize is a bit more intimidating... but pilots (etc) have their own book of regulations they must know as well.
Here in SC we've got a short line that runs through Simpsonville that used to be Atlantic Coast Line and I've see those whistle boards though I've always assumed they were mileposts. I'll have to get a closer look at one, see if they have the whistle patterns on them.
Back in the early 70s, I worked in Columbus, Ohio. I remember walking past a bank with a large light display on the side and it said it was a replica of an old fashioned train clock that apparently stood off to the side and told engineers what time it was. Ever heard of such a thing? I tried doing google maps to see if I could find it - no luck - it may not even exist there anymore. Anyway, that's my question. Grew up on a farm listening to the train whistle. Always been a fan of trains. :) Thank you.
Awesome video as always. I wonder if you could make a video sometime explaining some various terminology you use. Like when you say “Holdout”, I don’t have the slightest idea what that means. Or like, what’s the difference between a switch and turnout? There’s so much terminology in railroading and it’s hard to look up such information. Plus, you know, it would so much more interesting coming from you.
A "holdout" or holdout-point or holdout-signal or "hold signal" is a location where trains are regulated before entering a "congested area." It allows the dispatcher to throttle the trains entering into a congested area where they might otherwise be in the way of other railroads or switching operations or roadway motorists. The term "holdout signal" usually refers to the fact that it's a controlled signal at a location where there are no conflicting train paths. 2:13 Notice there are no switches or diamonds here. This signal likely used to be a permissive intermediate signal at some point in the past. But now it does not have a number plate, and so is an absolute signal which cannot be passed when red without dispatcher permission. This signal is always _Stop_ (all Red) unless the dispatcher wills it otherwise. Making trains wait here "holds them out of the mix" as they await to proceed. A switch and a turnout are names for the same thing. "Switch" is a bit less technical, "turnout" is the more-formal railroad term. "Switch" can also refer the physical device which moves the rails, such as the (hand-throw) switchstand or (electric or pneumatic) switch machine. "Turnout" always refers to the entire track assembly. A few years back I wrote a signaling book for a train simulation game which includes a pretty hefty glossary. Most of the terms are signaling or traffic-control related. If you want to read it, it starts on page 53 here: msts.jovet.net/files/Signal%20Configuration%20Guide%20for%20MSTS.pdf I've a list of corrections and additions I could make but we'll see if I ever get around to it. I've even considered making it into its own webpage... maybe some day I'll get around to that! Mr. Harmon could read the phone book and still make a fantastic video-I agree!
The Pennsy had standard plans for signs in cast iron for W( I have one), MP, and others. Various railroads had or have standard plans for these signs and their placement. The plans even showed how to cast and mix the concrete for concrete signs(how times have changed). The MP markers are ON the 5280 ft combination station from the 0.0 stationing of the railroad; this never changes like the chaining stationing never changes even after line changes;-there is an equation in the chaining stationing at the end of the change. Many times the line change is a shorter route than the original but a grade reduction or because of a lake, etc the change can be a longer route and there is a possibility of two identical mile posts.
My Father was a Train Guard with British Rail (rode in the Guards Van at the back of the Train). When We arrived in South Australia (1968) the South Australian Railways sent him to Train School in Peterborough (a Railway Town) School was meant to be for 12 Months, but Father Graduated in under 6 Months and was then assigned as Deputy Yard Master in Peterborough Rail Yard, which was several Miles larger than the Town. Six Months later Dad was appointed as Yard Master at the Mile End Rail Yard, which is immediately adjacent to the City of Adelaide, South Australia's Capital City.
Dude these videos are extremely well shot and informative. I absolutely love these types of videos, I look forward with glee to your next video! Love from Miami! :D
Your voice sounds like I’m listening to the news or some other professional broadcast. Great video
He's a TV producer. He's got what it takes.
Ryan McDonald,
LOL
OMG SO TRUE
I was just about to ask Danny if he did commercial readings for PBS or others?
Danny Harmon, I just LOVE your voice! You could be any kind of announcer you wanted to be! Your voice is robust and clear and SO easy to listen to !!! That, plus you know your stuff about the RAIL industry! I, very much, appreciate you and your channel contents!
Wow, thank you!
02:59 - How do you deliver that line while keeping a straight face? Absolutely the truth, and very well put, too. Your professionalism, while always evident, really shines at this moment. As serious as you sounded delivering the line, I still burst into laughter as I comprehended both the message and your means of delivery. Bravo.
oh i know i enjoy watching this ol' fella ( ima old man myself..lol )
May have had to shoot more than one take here and then edit in the best one. Don't know if I could have done as well.
Low class jackasses would have sounded great!
He's a pro.
Not the truth at all. He's just a crumudgeon who forgot he was ever a teenager. Nothing professional about it, only boring and ignorant.
What a great voice this man has.
seeing old railroad signs and posts/signals fading away from the elements has always been so fascinating to me. it gives me a really intriguing feeling about the railroad!
Yes indeedy. I like driving through Georgia because the roads go under so many old railroad bridges that still have the original company names on them. It's great to see fallen flags from the fifties and sixties proudly standing, still representing those venerable railroads which will never die as long as the bridges still advertise them.
It's so good to hear a narrator who has a good media voice, can speak clearly, and is properly miked. Good inflection too. Sounds like a pro.
The 'net video world is so overcrowded with narrators who speak too fast, can't enunciate, and sound illiterate. Great job here, though!
He IS a pro. 😉
Nowadays it seems like everything is a digital voice that mispronounces everything that has more than 3 letters
I would totally watch an hour long documentary if it had this guy narrating.
Indeed... his pacing... diction... etc. make it comfortable listening
There is one called them there was one about southern 4501
Exactly
Been railfanning for years but still learned a thing or two. Thanks Danny, very well done.
I now possess a stronger understanding towards reading the various signals and sign postings! Thanks a great deal!
Just discovered this channel while I'm trying to educate myself more on rail systems. Thank you so much for having this content out there!
Welcome aboard and thanks!
Fantastic radio voice! Retired Hogger !
You did a FANTASTIC job with explaining everything! Absolutely amazing! I work as an engineer for Canadian Pacific but in the Chicago area, we traverse some CSX trackage to deliver oil and ethanol trains to them and you explained everything beautifully! Wonderful video! Truly! Thanks for explaining for railfans! Nice job!
Many thanks, Andrew.
Great video as usual! Very informative and I'm sure it's appreciated by many, myself included!
Virtual Railfan what did you think of that line at 3:00 😁
Your streams are great
I HATE virtual railfan!!! You can't talk to other railfans on their sites or they block you. I will never watch another one of their cameras again
I have been trucking for over 40 years and millions of miles and Never found any railroad tracks that are used along with the so called curve of the land.
What happened to the curve of this great DECEPTION when railroad drill through the mountains and build bridges over valleys to maintain flat and level from coast to coast across every continent?
Thanks for the great information.
Take your level and see if the tracks are flat and level where you are.
Have fun.
Just subscribed to your channel! I live in Melbourne so I railfan the FEC. Although I do visit the CSX Auburndale Sub now and then. Your channel is entertaining and very informative!
This is The Melbourne RailHam, out!
Professional quality narration. Easy to listen to from some one who appears enthusiastic about the subject. Well done!
It's what he does for a living. dannyharmon.com/
@@whiteknightcat It shows...lol
Wow, superb audio quality on your voiceover.. My compliments.
Thanks Danny. I will be checking out more of your videos. Filmed and edited like a professional. I get goosebumps when I’m stopped at a crossing and hear the whistle to far away yet to see the train then it comes screeching by. Oh man I love that feeling.
I must say this was the first video of yours I watched. I had some TH-cam playing in the background because I love learning new things and this video was apparently next in line. I was in my 8 month son’s room changing his diaper (fun times) when this video started playing. I was maybe about two minutes in and was like, “man, this sounds interesting!” I promptly restarted the video when I got back to the living room.
Your enthusiasm for railroading, tempered with your smooth delivery and radio announcer-like voice quality are an amazing combination. I have lots of subscriptions and am generally quite selective when adding new ones, watching several videos from any particular TH-camr before deciding whether or not to hit that Subscribe button. I wasn’t even halfway through the video before I subscribed!
Well done! I’m looking forward to watching your older content and seeing what else you come up with in the future. Thanks!
The use of "X" and "W" signs varies greatly by railroad. In the west, the big railroads BNSF use them interchangeably, but UP uses "X" to mean a railroad-vehicle crossing, and W" for everything else.
Yes Danny! You have the BEST train videos on TH-cam! I’ve never clicked a video so fast!
The railroad I’m employed by has four different whistle boards that we use.
On our former Louisville & Nashville right of way, is the sign with the “W”.
The most frequent are those we encounter on the former Central of Georgia Railway, which is two lines, a dot, and a line, of course seen at crossings.
The next, most similar one, is on the west side of the only tunnel we use, on the former Southern Railway. Two lines, and two dots (Two longs & two shorts, which actually pre-dates the modern standard crossing signal).
The last one is on the east side of the tunnel, and though on the former Southern, this sign traces its origins to the Nashville, Chattanooga & St. Louis Railway, and simply states “W&R”, or “Whistle & Ring”. From the era where each state mandated a different whistle signal for grade crossings.
Plus we’ve got the ever popular Yard Boards, and though they are replicas, are styled to match the section of track they are controlling, either Southern or L&N.
In Hell Town Ohio the " W " stands for Wendigo
With regards to your comments on the old whistle post at 5:35, dash dash dot dash (_ _ . _) is also Morse Code for the letter "Q" which in the maritime world, means "I request free practique." In other words, it means that the train is technically requesting free practique or the right of way over the cars and trucks waiting at the grade crossing.
Danny, you are a Pro, NO Question about it. You have Absolutely Everything going for you. Thx! 👍
I think it's important to note. Not all rail lines have the same sign rules or types. They can even vary from division on the same railroad, based on the division's traditions. For the railroad I worked for we (MofW) didn't use yellow boards for our Form B limits. A red board was placed middle of track 2 miles before our actual work zone, we also placed portable derails at the red boards. Train crew had to be in constant communication with me (track foreman) so I could have track safe and clear in time for them to not stop at red board.
No yellow/red board? That's interesting. We have yellow/red boards at two miles before the work zones. At one mile prior we have a board that has a huge B on it and then the red board at the beginning of the work limits.
I loved your video. I’m a retired engineer and still love railroading. Thanks
I lost it at 2:58!! Now my abdominals are burning! XD
SAME IM DYING
He says it so casually. XD
Lol
No bones about it...just facts
I think you may well be the best narrator on TH-cam. It's like listening to a PBS doc.
Excellent video! But I have to compliment your delivery! Clear voice with sensational enunciation! Well done! A great video to stop, look and listen!
There are other railroad signals but they're not usused too much anymore. But the MOST IMPORTANT WHISTLE SIGNAL you might hear is a rapid sucession of short horn blasts. THAT is the whsitle signal for EMERGENCY EXITS. ALL TRAINS STOP. Whistle signals were a way to communicate with the ground crew(brakemen and conductor)such as on 'Road Switchers' or 'Yard Switching'. You can look them up 'On Line' Railroad Hand Signs, Railroad Whistle Signals. Hand signals could be given by hand at day and with a lantern at night. Before hand held two way radios we relied entirely on 'Hand Signals' passed from one ground crew member(Conductor) to the other ground crew member('Rear Brakeman'), to the other ground crew member('Head Brakeman')to the engineer. Examples were 'Ahead' 'Back Up' Stop' 'Kick' 'Easy(slow)' or 'Car Length' hand siganls telling the engineer how far you want him to go and continually updating him everytime you went half that stated distance'. The rule was that if the engineer didn't get an 'Updated' car length hand signal he was to stop so as to prevent an accident. But we had plenty of accidents anyway account 'Missed' hand signs and crew member not paying attention.
"be sure if you liked this video to hit the like button"
You know dang well we all liked the video, it's one of the few channels I use the notification bell thing. I just save time and hit the like button before the video starts.
It's a pleasure to hear such an adept narration. Great pipes, sir.
Good vid. Informative. where I was on the Chicago and NorthWestern/ U.P., we used YARD LIMIT sign in the same manner as your S/L sign. Also, those yellow /red boards have gotten MANY folks canned. This is why when crews go on duty, they check, check and recheck their train orders. I would HIGHLIGHT any "FORM Bs" in yellow marker. Blowing through a foremans working limits without authority will get you canned. It's also why railroaders have "can insurance". Working on the mainline is navigating MANY BOOBY TRAPS. I worked with old head switchmen that had 30 + years that had NEVER left the yard. Wizards with a switchlist but could NOT copy a track warrant to save their lives.
I agree with all comments that admire your speaking voice, pacing, and research. Excellent. I like the narration on track age, type, and condition. Please show some closeups of the forgings that identify date and manufacturer of rails, if you can do it without any violation of right-of-way restrictions - maybe explain the types of track (jointed, welded, etc).
A whistle post with an "X" or an "MX" indicates "multiple crossings" or multiple crossings in a row and to be prepared to blow a grade crossing sequence multiple times in a row.
That's right! I'm surprised that he didn't say that.
Thank you! That easily explains the one over here on the S-line in Belleview, on a stretch of track with four crossings within one mile. I had been wondering!
That's very interesting, I can't say I've seen a sign like that anywhere before. You really do learn something new everyday. I got my eyes open.
So a “W” and an “X” is not a no-whistle/horn crossing; if a crossing has a restriction like that where a train is not to use its horn (local sound ordinances, for example) what sign is used on the line to remind engineers NOT to sojnd the horn?
@@2themoon863 In that case there will be a red circle with another red line through the "W" at a 45 degree angle.
Very informative video. I'm a railfan but never paid that much attention to the track signals.
Well done again, Danny! Very informative, love all your comments! Keep 'em comin'!
Very interesting thanks for sharing your RR knowledge I learned from it. Fun fact here in California the UP mp's are different it's a piece of pipe with a gable top indicating the milage. You were clear in how you explained it so those who have not seen or heard rr terminology can learn from it. I thought I knew a lot about the RR clearly I didn't but do. So thanks again sir you are very knowledgeable about the RR. I'm glad they're still here and not an obsolete mode of transportation.
Such professional delivery! So easy to follow. Well done!
Thanks Danny!
There were only two signs that I knew what they were. The "W" post and the speed limit signs.
I used tto live near a "NS' leased track from High Point, NC to "EOT" in Asheboro.
The most prominate sign was the "W", when the grade crossing was around a blind curve.
Just watching videos here, I kind of guessed at the speed limit signs.
Thanks again. You make them I will watch them.
You produce some very informative videos. Keep up the good work and thanks for all your postings. I worked for west coast railroads and it's nice to learn about things on eastern railroads.
Yano, as much as I love and am into trains, I never really gave enough though into what the various signage actually means! Your video is very informative, well-edited, and you have a very good commentary/narrating voice. Thank you for a great and very useful video!
3:00 lol i like you acknowledged that as if it were part of the lession.
You got the hand spray paint markings description spot on.
Great video as usual Danny. I always look forward to your new videos and love watching your old ones
A informative,classy,and interesting video. I'am glad to subscribe.This is my first seeing this channel,and I have to say not my last. Thank you for sharing.Railroaders ROCK!
Great lesson Danny! I agree about the paint bombers. Wish I could shove that spray can up his (ahem)... Then we could all enjoy it. Thanks for the wonderful class Danny! I just can't get enough. Cheers, Dan
Another great informative video Mr. Harmon. Always look forward to them, and your commentary as usual is superb.
Loved the video of the lift bridge in Decatur, Al.
Used to be twin tracks till you got past the depot, guess for maintenance they changed it to 1.
Thanks again, I'm out.
"The hand spray paint markings indicate low class individuals have been here recently"
I LOVED that comment as well!!! 8^)
Well, he put it so eloquently to describe the individual(s) who are responsible for the markings.
I once told a conductor that I was training it was animal markings, where they had marked their territory. He said, "Don't do that, it's an insult to animals to compare them with the (responsible individual.)"
Priceless.
Good that you highlighted that. I deal with these low class individuals a lot up here at my job in the Fresh Pond Yard for the New York & Atlantic Railway
Unfortunately, having class (dignity, respect, sagacity, pride, shame) isn't something as common as it once was. And our society is the worse for it.
at 6:26, ....yeah if the track is kept up, it will last for about 85 years.
....if its taken care of.
Who does your audio engineering? I do it for a living and your sound is always flawless. Punchy, compressed, and loud. Nice job.
RC_Video Shooter He’s a producer for Fox News, so I’m sure he does it himself.
Audio and video always top-notch here!
Rule 14L for whistle use: travelling 44mph or above, start blowing the horn at the whistle post. Travelling 44mph or below, 20 seconds of whistle/horn warning is required before occupying the crossing, with the last blast of the horn occurring while going over the crossing.
Ok you read that out of the book.i am an engineer for 15 years and blow out of instinct.Now this PTC blows the first blow for me and I take over for the rest no early or late blows.
No I didn't. I'm also an engineer and just happen to know the rule. No PTC where I run.
@w4csc - How nice for you.
@w4csc You are SO right! Whistles are obsolete and too quiet to get people's attention. Nathan Manufacturing has this wonderful invention called the Airchime that works MUCH better. It's perfect for the modern railroad.
Going 300kmh, whistles would not be effective. I don't know about Europe or Asia, but in North America, level crossings would not be allowed on a line with speeds that fast.
Danny, you make great videos with great narration! Keep up the wonderful work!
Wondered why we hadn't seen anything for awhile, but as a fellow Floridian, I've noticed it's been a tad warm lately. Great job as usual.
At 3:00 wow DH. Not mincing words on how you felt about that. Lol
Good stuff. Many thanks......
This is another reason why I’m glad I model the 1950’s. No graffiti on my cars. No such thing as “graffiti artists”, just low lifes marking their territory.
Very nice informative video Danny.
Fun fact to add to the APP signals. Not all can only display an approach indication. Some APP (examples found in Mulberry and on the Park Spur) they can display indications such as clear, or an approach medium). Trains lined through the diamond at Mulberry on either side, the APP on the side its lined will display a green Clear signal, then knock back down to approach when a train passes.
Park spur if lined out onto the A Line will display an Approach Medium on its APP, to a medium speed indication on the Park Spur absolute
As far as the mileposts go, im sure ive seen a few near Oxford on the S Line.
MP A761 on the A Line in Debary has one with the roof as well.
Ill have to go search for them and take a photograph.
Danny, thanks for the video. I enjoy riding the train when I can. Last year I took the Amtrak from Tampa to West Palm. By train it was faster getting there, plus along the track there are some interesting things to see. I don't see too many trains over here in Pinellas but I do hear a train horn from time to time. Must be the approach to Brian Dairy Rd crossing. Thanks for the tip on the signs and will look for them on my next train ride.
I’ve always wondered about the meaning of many of these trackside signs over the years. Awesome video, thank you.
Great video 😀👍👍
Love your voiceovers and variety of camera shots!
You should do radio!😉
He does TV already. :D He might've done radio before, I'm not sure.
You're just like me Danny... Fascinated by this stuff. I like tracks and signals more than trains, spent most of my career as a signalman, then a conductor. Keep up the great videos. Might run into you one day, out on the tracks, I'm retired now but still go watching sometimes. I live in Haines city....
>going about morning business<
Distant Signal uploaded: How to Read Trackside Signs & Markers
*drops everything*
Haha! Thank you!!!
Really, I love the quality of your videos. I enjoy every video of yours.
As a Track Foreman on the LIRR I removed a 85# rail rolled in 1896 in the VD yard still in use every day . I cut a 2 foot section with the markings still in my garage !
Great video Danny! Thank you for the great explanations!! I've always wanted to know what the signals meant!
Outstanding video I grew up beside the Clinchfield RR and I never knew what these signs ment, thanks for the video.
Low class individuals! LOL That just made my day. :D
I literally had to stop and replay it, I thought my ears didnt hear that right lmao!
4:13 The warning board (aka: a "candle") is between the tracks. So the warning is for BOTH tracks. If it was on the field side of the main (right of the main track), the warning would be for the main only. If it was on the field side of the siding (left of the siding), the warning would be for the siding only.
Thank you, Oxenforde. I've had a few road foremen explain that to me since I posted this last year.
Of course. The internet if filled with "helpful people". And suddenly I'm one of the "helpful people". [lol & smile]
Keep up the good work.
Happy Monday!
Thanks for the clear info. I found it very helpful. Also, you have a great voice for radio or TV.
Two things to add: a "W" or the --.- is still called a "whistlepost" in modern railroad language and to add to that, any whistlepost with an "X" means more than one crossing follows the whistlepost. This way they don't need 47 whistleposts whilst tootling through town.
The other sign I had hoped to see in your video is the one warning crews, railfans, trespassers and anyone else who can read that the area is under Remote Control Operation. In RCO zones, locomotives are unmanned and can start and stop without warning. When a locomotive is operated by an engineer they are supposed to sound their bell and depending on the location, they are also supposed to sound the whistle as well. But with remote controls, the warning is not required so its generally not practiced.
Thank you!! Ughh I wish I'd included that in my narration.
@@distantsignal with the wealth of information you've provided to folks, this little tidbit is not going to be missed.
And maybe you could do a video of those RCO zones. I think the sugar mill still uses an RCO down in Okeechobee?
Thank you for your video, what a nice insight to American railroad signs. I work on the trains here in Australia and I've often wondered what alot of your signs mean.
This was but a small glimpse into one railroad. I try to maintain a small but growing website with references to different North American railroad rules. Many of my guides include sign references. You might find it interesting.
signals.jovet.net/rules/index.html (Refer to the CSXT sheet for the signs shown in this video, for example.)
Always enjoy your videos. Keep 'em coming!
This guy has the perfect voice for telling a story.
Great vid! I frequently pass the 1 mile marker (at a RR crossing) on the CSX main in Richmond, VA---it's just south of the James River Bridge. I didn't realize it went up to 803!! :)
It used to go over 1000 when the Homestead, FL sub was still in ops. Thanks!
Good job on this one: Variety, grate lighting and sound, segments follow an orderly pattern. Just enough information to spark interest w/o bogging down.
Danny, Always enjoy your videos. Thanks again.
The most attractive thing in railroads, that it is looking the almost the same around the world. Just set down beside a rail in any where in the world, and you will feel like to be at home!
I'm not sure how it works in the U.S., but here in Canada, our railroads also put the mile on the signal masts. So, if it says '1723', it's 17.23 miles from the closest division point, or, crew change point. We also have the mile marker on decals on the back of the R.R. crossing signs at crossings. Very nice video.
In Canada, every signal has a number plate on it to identify it uniquely. But, in the United States, number plates are only found on permissive signals. The presence of the number plate itself makes the signal permissive, meaning the rules are a bit more relaxed, and that a train can pass a "red" permissive signal at Restricted Speed (maybe after stopping first, depending on the rules or other signs) to keep moving. In Canada, a signal is permissive unless (1) it has an "A" sign on it, or (2) it displays more than one signal head and the signal heads are aligned vertically. A Canadian permissive signal with more than one signal head will have the heads to the opposite sides of the signal mast. This practice used to be quite common in the U.S. as well and could be seen on older signals, but is not standard any longer.
Most number plates in the U.S. show the signal's milepost number times ten. For example, if "3579" were displayed on the number plate, the signal is at approximately mile 357.9. When multiple tracks are present with multiple signals, sometimes the tenths digit is tweaked to ensure they have unique numbers. Other railroads will use track numbers to uniquely identify them (e.g. "3579-1" and "3579-2"). It's also common for odd numbers (tenths digits) to be for one direction on the line, and even numbers for the opposite direction. These variations are why the mile number shown is just approximate. I am not really certain about Canadian number plate numbering schemes.
After watching a few videos on the signalling system and definition on colour combinations in Canada, I learned that the vertical alignment of multiple signal heads also show that that line is C.T.C. controlled and offset alignment indicates R.T.C. controlled blocks/lines.
*Real Canadian Railfan*
That isn't always a sound assumption to go on. There can be absolute and permissive signals in almost every type of traffic control system. The sight of the signals alone doesn't tell you anything about that. You have to have some context. You have to examine where particular signals are placed, how trains around them operate and tracks there are used, and which aspects the signals show. But the ultimate guide is having the timetable for the line in-hand, which explicitly states what is going on where. Even OCS lines can have absolute signals, such as where they cross a foreign railroad or such... but such signals can never grant movement authority like a CTC signal does.
I've seen 4-digit plates on signals on both CN and CP lines but the interpretation would have the unlisted decimal point shift one space to the right, so "1723" would be interpreted as 172.3 milepoint. In a double track operation, the number would be suffixed with a letter such as "N" or "S". On an East-West running line, seeing a signal marked 1723N would mean you would be looking at a signal at the 172.3 mm on the North track, and most likely there would also be a signal near it with a plate reading 1723S, for the corresponding signal on the South track. Where we have more than 2 tracks running parallel, they number them 1,2,3, etc. Track 1 is always the Northern-most track on an E-W line.
@@stanpatterson5033 Hi. Sorry, yes, I missed the invisible decimal part. I stand corrected, Thanks!
Great video and thanks a lot. It helped me a lot.
Wow! I knew there was a lot to trains but this made my head swim! I am more into aviation. I'm glad I don't need to take a test on this now.
It's not that bad.signals.jovet.net/rules/index.html
The complete rulebook you have to memorize is a bit more intimidating... but pilots (etc) have their own book of regulations they must know as well.
Great video! Very informative. Thanks for posting!
Love your narration sir - great speaking voice and educational!
3:00 had me cracking up. Idk what it was about it.
Here in SC we've got a short line that runs through Simpsonville that used to be Atlantic Coast Line and I've see those whistle boards though I've always assumed they were mileposts. I'll have to get a closer look at one, see if they have the whistle patterns on them.
Glad i stumbled across this it was nicely done and rater interesting. great work
Back in the early 70s, I worked in Columbus, Ohio. I remember walking past a bank with a large light display on the side and it said it was a replica of an old fashioned train clock that apparently stood off to the side and told engineers what time it was. Ever heard of such a thing? I tried doing google maps to see if I could find it - no luck - it may not even exist there anymore. Anyway, that's my question. Grew up on a farm listening to the train whistle. Always been a fan of trains. :) Thank you.
108 low class individuals disliked this educational/informative video
AGNEY FERNANDES You sound like a low class individual. Did you dislike it?
@@lightbulb1982 I was referring to folks like you 😊
@@agneyfernandes I'm not surprised. That's what low class individuals do. Blame it on the next guy...
@@lightbulb1982 so you accept you're one of those ??? 😊
@@agneyfernandes If your low intelligence refers to yourself as me, then I guess so kiddo
8:57 You can also see milepost markers on railroad crossings. They are usually on the little blue card under the lightd
Really cool info here...thank you.
1st time watcher, you have a great narrating voice.
I swear this guy used to narrate for severe weather TV shows by the weather channel or something like that.
This is one of many great videos to help railfans that are new to the hobby!
great info per usual. Thank you sir.
Dry informative. Great speaking voice. Would love to ride the rails and check out the mile post and etc..
Awesome video as always. I wonder if you could make a video sometime explaining some various terminology you use. Like when you say “Holdout”, I don’t have the slightest idea what that means. Or like, what’s the difference between a switch and turnout? There’s so much terminology in railroading and it’s hard to look up such information. Plus, you know, it would so much more interesting coming from you.
Excellent idea, Robbie. Thanks!
A "holdout" or holdout-point or holdout-signal or "hold signal" is a location where trains are regulated before entering a "congested area." It allows the dispatcher to throttle the trains entering into a congested area where they might otherwise be in the way of other railroads or switching operations or roadway motorists.
The term "holdout signal" usually refers to the fact that it's a controlled signal at a location where there are no conflicting train paths. 2:13 Notice there are no switches or diamonds here. This signal likely used to be a permissive intermediate signal at some point in the past. But now it does not have a number plate, and so is an absolute signal which cannot be passed when red without dispatcher permission. This signal is always _Stop_ (all Red) unless the dispatcher wills it otherwise. Making trains wait here "holds them out of the mix" as they await to proceed.
A switch and a turnout are names for the same thing. "Switch" is a bit less technical, "turnout" is the more-formal railroad term. "Switch" can also refer the physical device which moves the rails, such as the (hand-throw) switchstand or (electric or pneumatic) switch machine. "Turnout" always refers to the entire track assembly.
A few years back I wrote a signaling book for a train simulation game which includes a pretty hefty glossary. Most of the terms are signaling or traffic-control related. If you want to read it, it starts on page 53 here: msts.jovet.net/files/Signal%20Configuration%20Guide%20for%20MSTS.pdf I've a list of corrections and additions I could make but we'll see if I ever get around to it. I've even considered making it into its own webpage... maybe some day I'll get around to that!
Mr. Harmon could read the phone book and still make a fantastic video-I agree!
The Pennsy had standard plans for signs in cast iron for W( I have one), MP, and others. Various railroads had or have standard plans for these signs and their placement. The plans even showed how to cast and mix the concrete for concrete signs(how times have changed). The MP markers are ON the 5280 ft combination station from the 0.0 stationing of the railroad; this never changes like the chaining stationing never changes even after line changes;-there is an equation in the chaining stationing at the end of the change. Many times the line change is a shorter route than the original but a grade reduction or because of a lake, etc the change can be a longer route and there is a possibility of two identical mile posts.
Engineering standards are important for safety, consistency, and cost control.
My Father was a Train Guard with British Rail (rode in the Guards Van at the back of the Train).
When We arrived in South Australia (1968) the South Australian Railways sent him to Train School in Peterborough (a Railway Town)
School was meant to be for 12 Months, but Father Graduated in under 6 Months and was then assigned as Deputy Yard Master in Peterborough Rail Yard, which was several Miles larger than the Town.
Six Months later Dad was appointed as Yard Master at the Mile End Rail Yard, which is immediately adjacent to the City of Adelaide, South Australia's Capital City.
Thanks Danny, great channel and content. You are appreciated out here in the UPSP, Roseville area too. Keep up the great work.
Wish you would do a video on, how much it cost to ship by rail
I once was told that rail is the second cheapest way to transport goods, 'slow boat' is the cheapest.
Just began watching your videos, so much info
YES ANOTHER VIDEO!
I love trains, I've never understood the signage along the track though, thanks for those explanations.
Just remember that the signs and explanations in this video only apply to a single railroad. Other railroads will vary!
Dude these videos are extremely well shot and informative. I absolutely love these types of videos, I look forward with glee to your next video! Love from Miami! :D
Kuba Yes! LOVE the exit DRONE SHOT. VERY NICE WORK!! Thumbs up and a Sub from me. . .