I love how Danny says he is going to provide the most basic explanation of crossing signals and then produces the most comprehensive explanation of the different types of crossing systems I've ever seen. Best. TH-camr. Ever.
*I remember being a young kid back in the late 90s playing on the tracks. We were curious on how the crossing arms knew a train was coming and would watch around at what point the train activated the crossing arms. We saw where the activation started once the train left we laid a bed frame across the tracks and sure enough it activated the crossing arms. Being young and dumb we kept activating them until the police came to see whats going on. They yelled at us and called our parents*
does this still work? even if you just took a regular steel pole and touched either sides? and do all RR crossings work like this? or is it just some older ones because I'm not too sure if they updated it and changed how it worked
@@rowan312 I think back then it was the joiner bars we laid the bed frame across. It’s been so long that it what I think it was. Because all we did was lay it across the tracks and a few seconds later it activated the crossing arms. I’m sure it’s different now with technology advances in that city Newark CA. I’m sure it’ll still work on other racks with that system. I’d say I’d go try it to see if it works still but I’m in my 30s now and know better.
We did the same thing with an old metal door frame. Set it off every time and they would just come and toss the frame to the side. Then of course being dumb kids we would just do it again on our way to school. They finally smartened up after 4-5 times and took it with them.
My man, you have THE voice for broadcast or documentary. I would learn literally anything if you narrated it. Edit: and some quick google-fu tells me you already have a career in radio announcement and production. I knew something sounded right here! Hats off to you, sir.
Hell of a voice, clear deliberate pronunciation + enunciation, good tempo/pacing.... This guy's got to be a radio dj, voice over artist, or something... Can't you just imagine him saying "This is a test of emergency alert system, this is only a test"? Lol. Love this, subscribing now.
11:48 as the engine's number is 911 and it's painted in the firefighter colors I assume it's a tribute not only to Firefighters but specifically New York City September event of 2001. MYPET GOAT yes we know the truth.
@@chrishuston4445 he teaches us so well how the crossing system identifies the approaching train to lower the gates, I want to learn how the ambifascient lunar waneshaft effectively prevents side fumbling!
Could you come to Sweden and patch up crossings? We have some where the gates go up at the wrong time, so people start crossing the rails, only getting halfway across before the gates begin to lower again. It's a disaster waiting to happen
It's been a while since I was a software engineer at Safetran 25 years ago, but your explanation of the various crossing control sensor types and how they work is pretty spot on for the technology in use at that time. Basically, a transmitter injects an AC signal on one side of the crossing, and is monitored by a receiver connection on the other side of the crossing. The track between the 2 connections is the island. If a train is on the crossing -- the "island" -- the signal is completely shorted by the train's axles and the receiver sees no signal at all, so that's how the electronics know a train is on the crossing. Otherwise, the train presents a rolling shunt across the tracks, and the two rails and the train constitute a electrical loop which is an inductor, electronically. The closer the train is to the crossing, the smaller the loop and the smaller the inductance. The electronics monitors the amplitude and phase of the received signal - which is changing when a train is moving in the approach circuit due to the changing inductance - and can tell from that whether the train is coming or going, how fast and how close it is, and in the case of a GCP can use that info to predict when the train will hit the crossing, and drop the gates at a predetermined number of seconds beforehand. Things do get a bit more complicated when there are multiple grade crossings with overlapping approach circuits. I'm sure crossing control systems are much more sophisticated now though.
I've often wondered about the signals and how they work. A fast train activates a quarter mile away but a slow one just yards away. Thanks for the best explanation I could have recieved!
It makes me curious if it's possible to use different tones to prevent the gates from ever coming down if a train is going to stop before the crossing. That way, traffic can keep going until the train actually does need to continue on.
@@neko7684 if the crossing is equipped with remote control activation and set up with no approach, then it would not activate unless the crew activates it or whenever equipment occupies the island. On the circuits that have an approach and remote activation, the crews are able to override the approach and deactivate the crossing remotely as well.
I've designed/installed DTMF controlled power switches for several Class I's in the last decade in non-signaled territory (no dispatcher control), CSXT included as a signal system engineer.
I don't know why this was in my recommendations, nor am I a fan of trains, but this fascinated me and I ended up watching the whole video. This youtube algorithm is pretty scary stuff.
I came across this video in the recommended. I've been curious about this for about 20 years. i'm 31 now lol This is very detailed yet simple. Very well put together.
Yay! A Danny video! - just one thing to add, whenever the gates are down, or the lights are flashing. Even if the crossing may be broken, NEVER drive around the gates. No matter what, even if the gates have been down for 2 hours, never go around because you never know what is coming!
I live next to the CSX Henderson Sub, and have seen people run past the gates several times. My parents were standing out side near my porch, and almost saw a pickup hit by the J731 local, one night...
It is also _ALWAYS_ illegal to drive around lowered or raising/lowering crossing gates. Do not do it. This is above and beyond the mass ratio of a train to your car is like your car and an empty soda can. In many places it is LEGAL to stop and proceed with flashing lights but no gate. Obviously, Stop, Look and Listen, and be sure it's safe to do so before proceeding. But, also check with your local laws, because it varies from place to place in the US.
@@jovetj You're right about it being illegal, but a lot of idiots do it, anyway. I said, elsewhere, it's, either, temporary insanity or a death wish. Either way, more often than not, it ends in death. DON'T DO IT!!!!!
Message art is so interesting. I've seen it before, and never realized that it originated with railroad employees as a way of communicating with each other. I always figured that it was just another tag like graffiti.
We used to leave our initials near the Cotts Board to let our shop crew know who inspected the car for repairs. Now it's just on the work orders cover sheet.
this dude actually doesnt know what hes talking abt w this one.. its called moniker writing, originated w hobos & is still primarily practiced by either by hobos or plain ol graffiti writers... some rail workers *do* also write monikers - especially former rail workers - exact same as any other type of graffiti on trains.
It's amazing how much time and effort is put into logistics. They are really important and average people like myself don't thank people like railway engineers often enough.
As always, every time, the best, most professional rail fan video on the internet. Thank you very much for doing the hard work that enables we armchair fans to learn and enjoy. Stay safe!
A gentleman - Mark Clay McGowen- has a channel of his experiences as a signalman for UP on here with some very detailed yet protected descriptions of the equipment and the duties it may do within the crossings he used to maintain. Great stuff to add to your collective efforts here sir and just another beauty from the Distant Signal world for us to watch and rewatch...and we always thank you...
I'm really glad TH-cam recommended your videos to me, they're very informative and very well done, from the information being well researched and presented in an easy to follow way, to how refined the videos are, this is high quality here, I could easily see this being part of a documentary series on TV or something about railways. Keep up the amazing work!
One thing to point out about Amtrak stopping at grade-crossings is the Winter Park, FL station. Amtrak has to stop _completely_ over one of the grade crossings because the station is designed for SunRail usage mostly. They literally have to disembark passengers in coach, pull the train forward, and then Amtrak unloads the baggage and sleeper passengers. It's very interesting and quite unusual. It'd be cool if you could capture footage of it at some point. It's the only station I've ever seen with that setup.
I dont even need to see the video before I give it the thumbs up. I already know it's good because it's from Danny. Keep up the good content Danny. Hope you're well. Loving it from near Chicago.
Great video! Thanks. As an electrical and systems engineer it’s always fun and enlightening to learn a bit about other industries. This is just the right level of detail.
Hi Danny. I would like to just quickly say thank you for posting "How Railroad Crossing Signals Work" I find this to be an informative TH-cam video. It helps me ti understand what goes on in those grey metal huts or boxes that are near the tracks when I go for my walks. Thanks again.
Very nice production quality. The narration was clear and the information wasn't hard to understand to a majority of people new to the rail world. I learned something new today watching this video. I always wanted to know how these railroad crossings work. Good job Danny!
Fun fact: being that the island circuit system only requires something metal to bridge the tracks to activate the signals, objects other than trains can trigger the signals. For example, I plow roads in the winter and have two grade crossings on my route. On a few occasions my truck’s wing blade has bridged the rails and momentarily activated the signals.
One can always count on some very valuable information in a Danny Harmon video. Thanks Danny you filled some of my voids regarding signaling. Keep up the great work!
I have one question that have been in my head for years now. How do the railway companies make locomotives speak with each other? Here in Norway diffrent types of locomotives can’t work as a pair. Then you gotta need a secound engineer to operate both locomotive. Only locomotives of the same type that are made to be multiple working together can be operated from the leader of the consist. But over in the US you guys is like connecting 70s SD40s with a state of the art ET44AC. Or an SD70ACe-P4 for an example.
Another Great video. I can remember when there was a tower in Royal Oak, MI that was manned 24/7/365 with someone who activated the crossings in town. Keep them coming Danny!!
I have been around railroads almost all of my life (well the last 55 years or so, anyway). I figured out years ago about the steel wheels & axles forming a crude but effective switch. I did not realize about the approach / island sections but this makes perfect sense and now that I think about it, the signals and gates start well before the train 🚂 gets to the crossing but as soon as the train clears the crossing the gates / signals cancel - and this is true regardless of which direction the train is traveling. The motion detector and other systems are completely new to me. Thank you! This is one of the most worthwhile videos I have ever watched!
I still love to watch the lights, bells and gates drop. Then that big horn blasting.. im 50 yrs old but still feel like im 12 again when i see the train nearing the RR crossing... i guess we all do... love the video
Thank you, that was a great video. With my impatient nature I was worried I would not stick to the full 16 minutes, but you made it interesting, enjoyable, and very informative.
I'm not even interested in trains yet I stayed and finished it because you made it so interesting and fun to watch. The way you explain it is so easy to digest. More power to your channel. We need more people like you that can make learning fun.
My father was a huge train fan and I grew up with HO and G-scale layouts everywhere we lived. YET, I nver knew precisely how crossing signals work! Thank you for filling in this gap in my knowledge.
I'm 75 years old, and I've ALWAYS wondered how the grade crossings "know" that a train is coming (or gone)! Finally, you've clearly explained it! Thanks, Danny!
Thank you so much for providing this information. Living in close proximity of railway lines, I have often wondered what makes the crossing signals work. I have found your explanations very helpful. Thank you.
Love your videos man very informative! Been a huge CSX fan for many years I live about 15 miles from the A line in NC . And grew up a mile from the S line in Raleigh so love all the seaboard and acl talk in your videos.
Signal Maintainer here! Fun Fact many people may know, at 15:40 the signals deactivates after leaving the island block. In a normal Approach, Island, Approach (which is most of my territory) each of the 3 blocks have a stick relay. Basically, when the block is charged, the stick is up, when it's discharged, the stick drops. Most of these sticks have a timer as well. Once the train leaves the island and the signals deactivate at 15:40, the stick for the approach block that he's currently in, is still dropped. Once the relay realizes that the train is out of the Approach that it originated from and leaves the island (Both of those sticks return to their upward position) the stick for the block he's currently in will start a timer. It's called exactly what it is: A stick timer (Or block timer) Basically, after the train leaves the island, the stick timer for the approach block he's still in, will begin counting down. If that train doesn't get out of the last block after a certain amount of time (Typically 8-12 Minutes. I have my crossings set to 10 minutes) the signals will reactivate! So if you're ever near an Approach, Island, Approach signal, and you see the train leave the island but stop on the block after, wait about 8-12 minutes, and the crossing should reactivate!
@@shrek7954 Mine are on a mainline that only sees 15MPH max so we have a lot of wiggle room. The only reason we keep it low is because there's an industry dock halfway in the north approach block, and since it's single tracked, we sometimes have to park flat cars there for the industry to unload. Our crossings are hodge-lodge though. We still have old RSI lights, an old Copper Dioxide GRS Rectifier, and lead acid batteries in a beautifully repainted silver battery box (We call it the toy box).
That’s interesting! Why would the signals reactivate if the train is stopped past the crossing, through? Is it expecting the train to reverse and go back through the crossing after it’s done its business at whatever is past the crossing?
@@OliversElevators It’s more or less a failsafe feature for directional stick circuits. You have 3 blocks like in the video which are the 2 approach blocks and the island (road). When you’re talking about them in terms of direction, I was taught to call it, the origin block (the first approach the train enters), the island block (the road crossing), and the outbound block (the approach block the train enters after leaving the origin and island blocks). Whenever a train leaves the origin and island blocks, the signals deactivate. But if it’s still in the outbound block, the stick timer will expire (mine are set to 10 min) and the signals will reactivate. The 2 main reasons this would happen would be because the crossings uses both approach blocks to tell when a train is approaching. If one of those blocks is still occupied, it can’t tell if a train is approaching the crossings from that direction. So for all the crossing knows, a train could enter the island block at any moment which is typically only 50’ from the road which is not nearly enough time to activate the crossing to warn motorists
@@OliversElevators And to your point, the only other most likely reason I was ever taught, was to prevent any equipment that was rolling backwards or reversing. A I’m sure there’s plenty of FRA reasons but that’s above my pay grade. My job is to install, inspect and maintain. I will tell you tho that a track predictor gets rid of a stick timer because like Danny says in the video, the circuit can detect direction and speed in the rails. So the train could stay in the approaches all damn day if it wanted to without a reactivation. So long as it doesn’t start moving toward the crossing at a certain speed that the Predictor circuit algorithm doesn’t notice as being a reason to activate
Thanks for this. It explains a lot. There is a nearby commuter train station that sits on the south side of a busy road. When the northbound train pulls into the station, the crossing signal fires up, the gates drop, and the road is blocked. For about 20 seconds. Then the system realizes that the train has stopped in the station, and the gates open again. For about 30 seconds. Then the train starts to move and the gates close again. During rush hours, this causes a large backup on the road: from the road being blocked by the crossing gates, and by the heavy traffic leaving the nearby parking lot exit as all of the rail passengers jump in their cars and head home. The backlog is just about cleared up by the time the next train arrives ......
@@SD40Fan_Jason ya its the same thing different name. if i remember from class i think it stands for Predictive motion detection. but we just called them HXP- 3 system. they are not installing those new anymore. the new system is called XP-4 .
I worked for a company (CDL) that builds, installed and maintained rr signals. I was hired to rewire locomotives, but in between those jobs, I would install all the equipment and wiring in the bungalows. Once I went on a job to upgrade signals in Michigan. The companies "head" signals guy was there and couldn't explain to me how the signals were passed between the various blocks. You did a better job at it than he did. I don't know if he was just trying to hold on to his 'secrets', or if he just didn't really know. Thanks for the info...
@@distantsignal yeah, when they asked me to work full time with the signals section, I passed. Don't have time for that stuff. I know it ain't rocket science at all, the rails don't offer too much in the way of high frequency transmission...
I just want to say thank you for some of the most informative informational videos I’ve ever seen and you give them in a classy way I enjoy watching your videos thank you
I've always wondered how a stopped train at a station tells the crossing to activate. Thank you for the excellent explanation. This was a fantastic video!
What an excellent video, Danny! I learned more interesting things about how these giants move about the land as they do. You're a great teacher, and I so enjoy your presentations.
I had already watched this video before, but I just had to come back again after hearing Grady from Practical Engineering suggest your videos to those who wished to see various crossings in action when he covered the same topic. You two both made excellent videos demonstrating how crossing signals work!
I've often wondered how they worked myself. Great explanation. I've also noticed that the ditch lights almost flash in rhythm to the bell. By the way, it was actually William Robinson that invented the track circuit. He founded Union Electric Signal, which in turn, ended up in the hands of George Westinghouse.
9:06 when you work on the railroad long enough to know by EAR what that DTMF tone was before even looking it up ( it was 6-4-2-*) 😉 Edit: I don't even work for CSX, but the Class II Railroad I work for has many power switches where we use DTMF tones to "throw" the switch. And with all Railroads, you use DTMF tones to get a hold of dispatchers and yardmasters on the radio. Basically they're just audio tones that the radio senses. So in theory you can "recreate" the tones if you can replicate the pitch of each DTMF tone.
I think each of them isn't a specific pitch, but a two-note chord. It sounds like it's the same as old touchtone phones, which means that what you have is a pitch for each row of the keypad and a pitch for each column, and every time you press a button it plays both of those notes on top of each other. So there's still 12 identifiable sounds but each one's made of two different frequencies.
@@AlRoderick it's exactly the same. That's what DTMF is. Fun fact, you can basically do all the little goofy tricks you could with dial tones back in the day with the dial tones from the radio lol.
After a long busy day at my Volunteer job, and seeing a new video Danny Uploaded, it can make your evening/night fun and exciting to look forward to watching. Thank you for the information Danny, I learned a lot, glad to see you safe and sound.
I always grew wanting to know how these work, Thank you so much Danny for teaching me about the various ways these Railroad Crossings work. I understood every thing in this video. 10.10 Would Recommend.
Hey there. This is my first view of any of your vids. If this is any indication of how you present each topic, then sir, you will likely have a new subscriber in me. Your explanations, settings, editing and detailed info about the movements and how there are a variety of switches was an easy view yet super informative. Also, getting to see the first responder locos was a treat too. Even finding out about the chalk messages. I've been in love with trains a long time and it's always nice to get other enthusiasts insight. So a big thank you!
I love how Danny says he is going to provide the most basic explanation of crossing signals and then produces the most comprehensive explanation of the different types of crossing systems I've ever seen. Best. TH-camr. Ever.
Very nice explanation for the signaling system. Relatively goof proof.
very good explanation of how they activate
They need to clone this guy because he's got the perfect voice for train videos.
On god
I agree, his content is outstanding!
*I remember being a young kid back in the late 90s playing on the tracks. We were curious on how the crossing arms knew a train was coming and would watch around at what point the train activated the crossing arms. We saw where the activation started once the train left we laid a bed frame across the tracks and sure enough it activated the crossing arms. Being young and dumb we kept activating them until the police came to see whats going on. They yelled at us and called our parents*
That’s awesome lol
does this still work? even if you just took a regular steel pole and touched either sides? and do all RR crossings work like this? or is it just some older ones because I'm not too sure if they updated it and changed how it worked
@@rowan312 I think back then it was the joiner bars we laid the bed frame across. It’s been so long that it what I think it was. Because all we did was lay it across the tracks and a few seconds later it activated the crossing arms. I’m sure it’s different now with technology advances in that city Newark CA. I’m sure it’ll still work on other racks with that system. I’d say I’d go try it to see if it works still but I’m in my 30s now and know better.
@@MrAnderson84 ok. thank you!
We did the same thing with an old metal door frame. Set it off every time and they would just come and toss the frame to the side. Then of course being dumb kids we would just do it again on our way to school. They finally smartened up after 4-5 times and took it with them.
My man, you have THE voice for broadcast or documentary. I would learn literally anything if you narrated it.
Edit: and some quick google-fu tells me you already have a career in radio announcement and production. I knew something sounded right here! Hats off to you, sir.
Wow, thanks very much, Captain!
Hehe, Google-fu! Like that. Great announcers voice, I picked up on that.
Lol "google-fu" gave me a chuckle
Hes the Paul Harvey of railfans
Look him up that's what he does.
Hell of a voice, clear deliberate pronunciation + enunciation, good tempo/pacing.... This guy's got to be a radio dj, voice over artist, or something... Can't you just imagine him saying "This is a test of emergency alert system, this is only a test"? Lol. Love this, subscribing now.
Wow! Thanks for such a nice compliment.
11:48 as the engine's number is 911 and it's painted in the firefighter colors I assume it's a tribute not only to Firefighters but specifically New York City September event of 2001. MYPET GOAT yes we know the truth.
@@distantsignal >> I would like to hear Danny do the History of the Turbo Encabulator
th-cam.com/video/Ac7G7xOG2Ag/w-d-xo.html
I very much agree, he could be a good narrator of PBS documentary.
@@chrishuston4445 he teaches us so well how the crossing system identifies the approaching train to lower the gates, I want to learn how the ambifascient lunar waneshaft effectively prevents side fumbling!
Whenever I hear that "Hello again Railfans" I feel like I can kick through a wall
Frickin SAME
Same
Da heck? 😂
Same!
What did that poor wall do to you😂
In a world gone wrong, Danny Harmon makes it alright.
I learned something today.
Thank you sir!
Like your logo Track and Trail. Gotta be the old Chesapeake & Ohio!!
This is what the internet and TH-cam are great for - educating people in something that is interesting. Thank You.
Literally not even into trains at all but somehow watched this from start to finish. Great entertainment
You know its a good day when Distant Signal uploads.
Yes
Indeed
Ya
It’s 83 degrees here in philly so it’s definitely a good day
Same
As a retired Signalman/Signal Maintainer hired by the Southern Railway System and retired off of the Norfolk Southern Railway: I approve this video!
Many, MANY thanks!
As a signal maintainer for Canadian Pacific Railway. I also approve this video. Well Done.
Woo hoo! Maintainer approved!
As a CSX Engineer, I approve this video as well.
Could you come to Sweden and patch up crossings?
We have some where the gates go up at the wrong time, so people start crossing the rails, only getting halfway across before the gates begin to lower again. It's a disaster waiting to happen
It's been a while since I was a software engineer at Safetran 25 years ago, but your explanation of the various crossing control sensor types and how they work is pretty spot on for the technology in use at that time.
Basically, a transmitter injects an AC signal on one side of the crossing, and is monitored by a receiver connection on the other side of the crossing. The track between the 2 connections is the island. If a train is on the crossing -- the "island" -- the signal is completely shorted by the train's axles and the receiver sees no signal at all, so that's how the electronics know a train is on the crossing.
Otherwise, the train presents a rolling shunt across the tracks, and the two rails and the train constitute a electrical loop which is an inductor, electronically. The closer the train is to the crossing, the smaller the loop and the smaller the inductance. The electronics monitors the amplitude and phase of the received signal - which is changing when a train is moving in the approach circuit due to the changing inductance - and can tell from that whether the train is coming or going, how fast and how close it is, and in the case of a GCP can use that info to predict when the train will hit the crossing, and drop the gates at a predetermined number of seconds beforehand.
Things do get a bit more complicated when there are multiple grade crossings with overlapping approach circuits.
I'm sure crossing control systems are much more sophisticated now though.
That's a great explanation, Mike Thanks! I wish I'd had you along when I was making this video. Ha!
I've often wondered about the signals and how they work. A fast train activates a quarter mile away but a slow one just yards away. Thanks for the best explanation I could have recieved!
Never knew about radio tones activating crossing signals. Thanks Danny!
In places where approach activation is not feasible, it's becoming more common now. But it's a technology that's been in use for at least 25 years!
It makes me curious if it's possible to use different tones to prevent the gates from ever coming down if a train is going to stop before the crossing. That way, traffic can keep going until the train actually does need to continue on.
@@neko7684 if the crossing is equipped with remote control activation and set up with no approach, then it would not activate unless the crew activates it or whenever equipment occupies the island. On the circuits that have an approach and remote activation, the crews are able to override the approach and deactivate the crossing remotely as well.
@@SD40Fan_Jason Or where road traffic doesn't allow a station delay to be used in the predictor.
I've designed/installed DTMF controlled power switches for several Class I's in the last decade in non-signaled territory (no dispatcher control), CSXT included as a signal system engineer.
I don't know why this was in my recommendations, nor am I a fan of trains, but this fascinated me and I ended up watching the whole video.
This youtube algorithm is pretty scary stuff.
I feel it's less that the algorithm is scary, and more that human patterns are fairly predictable. :)
For many years, I had no idea how these signals knew how to activate for an impending train! You did a fantastic job explaining everything!
Glad you enjoyed it!
I came across this video in the recommended. I've been curious about this for about 20 years. i'm 31 now lol This is very detailed yet simple. Very well put together.
There is a whole community of railfan TH-camrs, but Danny Harman stands out for excellent camera work and clear explanations.
@@qwertyTRiG I've been slowly digging into it. This looks like an awesome community already.
Yay! A Danny video! - just one thing to add, whenever the gates are down, or the lights are flashing. Even if the crossing may be broken, NEVER drive around the gates. No matter what, even if the gates have been down for 2 hours, never go around because you never know what is coming!
Mhm!
I live next to the CSX Henderson Sub, and have seen people run past the gates several times. My parents were standing out side near my porch, and almost saw a pickup hit by the J731 local, one night...
@@bluegrassman3040 It's either temporary insanity or a death wish. Either way, these people don't think about how this affects the train crews.
It is also _ALWAYS_ illegal to drive around lowered or raising/lowering crossing gates. Do not do it. This is above and beyond the mass ratio of a train to your car is like your car and an empty soda can.
In many places it is LEGAL to stop and proceed with flashing lights but no gate. Obviously, Stop, Look and Listen, and be sure it's safe to do so before proceeding. But, also check with your local laws, because it varies from place to place in the US.
@@jovetj You're right about it being illegal, but a lot of idiots do it, anyway. I said, elsewhere, it's, either, temporary insanity or a death wish. Either way, more often than not, it ends in death. DON'T DO IT!!!!!
This man is phenomenal, a great teacher and also has a great voice so he should be in Hollywood doing voice overs.
He does! lol
@@mikesmith4644 Hollywood, Florida? lol
Message art is so interesting. I've seen it before, and never realized that it originated with railroad employees as a way of communicating with each other. I always figured that it was just another tag like graffiti.
We used to leave our initials near the Cotts Board to let our shop crew know who inspected the car for repairs. Now it's just on the work orders cover sheet.
this dude actually doesnt know what hes talking abt w this one.. its called moniker writing, originated w hobos & is still primarily practiced by either by hobos or plain ol graffiti writers... some rail workers *do* also write monikers - especially former rail workers - exact same as any other type of graffiti on trains.
It's amazing how much time and effort is put into logistics. They are really important and average people like myself don't thank people like railway engineers often enough.
Once again when Danny Uploads a video we must stop what were doing and watch it!
As always, every time, the best, most professional rail fan video on the internet. Thank you very much for doing the hard work that enables we armchair fans to learn and enjoy. Stay safe!
Honestly one of the most pleasant presenter voices I've heard. This has great production quality and skill
Pardon my gushing, but this chap has the best narration voice ever. And, the fact that I discovered this channel, has been a nugget of gold.
A gentleman - Mark Clay McGowen- has a channel of his experiences as a signalman for UP on here with some very detailed yet protected descriptions of the equipment and the duties it may do within the crossings he used to maintain. Great stuff to add to your collective efforts here sir and just another beauty from the Distant Signal world for us to watch and rewatch...and we always thank you...
And he has a good channel too.
@@jimrawls5509 agreed felt so sorry for him with the COVID ravaging his voice for so long
Danny, this is a great explanation of how changing impedance is used to regulate crossing signals and gates! Thanks!
I'm really glad TH-cam recommended your videos to me, they're very informative and very well done, from the information being well researched and presented in an easy to follow way, to how refined the videos are, this is high quality here, I could easily see this being part of a documentary series on TV or something about railways. Keep up the amazing work!
One thing to point out about Amtrak stopping at grade-crossings is the Winter Park, FL station. Amtrak has to stop _completely_ over one of the grade crossings because the station is designed for SunRail usage mostly. They literally have to disembark passengers in coach, pull the train forward, and then Amtrak unloads the baggage and sleeper passengers. It's very interesting and quite unusual. It'd be cool if you could capture footage of it at some point. It's the only station I've ever seen with that setup.
I think this might've been an issue before SunRail was established.
It was always something I sort of knew, but was always curious how they really worked.. thanks Danny
I dont even need to see the video before I give it the thumbs up. I already know it's good because it's from Danny. Keep up the good content Danny. Hope you're well. Loving it from near Chicago.
Great video! Thanks. As an electrical and systems engineer it’s always fun and enlightening to learn a bit about other industries. This is just the right level of detail.
Hi Danny. I would like to just quickly say thank you for posting "How Railroad Crossing Signals Work" I find this to be an informative TH-cam video. It helps me ti understand what goes on in those grey metal huts or boxes that are near the tracks when I go for my walks. Thanks again.
When you like the video even before watching it!
I always enjoy the education that Danny gives us! Always enjoy learning about the train consists, the routes and timing and the track gear :)
Very nice production quality. The narration was clear and the information wasn't hard to understand to a majority of people new to the rail world. I learned something new today watching this video. I always wanted to know how these railroad crossings work. Good job Danny!
Fun fact: being that the island circuit system only requires something metal to bridge the tracks to activate the signals, objects other than trains can trigger the signals. For example, I plow roads in the winter and have two grade crossings on my route. On a few occasions my truck’s wing blade has bridged the rails and momentarily activated the signals.
I was just in the middle of re-watching the juice train 1997 video when.. boom! New upload!
One can always count on some very valuable information in a Danny Harmon video. Thanks Danny you filled some of my voids regarding signaling. Keep up the great work!
Another simple but incredible detailed explanation of how these systems work!
Congratulations if a job well done Mr. Danny!
The technical content of this channel, as well as the amazing delivery, is some of the best on TH-cam. Really well done! 😊
it’s funny that he not only visited a railfan spot i frequently visit, but he also caught a dash 8 on an amtrak like I did about a week ago.
We we're visiting family in Boca Raton last weekend so I snuck out Sunday morning to Deerfield and picked up that stuff.
@@distantsignal I railfan at deerfield :O
@@distantsignal man the 3194 is such a beautiful engine im glad I caught him at plant city
Could you please do a video on DPU's? Basically I am wondering why some are in the middle and others are on the bottom. Is it just logistics?
I have one question that have been in my head for years now. How do the railway companies make locomotives speak with each other? Here in Norway diffrent types of locomotives can’t work as a pair. Then you gotta need a secound engineer to operate both locomotive. Only locomotives of the same type that are made to be multiple working together can be operated from the leader of the consist. But over in the US you guys is like connecting 70s SD40s with a state of the art ET44AC. Or an SD70ACe-P4 for an example.
Another Great video. I can remember when there was a tower in Royal Oak, MI that was manned 24/7/365 with someone who activated the crossings in town. Keep them coming Danny!!
I have been around railroads almost all of my life (well the last 55 years or so, anyway). I figured out years ago about the steel wheels & axles forming a crude but effective switch. I did not realize about the approach / island sections but this makes perfect sense and now that I think about it, the signals and gates start well before the train 🚂 gets to the crossing but as soon as the train clears the crossing the gates / signals cancel - and this is true regardless of which direction the train is traveling.
The motion detector and other systems are completely new to me.
Thank you! This is one of the most worthwhile videos I have ever watched!
I still love to watch the lights, bells and gates drop. Then that big horn blasting.. im 50 yrs old but still feel like im 12 again when i see the train nearing the RR crossing... i guess we all do... love the video
Awesome video, as both a railfan and electronics hobbyist, this stuff fascinates me.
Excellent presentation, Danny. As an electrical engineer I compliment you for finding the balance between good detail and too techical.
Thank you, that was a great video. With my impatient nature I was worried I would not stick to the full 16 minutes, but you made it interesting, enjoyable, and very informative.
I'm glad I found your videos Danny. Entertaining and informative. I see crossings every day and I always thought they were weight activated.
Everything stops when Danny speaks.
Great content!
How ironic, I was just out watching a Florida central RR train pass, and I see this. Really cool Danny!
This video has no business being this engaging. I can't stop.
I'm not even interested in trains yet I stayed and finished it because you made it so interesting and fun to watch. The way you explain it is so easy to digest.
More power to your channel. We need more people like you that can make learning fun.
That was the best explanation ive ever heard on crossings! Thanks for the info Danny.
3194 sure is a pretty thing, but I sure do love that 911 fire engine red unit.
My father was a huge train fan and I grew up with HO and G-scale layouts everywhere we lived. YET, I nver knew precisely how crossing signals work! Thank you for filling in this gap in my knowledge.
I love this guy's voice. I feel like I'm in a museum watching a feature docudrama
Was having withdrawals. Finally another DH Video to aatch. Lol
Danny, You have no idea how excited I got when u posted this!!!
I'm 75 years old, and I've ALWAYS wondered how the grade crossings "know" that a train is coming (or gone)! Finally, you've clearly explained it! Thanks, Danny!
Thank you so much for providing this information. Living in close proximity of railway lines, I have often wondered what makes the crossing signals work. I have found your explanations very helpful. Thank you.
Whenever I get a notification from a Danny video, it's like getting a wrapped Christmas present and can't wait to open it!
Seeing a video from Danny is always a good way to start a weekend!
You have, by leaps and bounds, the BEST videos and explanations! Thank you!
Love your videos man very informative! Been a huge CSX fan for many years I live about 15 miles from the A line in NC . And grew up a mile from the S line in Raleigh so love all the seaboard and acl talk in your videos.
Signal Maintainer here! Fun Fact many people may know, at 15:40 the signals deactivates after leaving the island block. In a normal Approach, Island, Approach (which is most of my territory) each of the 3 blocks have a stick relay. Basically, when the block is charged, the stick is up, when it's discharged, the stick drops. Most of these sticks have a timer as well. Once the train leaves the island and the signals deactivate at 15:40, the stick for the approach block that he's currently in, is still dropped. Once the relay realizes that the train is out of the Approach that it originated from and leaves the island (Both of those sticks return to their upward position) the stick for the block he's currently in will start a timer. It's called exactly what it is: A stick timer (Or block timer) Basically, after the train leaves the island, the stick timer for the approach block he's still in, will begin counting down. If that train doesn't get out of the last block after a certain amount of time (Typically 8-12 Minutes. I have my crossings set to 10 minutes) the signals will reactivate! So if you're ever near an Approach, Island, Approach signal, and you see the train leave the island but stop on the block after, wait about 8-12 minutes, and the crossing should reactivate!
some of mine are set for 25 minutes.
@@shrek7954 Mine are on a mainline that only sees 15MPH max so we have a lot of wiggle room. The only reason we keep it low is because there's an industry dock halfway in the north approach block, and since it's single tracked, we sometimes have to park flat cars there for the industry to unload. Our crossings are hodge-lodge though. We still have old RSI lights, an old Copper Dioxide GRS Rectifier, and lead acid batteries in a beautifully repainted silver battery box (We call it the toy box).
That’s interesting! Why would the signals reactivate if the train is stopped past the crossing, through? Is it expecting the train to reverse and go back through the crossing after it’s done its business at whatever is past the crossing?
@@OliversElevators It’s more or less a failsafe feature for directional stick circuits. You have 3 blocks like in the video which are the 2 approach blocks and the island (road). When you’re talking about them in terms of direction, I was taught to call it, the origin block (the first approach the train enters), the island block (the road crossing), and the outbound block (the approach block the train enters after leaving the origin and island blocks). Whenever a train leaves the origin and island blocks, the signals deactivate. But if it’s still in the outbound block, the stick timer will expire (mine are set to 10 min) and the signals will reactivate. The 2 main reasons this would happen would be because the crossings uses both approach blocks to tell when a train is approaching. If one of those blocks is still occupied, it can’t tell if a train is approaching the crossings from that direction. So for all the crossing knows, a train could enter the island block at any moment which is typically only 50’ from the road which is not nearly enough time to activate the crossing to warn motorists
@@OliversElevators And to your point, the only other most likely reason I was ever taught, was to prevent any equipment that was rolling backwards or reversing. A I’m sure there’s plenty of FRA reasons but that’s above my pay grade. My job is to install, inspect and maintain. I will tell you tho that a track predictor gets rid of a stick timer because like Danny says in the video, the circuit can detect direction and speed in the rails. So the train could stay in the approaches all damn day if it wanted to without a reactivation. So long as it doesn’t start moving toward the crossing at a certain speed that the Predictor circuit algorithm doesn’t notice as being a reason to activate
Danny enjoyed that little history on how the lights are activated thank you for doing it.
Thanks for this. It explains a lot. There is a nearby commuter train station that sits on the south side of a busy road. When the northbound train pulls into the station, the crossing signal fires up, the gates drop, and the road is blocked. For about 20 seconds. Then the system realizes that the train has stopped in the station, and the gates open again. For about 30 seconds. Then the train starts to move and the gates close again. During rush hours, this causes a large backup on the road: from the road being blocked by the crossing gates, and by the heavy traffic leaving the nearby parking lot exit as all of the rail passengers jump in their cars and head home. The backlog is just about cleared up by the time the next train arrives ......
Thanks for letting us know the basics of how train signals work👍🏻. Now things are a bit more clear👍🏻.
I feel it's necessary to mention that the first iteration of Motion Detectors were developed and distributed by "Harmon Electronics"
Ha! Didn't know that one!!! Thanks!
That's really cool.
they are called a harmon crossing processor. or HXP for short
@@shrek7954 the manual I have is for a Harmon Electronics PMD-1 and PMD-3
@@SD40Fan_Jason ya its the same thing different name. if i remember from class i think it stands for Predictive motion detection. but we just called them HXP- 3 system. they are not installing those new anymore. the new system is called XP-4 .
I knew about the basic set up but the other set ups described today. Well done expanding my rr knowledge!
This is _THE_ best video explaining how this works! Thank you!!! Been curious all 32 years of my life!
This was the most expansive explanation I've ever seen on how the crossings work. Thanks for a great video!!
I’m actually trying to build a realistic functional Lego grade crossing signal as a project- this was a good video to watch for that!
Thanks, Danny! I have been enjoying your work for years.
Thanks again Danny for another fascinating and educational video segment. I really enjoyed watching your reports.
I worked for a company (CDL) that builds, installed and maintained rr signals. I was hired to rewire locomotives, but in between those jobs, I would install all the equipment and wiring in the bungalows. Once I went on a job to upgrade signals in Michigan.
The companies "head" signals guy was there and couldn't explain to me how the signals were passed between the various blocks. You did a better job at it than he did.
I don't know if he was just trying to hold on to his 'secrets', or if he just didn't really know.
Thanks for the info...
Wow! That's a weird one. I hope he knew but was keeping his own secrets.
@@distantsignal yeah, when they asked me to work full time with the signals section, I passed. Don't have time for that stuff. I know it ain't rocket science at all, the rails don't offer too much in the way of high frequency transmission...
Thanks for all you do. Your videos are wonderful
Great video Danny, glad you caught the Pride In Service units!
The Norfolk Southern train coming into Kingsland stops until the arms come down here sometimes. Love those trains. ❤️
Thanks Beulah.
Very interesting piece. Explains in detail, but in a way that's easy to understand. And the narration is easy on the ears, great voicing!! Thanks!!
Yes! More Distant Signal. The railroad historian, I just started freaking out. Yessss
A most EXCELLENT and INFORMATIVE video Danny! Thanks for sharing!
I just want to say thank you for some of the most informative informational videos I’ve ever seen and you give them in a classy way I enjoy watching your videos thank you
I've always wondered how a stopped train at a station tells the crossing to activate. Thank you for the excellent explanation. This was a fantastic video!
Love your videos Danny, if there is any railfanning youtuber I want to watch, it is you! I have notifications on! Love your content Danny!
Alright! Another video from Danny, makes the week feel worth it.
Ya think? lol
What an excellent video, Danny! I learned more interesting things about how these giants move about the land as they do. You're a great teacher, and I so enjoy your presentations.
He's the best!!
I had already watched this video before, but I just had to come back again after hearing Grady from Practical Engineering suggest your videos to those who wished to see various crossings in action when he covered the same topic. You two both made excellent videos demonstrating how crossing signals work!
Wow, thanks to you and Grady. To get a shout-out from someone in his class is a seriously big deal from someone like me.
I learn something every day. I've always wanted to know the control circuitry. Now, I know. Thanks!
Good to have you back Danny. 👍🏻
I'm not sure why youtube recommend this, but it's so calming and definitely something I need right now.
I've often wondered how they worked myself. Great explanation. I've also noticed that the ditch lights almost flash in rhythm to the bell.
By the way, it was actually William Robinson that invented the track circuit. He founded Union Electric Signal, which in turn, ended up in the hands of George Westinghouse.
9:06 when you work on the railroad long enough to know by EAR what that DTMF tone was before even looking it up ( it was 6-4-2-*) 😉
Edit: I don't even work for CSX, but the Class II Railroad I work for has many power switches where we use DTMF tones to "throw" the switch. And with all Railroads, you use DTMF tones to get a hold of dispatchers and yardmasters on the radio. Basically they're just audio tones that the radio senses. So in theory you can "recreate" the tones if you can replicate the pitch of each DTMF tone.
I think each of them isn't a specific pitch, but a two-note chord. It sounds like it's the same as old touchtone phones, which means that what you have is a pitch for each row of the keypad and a pitch for each column, and every time you press a button it plays both of those notes on top of each other. So there's still 12 identifiable sounds but each one's made of two different frequencies.
@@AlRoderick it's exactly the same. That's what DTMF is. Fun fact, you can basically do all the little goofy tricks you could with dial tones back in the day with the dial tones from the radio lol.
Its actually 3-4-2-* but yes I can even tell by ear.
After a long busy day at my Volunteer job, and seeing a new video Danny Uploaded, it can make your evening/night fun and exciting to look forward to watching. Thank you for the information Danny, I learned a lot, glad to see you safe and sound.
I always grew wanting to know how these work, Thank you so much Danny for teaching me about the various ways these Railroad Crossings work. I understood every thing in this video. 10.10 Would Recommend.
Thank you, TH-cam algorithm! Found a new channel with great content. Like they always say "You learn something new every day" and today I learned.
Awesome, James Bond! Welcome aboard.
Well done, Danny. Big fan of all your videos. Have some fun out there on the high iron, and be safe!
I've learned something new yet again! I'm going to look for those art messages on trains I see from now on too 🚂🚂
Danny, your videos never cease to amaze. You have earned my subscription.
Hey there. This is my first view of any of your vids. If this is any indication of how you present each topic, then sir, you will likely have a new subscriber in me.
Your explanations, settings, editing and detailed info about the movements and how there are a variety of switches was an easy view yet super informative. Also, getting to see the first responder locos was a treat too. Even finding out about the chalk messages.
I've been in love with trains a long time and it's always nice to get other enthusiasts insight.
So a big thank you!
Mr. Harmon is the best!!