I’m a retired nurse from the city who knows next to nothing about trains. Your channel is so interesting to me that I become excited when I see that you have posted! Thank you for the research you perform and your ease of making train information understandable to a novice like me! Keep up the great work!
Aren't his videos amazing? That's so cool that you've discovered the joy of trains later in life. I've loved them since I was 3 or 4 years old. To this day, the sound of a train horn, no matter how distant, excites me. I only wish that I knew more about them. That's why we have Mr Harmon!
I tend to forget that you don't just know all these things on the top of your head, Danny. 😄 I appreciate when you're open about the details you don't know and consult with experts to fill in the gaps.
AND, you never talk down to us BUT you certainly make a (surprisingly) involved answer easily understood with marvelous examples - keep up the wonderful work
@@geeceediam4566 That is one thing that makes Danny's videos so damned nice to watch - he talks to his viewers like he's talking to friends and family.
Over the years, I've come to realize how prevalent and extensive the American RR system actually was. My schooling let me down to this fact, whether through history or social studies. I knew that there "was" a RR in my home town. But as the conversation would re-emerge, there was facts that changed. Then I found out that there was 2 railroads in my home town. The elders just assumed that I knew that we had 2 RR's in town. I did not. As I continue to focus on railroad history, I'm finding even more railroad history that I never even knew existed.
@@lancereagan3046 The USA has such an amazing history of RR. Too bad car-centric design won. Had the USA doubled-down on RR you would have the world's most advanced rail-based public transit network.
You haven’t had your mind blown until you’ve been watching one of Danny’s videos on TH-cam AND out of nowhere you hear him narrating a commercial on cable television at the same time.
5:10 what's even cooler to me is that the AC tower wasn't just closer to the track, it was on the opposite corner of the diamonds and craned across when the Union Station Association acquired it. Great video Danny!
Great video as usual! It is important to note that railroad companies prefer to meet railway lines at an angle smaller (or greater) than 90 degrees. At at a right angle, both wheels on the axle jump the gap at the same time, which increases the wear and the forces acting on the diamond. At an angle, only one wheel jumps the gap at one time.
That's also where to my understanding the name comes from. If it's got a non-90° angle, you'll see a sorta diamond-shape on the inside (instead of just a square).
@@skendermakota2381It's funny, though, because motorcycles are instructed to always cross railroad tracks at exactly a 90 degree angle, even if it means swerving a bit within the lane upon approach. This is because motorcycles only have one wheel per axle, so there's a greater chance of the wheel getting stuck in the rut of the train crossing it it crosses at a shallow angle.
Danny, of all the train videos I watch (and there are a bunch), you are clearly my favorite. Your attention to education is outstanding. As a life long rail fan, I have learned so much that I never had any idea about before watching your videos. You're a real asset to our railfanning community and I'm sure glad YT has created the platform for you to share your broadcasting skills with us. Thank you!!!
Dan, you did an excellent job in answering the viewers question. I'm a retired conductor, 43 years of service, started out as a tower man. You are indeed a professional; properly researched for a proper answer. I thoroughly enjoy your channel.✝🚂😎
Very cool video as always. We enjoyed watching. In my 25 years on the Canadian Pacific Railroad of course now CPKC I was incharge of maintaining a diamond most of my career that crosses the Canadian National in Duplainville Wisconsin which used to be Milwaukee Road crossing the Soo Line back in the day. Us at the Canadian Pacific were in control of the diamonds and maintaining them. The Wisconsin Central now Canadian National MoW crews would come out and help us on big projects at the Duplainville diamonds then the maintenance would be billed equally. Have a wonderful rest of your thursday evening.(Steve)
WOW!!! I never suspected that diamonds were so complicated. I thought trains just cross them when there was no other train coming (much like cars at a 4-way intersection).
I'm pretty sure there are some examples of railroad crossings that are operated like that, i.e. without any signaling system/without any coordination between both lines, thus transferring the responsibility for mutual exclusive usage of the diamond to the train drivers by visual checking for trains possibly arriving on the other line - but this, of course, drastically limits the maximum speed or even requires to come to a full stop in front of the crossing
Such a cool and interesting video. I've lived in Orlando all my life and I never knew Tampa put in a streetcar system in the 2000s. Honestly more cities should have them, but we all know who screwed that pooch. [Glares at automotive companies] That barbecue joint looks legitimately awesome.
That barbecue place is awsome, I have gotten food there many times in the past. Just wish it wasn't so far from where I now live. Used to live just around the corner from there.
Your videos always teach me things i didn't know I wanted to know. I also enjoy the restaurant reviews. I may never travel to Florida, but if I do I'll know where to eat.
I love all the videos Danny produces. He is a natural and has the best voice for presentations. I was born in Valdosta and still live 6 miles west of the city. To see a shot of the NS/CSX diamond on Savannah Ave in Valdosta was a treat, same for Cordele and Crawford Fl which are familiar places on our channel. I am still hoping to see Danny out on the High Iron one day. Believe you me, that will be a moment to remember for me and my wife as we are out looking for trains to video. Good work and keep them coming. Ben
Danny I worked as a Train Operator in several towers in the Cincinnati area for the Chessie System back in the late 70’s on into the 80’s when the mergers created CSX. Man what great memories. Thanks for your hard work to educate us RailFans. 😎👍🏾
G'Day from Western Australia ! I was a Loco technician from 1979-1983. I've never seen a diamond, per se, so I found this very interesting. Thank you Danny !
Another award winning video.🏆 Appreciate the time you take to do your homework. I can relate to that in my job before I retired. A one hour presentation can take numerous hours of prep time. Always look forward to your videos. Once again your taught an old dog a new trick! 👍😁🇺🇲
This channel has made me start railfanning my local railroad, the Portland and Western, and its Toledo Hauler train that runs frequently in the small lumber town of Toledo, OR where I recently moved to. Also Danny you should know whenever I play your videos and you say "Hello again railfans" my girlfriend grins from ear to ear and says "Hi Danny!" Love the channel and I always immediately watch your new videos whenever I see you upload them!
As always, this was a "diamond" of a video. I always smile when I get a notification saying you have posted a new video because I know it's going to make the day that much better. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Danny!! 😊
Mr. D. Harmon speaks near perfect, American english. Enunciation, tone, accent, inflection, rhythm . Not a single word did i misunderstand. A dissappearing trait . . . ☆
I'm a former CN employee (telecommunications) and this reminded me of a diamond on the CN main line, at OBA Ontario. The Algoma Central Railway crossed the CN at Oba, on a shallow angle and then passed the station. CN was on the south side of the station and ACR on the north. The ACR then continued on west to the interchange track, where cars could be passed between the railways, before turning north towards Hearst. Back in the mid 70s, ACR was owned by Canadian Pacific, but is now owned by Canadian National. I am very familiar with Oba, as the only way I ever got there was by train and I'd often have to wait a long time for another train, passenger or freight, to take me out. There's next to nothing in Oba. IIRC, in addition to the station, there was a store and not much else. The ACR ran from Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst. You might have heard of the Agawa canyon tours, where the ACR runs passenger trains for tourists to see the sights, particularly when the leaves change colour in the fall.
Great video as always Danny! I wanted to mention a rule we have at NS for automatic interlockings. When approaching a signal governing an automatic interlocking at a speed of 25 mph or less, movement must proceed towards the interlocking prepared to stop (similar to operating on an Approach) even if the signal can be seen as displaying a favorable indication. The reason for this is the timing system you mentioned. When moving slowly towards an interlocking, it is always possible that the time may run out as you are approaching. This means you could go from having a Clear straight to a Stop within seconds. This rule exists to prevent crews from potentially passing a signal at danger. If you do not comply with this rule and approach an interlocking, the signal drops, and you get enforced, you will still be found at fault for failure to operate in accordance with the rules and will be thrown out on the street and taken to investigation. Auto Interlockings are nifty but if you don’t understand all of the rules that go with them, you can very easily end up in trouble! Hope this information was helpful!
Although not stated in your analysis, the rule must presume that approaching the crossing at a speed greater than 25 mph will insure the train will preserve the occupancy required by the system logic and foul the track circuit protection against the opposing track, but a train that approaches at a speed of less than 25 mph will be able to stop prior to fouling, if an opposing train calls for a signal. The logic is a bit more complicated, just think "if then, but".
@@glennfoster2423 that is exactly why the rule exists. If you are going faster than 25 mph, the signal will not time out and drop. A speed of greater than 25 mph when approaching an automatic interlocking protected by NS Rule 280 will preserve your occupancy.
Distant Signal is one of the few channels for which I will like a video as soon as it starts playing - because I KNOW it will be awesome! Plus the always-welcome BBQ lunch. Thanks Danny! 👍👍
Absolutely incredible video. I've always wondered how they controlled movements on those just never thought to ask. Always look forward to seeing your videos. I can't wait for the next one.
I was really looking forward to this video. From 1960 to 1969 i was a towerman on the Chicago Terminal Division of the Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific and while there were junctions and yards there were a lot of diamonds. My favorite tower was Joliet UD controlling at that time 16 diamonds the RI double track main and two yard track coach yard crossing double track Santa Fe and the double track Chicago & Alton with a lot of crossovers. Dispatchers had a little work on the division issuing slow orders, working one shift at a tower that had a CTC 😅machine as well as a conventional interlocking machine 17:41
What a Great Subject and it’s Safe to Say that NO ONE has Ever Covered a Subject Like 👍 this in the same Great Detail of ALL of your Videos. ALL about Facts. 👍
One of few diamonds in my neck of the woods still have tilt board signals protecting the crossing. First you pull up and come to a complete stop. You have to get permission from the dispatcher to cross and line the signal up for your movement. Then drop a 15 minute fusee on both sides of diamond and then position the tilt board signal for your movement. All the while looking out for any other train movement from the other line. But...they rarely see or even meet other over the lightly travelled routes. Be safe out there and thanks for sharing some good information.
This is sort of like the "five minute rule". Where specified, a train desiring to enter a main track in signalized territory an employee may open a switch, attend the switch (to line it back normal should a train on the main track approach), and after 5 minutes (or time specified by the railroad based on maximum authorized speed) enter the main track.
Man I think about all the research involved to put this together. I have always loved trains. Looking at those diamonds is interesting. Seeing how railroads had to cooperate, to cross trains safely. Tryibg to imagine the maintenance involved, it has to be staggering. Keep up the good work!!
Hi I love you videos very helpful informative too and just gray pictures of the trains and I really do enjoy your videos God bless you and your family and keep them coming I really did it to get enjoyment out of them keep them coming
Really cool to see how you guys do things in the US, especially how all of the different companies play together. I’m in Ireland, all of the rails and trains are owned and operated by Iarnród Éireann, which is a subsidiary of the state-owned company Córas Iompair Éireann. Definitely streamlines the process for us when it’s all one company operating on all of the rails, although there is a small exception on some of the Inter-city routes crossing the border to Northern Ireland. Here we also use an unusually wide track gauge of 1,600mm/5 ft 3 in. Love these videos and how it highlights the differences and similarities of railways throughout the world! Keep ‘em coming!
Hey, Danny. Glad to see you again and teach us other railfans about the diamonds. You do an excellent job. Take care, Danny, and I will be looking forward to seeing you soon. Robert over and out.
Years ago I regularly watched the live cam at Rochelle. The diamond was pounded. I watched as trains bounced and bobed and weaved accross the diamond. Then some maintaince began. Finally work got serious on the diamond and new electrics. The new signal bridge (off cam at the time). Now things there look smooth as trains roll through. Track workers success.
Great video, Danny! Always fascinating hardware on the RR... there are some crazy diamonds up north and even was one in Miami when the Seaboard crossed six FEC tracks to access one of the old docks.
Thanks for the shout out and yeah, I normally get the Ribs with Baked Beans and Potato Salad at Grangers. I consider it a fair trade on recommendations as one of your previous videos clued me in to the excellent Oakwood Express in Wildwood, a normal stop for me now when fanning the Wildwood Subdivision. A few other local recommendations, if you're ever in the Auburndale area in the morning the Pantry Diner is a great stop for breakfast and if you hit up the West Lake Wales Branch for the Florida Midland Railroad, I have two great places to stop off the Scenic 17 Highway. The Crooked Bass is a Bar and Grill Restaurant in Babson Park that has great Ribeye Steaks, Prime Rib, Fried Shrimp, Wings, and Burgers. Finally, Frostbite Ice Cream in Frostproof is great for grab and go with burgers and milkshakes.
Thanks for the ton of information. I'll try to incorporate some of that in my model railroad. Someone in Fostoria Ohio has a steaming channel of the dispatchers there and it can be crazy.
Excellent presentation and both informative and easy to follow along. Just off Milwaukee's downtown a 2 track streetcar line crossed the Milwaukee Road's 2 track approach to the depot and was at a bit of an angle and I believe set in bricks. Because of their later arrivals interurbans frequently did have to build a bridge over or under the steam Road especially in the Midwest. Thanks for the top-notch presentation
@distantsignal I like how informative you are and people ask great questions. I'm gonna try to work for the railroad. Can't wait to mention you when I do come to Florida.
Danny, many years ago, in my neck of the woods (Fort Wayne, Indiana), two of the Easterly and Westerly Railroads crossed each other in an Industrial district. The Pennsylvania, and the Wabash, basically changed places -VIA- and 'X' diamond; where one was moving to the Northeast, and the other to the Southwest. One old Pennsy conductor had told me that the Wabash had absolute control of the diamond. If anyone from the Pennsy had irritated the dispatcher/controller at the Wabash tower, he could hold up the Pennsy train in a retaliation move as punishment and placed that train behind schedule.
I think it was around 1983 when I was a boy in Canton Illinois. A man working for the Burlington Northern came to service the diamond that crossed the Toledo Peoria and Western. The procedure he performed was to grind the wear points of the diamond down past whatever hairline cracks could be detected. It was quite a bit of material that was removed, at least 2 inches back on each side in every direction. I was really surprised when he let the local pass by during the operation. After the grinding he fired up the welder and placed bead on top of bead, then ground it down till it was like new again. It took him two days.
Great informative video Danny! I actually filmed a short line and CSX meeting at a diamond, and it was the short line that went first. Somehow, the CSX crew seemed impatient having to wait for their turn.
Great video as always Danny. Watching the close-ups of the diamond (which were great) I noticed a loose bolt moving around. I know you said these required more maintenance but it would be interesting in a part 2 if there is any video of service work or the time table they use to service them. For example, do they have crews that tighten the bolts periodically? Thanks again!
Thanks for the refresher! I watched your video just to see if I could learn something. Low & behold I had never heard of an O.W.L.S. Crossing diamond. I retired 10 years ago from the U.P.'s Spring Dispatch Center in the Houston Service District. When it comes to who controls the diamond, all territories that I ever worked the diamonds were controlled by the first railroad at that location, going back to the original railroad.
You always do an excellent job and I much appreciate the information and insights your videos provide. I have watched most of them and only wish you had the time and other resources to do more. Keep up the great work.
I've always enjoyed listening to trains going across diamonds. I'm generally not a fan of loud noises, but that rhythmic thunder is just music to my ears. Thanks for another great video!
Danny, thanks for a great video! We sometimes see a railroad feature like a diamond and don't realize that there are a lot of rules and information behind it. You are the best one to explain it to us. Thanks again.
Thanks for this excellent video! The only down side was that it left me feeling hungry again after seeing that delicious food. The steel in those diamond crossings must be something else! Good Lord, what a beating they take! Thanks again!🙏
Your videos are great. I’ll throw in my experience with railroad diamonds. I briefly worked for New England Central in 2005, qualified from Brattleboro VT to East Alburg VT. In that territory, we ran through Bellows Falls VT, where the Vermont Rail System crosses via a diamond. NECR controls the diamond, and VTR must contact the NECR dispatcher to request the signal to cross. My understanding is that the Rutland RR (now VTR) was there first, and the Central Vermont RR (Now NECR) wanted to build their route across the existing Rutland route. The agreement going forward was for CV to maintain and control the diamond.
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The legend is back
Yes!
We always wait impatiently for the next video.
Oh yes for sure 😊
Fr
Fr
Danny Harmon is a True Class Act. His Railfanning Knowledge is Priceless. Thank you, Danny. 👍🙏
I’m a retired nurse from the city who knows next to nothing about trains. Your channel is so interesting to me that I become excited when I see that you have posted! Thank you for the research you perform and your ease of making train information understandable to a novice like me! Keep up the great work!
Aren't his videos amazing? That's so cool that you've discovered the joy of trains later in life. I've loved them since I was 3 or 4 years old. To this day, the sound of a train horn, no matter how distant, excites me. I only wish that I knew more about them. That's why we have Mr Harmon!
I tend to forget that you don't just know all these things on the top of your head, Danny. 😄 I appreciate when you're open about the details you don't know and consult with experts to fill in the gaps.
AND, you never talk down to us BUT you certainly make a (surprisingly) involved answer easily understood with marvelous examples - keep up the wonderful work
@@geeceediam4566 That is one thing that makes Danny's videos so damned nice to watch - he talks to his viewers like he's talking to friends and family.
Over the years, I've come to realize how prevalent and extensive the American RR system actually was. My schooling let me down to this fact, whether through history or social studies. I knew that there "was" a RR in my home town. But as the conversation would re-emerge, there was facts that changed. Then I found out that there was 2 railroads in my home town. The elders just assumed that I knew that we had 2 RR's in town. I did not. As I continue to focus on railroad history, I'm finding even more railroad history that I never even knew existed.
@@lancereagan3046 The USA has such an amazing history of RR. Too bad car-centric design won. Had the USA doubled-down on RR you would have the world's most advanced rail-based public transit network.
You haven’t had your mind blown until you’ve been watching one of Danny’s videos on TH-cam AND out of nowhere you hear him narrating a commercial on cable television at the same time.
5:10 what's even cooler to me is that the AC tower wasn't just closer to the track, it was on the opposite corner of the diamonds and craned across when the Union Station Association acquired it. Great video Danny!
Funny enough, last night I was watching an old Union Pacific employee training video discussing interlocking procedures. Great timing Danny!
Great video as usual! It is important to note that railroad companies prefer to meet railway lines at an angle smaller (or greater) than 90 degrees. At at a right angle, both wheels on the axle jump the gap at the same time, which increases the wear and the forces acting on the diamond. At an angle, only one wheel jumps the gap at one time.
That's also where to my understanding the name comes from. If it's got a non-90° angle, you'll see a sorta diamond-shape on the inside (instead of just a square).
This is what I do when I drive my car over speed bumps, same thing happens to car axles if they hit anything full on 90 degrees
@@Sp4mMe I think it's called a diamond because of how expensive they are to install.
Thank you for this comment; it makes a lot of sense.
@@skendermakota2381It's funny, though, because motorcycles are instructed to always cross railroad tracks at exactly a 90 degree angle, even if it means swerving a bit within the lane upon approach. This is because motorcycles only have one wheel per axle, so there's a greater chance of the wheel getting stuck in the rut of the train crossing it it crosses at a shallow angle.
Danny, of all the train videos I watch (and there are a bunch), you are clearly my favorite. Your attention to education is outstanding. As a life long rail fan, I have learned so much that I never had any idea about before watching your videos. You're a real asset to our railfanning community and I'm sure glad YT has created the platform for you to share your broadcasting skills with us. Thank you!!!
I was the boy in the green and black shirt!
I’m subscribed to you
Dan, you did an excellent job in answering the viewers question. I'm a retired conductor, 43 years of service, started out as a tower man. You are indeed a professional; properly researched for a proper answer. I thoroughly enjoy your channel.✝🚂😎
Love the videos Danny. Always fun to see how different parts of the railroad work!
Very cool video as always. We enjoyed watching. In my 25 years on the Canadian Pacific Railroad of course now CPKC I was incharge of maintaining a diamond most of my career that crosses the Canadian National in Duplainville Wisconsin which used to be Milwaukee Road crossing the Soo Line back in the day. Us at the Canadian Pacific were in control of the diamonds and maintaining them. The Wisconsin Central now Canadian National MoW crews would come out and help us on big projects at the Duplainville diamonds then the maintenance would be billed equally. Have a wonderful rest of your thursday evening.(Steve)
HOORAY! New video from Danny, as excellent as always. Thumbs up from Mexico 🇲🇽
WOW!!! I never suspected that diamonds were so complicated. I thought trains just cross them when there was no other train coming (much like cars at a 4-way intersection).
I'm pretty sure there are some examples of railroad crossings that are operated like that, i.e. without any signaling system/without any coordination between both lines, thus transferring the responsibility for mutual exclusive usage of the diamond to the train drivers by visual checking for trains possibly arriving on the other line - but this, of course, drastically limits the maximum speed or even requires to come to a full stop in front of the crossing
Great job Danny, another fantastic video!
Such a cool and interesting video. I've lived in Orlando all my life and I never knew Tampa put in a streetcar system in the 2000s. Honestly more cities should have them, but we all know who screwed that pooch. [Glares at automotive companies]
That barbecue joint looks legitimately awesome.
I also lived in Orlando and never knew about the TECO street cars until I left. The best part about the TECO trolly is it's free.
That barbecue place is awsome, I have gotten food there many times in the past. Just wish it wasn't so far from where I now live. Used to live just around the corner from there.
They have some of the best Ribs in all of Polk County.
Is this type of transportation cost effective. They make little profit, if any. They are a drain on the city budget.
GM, Firestone and Standard oil destroyed the interurban railroads.
Love to see the wall growing in railroad signs
O M gosh, can you imagine the damaged cars from hitting that diamond that were not paying attention?
O M Gosh, can you imagine the destroyed cities from constantly making concessions for the automobile?
LETS GOOOOOO I’ve been waiting for this for ever. Keep making the amazing content. ❤
Your videos always teach me things i didn't know I wanted to know.
I also enjoy the restaurant reviews. I may never travel to Florida, but if I do I'll know where to eat.
I love all the videos Danny produces. He is a natural and has the best voice for presentations. I was born in Valdosta and still live 6 miles west of the city. To see a shot of the NS/CSX diamond on Savannah Ave in Valdosta was a treat, same for Cordele and Crawford Fl which are familiar places on our channel. I am still hoping to see Danny out on the High Iron one day. Believe you me, that will be a moment to remember for me and my wife as we are out looking for trains to video. Good work and keep them coming. Ben
Danny I worked as a Train Operator in several towers in the Cincinnati area for the Chessie System back in the late 70’s on into the 80’s when the mergers created CSX. Man what great memories. Thanks for your hard work to educate us RailFans. 😎👍🏾
I'm really wondering where the hell the FTC was at when CSX gobbled up all these smaller railroads...
Awesome 😎 content as always and your Narration is always perfect and I ❤ how your wall is growing with railroad stuff!
Good job Danny
Always a smile when I see a Distant Signal video!!!
G'Day from Western Australia ! I was a Loco technician from 1979-1983. I've never seen a diamond, per se, so I found this very interesting. Thank you Danny !
Another award winning video.🏆 Appreciate the time you take to do your homework. I can relate to that in my job before I retired. A one hour presentation can take numerous hours of prep time.
Always look forward to your videos. Once again your taught an old dog a new trick! 👍😁🇺🇲
Great content I appreciate your channel.
Thank you for your time in making this video it was informative and enjoyed as usual
TBH I found this video to be way more interesting and educational that I thought it'd be
This channel has made me start railfanning my local railroad, the Portland and Western, and its Toledo Hauler train that runs frequently in the small lumber town of Toledo, OR where I recently moved to. Also Danny you should know whenever I play your videos and you say "Hello again railfans" my girlfriend grins from ear to ear and says "Hi Danny!"
Love the channel and I always immediately watch your new videos whenever I see you upload them!
She's a keeper!!
As always, this was a "diamond" of a video. I always smile when I get a notification saying you have posted a new video because I know it's going to make the day that much better. Thank you for your hard work and dedication, Danny!! 😊
Mr. D. Harmon speaks near perfect, American english.
Enunciation, tone, accent, inflection, rhythm .
Not a single word did i misunderstand.
A dissappearing trait . . .
☆
I'm a former CN employee (telecommunications) and this reminded me of a diamond on the CN main line, at OBA Ontario. The Algoma Central Railway crossed the CN at Oba, on a shallow angle and then passed the station. CN was on the south side of the station and ACR on the north. The ACR then continued on west to the interchange track, where cars could be passed between the railways, before turning north towards Hearst. Back in the mid 70s, ACR was owned by Canadian Pacific, but is now owned by Canadian National. I am very familiar with Oba, as the only way I ever got there was by train and I'd often have to wait a long time for another train, passenger or freight, to take me out. There's next to nothing in Oba. IIRC, in addition to the station, there was a store and not much else. The ACR ran from Sault Ste. Marie to Hearst. You might have heard of the Agawa canyon tours, where the ACR runs passenger trains for tourists to see the sights, particularly when the leaves change colour in the fall.
Great video as always Danny!
I wanted to mention a rule we have at NS for automatic interlockings.
When approaching a signal governing an automatic interlocking at a speed of 25 mph or less, movement must proceed towards the interlocking prepared to stop (similar to operating on an Approach) even if the signal can be seen as displaying a favorable indication.
The reason for this is the timing system you mentioned. When moving slowly towards an interlocking, it is always possible that the time may run out as you are approaching.
This means you could go from having a Clear straight to a Stop within seconds. This rule exists to prevent crews from potentially passing a signal at danger. If you do not comply with this rule and approach an interlocking, the signal drops, and you get enforced, you will still be found at fault for failure to operate in accordance with the rules and will be thrown out on the street and taken to investigation.
Auto Interlockings are nifty but if you don’t understand all of the rules that go with them, you can very easily end up in trouble!
Hope this information was helpful!
Although not stated in your analysis, the rule must presume that approaching the crossing at a speed greater than 25 mph will insure the train will preserve the occupancy required by the system logic and foul the track circuit protection against the opposing track, but a train that approaches at a speed of less than 25 mph will be able to stop prior to fouling, if an opposing train calls for a signal.
The logic is a bit more complicated, just think "if then, but".
@@glennfoster2423 that is exactly why the rule exists. If you are going faster than 25 mph, the signal will not time out and drop. A speed of greater than 25 mph when approaching an automatic interlocking protected by NS Rule 280 will preserve your occupancy.
This is the best railfan channel out there, by far. Keep up the great work, Danny!
When a video answers a question you're always had, but never thought to ask. Thanks, Danny!
Distant Signal is one of the few channels for which I will like a video as soon as it starts playing - because I KNOW it will be awesome! Plus the always-welcome BBQ lunch. Thanks Danny! 👍👍
Thanks for doing all the research and groundwork. Really appreciate your videos!
Thanks Danny, as always, one of the very best railfan channels. ❤
Consistently the best railfan channel on the net.
Always a pleasure Danny. You got me on a couple of good points on this one. Appreciated.
Absolutely incredible video. I've always wondered how they controlled movements on those just never thought to ask. Always look forward to seeing your videos. I can't wait for the next one.
I was really looking forward to this video. From 1960 to 1969 i was a towerman on the Chicago Terminal Division of the Chicago, Rock Island, & Pacific and while there were junctions and yards there were a lot of diamonds. My favorite tower was Joliet UD controlling at that time 16 diamonds the RI double track main and two yard track coach yard crossing double track Santa Fe and the double track Chicago & Alton with a lot of crossovers.
Dispatchers had a little work on the division issuing slow orders, working one shift at a tower that had a CTC 😅machine as well as a conventional interlocking machine 17:41
Grew up around trains and always had an interest in them. Never once did I ever ponder how one track crossed another.
What a Great Subject and it’s Safe to Say that NO ONE has Ever Covered a Subject Like 👍 this in the same Great Detail of ALL of your Videos. ALL about Facts. 👍
One of few diamonds in my neck of the woods still have tilt board signals protecting the crossing. First you pull up and come to a complete stop. You have to get permission from the dispatcher to cross and line the signal up for your movement. Then drop a 15 minute fusee on both sides of diamond and then position the tilt board signal for your movement. All the while looking out for any other train movement from the other line. But...they rarely see or even meet other over the lightly travelled routes. Be safe out there and thanks for sharing some good information.
This is sort of like the "five minute rule". Where specified, a train desiring to enter a main track in signalized territory an employee may open a switch, attend the switch (to line it back normal should a train on the main track approach), and after 5 minutes (or time specified by the railroad based on maximum authorized speed) enter the main track.
Man I think about all the research involved to put this together. I have always loved trains. Looking at those diamonds is interesting. Seeing how railroads had to cooperate, to cross trains safely. Tryibg to imagine the maintenance involved, it has to be staggering. Keep up the good work!!
Always appreciate the time and effort that goes into your videos. I definitely learned something new today!
Hi I love you videos very helpful informative too and just gray pictures of the trains and I really do enjoy your videos God bless you and your family and keep them coming I really did it to get enjoyment out of them keep them coming
Really cool to see how you guys do things in the US, especially how all of the different companies play together. I’m in Ireland, all of the rails and trains are owned and operated by Iarnród Éireann, which is a subsidiary of the state-owned company Córas Iompair Éireann. Definitely streamlines the process for us when it’s all one company operating on all of the rails, although there is a small exception on some of the Inter-city routes crossing the border to Northern Ireland. Here we also use an unusually wide track gauge of 1,600mm/5 ft 3 in. Love these videos and how it highlights the differences and similarities of railways throughout the world! Keep ‘em coming!
Hey, Danny. Glad to see you again and teach us other railfans about the diamonds. You do an excellent job. Take care, Danny, and I will be looking forward to seeing you soon. Robert over and out.
Years ago I regularly watched the live cam at Rochelle. The diamond was pounded. I watched as trains bounced and bobed and weaved accross the diamond. Then some maintaince began. Finally work got serious on the diamond and new electrics. The new signal bridge (off cam at the time). Now things there look smooth as trains roll through. Track workers success.
Thank you for another great video Danny appreciating all the info you provide. Have a great day.
It's always a good day when there's a new Danny Harmon video! 😊
Great video, Danny! Always fascinating hardware on the RR... there are some crazy diamonds up north and even was one in Miami when the Seaboard crossed six FEC tracks to access one of the old docks.
Thanks for the shout out and yeah, I normally get the Ribs with Baked Beans and Potato Salad at Grangers. I consider it a fair trade on recommendations as one of your previous videos clued me in to the excellent Oakwood Express in Wildwood, a normal stop for me now when fanning the Wildwood Subdivision. A few other local recommendations, if you're ever in the Auburndale area in the morning the Pantry Diner is a great stop for breakfast and if you hit up the West Lake Wales Branch for the Florida Midland Railroad, I have two great places to stop off the Scenic 17 Highway. The Crooked Bass is a Bar and Grill Restaurant in Babson Park that has great Ribeye Steaks, Prime Rib, Fried Shrimp, Wings, and Burgers. Finally, Frostbite Ice Cream in Frostproof is great for grab and go with burgers and milkshakes.
Thanks Josh! I'm putting those places on my list.
I literally had a dream last night that you uploaded, my dreams really have came true.
Great job Danny thank you for another amazing video and I can’t wait for the next one to come out
Thanks for the ton of information. I'll try to incorporate some of that in my model railroad. Someone in Fostoria Ohio has a steaming channel of the dispatchers there and it can be crazy.
Great video as always. I lived near a diamond when I was young and it took a few years after moving to have a good sleep without that distinct noise.
I have been working a lot here lately. Nothing better than waking up on a Saturday morning with a cup of hot coffee to watch one of your videos.
On any given Saturday morning I'm happy to just wake up.
Excellent presentation and both informative and easy to follow along. Just off Milwaukee's downtown a 2 track streetcar line crossed the Milwaukee Road's 2 track approach to the depot and was at a bit of an angle and I believe set in bricks. Because of their later arrivals interurbans frequently did have to build a bridge over or under the steam Road especially in the Midwest. Thanks for the top-notch presentation
Glad it was helpful!
@distantsignal I like how informative you are and people ask great questions. I'm gonna try to work for the railroad. Can't wait to mention you when I do come to Florida.
Danny, many years ago, in my neck of the woods (Fort Wayne, Indiana), two of the Easterly and Westerly Railroads crossed each other in an Industrial district. The Pennsylvania, and the Wabash, basically changed places -VIA- and 'X' diamond; where one was moving to the Northeast, and the other to the Southwest. One old Pennsy conductor had told me that the Wabash had absolute control of the diamond. If anyone from the Pennsy had irritated the dispatcher/controller at the Wabash tower, he could hold up the Pennsy train in a retaliation move as punishment and placed that train behind schedule.
I think it was around 1983 when I was a boy in Canton Illinois. A man working for the Burlington Northern came to service the diamond that crossed the Toledo Peoria and Western. The procedure he performed was to grind the wear points of the diamond down past whatever hairline cracks could be detected. It was quite a bit of material that was removed, at least 2 inches back on each side in every direction. I was really surprised when he let the local pass by during the operation. After the grinding he fired up the welder and placed bead on top of bead, then ground it down till it was like new again. It took him two days.
Your videos are always informative and this one is no exception. Thanks for all your good work.
Great informative video Danny! I actually filmed a short line and CSX meeting at a diamond, and it was the short line that went first. Somehow, the CSX crew seemed impatient having to wait for their turn.
Great video as always Danny. Watching the close-ups of the diamond (which were great) I noticed a loose bolt moving around. I know you said these required more maintenance but it would be interesting in a part 2 if there is any video of service work or the time table they use to service them. For example, do they have crews that tighten the bolts periodically? Thanks again!
Thanks Danny for these great shows
Glad to see you back Danny. Always, I mean always, I really enjoy your tutorials and the fantastic information that you provide. Thank you so much!!!
Thanks for the refresher! I watched your video just to see if I could learn something. Low & behold I had never heard of an O.W.L.S. Crossing diamond. I retired 10 years ago from the U.P.'s Spring Dispatch Center in the Houston Service District. When it comes to who controls the diamond, all territories that I ever worked the diamonds were controlled by the first railroad at that location, going back to the original railroad.
You always do an excellent job and I much appreciate the information and insights your videos provide. I have watched most of them and only wish you had the time and other resources to do more. Keep up the great work.
Come for the railroad operations trivia, stay for the restaurant review.
As always a wonderfully clear explanation. Thank you for your research and attention to detail. I love your videos. I learn so much every time.
Another excellent video. Your network of experts are resources for rail fans everywhere. Thank you!
I've always enjoyed listening to trains going across diamonds. I'm generally not a fan of loud noises, but that rhythmic thunder is just music to my ears. Thanks for another great video!
Danny, thanks for a great video! We sometimes see a railroad feature like a diamond and don't realize that there are a lot of rules and information behind it. You are the best one to explain it to us. Thanks again.
One of the great sounds of Railroading is hearing diamonds get pounded by a big freight and nice footage!🛤🚂👍
Thanks for this excellent video!
The only down side was that it left me feeling hungry again after seeing that delicious food.
The steel in those diamond crossings must be something else! Good Lord, what a beating they take! Thanks again!🙏
always very professional and informative, many thanks for the effort you put in.
Another fantastic video Danny. Thanks for all the interesting info and great closeups of trucks at the diamonds
Excellent coverage of rail memorabilia! Thank you!
Gotta love a purple sign, so royal! Nice addition to the collection.
Your videos are great.
I’ll throw in my experience with railroad diamonds. I briefly worked for New England Central in 2005, qualified from Brattleboro VT to East Alburg VT. In that territory, we ran through Bellows Falls VT, where the Vermont Rail System crosses via a diamond. NECR controls the diamond, and VTR must contact the NECR dispatcher to request the signal to cross. My understanding is that the Rutland RR (now VTR) was there first, and the Central Vermont RR (Now NECR) wanted to build their route across the existing Rutland route. The agreement going forward was for CV to maintain and control the diamond.
Outstanding, as always. Thanks!
A great video as always. thanks for going into this aspect of railroading.
Great video to coach my IT colleagues on controlled 'intersections' (analogies to urban traffic systems).
Another great and very interesting video. Always look forward to them
one thing crosses the mind when seeing trains rip across a diamond.
'beat the devil out of it.'
Another excellent, high quality video where I learn something new! Great stuff!
Thanks Danny . Another great video with lots of questions answered.
As usual very informative and interesting. Looking forward to what you post next.
Great video! Thanks for learning from your helpers so now we have learned.
Thank you for this awesome video danny
I love all the information you give on your channel.
Always enjoy your videos Danny. Keep them coming.
This is a highly informative video that answered questions I've had over the years.
Thank you for another wonderfully informative video.
Thanks for a very informative videos. I had never even thought about how the crossing was controlled.