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. KZitemr. Ever.
@Harry-zz2oh
3 жыл бұрын
Very nice explanation for the signaling system. Relatively goof proof.
@briankeith2127
3 жыл бұрын
very good explanation of how they activate
@Bonzi_Buddy
3 жыл бұрын
They need to clone this guy because he's got the perfect voice for train videos.
@justiceleague4209
3 жыл бұрын
On god
@traderjoes8725
3 жыл бұрын
I agree, his content is outstanding!
@MrAnderson84
3 жыл бұрын
*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*
@daeganj
3 жыл бұрын
That’s awesome lol
@rowan312
3 жыл бұрын
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
@MrAnderson84
3 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@rowan312
3 жыл бұрын
@@MrAnderson84 ok. thank you!
@cknorris3644
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@thecaptainredpants
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@distantsignal
3 жыл бұрын
Wow, thanks very much, Captain!
@robertborchert932
3 жыл бұрын
Hehe, Google-fu! Like that. Great announcers voice, I picked up on that.
@ILikeWafflz
3 жыл бұрын
Lol "google-fu" gave me a chuckle
@billandrew4116
3 жыл бұрын
Hes the Paul Harvey of railfans
@ronaldpiper4812
3 жыл бұрын
Look him up that's what he does.
@blackhawks81H
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@distantsignal
3 жыл бұрын
Wow! Thanks for such a nice compliment.
@ColonelStraker
Жыл бұрын
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
Жыл бұрын
@@distantsignal >> I would like to hear Danny do the History of the Turbo Encabulator kzitem.info/news/bejne/opltrWuuiHljdJw
@mikibihon8826
Жыл бұрын
I very much agree, he could be a good narrator of PBS documentary.
@phillyphakename1255
2 ай бұрын
@@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!
@TheChaosJohnson
3 жыл бұрын
Whenever I hear that "Hello again Railfans" I feel like I can kick through a wall
@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907
3 жыл бұрын
Frickin SAME
@steelcityrailfan4808
3 жыл бұрын
Same
@steelcityrailfan4808
3 жыл бұрын
Da heck? 😂
@TexasRailfan2008
3 жыл бұрын
Same!
@youraveragejoe2
3 жыл бұрын
What did that poor wall do to you😂
@trackandtrail6874
3 жыл бұрын
In a world gone wrong, Danny Harmon makes it alright. I learned something today. Thank you sir!
@jeffcox9393
3 жыл бұрын
Like your logo Track and Trail. Gotta be the old Chesapeake & Ohio!!
@wilf609
2 жыл бұрын
This is what the internet and KZitem are great for - educating people in something that is interesting. Thank You.
@christaylor7411
3 жыл бұрын
Literally not even into trains at all but somehow watched this from start to finish. Great entertainment
@christopherlockhart2004
3 жыл бұрын
You know its a good day when Distant Signal uploads.
@DelcoImagery
3 жыл бұрын
Yes
@mr.g1136
3 жыл бұрын
Indeed
@unity3596
3 жыл бұрын
Ya
@dabulphilly
3 жыл бұрын
It’s 83 degrees here in philly so it’s definitely a good day
@nethoncho
3 жыл бұрын
Same
@TheRayterry
3 жыл бұрын
As a retired Signalman/Signal Maintainer hired by the Southern Railway System and retired off of the Norfolk Southern Railway: I approve this video!
@distantsignal
3 жыл бұрын
Many, MANY thanks!
@shrek7954
3 жыл бұрын
As a signal maintainer for Canadian Pacific Railway. I also approve this video. Well Done.
@TexasRailfan2008
3 жыл бұрын
Woo hoo! Maintainer approved!
@cherylsims5636
3 жыл бұрын
As a CSX Engineer, I approve this video as well.
@eitzhilfawx6804
3 жыл бұрын
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
@Mesa_Mike
Жыл бұрын
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.
@distantsignal
Жыл бұрын
That's a great explanation, Mike Thanks! I wish I'd had you along when I was making this video. Ha!
@michaeltaylor5786
Жыл бұрын
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!
@justinstrickland5382
3 жыл бұрын
Never knew about radio tones activating crossing signals. Thanks Danny!
@SD40Fan_Jason
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@neko7684
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@SD40Fan_Jason
3 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@traindad77
3 жыл бұрын
@@SD40Fan_Jason Or where road traffic doesn't allow a station delay to be used in the predictor.
@CurtisMechling
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@Ricewarrior01
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@IstasPumaNevada
2 жыл бұрын
I feel it's less that the algorithm is scary, and more that human patterns are fairly predictable. :)
@elevators_of_southern_ontario
6 ай бұрын
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!
@distantsignal
6 ай бұрын
Glad you enjoyed it!
@GGRTL1
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@qwertyTRiG
3 жыл бұрын
There is a whole community of railfan KZitemrs, but Danny Harman stands out for excellent camera work and clear explanations.
@GGRTL1
3 жыл бұрын
@@qwertyTRiG I've been slowly digging into it. This looks like an awesome community already.
@6777Productions
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@notafanofthegovernment9982
3 жыл бұрын
Mhm!
@bluegrassman3040
3 жыл бұрын
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...
@clffliese26
3 жыл бұрын
@@bluegrassman3040 It's either temporary insanity or a death wish. Either way, these people don't think about how this affects the train crews.
@jovetj
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@clffliese26
3 жыл бұрын
@@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!!!!!
@varrick1226
3 жыл бұрын
This man is phenomenal, a great teacher and also has a great voice so he should be in Hollywood doing voice overs.
@mikesmith4644
3 жыл бұрын
He does! lol
@varrick1226
3 жыл бұрын
@@mikesmith4644 Hollywood, Florida? lol
@SchuminWeb
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@briankoski817
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@idkreina
Жыл бұрын
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.
@nicazer
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@NorthFloridaRailfan
3 жыл бұрын
Once again when Danny Uploads a video we must stop what were doing and watch it!
@rickwatts7885
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@AlderKertor
3 жыл бұрын
Honestly one of the most pleasant presenter voices I've heard. This has great production quality and skill
@MrChappy39
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@vrmntthb
3 жыл бұрын
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...
@jimrawls5509
3 жыл бұрын
And he has a good channel too.
@kevinheard8364
2 жыл бұрын
@@jimrawls5509 agreed felt so sorry for him with the COVID ravaging his voice for so long
@DanHPage
3 жыл бұрын
Danny, this is a great explanation of how changing impedance is used to regulate crossing signals and gates! Thanks!
@Midnight.Shadows
Жыл бұрын
I'm really glad KZitem 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!
@KC-Mitch
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@DTD110865
8 ай бұрын
I think this might've been an issue before SunRail was established.
@Wrectem
3 жыл бұрын
It was always something I sort of knew, but was always curious how they really worked.. thanks Danny
@flyboy3ck
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@jeremiahrex
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@paulgrodkowski5839
2 жыл бұрын
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 KZitem 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.
@owenwoodall5642
3 жыл бұрын
When you like the video even before watching it!
@brianhickey5949
3 жыл бұрын
I always enjoy the education that Danny gives us! Always enjoy learning about the train consists, the routes and timing and the track gear :)
@Gidono
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@adventure2073
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@CNSD75I
3 жыл бұрын
I was just in the middle of re-watching the juice train 1997 video when.. boom! New upload!
@glenrummel4483
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@MesquiteBelt
Жыл бұрын
Another simple but incredible detailed explanation of how these systems work! Congratulations if a job well done Mr. Danny!
@vernacular1483
9 ай бұрын
The technical content of this channel, as well as the amazing delivery, is some of the best on KZitem. Really well done! 😊
@southfloridarailfan6466
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@distantsignal
3 жыл бұрын
We we're visiting family in Boca Raton last weekend so I snuck out Sunday morning to Deerfield and picked up that stuff.
@tropicalrailroadproduction5028
3 жыл бұрын
@@distantsignal I railfan at deerfield :O
@christophercota2862
3 жыл бұрын
@@distantsignal man the 3194 is such a beautiful engine im glad I caught him at plant city
@scottdowney4865
3 жыл бұрын
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?
@kyosuke19971
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@cnhollysub6496
3 жыл бұрын
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!!
@Huggy1959
2 жыл бұрын
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!
@philipsvatba2125
5 ай бұрын
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
@amessman
3 жыл бұрын
Awesome video, as both a railfan and electronics hobbyist, this stuff fascinates me.
@VistanTN
3 жыл бұрын
Excellent presentation, Danny. As an electrical engineer I compliment you for finding the balance between good detail and too techical.
@Rwalt61
2 жыл бұрын
I'm glad I found your videos Danny. Entertaining and informative. I see crossings every day and I always thought they were weight activated.
@scubaguy007
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@alwillis9377
3 жыл бұрын
Everything stops when Danny speaks. Great content!
@joshsadventures1776
3 жыл бұрын
How ironic, I was just out watching a Florida central RR train pass, and I see this. Really cool Danny!
@theangryfireball1023
2 жыл бұрын
This video has no business being this engaging. I can't stop.
@miokujou
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@phillipcudd5712
3 жыл бұрын
That was the best explanation ive ever heard on crossings! Thanks for the info Danny.
@TrumpCardMAGA
3 жыл бұрын
3194 sure is a pretty thing, but I sure do love that 911 fire engine red unit.
@ubergeek1968
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@a.elsagonzalez6824
24 күн бұрын
I love this guy's voice. I feel like I'm in a museum watching a feature docudrama
@cuffy69
3 жыл бұрын
Was having withdrawals. Finally another DH Video to aatch. Lol
@JustarailfannerTrains
3 жыл бұрын
Danny, You have no idea how excited I got when u posted this!!!
@blackiehaines1
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@davidberchtold3859
Жыл бұрын
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.
@HughMartell
3 жыл бұрын
Whenever I get a notification from a Danny video, it's like getting a wrapped Christmas present and can't wait to open it!
@philsellers6003
3 жыл бұрын
Seeing a video from Danny is always a good way to start a weekend!
@kathleenbarkan9888
2 жыл бұрын
You have, by leaps and bounds, the BEST videos and explanations! Thank you!
@buckeyfan7623
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@horroreader410
3 жыл бұрын
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
3 жыл бұрын
some of mine are set for 25 minutes.
@horroreader410
3 жыл бұрын
@@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).
@OliversElevators
3 жыл бұрын
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?
@horroreader410
3 жыл бұрын
@@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
@horroreader410
3 жыл бұрын
@@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
@nightrider6769
3 жыл бұрын
Danny enjoyed that little history on how the lights are activated thank you for doing it.
@rayopeongo
5 ай бұрын
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 ......
@simonpetrus1981
2 жыл бұрын
Thanks for letting us know the basics of how train signals work👍🏻. Now things are a bit more clear👍🏻.
@SD40Fan_Jason
3 жыл бұрын
I feel it's necessary to mention that the first iteration of Motion Detectors were developed and distributed by "Harmon Electronics"
@distantsignal
3 жыл бұрын
Ha! Didn't know that one!!! Thanks!
@qwertyTRiG
3 жыл бұрын
That's really cool.
@shrek7954
3 жыл бұрын
they are called a harmon crossing processor. or HXP for short
@SD40Fan_Jason
3 жыл бұрын
@@shrek7954 the manual I have is for a Harmon Electronics PMD-1 and PMD-3
@shrek7954
3 жыл бұрын
@@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 .
@TheMadness51
3 жыл бұрын
I knew about the basic set up but the other set ups described today. Well done expanding my rr knowledge!
@KingTriton1837
2 жыл бұрын
This is _THE_ best video explaining how this works! Thank you!!! Been curious all 32 years of my life!
@ChadAmI80
3 жыл бұрын
This was the most expansive explanation I've ever seen on how the crossings work. Thanks for a great video!!
@squirrelbazooka8033
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@stevelandry6387
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks, Danny! I have been enjoying your work for years.
@charlesbutler4646
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks again Danny for another fascinating and educational video segment. I really enjoyed watching your reports.
@jamesmulcare5321
2 жыл бұрын
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!!
@grybeard1
3 жыл бұрын
Thanks for all you do. Your videos are wonderful
@TrainNut85
3 жыл бұрын
Great video Danny, glad you caught the Pride In Service units!
@beulahpowell1478
Жыл бұрын
The Norfolk Southern train coming into Kingsland stops until the arms come down here sometimes. Love those trains. ❤️
@distantsignal
Жыл бұрын
Thanks Beulah.
@brucelytle1144
Жыл бұрын
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
Жыл бұрын
Wow! That's a weird one. I hope he knew but was keeping his own secrets.
@brucelytle1144
Жыл бұрын
@@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...
@BeyondtheRailz
3 жыл бұрын
Yes! More Distant Signal. The railroad historian, I just started freaking out. Yessss
@gatortrainchaser2080
3 жыл бұрын
A most EXCELLENT and INFORMATIVE video Danny! Thanks for sharing!
@DavidNSRailfan
3 жыл бұрын
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
@drew25311
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@TNS17
3 жыл бұрын
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!
@NorthCountryTrains
3 жыл бұрын
Alright! Another video from Danny, makes the week feel worth it.
@fostoriadistrictrailfan3907
3 жыл бұрын
Ya think? lol
@andrewmooney4562
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@jovetj
Жыл бұрын
He's the best!!
@stampycatfan01lol
5 ай бұрын
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!
@distantsignal
5 ай бұрын
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.
@Garcansdad
3 жыл бұрын
I learn something every day. I've always wanted to know the control circuitry. Now, I know. Thanks!
@brucehansen4316
3 жыл бұрын
Good to have you back Danny. 👍🏻
@AamitMorthos
3 жыл бұрын
I'm not sure why youtube recommend this, but it's so calming and definitely something I need right now.
@gaffneyrailroading1982
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@bccarl88
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@AlRoderick
2 жыл бұрын
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.
@bccarl88
2 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@rickygonzalez3152
Жыл бұрын
Its actually 3-4-2-* but yes I can even tell by ear.
@malcolmmcfadden9023
3 жыл бұрын
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.
@jamesbond-ug3kg
2 жыл бұрын
Thank you, KZitem algorithm! Found a new channel with great content. Like they always say "You learn something new every day" and today I learned.
@distantsignal
2 жыл бұрын
Awesome, James Bond! Welcome aboard.
@Tray2DaWorm
5 ай бұрын
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.
@stephenwayland6676
3 жыл бұрын
Well done, Danny. Big fan of all your videos. Have some fun out there on the high iron, and be safe!
@jack18888
3 жыл бұрын
I've learned something new yet again! I'm going to look for those art messages on trains I see from now on too 🚂🚂
@SilverThunder710
2 жыл бұрын
Danny, your videos never cease to amaze. You have earned my subscription.
@eltonronjovi2238
3 жыл бұрын
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!
Пікірлер: 2,1 М.