Distant Signal

This is a collection of several Saturday outings, shot between November 22 and January 4.

What happened to America's train order signals? Here's a look at why they're gone forever. THEN WE'LL CHASE DOWN SOME FAST FREIGHT TRAINS IN THE JACKSONVILLE, FL AREA

Railfanning with no plan that leads to lots of really good catches. An ethanol train with the SCL Heritage unit sets out a bad order tank car. Bringing in a unit phosphate train to a Tampa processing plant and what it means when a conductor says to the engineer "We're going to hand signals!"

Why do railroads use those mysterious combinations of signal lights? For years, I've wondered why some places have a red light that never changes. I do an UN-official investigation into the reason. Plus some easy railfanning spots near Tampa for Spring Break and beach visitors. Then we'll stop and enjoy a homemade strawberry milkshake!

They have loud horns. They usually make a lot of noise coming down the track. Why do today's railroad locomotives still need to ring bells? I did a little research and had some fun on the high iron to find the answer.

Let's go out for a day trip on the CSX Florida A-Line. We'll hunt down Amtraks including the new Floridian, the Silver Meteor and the famous Auto Train. Plus we'll check out a new fried chicken place for lunch!

I started out searching for trains, but discovered some fascinating locations between Orlando and Palatka.

I spent rainy morning in Sarasota chasing down the Seminole Gulf Railway. In this video you'll see how a short line works and what it does. This is last mile railroading...the old fashioned way.

It seemed plain enough, the reason for the F on locomotives, until I began an investigation into the history of the rule. What I uncovered was surprising.

I go out on the hunt for railroad being delivered to customers. I find out how a local makes up his train, putting everything in the right order..and then delivering it in the right order. Come along on this rapid chase through West Central Florida.

This is a look at just a few of my favorite easy-to-reach trainwatching spots on CSX's Florida S-Line.