djstrains
As an engineer with CSX Railroad since 1999, I am able to teach you how the railroads really work, and how to model it in any scale. I use my experience, humor, and story telling abilities to create amazing videos with phenomenal drone footage and 4K resolution at times. You can follow me on facebook: djstrains.
I am always appreciative of any donation to my channel through this link: www.paypal.me/djstrains
Youtube may have not notified you of all the videos I have made in the past year, so please go binge watch them all. Its free, and better than Netflix.
Thank you, and enjoy the videos.
DJ
djstrains
Most model railroads show coal trains…
…but do you know where the coal actually comes from before it reaches the power plant?
In Part 2 of this series, we go to a real river transfer facility and follow coal moving from barge → stockpile → conveyor → railcars — including the giant crane locals call the “Big Blue Monster.”
If you model coal operations, this is the prototype reference most layouts skip.
🚂 Watch here: https://youtu.be/JX6c8qc3vuw
2 weeks ago | [YT] | 18
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djstrains
As an engineer since 1999, I ran coal trains to a power plant. I show where, and how we did it, and how YOU can model it too, Easily!
IF YOU'RE NOT HOOKED IN THE FIRST 30 SECONDS YOU GET YOUR MONEY BACK! Lol
It’s the first part of a new series on coal train operations, starting at a destination: the power plant. It explains why coal plants are built where they are, and how to model them realistically without wasting space.
A lot of coal plant modeling out there is guesswork. This series is based on real operations and a real prototype (Bruce Mansfield in Shippingport, PA).
If you’re interested in:
Coal trains that operate realistically
A side industry you probably didn't know
Modeling industries that actually make sense
…this series is for you.
Part 2 will show another destination for you to model and more!
https://youtu.be/dv-G2bwXeYg
1 month ago | [YT] | 13
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djstrains
NEW VIDEO AT 12:30 p.m. TODAY (Pittsburgh time)
This one starts with the Everett Railroad and why railroads like it are perfect inspiration if you enjoy all kinds of trains — steam, diesel, freight, passenger, old and new.
The second half is more personal. I share a short story about my friendship with Farjan and why I traveled to New York to finally meet him.
Hope you enjoy this one. It means a lot.
2 months ago | [YT] | 23
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djstrains
🚂 NEW VIDEO! Short Line Inspiration from New Castle, PA 🚂
I spent one morning filming the New Castle Industrial Railroad, and wow—this little short line is PACKED with ideas for modelers.
Small engines, cabooses, messy industrial tracks, transload spots, old equipment… it’s all there.
If you enjoy short line railroading or want inspiration for your layout, you’ll love this one.
Light-hearted, fun, and full of great modeling details.
👉 Watch here: https://youtu.be/zyEc5j70ZiY
Let me know in the comments:
Do you prefer filming Class I railroads or short lines?
2 months ago | [YT] | 16
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djstrains
🎬 It’s LIVE!
Morgan sat down with me to read your questions about what it’s really like being a railroad engineer — and some of her reactions surprised me! 😄
This video means a lot because it combines both my worlds — railroading and family — and it was awesome bringing your questions to life.
👉 Watch now:
🎥 My Daughter Finally Asked Your Questions About Life as a Railroad Engineer
LINK: https://youtu.be/DfIS5GixZr4
If you were one of the people who sent in a question, thank you — you made this
video happen. 🙏
Let me know in the comments what Morgan should ask me next time! 🚆
3 months ago | [YT] | 7
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djstrains
New video tonight at 8 PM! 🚂
Ever wonder what engineers check before we can move a locomotive?
I filmed a full walk-around inspection on CSX 1982 and explained each step the way it’s actually done out here.
🎥 Watch here: https://youtu.be/lHTWd1BPApc
See you tonight — stay safe.
— DJ
3 months ago | [YT] | 15
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djstrains
Also, I am going to be doing a new video of questions and answers as an engineer for CSX. It's been a while, and I am curious to what questions you may have that I can answer in an upcoming video. You can ask them here:
3 months ago | [YT] | 52
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djstrains
Hey everyone 👋
I’ve been working on a few new videos (including some locations I’m really excited about), but in the meantime I realized there are a few recent uploads that didn’t get the attention they deserved.
If you missed them, these are definitely worth watching:
1. https://youtu.be/BDwhiTJ55x8
2. https://youtu.be/eRh7cjhs2Lc
3. https://youtu.be/wURBQAHxgWg
Thanks for all the support lately — seriously.
Your comments, feedback, and enthusiasm keep me motivated to make the best videos I can. 🙏
New videos coming soon
3 months ago | [YT] | 16
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djstrains
We spent our honeymoon in Massachusetts and Rhode Island, and had no intention of rail fanning, lol.
But, during that week we found some really cool (weird) stuff that I have never seen, and filmed everything with my phone to show you.
Trust me, the whole video is really neat.
I won't be home for premiere at 8 pm but will respond to comments later tonight.
3 months ago | [YT] | 10
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djstrains
New Video Tonight🔥
Night steel from a perspective you can’t see from the road. In this one, I’m focusing on the basic oxygen furnace, bottle cars, and molten slag being dumped at the Edgar Thomson Works. No hype — just the raw glow, power, and atmosphere of a mill that runs through the night.
https://youtu.be/f3l-5iVyveY
— DJSTRAINS | Real railroads. Real modeling. Real inspiration.
3 months ago | [YT] | 12
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