I think Jeff Taylor's post is correct. I watched the video closely and nothing changed when the train passed through several grade crossings. There are signs on the line that would indicate to the crew when to raise and lower the flanger blades, and I have personally ridden in the cupola of that caboose, so I know the controls are there.....but it appears that what we are really seeing these days are plow/spreader trains vs. flanger trains, at least on the D&S. Back in 2016, I participated in a photo charter operated by the Friends of the C&TS on the eastern side of that railroad, in which Flanger OJ was operated. On that trip, I believe we were actually flanging and the spreaders on OJ were also in use. There, the blades were raised and lowered with controls on the locomotive.
Here's a shot looking down on OJ, from an open gondola immediately behind it:
http://www.railpictures.net/photo/571380/The Friends attempted to run a similar trip this spring, which would have included both the flanger and the Jordan Spreader, but alas, with all of the charters and Last Spike anniversary events happening this spring, they just didn't get enough people to sign up.
/Kevin Madore
