I'm learning alot about train travel from trainweb and the travelogues in anticipation of my first trip.

I'm wondering about the scanners that are often mentioned. Does just any kind of scanner work or are certain types preferred or required? Can anyone suggest makes and models and places online to buy them?

Actually, a place to rent them would be ideal, but I'm assuming that's not done.

Thanks for the help,

I bought a Radio Shack PRO-76 for our latest
train trip. It was recently on sale for $90
which is a goo price. It has 200 channels which is enough for most uses including scanning while traveling by train. I eventually replaced the short rubber antenna with an extendable one for $10, which helped with reception. You'll also need an ear phone speaker for about $2 so you can listen to it without disturbing other passengers.

Bring extra AA batteries as well. I found it would use a set (4) in about 1.5 days of continuous use.

The PRO-76 also has the NOAA Weather freqs built in so you can get weather updates whenever you want with one touch of a button.