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Posted by doug duncan (Member # 779) on :

Can scanners pick up road conversations? Can they be used to know what trains are in an area and be used to determine when a train might reach a certain spot? What kind should one buy? Cost? Is interpreting the terminology easy?

Posted by JDRumley (Member # 625) on :

Check out the selection of programable scanners at Radio Shack. They also offer books listing all radio frequencies by regional areas. Yes, you can here radio conversations between train crews, diapatchers, MoW crews, etc... Radio reception can be effected by terrain and structures, but you should be able to here quite a bit. Crews are now carrying cell phones, sometimes provided by the RR, and use them for talking with dispatchers for track warrants and such so radio traffic mat not be as active in some areas. RRs also use talking defect detectors that can give advance notice of approaching trains, but they have low power transmitters and a limited range. Hope this helps.

Posted by daniel3197 (Member # 27) on :

Be sure to purchase an "Altamont Press Railfan Timetable" if you live or visit the Western USA. They publish the BEST, Most CURRENT Raliroad Radio frequency information that I have seen anywhere!.
I ALWAYS keep a copy of their timetable handy myself to check the current RR radio channels in my area. These days different RR subdivisions use different radio channels so these Altamont Press Timetables are a BIG help in knowing what channel to use for a given stretch of track.
Here is the Altamont Press URL for more information on these WONDERFUL timetables: http://altamontpress.com/

I hope this info has been useful!
Daniel

Posted by MPALMER (Member # 125) on :

The timetables include a wealth of other info, including track speed limits and detailed maps of selected areas.

Posted by doug duncan (Member # 779) on :

Daniel-thanks-that is good info
Doug

quote:
Originally posted by daniel3197:
Be sure to purchase an "Altamont Press Railfan Timetable" if you live or visit the Western USA. They publish the BEST, Most CURRENT Raliroad Radio frequency information that I have seen anywhere!.
I ALWAYS keep a copy of their timetable handy myself to check the current RR radio channels in my area. These days different RR subdivisions use different radio channels so these Altamont Press Timetables are a BIG help in knowing what channel to use for a given stretch of track.
Here is the Altamont Press URL for more information on these WONDERFUL timetables: http://altamontpress.com/
I hope this info has been useful!
Daniel