Listening to the crew with a scanner/radio.

[fredevad]

I've heard that some people listen to the crew during their trips. This sounds interesting to me. Does anyone have experience with this? I have a scanner that I've used for NASCAR races, will this work or do I need a specific scanner or radio?

Also, how will I know what frequencies to use? I'm most interested to listen to the locomotive crew.

So many questions...

Thanks (again)!

 

[alanh]

Trainweb.com has a page on scanners.

 

[zephyr17]

The AAR frequencies are in the 160-161 megahertz bands. On Track On Line has all the frequencies for Amtrak routes posted. http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amtrak-freqs.shtml.

I have my scanner set up with the scanner channels conforming to the AAR channels (the crews know the channel numbers, they don't know the freqs), so when they say "Going to 36", I just punch up 036 on my scanner.

All the AAR channels: http://www.on-track-on-line.com/scanner-ra...shtml#scnradio3

Remember to use an earpiece in public areas of the train. It can be annoying to other passengers.

 

[fredevad]

The AAR frequencies are in the 160-161 megahertz bands. On Track On Line has all the frequencies for Amtrak routes posted. http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amtrak-freqs.shtml.
I have my scanner set up with the scanner channels conforming to the AAR channels (the crews know the channel numbers, they don't know the freqs), so when they say "Going to 36", I just punch up 036 on my scanner.

All the AAR channels: http://www.on-track-on-line.com/scanner-ra...shtml#scnradio3

Remember to use an earpiece in public areas of the train. It can be annoying to other passengers.

Excellent! This seems to match the frequency list on trainweb from alanh's post. I think my current scanner will work, it will just take alot of programming to get all the channels in there. I may hint at a new scanner that I can program from the computer for Father's day... I don't wear ties .

 

[Big Iron]

Having a scanner makes the trip more interesting. You will generally be better informed of what is going on than the non-operating train crew. You may also hear some funny exchanges. I was on the CL and the conductor highalled the train out of Cumberland but it did not move. He did it a few more times with no replies from the cab. When the train finally moved he asked what the delay was.........the engineer had left the cab to run across the street to get a to go order at the McDonalds.

 

[AlanB]

I may hint at a new scanner that I can program from the computer for Father's day... I don't wear ties .

That's probably a good thing too, as you'd look pretty funny with a railroad tie hanging from your neck. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Not to mention that walking with it would be difficult too. :lol:

 

[the_traveler]

I may hint at a new scanner that I can program from the computer for Father's day... I don't wear ties .

That's probably a good thing too, as you'd look pretty funny with a railroad tie hanging from your neck. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Not to mention that walking with it would be difficult too. :lol:

Especially if it's one of the concrete ties!

 

[MattW]

Or even Ballastless slab track!

 

[rrdude]

I may hint at a new scanner that I can program from the computer for Father's day... I don't wear ties .

That's probably a good thing too, as you'd look pretty funny with a railroad tie hanging from your neck. :lol: :lol: :lol:

Not to mention that walking with it would be difficult too. :lol:

Who SAID you had no sense of humor! Shame. I laffed out loud......... Or maybe NEITHER of us do..........

 

[fredevad]

Ya'll are very punny, I LOL'd too. I guess I'm in the right company.