Chasing Trains with a Scanner

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 28 พ.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 93

  • @RonsTrainsNThings
    @RonsTrainsNThings  3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Catch more railfan action. Use this link: th-cam.com/video/_PA9ExgNpeg/w-d-xo.html

    • @ronaldjoyce7374
      @ronaldjoyce7374 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks so much for the link, I truly enjoyed the videos.

    • @kishascape
      @kishascape ปีที่แล้ว

      You mean more irrelevant footage that barely covers the subject matter and useless non-advice filler? No thanks

  • @AbelG8781
    @AbelG8781 3 ปีที่แล้ว +23

    I have the exact setup! I've taken my scanner (BC125AT) on a couple of my Amtrak trips from Houston to Beaumont and have always been fascinated by the defect detectors, especially the ones with the SP lady's voice!

    • @kishascape
      @kishascape ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I like the old Conrail ones. I find it more interesting though hearing about the malfunctions and such. Knowing where there's a delay or the train stopped somewhere randomly.

    • @Railfanningwithlogan
      @Railfanningwithlogan 5 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hello, I was wondering do you know how to make the BC125AT not make that scratching noise?

  • @CivilWarFamily
    @CivilWarFamily 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    One of the most powerful features of the Uniden scanners is "Close Call." Close Call sits in the background and listens for active frequencies you may not have programmed in your radio. It's valuable in busy rail yards. I've heard switchmen, car shop, MOW, contractors and other services I would have missed. I've even found short line railroads using 150 MHz frequencies, not in the RR band and not listed in the public databases.

  • @raybertelsen6090
    @raybertelsen6090 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Howdy Ron I am a retired truck driver and when I was on the road, I listened to dot for road conditions and RR channels on my scanner it was a lot of fun. sometimes I got to follow a train for many miles if going in the same direction :)

  • @kyledillard3496
    @kyledillard3496 3 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Ron, This is a great video. I agree with you about how and what we can learn from rail fanning. Rail fanning has made my layouts a lot more interesting to look at. You made a great reference to Danny Harmon. I lived in Florida for 35 years (I recently moved) and learned a lot about the railroads in my area from Danny.

  • @ToddReuterOutdoors
    @ToddReuterOutdoors 10 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Alongside my favorite railroad frequencies, I program the EOT device frequencies in their own specific bank as well. This way, when a train is approaching or nearby, I will hear an EOT “chirp”, and be alerted of it. Very helpful when sitting trackside.

    • @RonsTrainsNThings
      @RonsTrainsNThings  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I have TWDs programmed into mine.

  • @ronaldjoyce7374
    @ronaldjoyce7374 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Thanks Ron for the cool tip on the scanner, I’ve never thought about one and yours looks cool, I’m getting one 👍🏻
    I do live only a couple of blocks from the BNSF line about 40 west of Chicago and I love going to a classification yard that only a couple miles west of me and watch the switching and building of stock that goes on there, I get a great view from the Eola Rd bridge that’s right at the east end of the yard.
    The only thing that I bring other than my phones camera is a pair of binoculars to zoom in and catch some pretty neat stuff.
    Years ago I lived in Berwyn where that had a huge yard to the East that reach into Cicero (these are the 2 city’s just west of Chicago), I used to love sneaking into that yard or up on Laramie Ave bridge to watch them hump cars off onto so many tracks, I’ll never tire of the railroads.
    I’ve seen some of your other videos on rail fanning, it’s good to know that others like it too 😊

  • @coreylong1419
    @coreylong1419 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Those hoppers and tank cars are possibly heading out to ADM West of Nevada on the old MKT line Ron.

  • @CM-ARM
    @CM-ARM 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hey Ron pretty cool info there. My late Grand parents lived in Nevada. Been years since I passed through. Well keep having fun, Chris

  • @LeroyBrandenburg-q4q
    @LeroyBrandenburg-q4q 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Ron just a update on the mna railroad. The older sd's are being retired and replaced with ex BNSF dash 9s. Now bnsf at ft Scott on the fort Scott sub they dropped as a crew change. If a train stops and changes crews it's a Afton sub train.my scanner i bought a whistler WS 10-10 with energizer rechargable battery's. For a antenna i have roof mount magnetic, works very good

    • @RonsTrainsNThings
      @RonsTrainsNThings  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +2

      I was aware of the MNA changes, due primarily to environmental issues is my understanding. I did not know that about Fort Scott. Good to know. Thanks!

  • @AndrewJohnson-ur3lw
    @AndrewJohnson-ur3lw 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    In the UK we have couple of websites/apps that allow us to track trains on the network, I'm surprised that there are not US based railfans with IT knowledge that haven't done similar.
    When chasing in the car I tend to have some items that can be charged whilst driving from the 12V power and or USB socket.

  • @daveschenkel1446
    @daveschenkel1446 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Ron Thanks for the video on the scanner and and antenna upgrade, just one problem the antenna you link is the SRH77CA and not the RH77CA. The SRH will not fit with the scanner because it uses a barrel nut connection and not a push in type which is what the SRH is. I know because I order both of them and now I have to reorder the correct antenna to fit the scanner. Just wanted to let you and everyone else know so they don't order that antenna. Thanks for the great video

    • @RonsTrainsNThings
      @RonsTrainsNThings  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes, that was my mistake. I fixed it long ago now.

  • @ZachPumphery
    @ZachPumphery 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    The best thing you can have for railfanning a subdivision that’s new to you is a timetable. Even if it’s not current, generally mileposts and station names don’t change all that much over 30 years, so if you do hear locations or mileposts referenced, especially by detectors, you can get a decent idea of what’s going on based on scanner traffic. Speaking of scanner traffic, if you are fortunate enough to have a resource for a current timetable, that will tell you exactly what radio channel you need to have your scanner tuned into. Radio channels for a territory don’t change often, but sometimes they do, and some subdivisions use multiple channels, one assigned to a certain segment, then another, etc. Yards often have their own channel as well, for switching operations since the road channels get pretty busy at times.
    On the subject of radio channels, if you arrange your scanner frequencies into a bank based on the corresponding AAR band radio channel, it’s easy to find exactly the channel you need, rather than looking up what frequency channel 96-96 is, for instance.
    Another good thing to use as a resource for getting your geographic bearing, is any crossing equipped with crossing signals is accompanied by a bungalow (the silver cabinet or box to the side of the road) displaying the milepost location. Even if you can’t find an actual milepost sign, those are very helpful in figuring out where you are based on railroad locations that might not appear on a road map or app (again, a timetable is handy).
    Sometimes simple crossbuck equipped crossings have the milepost attached to some portion of the sign post, but not always. This kind of depends upon the railroad. KCS was one that used to have the milepost location listed on almost every crossing regardless of the warning devices.
    Good video Ron. Looks like you picked a decent day to head out on the Ft. Scott Sub. Some mornings are busier than others and you were pretty fortunate. I’ll keep an eye out for you next time I’m taking a coal load to Springfield.

    • @kishascape
      @kishascape ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah time tables don't exist anymore and haven't been a thing since the pre-radio steam days, channels don't matter because you can just use alpha tagging to show what channel it is, and listening on the DPU/EOT frequencies is actually a better way to tell what's coming down the line because again, calling out mileposts hasn't been a thing for 50 years except in the rare small branch subdivisions that still radio dispatch.

    • @kishascape
      @kishascape ปีที่แล้ว

      Also on this scanner it's not even necessary as it's already a part of the preprogrammed service search and works much better. Programming rail frequencies is just a waste of space and time since as you said, it's all on the 97 AAR channels.

  • @possumbayou8238
    @possumbayou8238 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Looks like it was an interesting day. Glad to see I'm not the only one that forgets batteries 😂

  • @madmax2069
    @madmax2069 ปีที่แล้ว

    Tip: if you have a handheld scanner that will charge by USB cable buy a power bank that has a solar panel (that way you can power/charge the scanner as well as charge the power bank when away from a power source), that way you can plug the scanner into the battery bank to power and or charge the scanner and be out for longer. If the unit can't charge by USB, you can get one of those USB AA chargers to plug into the power bank.
    And always trying to use rechargeable AA batteries over non rechargeable for multiple reasons (including being able to recharging the batteries with the power bank above).

  • @haroldalexis4200
    @haroldalexis4200 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great train watch Ron. I enjoyed watching with you in spite of the 🔋 battery glitch. Meanwhile nice fleets of trains you did catch. My continued viewing with you. 👍👏

  • @cp368productions2
    @cp368productions2 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the same scanner, I keep the charger cord in the vehicle and have 12 rechargable batteries for it and my camera, all but 2 are 2300mah and, in the scanner they usually last 2 days.
    I live right on the tracks basically, at the interchange of Norfolk Southern and Rochester & Southern. With Western New York & Pennsylvania, Livonia Avon & Lakeville, Bath & Hammondsport, CSX, Depew Lancaster & Western, Falls Road, Buffalo Southern, Buffalo & Pittsburgh and Finger Lakes Railway all within fairly easy access besides the two in town. CSX has more variety in cars than NS, I caught multiple fallen flag cars on that line including a pair of Hydra-Cushion boxcars one from SP and the other from SSW.
    I grew up a railfan and will mostly be modeling what I railfanned as a kid, unfortunately I didn't have a camera until 2015 so all the NS high noses, and foreign power along with CP SD40-2s and various others I was unable to photograph and now most of that power is scrapped or sold.

  • @joseflavallee8577
    @joseflavallee8577 3 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Enter in the frequency 452.9375 for every railroad in North America.
    Some Norfolk Southern trains use 161.115. (This may have changed after the Conrail take over.)
    These are the end of train data channels. If a train is in the area you will hear a data burst. If it gets louder the train is coming nearer to you. If you get several in a row the crew is doing a rear end brake pipe reduction.
    Multiple trains will will also trigger multiple bursts.
    Patrick Lavallee

    • @Wafff
      @Wafff 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      If I enter the frequency, it will work no matter where I am? (In North America)

    • @joseflavallee8577
      @joseflavallee8577 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@Wafff yes

    • @pjtemplin
      @pjtemplin 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      UHF frequencies are almost always paired up. There’s an EOT (end of train) frequency paired with a HOT (head of train) frequency. That’s used for the flashing end of train (FRED) device. However some trains use distributed power in the form of rear locomotives. These use two other pairs of UHF frequencies that are also useful to add.

  • @richardwisneski6381
    @richardwisneski6381 3 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Ron, I'd like to add that to get the most out of using a scanner along the line, it is helpful to listen to the scanner (or a scanner app on your phone/computer) when you aren't out railfanning. This helps you get used to the terms and locations on your particular line. Railroads have their own lingo (jargon?) and location names which can differ from the actual name of a town. So listening ahead of time will prepare you to be able to better interpret what you are hearing when you do get out trackside.

  • @fransahm1956
    @fransahm1956 ปีที่แล้ว

    I use rechargeable batteries and a USB charger in the car so my scanner is only on batteries when out of the vehicle.. Also a cheap mag mount antenna is a cheap upgrade while in the vehicle.. With BNC it is a quick click to come and go from the vehicle.

  • @railhunterproductions
    @railhunterproductions 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    This really helped me as I think about replacing my current scanner, especially along the fort scott sub which I also railfan!

  • @adamschoenwald2876
    @adamschoenwald2876 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I am very new to building my first layout and was wondering if you could do a video or share a link to a video on Bridges. Specifically abutments and piers. I have been to quite a few websites looking for a nice bridges, and they all seem to be the same boring thing. I'm looking for Arch Bridges or suspension bridges, and abutments, piers and feet for regular bridges, but in the world of model railroading it seems like everywhere I go, there is a lack of these things. Even if you don't video, if you could post links of places I can go, or a how to video on how to cast your own abutments pilings and piers would be awesome. I just feel really lost when it comes to great bridges.

  • @e.v.squatch5835
    @e.v.squatch5835 ปีที่แล้ว

    I just recently found out this was a "thing" whilst messing around with some ACARS signals, and am officially hooked. Then, I happen across this fine video because I was wondering if it was worthwhile given my location. Ft.Scott is an hour due north. Thank you for the unintended encouragement!!!!! I'll be working on my HOT/EOT setup today, this is gonna be a blast!!!!! Any suggestions on a base model antenna? I saw an offset dipole made for the 450mHz band but I haven't run it yet.....

  • @ChristianNoel_Likes_Everything
    @ChristianNoel_Likes_Everything 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    How do you use these because I don't have the monitor and the laptop for the scanner do you need a monitor to use the scanner and can it tell when the train is coming How does it charge how long does it charge?

  • @crazytrainac6000
    @crazytrainac6000 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thank you for your help regarding scanners. My question, would a Diamond (Original) SRJ77CA 144/440 MHz. Dual-Band High Gain Handheld Antenna Rx: 120~900 MHz. work just as good as RH77CA?

  • @boydanderson8682
    @boydanderson8682 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    As of Aug 2022, your link to the antenna is for the SRH which has an SMA mount not the RH with BNC mount. Fortunately, I have an old Radio Shack scanner with a bad antenna that just happens to be SMA.

  • @bigdaddy5179
    @bigdaddy5179 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Do you use the roof mount antenna, as well?

    • @RonsTrainsNThings
      @RonsTrainsNThings  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes I have it, but can't use it trackside at the camera.

  • @steveburnham5073
    @steveburnham5073 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have a Uniden BC75XLT scanner and keep rechargeable batteries in it and use the factory cable that came with it recharge the batteries in the unit itself

  • @thelowmein9143
    @thelowmein9143 3 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    @7:45 He probably made the engineer mad or passed gas in the cabin.

    • @mikedurhan9941
      @mikedurhan9941 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, and also, he may have pooped his shorts. It happens............ The poor van driver.

  • @kevinheard8364
    @kevinheard8364 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    great video.... thanks for posting

  • @georgehorne394
    @georgehorne394 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    interesting that the train headed by 5776 had 7 locomotives on the head end.... wonder why?
    also, have you worked with automatic breaking on your layout where you have a second train following the lead train and the track has sections where the second train will brake to a stop if the block ahead is occupied?

    • @garrettswoodworx1873
      @garrettswoodworx1873 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      Most of the 7 didn't appear to be fired up, so I'd guess it was just a power move. An existing train is a convenient way to get unused (excess?) engines from where they are to where they are needed.

    • @ZachPumphery
      @ZachPumphery 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      When you see that many locomotives on one train it’s moving power around to correct a power imbalance, or they’re headed to a shop for various inspections, repairs, or modifications.

  • @SignalMan9292
    @SignalMan9292 10 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I use the BC75XLT. Probably the next best option after the BC125AT.

  • @ldsnurse9268
    @ldsnurse9268 9 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    I still can’t find the rail guide app on iOS

    • @RonsTrainsNThings
      @RonsTrainsNThings  9 หลายเดือนก่อน

      I'm not sure they ever made it for iOS. I stated that in the video.

  • @kishascape
    @kishascape ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Yeah, Cabeese you got it.

  • @georgelivernois1777
    @georgelivernois1777 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    Hi Ron. I got a scanner like yours for Christmas and have ordered the recommended antena. Now the question is how do I find the local railroad frequencies? Locally there is CN, NS, and CSX well as Amtrak. Do these roads publish such information? Thanks for your help.

    • @Wafff
      @Wafff 2 ปีที่แล้ว

      Did you ever find a the frequency’s?

  • @thelowmein9143
    @thelowmein9143 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Djstrains uses a drone to get some great shots, not sure how feasible that is or costly for us who aren’t employed by the railroad.

    • @RonsTrainsNThings
      @RonsTrainsNThings  3 ปีที่แล้ว

      At this point one legally has to have a part 107 pilot's license to fly a drone and use the video on a monetized YT channel. I don't yet have that license.

    • @thelowmein9143
      @thelowmein9143 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      @@RonsTrainsNThings ugg, i figured there was some red tape like that. Sad

  • @BeaverBoy7
    @BeaverBoy7 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    The batteries in the scanner are rechargeable and will save you a lot of money. You can charge it while you drive!

  • @yvesduranceau123
    @yvesduranceau123 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great. More more more .. Thanks

  • @randydobson1863
    @randydobson1863 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    HELLO RON ITS IS RANDY AND I LIKE U VIDEO IS COOL THANKS THANKS RON FRIENDS RANDY

  • @tristansrailfanproductions155
    @tristansrailfanproductions155 ปีที่แล้ว

    how far can the uv-5r series go

  • @prodash1059
    @prodash1059 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Ron does the uniden bc 125at work for bnsf mainlines?

    • @RonsTrainsNThings
      @RonsTrainsNThings  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yes, I railfan BNSF with it. You just need to look up the local frequencies.

    • @prodash1059
      @prodash1059 ปีที่แล้ว

      When you scan the radio, does it announce the speed and milepost?

    • @pjtemplin
      @pjtemplin 11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Yes. Either load the whole set of AAR channels or find the specific one used for your subdivision, plus the UHF EOT/HOT and DPU channels. None of the defect detectors near me give speed or train length; some give axle count. At least near me, BNSF doesn’t say much unless the signal is less than clear.

  • @juansilveti9336
    @juansilveti9336 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    lindas locomotoras

  • @Trackcat1990
    @Trackcat1990 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I believe the term is Benching? Not railfanning.

  • @illinoiscentralrailfan3008
    @illinoiscentralrailfan3008 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I’m gonna be getting a scanner tomorrow the company that sells it gave it to Amazon today and they will ship it to me

  • @anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204
    @anfieldroadlayoutintheloft5204 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Good video

  • @civilian0005
    @civilian0005 ปีที่แล้ว

    Howdy! Hey, I was excited when I heard “there’s an app for that!” But quickly became sad when I noticed it’s only on google play and not Apple… any other apps you might be able to recommend? Thx!

  • @adamschoenwald2876
    @adamschoenwald2876 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Oooh fun video

  • @doublediamondrailroad5949
    @doublediamondrailroad5949 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Stumbled on RJ Corman’s Switching Yard today by Car Dealer. Didn’t have Scanner. 🙄 Got short Vids though.

  • @FurthermoreJack
    @FurthermoreJack ปีที่แล้ว

    They all commonly run around the same times on each day So every Monday that 4 pm train will be back

  • @dancer1
    @dancer1 ปีที่แล้ว

    K

  • @robertcooney4139
    @robertcooney4139 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Let's go find trains

  • @JoeG-firehousewhiskey
    @JoeG-firehousewhiskey 3 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great job narrating, I dont care what eric says lol

  • @wandtvdougwolfe1
    @wandtvdougwolfe1 2 ปีที่แล้ว

    I sit outside of 3 yards in my city.

  • @illinoiscentralrailfan3008
    @illinoiscentralrailfan3008 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I didn’t get a antenna

  • @martinrushoe5586
    @martinrushoe5586 7 หลายเดือนก่อน

    You need a plug that fits your scanner and that plugs in the car cigarette lighter

  • @Adamdaj
    @Adamdaj 2 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    I don't think the BC125AT will decode digital, especilly IDAS/NXDN. The Majority of Class 1 Railroads are starting migrate to IDAS/NXDN.
    ICOM IDAS
    KENWOOW NXDN

    • @anscrailfanner6812
      @anscrailfanner6812 ปีที่แล้ว

      I read somewhere that Uniden is going to be coming out with a scanner that’s going to be an upgrade from the BC125AT. Idk what it’ll be called, but it will contain both digital and analog properties.

  • @DavidSmith-mn8ew
    @DavidSmith-mn8ew 3 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    is there such a thing as a boxer that doesnt have graffiti?

    • @mikedurhan9941
      @mikedurhan9941 3 ปีที่แล้ว

      No. It's part of "The Great Society", which began around 1965.

  • @illinoiscentralrailfan3008
    @illinoiscentralrailfan3008 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I just got a ban for the scanner that comes with it

  • @augologo
    @augologo 2 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    ha, cabeese!

  • @EricCampbellUAV
    @EricCampbellUAV ปีที่แล้ว

    no fuck this I ain't taking the bait. i'm sleeping

  • @mercilessradio1770
    @mercilessradio1770 ปีที่แล้ว

    I used to be a rabid railfan and model railroader until the Athearn Blue Boxes went away and all of the locos were neutered by the gov ans started to look the same. Sucks. I Railfanned for more than 25 years.