Yes, an antenna on the roof would be a big help. The Radio Shack 20-176 is good for both VHF and UHF RR frequencies and is not expensive. Use RG-8 type cable such as Radio Shack 278-980.
The detectors give a voice message with the RR Name, location, track number and "no defects" or tell the axle number of hot boxes or presence of dragging equipment. Some detectors also give train speed and total axle count.
The detector locations are listed in RR Employee Timetables. There are lists on some railfan websites but I don't know of one for your area. You might try a post on the Pennsylvania Railfan forum here asking if anyone knows of detector locations and frequencies in your area.
You may want to look for the book "Railroad Radio" by Vincent Reh, ISBN 0-9651599-0-6 to learn more about listening to railroad communications.
I sent you a Private Message with more details.
The detectors give a voice message with the RR Name, location, track number and "no defects" or tell the axle number of hot boxes or presence of dragging equipment. Some detectors also give train speed and total axle count.
The detector locations are listed in RR Employee Timetables. There are lists on some railfan websites but I don't know of one for your area. You might try a post on the Pennsylvania Railfan forum here asking if anyone knows of detector locations and frequencies in your area.
You may want to look for the book "Railroad Radio" by Vincent Reh, ISBN 0-9651599-0-6 to learn more about listening to railroad communications.
I sent you a Private Message with more details.
