I am not sure where you are located. However, if it is on a signaled line, and the signals are
working properly, there will be little or no radio traffic between the dispatcher and the trains.
Even on a non-signaled line, once the train has paper (train orders), there won't be much
chatter. If you are near where a train sets off and picks up cars, there would be radio
traffic between the conductor and engineer, but they use relatively low power output radios.
There is more radio traffic in District #2 between Portland ME and Chelmsford MA, as the
freights are competing for track with the Downeasters and the MBTA (below Haverhill.) So
the dispatchers are often informing trains about the details of taking sidings for meets, etc.
Even though it is signaled territory, the dispathers often give the freights a heads up about
the plan for meets, along with signal problems, etc.
A heads up about coming changes to radios. The FCC is requiring railroads to "narrow band"
their radios in the not too distant future, along with public safety, etc. A dispatch center in
my area handling 3 fire departments and two ambulance services has gone narrow band. So
far, the only difference I have noticed on my analog scanner is that the volume of their
transmissions is quite a bit lower than previously. I am not sure when PAR will be changing
over. If you want to check out your radio using fire department frequencies, send me a PM
(private e-mail) and we can discuss it and exchange information.
working properly, there will be little or no radio traffic between the dispatcher and the trains.
Even on a non-signaled line, once the train has paper (train orders), there won't be much
chatter. If you are near where a train sets off and picks up cars, there would be radio
traffic between the conductor and engineer, but they use relatively low power output radios.
There is more radio traffic in District #2 between Portland ME and Chelmsford MA, as the
freights are competing for track with the Downeasters and the MBTA (below Haverhill.) So
the dispatchers are often informing trains about the details of taking sidings for meets, etc.
Even though it is signaled territory, the dispathers often give the freights a heads up about
the plan for meets, along with signal problems, etc.
A heads up about coming changes to radios. The FCC is requiring railroads to "narrow band"
their radios in the not too distant future, along with public safety, etc. A dispatch center in
my area handling 3 fire departments and two ambulance services has gone narrow band. So
far, the only difference I have noticed on my analog scanner is that the volume of their
transmissions is quite a bit lower than previously. I am not sure when PAR will be changing
over. If you want to check out your radio using fire department frequencies, send me a PM
(private e-mail) and we can discuss it and exchange information.
