TECHNICAL BOOKS
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CURRENT TITLES
Railroad Radio: Hearing and Understanding Railroad Radio Communications and Systems.
By Vincent Reh. ISBN 0-9651599-0-6. 1996. 208 pages, 6x9, perfect-bound, soft cover. $19.95 plus 3.50 shipping to the U.S.
Packed with information on railroad radio communications and systems, including railroad radio history, modern communication systems, system use, and future developments.
Plus, you get all the information you need to monitor railroad radio, including in-depth coverage of radio scanners and accessories. Over 80 photos and illustrations and numerous appendices cover equipment, lingo, rules, operating frequencies, and railroad operations.
Chapter contents are as follows:
1 Introduction
The Canadian-American rail network
Need for radio communications
Pre-radio operations: schedules and train orders
Development of inductive communications
Pennsylvania Railroad Trainphone
Development of radio communications
Post-war VHF radio boom
Radio spectrum and frequencies
Transmission characteristics
2 Modern Railroad Radio Communication Systems
Dispatching centers
Base stations
Passive repeaters
Active repeaters
Coded squelch
Mobile radios
Portable radios
Communication links
Remote receivers
End-of-train devices
Radio alarm detectors
Cellular telephones
Private branch exchanges
Radiotelemetric links
Global positioning systems
Automatic equipment identification
Locomotive remote control
3 Radio Operations
Dispatchers
Train crews
Yards
Maintenance
Police
Taxis
Transmitter identification
4 Scanners and Monitoring
What is a scanner?
What can be heard?
Is it illegal to use a scanner?
Railfanning with a scanner
Advance warning of approaching trains
Determining what kind of train is approaching
Understanding railroad operations
Buying a scanner
Scanner configurations
Performance considerations
Operating frequencies
Power sources
5 Improving Scanner Performance
Antennas
Feedline
Signal amplifiers
Professional radio equipment
Ham radio gear
Computer interfaces
Coded squelch decoders
Voice-activated recorders
External speakers and audio amplifiers
Area repeaters
Beam antennas
Towers
Passive repeaters
6 Scanning on a Budget
Used equipment
Buying used gear
The used market
Homebrewing
7 The Future of Railroad Radio Communications
Spectrum congestion
Trunked radio systems
Automatic train control
Listening in
The following appendices are included:
A Selected Railroad Radio Frequencies
B AAR Channel Designators
C Coded Squelch Tone Frequencies
D Reporting Marks for Selected Railroads
E Sample Train Symbols
F Rules Governing Radio Use
G Information Sources
H Glossary of Terms
Index
The laminated cover features a color photograph of a dispatcher working at the Santa Fe Railway’s Schaumburg Operations Center. Full Bookland EAN barcoding with price extension is included.
Available directly from Byron Hill Ltd. and many railroad booksellers. Single copies are $19.95 plus $3.50 Priority Mail shipping to the U.S. when ordered direct. Checks, money orders, and Visa/MC are accepted. N.C. residents please add $1.35 sales tax.
Comments about Railroad Radio:
“If you want to get more from your scanner than you ever imagined possible, then Railroad Radio is the book for you.” Steve Barry, Railfan & Railroad Magazine
“This book is a marvelous tool for learning how the railroads and their admirers make use of radio.”
Robert McGonigal, Trains Magazine
“This book tells the fan everything he or she needs to know about railroad radios and scanners. Even those of us who have been listening for years will find it interesting and informative.” Brian Jennison, Pacific RailNews
“This is an excellent book for railfans and scanner enthusiasts.”
Sarah Hooper, National Model Railroad Association Bulletin
“The subtitle of the book goes a long way when it says, ‘hearing and understanding railroad radio communications and systems.’ I’ve heard rail signals for years but never really understood what I was listening to. Mr. Reh gives meaning to what I’ve heard on my scanner.” Skip Arey, American Scannergram
“While several frequency directories have been published in the past for railroad buffs, Railroad Radio takes a fresh perspective.” Bob Grove, Monitoring Times
“An impressive book.” Bernard Ente, Railroad Enthusiasts Journal
“Reh’s fine book gives us all we need to know about railroad radio and railfan scanners.”
Fred Codoni, Northwestern Pacific Historical Society Northwesterner
“I enjoyed your new book on railroad radio. It’s a good reference that I keep handy like Gary Sturm’s Compendium of Railroad Radio Frequencies.” Duane Otter, Association of American Railroads
“This is not the type of book you read just once. You’ll keep it as a reference, especially when you start to monitor on-air transmissions. It’s a professional work.” Ed Hesse, Monitoring Long Island Sounds
“It’s about time someone put together a book for those who monitor railroad communications. I am very impressed.” Ronald Bruckman, Radio Monitors of Maryland
“For someone looking for a reference book on railroad radio systems, this book is a good buy.”
James Hay, Canadian International DX Club
“For those who know the difference between a Baldwin locomotive and a Baldwin concert grand, this book is a must.” The Book Reader
“I find the contents very informative.” Don Hansen, Grand Trunk Western Historical Society
“I am very impressed with this latest work of yours. The book provides readers with a great deal of information about train communication systems and has many tips on improving monitoring.” Steve Donnell, U.S. Scanner News
“A very well and professionally executed book.” Mike Riley, Teen Association of Model Railroaders
“A superb book. Reh should be commended for putting together this book and spotlighting an enjoyable part of the radio hobby.” Alex Blaha, Scanning Illinois
“This is a nicely done book that will provide you with all the of the background information you need to get the most out of monitoring railroad communications with your scanner.” R.L. Slattery, Popular Communications
“Here’s a book that’s tailor made for enthusiasts of both radio and railroading!” William Denk, Antique Wireless Association Old Timer’s Bulletin
“I found the book useful, and will keep it with the railfanning gear for future trips.” Bill McKeen, CTC Board Magazine
“Looks like a winner!” Larry Miller, Bearcat Radio Club
TITLES OUT-OF-PRINT
The following titles are out-of-print and therefore are not available. However, if demand is sufficient, they might be updated and reprinted.
Getting the Most out of Your Scanner. By Vincent Reh. Explains how to increase the utility of any radio scanning receiver.
Telegraph Insulators: Their History, Functions, and Uses. By Vincent Reh. Describes how pole line insulators were developed and used in open wire telephone and telegraph systems.
FUTURE TITLES
Railroad Landline Communications in the Open Wire Age. By Vincent Reh. Will explain the electrical and electronic communication systems used by North American railroads in pre-digital, pre-cable times. Will cover various communication methods and equipment including telephone, telegraph, carrier, train control, signalling, and pole lines. Research has been completed and organized. Availability is not known at this time.