How do train scanners work?

A railroad scanner is like an AM/FM radio in that it can receive radio signals, but not transmit them. However, a railroad scanner is special because it can pick up unique radio signals that an average AM/FM cannot. There are several names for railroad scanners that all mean the same thing: Analog Scanner.



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Overhead line equipment (OLE) refers to the overhead wires and supporting infrastructure that carry electricity at 25,000 volts to power electric trains.

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By the time a train operator sees you, it is too late to stop the train in time. An oncoming train is moving faster and is closer to you than it appears. Similar to an airplane traveling at 150 mph that appears to float onto the runway, it's hard to determine a train's speed and distance from you.

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Absolute signals are sometimes also known as “interlocking plant signals,” or more commonly today, “control points.” They received the name because these signals are typically operated in a control center by members of the Centralized Train Control (CTC).

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Most early American railroads were designed by English engineers who brought with them expertise, equipment, and a left-side tradition. This is most likely why the theory arose that they were responsible for our left-handed system. However, the first double-track designs in the East were American style.

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