The Baofeng UV5R is also an amateur radio. They can be had for $25 - almost in the class of throw-away radios.
The usual caveat - don't even THINK of transmitting on a frequency for which you are not authorized. That said, you can set these radios up for receive only. And they do scan.
Most popular amateur radios can be programmed using a free program called "Chirp," or the software that will come with the programming cable you'll need to buy.
The nice part about programming these radios using a computer is that you can name the channels, whether it be the AAR channel number, or a railroad name. They are usually limited to six or seven characters, so you'll need to be cryptic if you do want to use names vs AAR designations.
The UV5R is capable of 128 channels - you could load up the lower channels with your usual haunts, then put the AAR channels above them.
I'll repeat the usual caveat - don't even THINK of transmitting on a frequency for which you are not authorized.
Also be aware of scanner laws where you live and/or railfan. In NY, f'rinstance, it is illegal to have a radio capable of receiving police transmissions in your vehicle. The radio doesn't have to be set up to actually receive police transmissions, it just has to be capable...
The exception in NYS is if you are a licensed amateur radio operator (which I am). And becoming a "ham" isn't a bad idea. Getting a "Technician" ticket isn't hard, and there are amateurs who use 2 meters for train chasing. Check with your local amateur radio club.
Larry Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date Come ride the rails with me! There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...
The Icom V82 is an amateur radio transceiver. It is designed for the 144-148 Mhz band but its receiver is effective 136-174. It will work as a scanner, but much better as an amateur radio. The antenna is just a "rubber duckie" and will have a very limited range. A full 1/4 wave antenna for these frequencies is typically 20" long. Even better get a magnetic mount antenna with the BNC connector on the radio. The higher the antenna the longer the range of the receiver. (Most radios are very sensitive in this range and it really doesn't make that much difference what radio you get.) Don't spend money on fancy antennas. Simple 1/4 wave or 5/8ths wave antennas will do just fine. There are a number of inexpensive VHF radios from Chinese sources that are running $50 for the radio. They are delicate but cheap. You can use those as long as you are very careful.
This topic has been brought up several times in past. It will be kept brief. With no knowledge on the issue of scanners, what would be a good product to obtain? I have heard a iCom IC-V82 unit that some suggest. This is for a younger generation family member who has entered the world of modern day rr culture (unlike his uncle who only is interested in the history/hertiage, aka good ole days)
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