Railroad scanners?

[DSchmitt]

Here are some websites with tnformation about scanners:

http://www.dxing.com/selscan.htm

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Radio_scanner

http://www.on-track-on-line.com/scanner-radio.shtml

From the on-track-on-line site:

"Brand Names

The primary brand names for hand-held scanners suitable for scanning railroad frequencies are Radio Shack and Bearcat, both made by Uniden America Corporation. In general, the Radio Shack models are more expensive, but there are far fewer stores that carry Bearcat scanners. Bearcat scanners are readily available by mail order however. Other brands can be found at electronic supply outlets also."

[drums1427]

Hello all,

 

I'm rather new to this forum & have a question.  I would like to be able to more or less narrow down the time to take photographs trains coming through my area (NS coming through northern VA).  I've read that some people use "scanners".  Is that correct?  If it is, what kind of scanners are used & how much do they cost?  Also, how do people find out the number of the train & it's destination or origin? 

Thanks,

Lee