Central Illinois radio frequencies

Trains Magazine General Discussion
1

I am showing the following frequencies:

NS - Decatur 160.44

BNSF - Beardstown 161.415

UP - Springfield area 160.41 and 161.28

Are these accurate?

Ed

2

Dan Grudzialanek’s frequency compendium contained on Keith Schmidt’s Steam trains and tractors website might help. Dan depends on reader input to keep the list accurate. he agrees with you on NS Decatur but not on the other two.

http://www.steamtrainsandtractors.com/RR_Freq_Guide.html

Dave Nelson

3

Certain frequencies are listed as “Road” and “Dispatch”.

Does this mean that the “dispatch” frequency is to be used by the dispatcher in communication to the field and the “road” is used for communication between crews, MOW, etc? For instance, I hear CSX crews call out signals on 160.23 in the area. Would this be considered “road”?

Ed

4

Hi Ed, sorry for the delay in responding - I sent your message on to Dan G. (who does not normally visit the Forums) and here is his response. Since he created that list he took on a new occupation (firefighter) and got married so he has not been able to devote the time to it that he would like.

Dave Nelson

Dave,

He is correct. On most CSX routes they use a separate frequency for conversations between the Dispatcher and personnel in the field. That frees up the road channel for all other communications.

I do intend to come up with an update for the frequency guide as soon as I have the time to sit down and get it together.

Dan

5

Thanks Dave,

Please let Dan know that is a valuable list and I have used it to add to my scanners here in NW Indiana and Chicago.

Ed