Yard Radio Traffic On 160.545 MHz

[NYC3001]

Currently, I am listening to some railroad yard activity on 160.545 MHz. They have a repeater in place so you can hear both sides of the conversation. They were just on track 7, placing an EOT device on what will be the last car on the train. Also, they were talking about some cars for Q157 that needed to placed on another track.

Anyone got a clue as to what railroad this might be, and where this yard is located at?

[esprrfan]

With that symbol I'd say CSX

[sd70accsxt700]

Where were you at?

[NYC3001]

I was here at home in Ann Arbor. The signal came in loud and clear, then after a while faded out. I suspect it was not from around here in the local area, although the signal was very strong for a while. Also, the repeater had a PL Tone (CTCSS) of 203.5 Hz.

[Russ Hill]

Radio Reference lists this frequency as CSX police tactical. Bases in Saginaw & Wayne Counties.

[Y@]

My guess is you heard something in the yard at North Baltimore.

[NYC3001]

Tonight they are coming in again loud and clear. I have determined that the actual frequency they are using is 160.5525, which is in between 160.545 and 160.560 MHz. They are busy putting EOT devices on two different trains right now getting ready to leave the yard. However, they didn't mention what yard or trains they talking about.

[NYC3001]

Now they are talking about "Service Track 5 being down, with blue flag protection now in effect."

[NYC3001]

Earlier today, they were talking about "CSX" and mostly "CTX" if this helps anyone ID who this is?

[sd70accsxt700]

Not a clue, I would have to guess by the train symbol you gave that it is North Baltimore, as that train works there. The next closest place would be Chicago or Celeveland.

[NYC3001]

Mystery solved! This is the yard frequency for the North Baltimore Yard.

[StupidFlee​t]

I have determined that the actual frequency they are using is 160.5525,

AAR Channel 120

[sd70accsxt700]

Mystery solved! This is the yard frequency for the North Baltimore Yard.

It is A yard channel for North Baltimore, but not THE yard channel for North Baltimore. THE yard channel at North Baltimore is AAR 65. I would guess what you are hearing is one of the support channels, like carmen, or someother opperations.

[sd70accsxt700]

I have determined that the actual frequency they are using is 160.5525,

AAR Channel 120

If this is really the case, this is the first use of the new narrow band channels. So far around here all CSX has done is switch from regular band to narrow. No new radio channels have been announced or being used.

[NYC3001]

Mystery solved! This is the yard frequency for the North Baltimore Yard.

It is A yard channel for North Baltimore, but not THE yard channel for North Baltimore. THE yard channel at North Baltimore is AAR 65. I would guess what you are hearing is one of the support channels, like carmen, or someother opperations.

Yes, I believe you are correct. They keep referring to themselves as "CTX carmen," which I believe is a support service. However, I have heard other CSX personnel on this frequency, including a trainmaster and the yardmaster at North Baltimore. I mostly hear them at night, and they do talk a lot.