KC0YNL said:
That still wouldn't be a reason to change radio frequencies. All that stuff is probably computer based at the dispatching centers. It would be easy to reformat a new desk to accept new towers. However, all the stuff in the field is not going to be so easy to reprogram. It would probably involve physically going to all base station sites and changing or reprogramming equipment. All that in addition to issuing new general orders to inform everybody of new radio channels in use. It would be a major chore.
The physical extents of a dispatching territory doesn't change often either. It's very rare when you hear about a change in limits. That isn't the case in this situation. There are two people reporting hearing BNSF transmissions on this channel in that area. There are no records with the FCC to support this, so we are left with a mystery.
It could be a misunderstanding of what was programmed in the scanner. It could also be an unauthorized use of the freq.
However, in the last 5-10 years I can document the territory and or radio freq changes to the former BN and SP lines in the NW, especially Eugene to K Falls.
But to clarify the point, sending a radio tech to reprogram a site is not a herculean event, the towers as they appear to the dispatchers consoles stay the same, regardless of freq.
You should really bookmark
http://www.on-track-on-line.com/amtrak-freqs.shtml This is the site of current Amtrak routes and their host railroads freqs. Look at the updates and how often they occur.
Hang out trackside and you will see how often remote sites are visited, dragging equipment and wayside base stations, it is ongoing.