Best scanner antenna for railroads in a 40 mile radius

[nberpa]

Hi,
Does anyone out there know of an outdoor scanner antenna that can pick up railroads in a 40 mile radius?

Thanks for the help.
nberpa

 

[K9WG]

I would think taht depends on several things such as antenna height, beam vs omnidirectional, terrian...

 

[nberpa]

The antenna would be 14 feet off the ground and in a valley surrounded by mountains.

nberpa

 

[Arizona_Scanner]

In all directions? I would say the best would be a custom made VHF antenna tuned to the rail band. There are a few companies that make them. There was a company making collinear ground plane antennas for UHF AND VHF a few years ago, and I used the UHF version for GMRS and it ROCKED. I couldn't find the site though now...

Personally I would make a simple 1/4 wave dipole antenna and call it good.

 

[K7CAR]

You're in a valley, so only going to hear up and down the valley. The AntennaCraft ST-2 is a full size antenna and works well in the 160 mhz range that rail is on. Best bang for your buck IMHO. Start with that and expand your setup if you are looking for longer range. Think about getting it up higher than 14ft. You'll see the greatest gain in reception no matter what antenna if you go higher.