I'd like to jump in here with a personal observation.  One of my favorite 
monitoring activities is listening to railroad communications.  The reason is 
that it is interesting (as you stated) to listen to all that activity 
connected with the movement of tons of machinery from one point ot the other. 
 Another reason I listen to the railroads is for any problem that might occur 
along the rail line (torn up track, severe weather curtaoilment of operation, 
the railroad PD, etc.).  There is lots of stuff interesting enough with 
regard to the nation's rail systems.  I would also think it would be 
especially interesting to listen in on activities in the main switching yards 
and along the Tehachapi Loop.  You never know what you will hear.  Happy 
Monitoring...Brian.
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