Re: what kind of walkie-talkie/radio receiver recommended for trainspotting?

... keep in mind that transmitting without a license is very illegal. The Ham bands are not like Citizen's Band or "Fambly Radio Service." Fines can be very healthy.

That being said, it isn't too hard to get a ham license these days and for large events, like mainline steam trips, many ham/railfans use them to coordinate photo spots and keep track of train movements.

While I haven't listened to much to C&TS traffic, There shouldn't be much chatter on the line unless problems crop up.

Skip Luke
Switchman (ret): Grand Canyon Railway;
Engineer (ret): Georgetown Loop RR Inc., Sumpter Valley Ry., Monticello & Sangamon Valley;
Dispatcher(ret): Illinois Central, White Pass & Yukon, Burlington Northern Ry.
Mariner, Musician, Miner