Railfan Summit – Winter 2026

Sale!
Railfan Summit - Winter 2026

Railfan Summit – Winter 2026

Original price was: $25.00.Current price is: $15.00.

Join us for an intensive, all-day Railfan Workshop held on Saturday, January 17, 2026, from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM at the Cincinnati Museum Center, located specifically within the Cincinnati Railroad Club Room. This workshop is open to the general public and will be taught by Jonathan Higgins, President of the Railroad Club and host of “The Scanner Guys” and “Train Aficionado.”

Attendees will break for lunch on their own mid-day. The full day of instruction will conclude with complimentary pizza and refreshments in the late afternoon, immediately followed by early access to Tower A for an exclusive viewing opportunity.

All ticket sales are final, no refunds 

 

25 in stock

SKU: Summit-2026-01 Category:

Description

The workshop descriptions are listed below. These are subject to change.

WORKSHOP #1
Railfan Core Skills: Gear, Tracking, and Photography Foundations

This workshop is designed for all railfans—from beginners to veterans—to enhance your safety, knowledge, and photography skills.

The Essential Gear

  • Go-Bag & Camera Bag: Get definitive checklists of the must-have items for your everyday railfanning kit. We’ll also cover the essential accessories you need if you just bought a new DSLR camera.

Reading the Railroad

  • Understanding the Road: Learn how to interpret key railroad features like mileposts, signals, and track detectors (hotbox/defect detectors) to predict train movements and length.
  • Safety First: Review critical safety guidelines and proper railfan etiquette.

Tools & Photography

  • Digital Resources: Discover the best online resources and essential apps for tracking, mapping, and connecting with the railfan community.
  • Improving Your Overall Railfan Photography: Learn the basics, learning what side of the tracks you should shoot on, and get practical tips for capturing ideal shots

Be a safer, smarter, and more skilled railfan!

WORKSHOP #2
Signal Savvy: Mastering Scanners and GMRS for Railfan Success

Scanner Mastery
Learn to unlock your scanner’s potential:

  • Effective Listening: Identify key railroad communications (dispatch, MOW, and defect detectors).
  • Best Programming: Get step-by-step guidance for programming frequencies efficiently.
  • Gear Selection: Get tips on choosing the best scanner, from portables to base/mobiles.

GMRS Trackside Communication
Stay coordinated with fellow railfans legally and easily:

  • Simple Licensing: Learn how quickly and easily to obtain your GMRS license.
  • Trackside Teamwork: Master radio etiquette for sharing sightings and coordinating.
  • Best GMRS Gear: Jonathan’s top picks for handheld and base/mobile radios for maximum range and clarity.

Don’t just watch trains—know trains. Join us to sharpen your listening skills and connect with the railfan community like never before!

Railfan Summit – Winter 2026
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