Advertisement
The Winter 2026 Railfan Summit is an intensive, all-day workshop designed to sharpen your skills and put you right at the heart of the action.The Workshop: Led by a Scanner Expert & Railfan
Spend the day immersed in instruction from Jonathan Higgins, President of the Cincinnati Railroad Club and host of “The Scanner Guys” and “Train Aficionado.” This is a rare opportunity for the general public to learn directly from a leading voice in the hobby.
Date: Saturday, January 17, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM
Location: Cincinnati Museum Center (Cincinnati Railroad Club Room)
Workshop Summaries
Workshop #1:
Railfan Core Skills focuses on building a strong foundation, beginning with essential gear checklists for both the go-bag and new DSLR cameras. Participants will learn to "read the railroad" by interpreting critical features like mileposts, and defect detectors to predict train movements, all while reviewing paramount safety and etiquette guidelines. Finally, the workshop covers the best digital tracking resources and apps, along with practical tips for improving overall railfan photography.
Workshop #2:
Signal Savvy, focuses on mastering communication tools for advanced tracking. It is divided into two parts: Scanner Mastery, which teaches attendees how to identify key railroad communications, efficiently program frequencies, and select the best portable or base scanners; and GMRS Trackside Communication, which covers the simple process for obtaining a license, mastering radio etiquette for trackside teamwork, and recommending the top GMRS gear for clear coordination with fellow railfans.
Don't miss out! Space is limited, so be sure to order your ticket now before this event is sold out!
Order now: https://cincinnatirrclub.org/WP/product/railfan-summit-winter-2026/
Advertisement
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cincinnati Museum Center, 1301 Western Ave, Cincinnati, OH 45203-1118, United States
Tickets
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.
