Virtual Operations
Led By: Dennis Colucci
Operations has become an increasingly popular part of the hobby in recent years. There are many spectacular layouts around the country and the world to visit and operate on, but it can be hard to travel and visit them all. And for layout owners, getting people from far away to experience your operation scheme can be just as difficult. But thanks to the wonders of modern technology, some layout owners have begun to set up their layout to allow guests to remote operate their railroads over the internet! Join Dennis Colucci, Darrin Calcutt of Canadian Locomotive Logistics, Bill Rutherford, and Don Irace in a round table discussion about what goes into setting up and maintaining a remote ops plan and inviting friends from all over to experience it!
Email questions for the panel prior to the NERx event to info@nerx.org.
Modular Railroading
Led By: Steve Erickson
Modular layouts are becoming more popular as the range of options increase. Just over the last decade we have seen the popularization of T-Trak layouts that can be assembled and run on banquet tables. Other modular systems include the widely used N-Track standard and Free-mo in HO scale. New variations are popping up in Z scale, On3, and even HO scale T-Trak. These systems allow greater participation in the hobby, serve as a "secondary" interest with existing railroaders, and allow construction of layouts when space is at a premium. This roundtable will discuss the various options available today and how to get started in each of them.
Email questions for the panel prior to the NERx event to info@nerx.org.
Immersive Technology
Led By: JT Burke
JT Burke of Scale Sound Systems will lead a panel of folks that use technology in various ways to realistically immerse and stimulate both operators and spectators in our model worlds. They will discuss realistic deployment of on-board sound in locomotives and rolling stock, realistic deployment of scene-based and ambient layout sound, how the ProtoThrottle changes the way we operate our trains and setting moods with layout lighting via JMRI and LCC control. This should prove to be a fascinating discussion in a growing segment of the hobby.
You can send questions for the panel prior to the NERx event by emailing info@nerx.org.
Preview of Eyes on the NER
Led By: Peter Watson
The 2026 Northeast Region convention hosted by the HUB, Nutmeg, and Little Rhody Divisions. The convention will be held In Southbridge, Mass on October 15-18, 2026.
Our convention will be that the Wellsworth Hotel and Conference Center, the former headquarters of the American Optical Company. Its presence in Central Massachusetss gave the Southbridge the nickname of the "Eyes of the Commonwealth". All eyes are on the team as they prepare for what is sure to be a can't miss event.
Send in your questions to info@nerx.org.