Wisconsin Chapter meetings are held on the first Friday of every month (except July & August), at 7:30 p.m., in the lower level meeting room of the North Shore Congregational Church, 7330 North Santa Monica Boulevard in Fox Point, Wisconsin. Click here for a Bing map and directions.
Our meetings are always open to members and anyone who has an interest in railroad history or today's railroad operations. No admission fee is charged.
We stream our meetings via Zoom for the benefit of anyone who cannot attend in-person. To be advised of Zoom connection information, and to receive occasional chapter updates, become a member today.
Upcoming meetings and events:
Friday, November 6, 2026, 7:30 PM CST - The Railroad Speeder Hobby presented by Bob Wonderling
Our November presentation will feature Bob Wonderling with NARCOA, the North American Railcar Operators Association. Bob has served as the National Safety Chair and the Area 6 Director for that organization. The "railcars" referred to in its name are not passenger cars, but rather "speeders," the small two axle motorized rail vehicles from Fairmont and other manufacturers which succeeded the classic old railroad handcar, and have themselves been replaced by hi-rail trucks with retractable railroad wheels.
These railcars were used by track crews and other railroad workers maintaining the right of way and signal systems. Eventually retired, many have been acquired and refurbished by collectors who enjoy opportunities to take their speeders (safely and lawfully) out on railroad trackage, with an emphasis on spectacular scenery or "rare mileage." Many of them have also been repainted in classic old railroad paint jobs. Bob's talk will not just cover how he became involved in what he calls the world's greatest railroad hobby, but he'll explain why NARCOA is the hobby's primary organization. He'll also explain how you can get involved in a railroad hobby that lets you take your own motorcar on excursions throughout the country.
If you are able, please attend in person at our regular meeting venue in Fox Point; doors open before 7:00 pm for social time. Those who cannot attend in person are encouraged to participate remotely, via Zoom. ADVANCE REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED to access this event remotely; use this link to register. After successful registration, you will receive an email from Zoom with information on how to join the meeting.
Friday, December 4, 2026, 7:30 PM CST - Before Abandonment presented by Rob Pfeiffer
Details to follow.
Friday, January 8, 2027, 7:30 PM CST - 2026 NRHS Convention recap presented by Mike Yuhas
Details to follow.