Date/Time
Date(s) - Saturday, January 17, 2026
9:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Location
Deptford Senior Center
1341 Tanyard Rd.
Sewell, NJ 08080
Categories
On Saturday January 17, 2026 we gather at the Deptford Senior Center, 1341 Tanyard Rd., Sewell, NJ 08080 for a joint meet hosted by the New Jersey Division. The time is 9:00am with doors opening at 8:30.
Our morning program will begin with our own Mike Dettinger and his presentation of “Table Top Module Survey and Overview.”
A number of new tabletop modular standards have evolved in the last five years. This clinic examines those of the of the most popular modular formats. Tabletop modules are designed to sit on an existing tabletop or the floor as individual modules and do not have their own legs. The benefit is that model railroaders minimize the carpentry and maximize the railroading. For this reason among others, this form of modular railroading is quickly growing in popularity.
Mike currently serves as the the Philadelphia Division’s clinics chair, and has presented a variety of clinics and written many articles for the division newsletter. He recently presented clinics at the MER convention on the Kato Mini-Modules and of late, tabletop modular railroading has become his particular focus.
Fred Willis of the New Jersey Division will present the second clinic titled “The Design and History of Early British Locomotives.” In 1830 the first steam locomotive for American use, The Stourbridge Lion, arrived in the US from Britain. Even though it was primitive, it was built on 25 years of locomotive development and knowledge. This clinic will describe the first 25 years of British steam locomotive development, when there was no industry knowledge to draw on.
Fred is life member of the NMRA and a member of the New Jersey Division. New England railroads, particularly in Maine in 1900, are his primary prototype interest. His primary modeling activities are scratch building structures and cars and researching the history of small railroads and locomotive designs.
Please note that the clinic order is subject to change.
All are encouraged to bring model displays. The topic of focus this meet is a picture of something on layout. As usual, there will be door prizes, a raffle, and swap tables (to reserve contact Mike Prokop at njwrr@aol.com). In addition, a “last chance table,” where you can pick up models and modeling stuff and/or donate stuff you want to get rid of—free, of course. Coffee will be provided.
The afternoon fare consists of model railroad open houses. Layout information will be distributed at the meet. Hope you all can make it!
