Regular Meetings of Mass Bay RRE
Our 'Third Thursday' program meetings feature presentations by speakers knowledgeable about railroad history, operations and rail travel. Meetings are generally held at 8:00 PM on the Third Thursday of the month, live-streamed as a Zoom Webinar and posted to YouTube afterwards. (Details below.)
On the first Tuesday of odd-numbered months we hold a more informal online gathering: "First Tuesday Members Night." (More information below.)
For last minute updates or meeting cancellation alerts, please call our information line at 978-470-2066.
Upcoming Third Thursday Programs:
Our 'Third Thursday' program meetings feature presentations by speakers knowledgeable about railroad history, operations and rail travel. All are welcome to view our programs, Mass Bay RRE membership is appreciated but not necessary. Links to the program meetings are posted here about a week in advance, and are also sent by email to our contact list. Upcoming programs are listed below.
Thursday, August 20, 8:00 PM, live-streamed via Zoom Webinar:
‘The New York Central System’
Presented by Gene Harmon
Gene Harmon’s presentation describes the history and development of the New York Central from 1826 to 1967. It covers the people who laced together the many railroads that ultimately formed the New York Central System.
Episode One describes the 19th century evolution and some of the personalities involved.
Episode Two discusses the peak period of the NYC between 1910 and 1916. Structures, equipment, passenger trains and freight trains are reviewed with a focus on 1930 onward. There are sections that describe the financial history, management challenges, passenger train deficits, and the attempts to “right the ship” by Alfred Perlman. Maps, many photos, and a few tables help illustrate the many facets of this once-mighty railroad empire.
This 1 hour, 45 minute presentation is fast moving and includes a few personal encounters with the New York Central in the 1960s.
Gene grew up in New York Central country, on a farm in western New York State. The NYC, Erie, B&O, G&W, and LV were all within 10 miles of the farm. He often rode the Phoebe Snow, many of the NYC trains, and various local freight trains on the NYC's Peanut Branch, Erie Lackawanna's Rochester Branch, and the B&O. The NYC provided passenger service to both high school (Mt. Hermon, now Northfield Mt. Hermon) and college (Lake Forest College just north of Chicago).
Gene joined the Illinois Central Gulf in 1972 in sales and later market development before moving on to the Southern Pacific. As an independent consultant he worked for many clients including railroads and shippers, specializing in logistics, until his retirement in 2015.
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Thursday, September 17, 8:00 PM, live-streamed via Zoom Webinar:
‘Boston's Commuter Rail: From Heritage To State of the Art’
Presented by Doug Kydd
Thursday, October 15, 8:00 PM, live-streamed via Zoom Webinar:
‘Oh, Gs: Photographing the Pennsy's Legacy Around New York 1973 - 1983’
Presented by Oren Helbok
Thursday, November 19, 8:00 PM, live-streamed via Zoom Webinar:
‘The Lehigh & Northern and the Bourbon Industry’
Presented by Charles Bogart
Past Third Thursday Program Meetings:
Video of our Third Thursday programs is available for later viewing on the Mass Bay RRE YouTube channel, organized in annual playlists.
For program guides of previous Third Thursday presentations that are available for viewing on YouTube, consult our Past Meetings Page
Do you have a suggestion for a Third Thursday meeting program?
We are now developing our Third Thursday programs for January 2027 and beyond. To offer or suggest a program, contact us at info@massbayrre.org or call us at 978-470-2066. Most programs will be presented remotely over ZOOM.
First Tuesday 'Members' Night' Meetings
(Held on the first Tuesday of odd-numbered months)
On the first Tuesday of odd-numbered months we hold a more informal on-line gathering: "First Tuesday Members Night." This is a time for members to share their photos or short video program with others in an informal session. Individual presentations are usually 5 - 15 minutes in length and cover a wide variety of topics. Members and non-members alike are welcome. Links to the First Tuesday meetings are posted here about a week in advance, and are also sent by email to our contact list.
First Tuesday 'Members' Night' meetings are currently being conducted as a Zoom video meeting. The next 'Members' Night' is scheduled for Tuesday, September 8, 2026 at 8:00 PM. (Note change of date due to State Primary election on Sept. 1)
If you have photos or video that you'd like to show, please contact us!
To view the First Tuesday program LIVE, click the link below on September 8 at 7:50 PM or later.
(Zoom meeting will open 10 minutes before start of program)
Virtual Rail Events Calendar
One of the surprising benefits to come out of the pandemic was the rise of Zoom virtual meetings. Several railfan groups quickly took advantage of this and made their monthly programs available to the world. George Chiasson recognized this development and began emailing a spreadsheet calendar of railfan Zoom programs in 2020. He paused that effort a few months ago due to increasing work obligations.
But railfan Zoom programs continue unabated. Even as some groups have returned to in-person meetings, they have recognized the value of continuing virtual programs on Zoom. John Williams has revived George's calendar of virtual railfan programs in a new format – it's now hosted on Google Calendar. The new format's advantages go far beyond just being easy to maintain. It makes possible a big addition to the entries with minimal effort, including meeting times in all four time zones! Clicking on a meeting entry will reveal more detail, including a link to the group's website.
It's all in one place: https://railmeet.wixsite.com/zoom