The Elkhart Model Railroad Club
Serving Northern Indiana and Southwestern Michigan Since 1950
The Elkhart Model Railroad Club is a group of model railroad enthusiasts who meet every Friday evening at 2703 Hawthorne Street in Elkhart, Indiana. The club is open from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM
Elkhart Model Railroad Club
Announcements
Regular Club Schedule and Visiting Hours
We love having visitors! Unless noted otherwise, the club is open most Fridays from 7:00 PM – 10:00 PM. Here’s what typically happens each Friday of the month:
| Friday of the Month | What’s Happening | Open to the Public? | Public Hours | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Friday | Club maintenance night | Yes | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM | Trains may be running, but only for testing/maintenance |
| 2nd Friday | Members running trains informally | Yes | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (club stays open until 10 PM for members) | Great night to meet members and take photos |
| 3rd Friday | Business Meeting (7:00–8:00 PM or whenever it ends) → Members run trains afterward | Partially | 8:00 PM – 9:00 PM (or right after the meeting ends) | Meeting is members-only. Clinics (if scheduled) are open to the public starting at 8 PM or when the meeting ends |
| 4th Friday | Usually: Members running trains informally Quarterly: Formal Operations Session; The next one is January 22, 2026 | Yes (both cases) | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (club stays open until 10 PM for members) | Formal operations with dispatcher, yardmaster, and radio communication happen only four times a year. On all other 4th Fridays, it’s regular member running sessions (still fun to watch!). |
| 5th Friday (when there is one) | Members running trains informally | Yes | 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (club stays open until 10 PM for members) | Same as 2nd Friday – perfect for photos and chatting with members |
Quick Summary for Visitors
- Best nights to visit: 2nd, 4th, and 5th Fridays (open 7–9 PM) and 3rd Friday starting at 8 PM.
- On formal operations nights (only 4 times a year), you’ll see the layout running like a real railroad — highly recommended!
- The club is closed to the public during the first hour (or so) of 3rd Fridays.
We look forward to seeing you trackside!