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


  • February 2026 News
    Bad weather outside? No problem — the trains are running inside! Come join us at the Elkhart Model Railroad Club, where it’s always full steam ahead no matter the forecast. Our members will be running trains and sharing their passion for model railroading in our spacious indoor layout. We’re open most Fridays, and visitors are always welcome to stop by, watch the trains, chat with members, and see what the club is all about. The parking lot is plowed and there’s plenty of free parking, so come in, stay warm, and enjoy some great train action at EMRRC. We’re excited to announce our Members of the Year for 2025 — and this time, we have two! Congratulations to Nick Mangona and Rick Cawley on being named co-Members of the Year. Rick has contributed his expertise with 3D printing projects, while Nick has been a huge help with countless tasks around the layout. Great job, and thank you both for your hard work and dedication! In other news, the club has purchased three new throttles and two new receivers. Two of the throttles have already arrived, and the third is on its way. The old Digitrax system and throttles will remain in place, so members can still use them as usual. And don’t forget — you can also use your Android or Apple phone as a throttle through our in-house WiFi network. Looking ahead, our next EMRRC Clinic will be held on Friday, February 20th, following the business meeting. Randy will be demonstrating how to rebuild Athearn Blue Box locomotives, so be sure to join us and pick up some great tips! 🎉 Get Ready for the 21st Annual Nappanee Train Show! 🚂 The Elkhart Model Railroad Club’s 21st Annual Nappanee Train Show is coming up on Friday, March 21st, and you won’t want to miss it! This is Northern Indiana’s largest train show and swap meet, bringing together train enthusiasts, collectors, and families for a full day of fun and discovery. We’ll have over 150 vendor tables featuring model trains of all scales, railroad memorabilia, tools, scenery supplies, and more. You’ll also enjoy a variety of operating layouts, hands-on demonstrations, and the chance to chat with hobby experts and fellow enthusiasts. Make it a day trip — there’s an Amish restaurant conveniently located onsite, offering delicious homemade meals and desserts, plus plenty of free parking for everyone. So mark your calendars, tell your friends, and join us for a great day celebrating the wonderful world of model railroading!

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 MonthWhat’s HappeningOpen to the Public?Public HoursNotes
1st FridayClub maintenance nightYes7:00 PM – 9:00 PMTrains may be running, but only for testing/maintenance
2nd FridayMembers running trains informallyYes7:00 PM – 9:00 PM (club stays open until 10 PM for members)Great night to meet members and take photos
3rd FridayBusiness Meeting (7:00–8:00 PM or whenever it ends) → Members run trains afterwardPartially8:00 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 FridayUsually: 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 informallyYes7:00 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!

 

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