Elkhart Model Railroad Club Announcements

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

Visitors and guests are welcome every Friday from 7:00 pm - 10:00 pm. The Third Friday of Every Month is EMRRC's Business Meeting. We Do Not Open to the Public Until 8:00 PM. 

 Here's the Monthly Schedule (please check the latest article below for more information)

  • 1st Friday of the month EMRRC Train Clinic 7:00 to 8:00 PM. Maintenance follows the clinic from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM.  The club's train clinics are open to the public and offer a chance to learn about model railroading from experienced club members. Trains are not running except for maintenance.
  • 2nd Friday of the month Open Running, Public is invited from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Trains are running.
  • 3rd Friday of the month EMRRC Business Meeting, Members Only, No visitors or guests, 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM.     the Public is invited from 8:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Check with members when trains are running.
  • 4th Friday of the Month Formal Operations, Open to the Public 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. The club's formal operations offer a chance to see model trains running in a realistic setting with a dispatcher, and yardmaster communicating the overall movement of trains with radio instructions. Club Trains are running for operations. 
  • 5th Friday of the month Open Running, Public is invited from 7:00 PM to 10:00 PM. Trains are running if there is a 5th Friday in the month.

 

NEWS for September 2023 

September 15, 2023 

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On Friday, EMRRC convened its regular monthly business meeting, during which various topics were on the agenda for discussion. One of the primary subjects was the ongoing revision of the Constitution and Bylaws. The committee responsible for these revisions is in the final stages of their work, and it is anticipated that the vote on these changes will take place in October.

A friendly reminder was also extended to all club members regarding the requirement for personal cars and engines used at EMRRC to have an assigned color code on the bottom. If you have not yet been assigned a color code, please make sure to provide your preferred color choices to Chuck.

In terms of safety measures, the club is actively working on enhancing safety equipment. This includes the addition of another fire extinguisher, emergency lighting, egress maps, smoke detectors, CO2 detectors, and various other safety items.

Looking ahead to the October meeting, the agenda will include the nomination of club officers. These nominations will be subject to a vote at the November meeting, and those elected will assume their roles, serving a two-year term starting in January 2024.

 

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Looking ahead to 2024, mark your calendars for the 19th Annual Nappanee Train Show, proudly presented by the Elkhart Model Railroad Show. This exciting event is scheduled for Saturday, March 16, 2024, and will be hosted at the Claywood Event Center. For further details about the show, including additional information and updates, please don't hesitate to CLICK HERE for more information on the show.

 

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Join us on Friday, September 22nd for a special occasion at EMRRC – it's Formal OPS night! This time, we'll be transported back to the year 1945, a pivotal moment in history as World War II was drawing to a close. With some troops making their way back home, it's an era when Big Steam locomotives reigned supreme.

We invite you to bring your magnificent Big Boys, Challengers, T1s, and impressive Northern Pacific engines to the event. This is your golden opportunity to experience the thrill of running these colossal steam locomotives on the tracks at EMRRC. However, for those who find themselves assigned to switching duties, we will also need smaller steam engines and diesel locomotives at your disposal (yes, diesel locomotives did exist in 1945) to tackle those tasks. Don't miss this Formal OPS event and the chance to relive the era of Big Steam in 1945. See you there!

In other exciting news, some of our members have been exploring the world of trains beyond EMRRC. Jeff Cain, one of our dedicated members, recently ventured to Denver and had the pleasure of touring the captivating Colorado Model Railroad Museum. The museum boasts an impressive 5,500-square-foot HO-scale model railroad layout, accompanied by a treasure trove of artifacts and exhibits showcasing both model and real-world railroading.. CLICK HERE  for a look at the museum.

 

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Ken Prager, Bill Trail, and Jim Ford, members of our club, embarked on a journey to member Jim Kitt's Calumet Railway in the charming town of Chesterton, Indiana, where they had the opportunity to participate in an operations session. During their visit, they had the pleasure of crossing paths with Chummley, the conductor who keeps things running smoothly on the railroad.

For an in-depth look at the fascinating Calumet Railway, we invite you to visit EMRRC's YouTube channel by CLICKING HERE. This remarkable HO-Scale railroad stretches over 10 miles, connecting the towns of Westville and Michigan City, Indiana. What sets it apart is the entire 10-mile route being electrified with a catenary system, adding a unique and captivating dimension to this model railroad experience.

 Here is the latest schedule for Clinics at EMRRC.

  • October 6, 2023: Building Custom Switches by Ken Prager. Discover the art of crafting custom switches using your tools and the ingenious Fast Tracks system. This will be a video presentation. Ken will be available for questions after the video
  • November 3, 2023: Running the RailPro Control System Instead of DCC by Bryan Good. Escape the hassles of wiring and DCC as you learn the transformational approach of the RailPro system.
  • December 1, 2023: Safety Equipment and Procedures by Mike Miller and Jeff Lapier. Equip yourself with knowledge about the club's safety gear and emergency protocols, guided by Mike and Jeff.
  • January 5, 2024: Basic 3D Printing by Rick Cawley. Journey into the realm of 3D printing as Rick demonstrates the setup of our AnyCubic 3D printer and imparts essential file preparation techniques.
  • February 2, 2024: First Aid by Dr. Jeff Cain. Dr. Jeff Cain will lead a fundamental first-aid course tailored for the club's environment.

9152023 Meeting PRR25For our latest "Friday Running at the Club" video, please CLICK HERE. We warmly welcome visitors most Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Refer to the top of this page for a succinct schedule and do check in here weekly for reminders about our meeting schedules.

 We will be open to the public at 7:00 p.m. on September 22, 2023. This will be a Formal OPS session the public is invited to watch or you can be assigned to a train with an experienced crew.   Feel free to CLICK HERE for more images showcasing our members and their trains. Here is a listing to explore the latest regional train show listing around the Midwest, CLICK HERE.

 

 

September 8, 2023 

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I hope everyone had a fantastic Labor Day holiday! As we transition into the fall season, we're excited to see more members, visitors, and guests joining us at the Elkhart Model Railroad Club. We have a bunch of exciting events lined up every month that are open to both our wonderful members and our valued visitors.

 

 

 

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  On Fridays, we have our main meeting night, and it's not just about trains running! You'll also get to witness ongoing maintenance projects, 3D printing in action, and the bustling operations of our vibrant club community.

For those who love to get hands-on, our members gather on Tuesday nights for maintenance, ensuring everything runs smoothly. And on Sunday afternoons, members come together for a relaxed general run session, where the joy of model railroading takes center stage.

We're thrilled to have you be a part of our club during this exciting season! 

 

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This past Friday was an absolute blast at EMRRC! Several of our enthusiastic members brought in their impressive large locomotives for an epic photo shoot. We had Big Boys, Cab Forwards, T1s, and even a Northern Pacific A3, which happens to be one of the heaviest Northern engines ever produced, tipping the scales at a whopping 508,500 pounds!

 

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These magnificent engines were all lined up on the tracks, strategically positioned around our EMRRC roundhouse, just outside of Hammes Yard.

 

 

 

 

 

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But that's not all - our N-Scale layout had something special too. We were running a captivating Big Boy engine that was originally purchased back in 1980 for just around $115. Believe it or not, the owner still has the original box and certificates, all in excellent condition. It's fascinating to note that similar engines are currently fetching around $400 on eBay, and that's without the box and certificates. It just goes to show that model trains can truly appreciate in value if you make the right choices!

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 As always, our dedicated members were hard at work with maintenance tasks around EMRRC. Whether it's rebuilding tracks and scenery, performing engine maintenance, or meticulously ballasting, it takes a committed team to keep our nearly 75-year-old layout in top-notch condition.

 

 

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Additionally, our 3D printer has been working tirelessly, churning out accessories and parts for the club. One of our talented members, Matt Glassman, designed and printed speaker boxes for an Athearn Ready to Roll series GP40X. What's cool is that Matt had to get creative – he not only made the boxes to hold the speakers but also designed them to accommodate wheel weights, effectively adding weight back into the locomotive.

And the innovation doesn't stop there! Matt also designed and printed NS remote control antennas that can be used on various GPs for remote control operations in the yards. Our member, Rick Cawley, contributed to this creative streak by 3D printing bottles and cases from transparent resin for a new beer distributorship building that fellow member Jim Metzger is constructing in Mishawaka/Osceola.

Exciting times are always ahead at EMRRC, and we're thrilled to have such a talented and passionate group of members shaping our model railroad world!

9082023 Meeting Alas416Hey there, train enthusiasts! πŸš‚

We're super excited to share that the 2024 Train Show Committee is hard at work, pulling together what promises to be yet another fantastic Train Show. The buzz is building, and we're getting closer and closer to the moment when we can shout from the rooftops about this amazing event.

If you joined us for the 2023 show, you know it was a hit with a tremendous turnout, but guess what? We're not resting on our laurels! We're gearing up for an even bigger and better show in 2024. Mark your calendars because it's all happening on March 16, 2024, at the Claywood Event Center in beautiful Nappanee, Indiana. The fun kicks off at 10:00 a.m. and runs until 3:00 p.m.

Here's the best part – our admission is still just $5 for adults, and kids 12 and under get in absolutely free with a paid adult! We want this event to be accessible to everyone who shares our love for trains.

Stay tuned, folks! We've got loads more exciting information and updates coming your way very soon. πŸŽ‰πŸš„

Here is the latest schedule for upcoming clinics at EMRRC. 

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  • October 6, 2023: Building Custom Switches by Ken Prager. Discover the art of crafting custom switches using your tools and the ingenious Fast Tracks system. This will be a video presentation. Ken will be available for questions after the video
  • November 3, 2023: Running the RailPro Control System Instead of DCC by Bryan Good. Escape the hassles of wiring and DCC as you learn the transformational approach of the RailPro system.
  • December 1, 2023: Safety Equipment and Procedures by Mike Miller and Jeff Lapier. Equip yourself with knowledge about the club's safety gear and emergency protocols, guided by Mike and Jeff.
  • January 5, 2024: Basic 3D Printing by Rick Cawley. Journey into the realm of 3D printing as Rick demonstrates the setup of our AnyCubic 3D printer and imparts essential file preparation techniques.
  • February 2, 2024: First Aid by Dr. Jeff Cain. Dr. Jeff Cain will lead a fundamental first-aid course tailored for the club's environment.

For our latest "Friday Running at the Club" video, please CLICK HERE. We warmly welcome visitors most Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Refer to the top of this page for a succinct schedule and do check in here weekly for reminders about our meeting schedules.

Members join us on Friday, September 15th, at 7:00 p.m. for our monthly business meeting. We will be open to the public at 8:00 p.m. or as soon as the meeting ends. We will do a quick setup for formal operations and then have informal running of trains.  Feel free to CLICK HERE for more images showcasing our members and their trains. Here is a listing to explore the latest regional train show listing around the midwest, CLICK HERE.

Have some fun with Model Railroading.

 

NEWS for August 2023 

August 25, 2023 

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The recent Operations Night, which took place last Friday, witnessed a strong turnout of our club members. Additionally, we were delighted to have a couple of enthusiastic young operators who were eager to acquaint themselves with the layout and gain insights into operations. Two of our seasoned members, Rick and Aaron, worked with Ava and Domonick to provide an in-depth understanding of large-scale layout operations, particularly when managing multiple trains.

For those already affiliated with EMRRC or those contemplating membership, the club's constitution, articulated in Article II, outlines its fundamental purpose. "The organization aims to foster camaraderie among model railroaders and railfans, to offer education both to the public and enthusiasts about the hobby, to cultivate diverse hobby skills, and ultimately to advance the realm of model railroading."

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Shifting focus to Saturday, the 3rd Annual Rockin' the Rails Event, hosted by The National New York Central Railroad Museum in Elkhart, was a noteworthy occasion. EMRRC made a substantial presence at the event, showcasing two setups: an outdoor table providing information about the club along with a playing video, and an indoor T-Track setup. The event boasted the participation of nine dedicated club members who were actively engaged, with many more attending as visitors. We extend our gratitude to all members who passionately contributed to championing both the hobby and our club.

 

8252023 Z  Flag.jpeg1As we approach the upcoming Friday, September 1st, please note that there will be no clinic session due to the Labor Day Weekend Holiday. Nonetheless, the evening will feature light maintenance activities and open running. For members of the public, we extend an invitation to join us between 7:00 PM and 10:30 PM. We welcome you to seize the opportunity to connect with us, explore our expansive HO-Scale and N-Scale layouts, and relish a glimpse of our location, nestled just south of the Norfolk Southern Railway’s Elkhart Yard. This yard holds the distinction of being the second-largest railroad freight classification yard situated to the east of the Mississippi River. Our address is 2703 Hawthorne Street in Elkhart, Indiana. For your convenience, you can find a map for directions by CLICKING HERE

 

Here is the latest schedule for upcoming clinics at EMRRC. 

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  • September 1, 2023: Labor Day Weekend Holiday - No Clinic.
  • October 6, 2023: Building Custom Switches by Ken Prager. Discover the art of crafting custom switches using your tools and the ingenious Fast Tracks system.
  • November 3, 2023: Running the RailPro Control System Instead of DCC by Bryan Good. Escape the hassles of wiring and DCC as you learn the transformational approach of the RailPro system.
  • December 1, 2023: Safety Equipment and Procedures by Mike Miller and Jeff Lapier. Equip yourself with knowledge about the club's safety gear and emergency protocols, guided by Mike and Jeff.
  • January 5, 2024: Basic 3D Printing by Rick Cawley. Journey into the realm of 3D printing as Rick demonstrates the setup of our AnyCubic 3D printer and imparts essential file preparation techniques.
  • February 2, 2024: First Aid by Dr. Jeff Cain. Dr. Jeff Cain will lead a fundamental first-aid course tailored for the club's environment.

For our latest "Friday Running at the Club" video, please CLICK HERE. We warmly welcome visitors most Fridays from 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. Refer to the top of this page for a succinct schedule and do check in here weekly for reminders about our meeting schedules.

Join us on Friday, September 1st, at 7:00 PM for informal open running and light maintenance. Feel free to CLICK HERE for more images showcasing our members and their trains. Here is a listing to explore the latest regional train show listing around the midwest, CLICK HERE.

Have some fun with Model Railroading.

August 18, 2023 

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EMRRC has been buzzing with summer activity, welcoming both members and guests to its premises. Despite the usual slower pace during the summer, the last two meetings have witnessed a lively gathering of members and visitors who have been relishing the comfort of air conditioning and the captivating display of numerous trains at EMRRC. Every Friday, guests are graciously welcomed, and a growing number of local residents are seizing the opportunity to witness the 73-year-old operational marvel that is an integral part of Elkhart's history.

 

 

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One intriguing highlight has been the current display of a large framed print above Hammes Yard, depicting an NYC Niagara #607 The print has been with the club since the early 1950s. Despite prior efforts to gather information about this piece, the origins remained elusive, apart from a modest sign attributing it to Weber Mechanical in South Bend, Indiana. However, a recent breakthrough occurred when a letter arrived from an individual who had ties to the artist, William Weber, owner of Weber Mechanical. This gentleman shared that he possessed a sister print to EMRRC's, a sepia-tone print of NYC Hudson #5291 measuring 84" by 24".

The manner in which the club acquired the print remains shrouded in mystery, but EMRRC considers itself fortunate to have this splendid artwork adorning its walls.

The club also had the privilege of hosting the widow of Fred Rapp, a dedicated member from the early 80s to the early 2000s. During her visit, she was accompanied by her daughter and 8-year-old grandson, who was celebrating his birthday. Fred Rapp's significant contribution to the club, such as initiating the annual train show in 2005, left an enduring legacy.

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The recent Friday gathering also encompassed the monthly club business meeting, where a range of subjects were discussed. These included the revision of the EMRRC constitution and bylaws, both of which have been made available on the club's groups.io platform for members to review, with a probable vote slated for the September meeting. Club safety updates were also addressed, with plans to allocate a budget and finalize decisions during the forthcoming September meeting.

 

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An essential upcoming event for members and visitors to mark on their calendars is the 3rd annual Rockin' The Rails event scheduled for Saturday, August 26th, from 12 PM to 6 PM. This event, hosted at the New York Central Railroad Museum, presents another distinctive railroad treasure in the Elkhart region. EMRRC is set to make a significant presence at the event, inviting all to explore the abundant attractions and enjoy the kid-friendly zones it has to offer.

 

 

 

  Here is the latest schedule for upcoming clinics at EMRRC. 

8042023 Meeting BB4 September 1, 2023, LABOR DAY WEEKEND HOLIDAY NO CLINIC.
 October 6, 2023,  Building Custom Switches,  by Ken Prager. Learn how model railroaders are building their own custom switches with their own tools and some help from Fast Tracks system.
 November 3, 2023,  Running the RailPro Control System Instead of DCC,  by Bryan Good. No wiring, and no DCC headaches. Learn how to convert a model railroad with the RailPro system.
 December 1, 2023, Safety Equipment and Procedures,  by Mike Miller and Jeff Lapier. Mike and Jeff will run you through what equipment is at the club and what you should do in case of an emergency. 
January 5, 2024, Basic 3D Printing,  by Rick Cawley. Rick will get you set up on our AnyCubic 3D printer and discuss basic file prep. 
 February 2,, 2024, First Aid,  by Dr. Jeff Cain. Jeff will present a basic first aid course that applies to the club environment
   CLICK HERE for our latest "Friday Running at the Club" video. If you would like to visit the club we are open most Fridays from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm to the public. Check out the top of this page for a more concise schedule and check in to this page for weekly reminders on meeting schedules. Friday, August 25th starting at 7:00 PM will be an Ops 6162023 Meeting NYC28 Running Session. The year depicted will be 1995. The public is welcome to join the session. CLICK HERE If you want to see more pictures of the members and their trains. CLICK HERE to see the latest regional train show listing. Have some fun with Model Railroading.

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 4, 2023 

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There have been significant developments at the Elkhart Model Railroad Club since our last update. Recently, we had a delightful ops session on the last Friday of July, with several members showing up at the club to participate.

 

 

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Moving into August, we finally caught up with a long-awaited clinic on British Locomotives. Thanks to Will Babcoke's excellent presentation, we learned about the rich history of railroading in Britain, and he shared valuable insights into his collection of British Locomotives. If you're looking for an intriguing

 

 

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 In addition to engaging events, major construction has been underway within the club. The main line, running between the coal mine and Moot Pass, has undergone a complete replacement. This extensive project also included the cutoff for the coal mine, the lines to Oceola and Mishawaka, as well as the line to Flushing. Our dedicated members, Ken Prager, and Bill Trail, have invested countless hours as the construction crew, ensuring the project's successful conclusion.

8042023 Meeting Rocking the Rails

 

 

Mark your calendars for an exciting upcoming event. The Elkhart Model Railroad Club EMRRC will be participating in the 3rd annual Rockin' The Rails event at the New York Central Railroad Museum on Saturday, August 26th, from 12 PM to 6 PM. The NYC Museum in downtown Elkhart has a great collection of New Central engines and cars to tour along with a play space including a custom-built locomotive and caboose playhouse, expanded Thomas & Friends table, Lego table, gandydancer display, and interactive tablets and games. Don't miss the opportunity to visit EMRRC's table and experience our T-Track layout firsthand.

Here is the latest schedule for upcoming clinics at EMRRC. 

8042023 Meeting BB4 September 1, 2023, LABOR DAY WEEKEND HOLIDAY NO CLINIC.
 October 6, 2023,  Building Custom Switches,  by Ken Prager. Learn how model railroaders are building their own custom switches with their own tools and some help from Fast Tracks system.
 November 3, 2023,  Running the RailPro Control System Instead of DCC,  by Bryan Good. No wiring, and no DCC headaches. Learn how to convert a model railroad with the RailPro system.
 December 1, 2023, Safety Equipment and Procedures,  by Mike Miller and Jeff Lapier. Mike and Jeff will run you through what equipment is at the club and what you should do in case of an emergency. 
January 5, 2024, Basic 3D Printing,  by Rick Cawley. Rick will get you set up on our AnyCubic 3D printer and discuss basic file prep.
 
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EMRRC's 3D Printer is keeping busy turning out junk loads for gondolas. If you need a scrap load for a 60' or 40' club gondola car stop by Giuseppe's Junk Yard in Oceola to pick one up. 
  
 
CLICK HERE for our latest "Friday Running at the Club" video. If you would like to visit the club we are open most Fridays from 7:00 pm to 10:00 pm to the public. Check out the top of this page for a more concise schedule and check in to this page for weekly reminders on meeting schedules. Friday, August 11th starting at 7:00 PM will be an  O6162023 Meeting NYC28pen Running Session.  The public is welcome to join the session.