By Katie Bolinger

Just across the street from the Union Pacific West (UP-W) Line, behind an unassuming door, and down a flight of stairs, you’ll find the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club (EMRRC). This hidden gem is a paradise for train enthusiasts. You can ring the bell of a real Santa Fe prairie-type locomotive to announce your arrival.

You become a giant once you cross the threshold, growing 87 times your normal size. Most tracks set up at EMRRC are HO models with a 1:87 ratio to their full-size counterparts. Once you acclimate to your new size, you can explore the landscape created by the club’s 150 members. The basement is around 4,800 square feet, so there is a lot to see.

The train platforms were made of plywood and wired up for the trains to run, and then the scenery was built by hand. The layout is a perpetual work in progress as things are added and older, dustier pieces are replaced. “You can’t really clean them, you can just replace them,” said Dan Hollis, a board president and frequent key monitor.

Some structures are made from kits, but a large portion are made using cardboard, polystyrene foam, wire, glue, paint, flocking, and a bit of humor. The EMRRC layout is filled with pop culture references, from Arnold’s Drive-In of Happy Days fame to the Walton & Sons Lumber Co. from The Waltons and even a group of penguins waiting for a train à la The Blues Brothers. There is even a working drive-in theater that shows films from the 1950s. Local haunts like the Elmhurst Quarry and the businesses along First Street are also displayed. Ask for a list of things to find when you enter.

When asked how people get started with this hobby, Hollis explained that for some, O-gauge trains circling Christmas trees might have planted the seed, though most couldn’t say for sure what drew them in. O-gauge trains are larger and sturdier than HO models. A small child or curious pet can’t do much damage to them. Others may have been bitten by the bug after a field trip to the club.

The club offers youth groups and church organizations Operation Lifesaver, a train safety program. The program features an educational video highlighting the dangers of trying to beat a train at a crossing. Younger participants receive coloring books and pins, and everyone can build their own HO-scale model train car to take home. The experience wraps up with a tour of the club’s layout, showcasing fully operational trains. The club is open to the public for free on Friday evenings from 7-10 pm and Sunday afternoons from 1-4 pm.

Many members began their interest in model trains at a young age, but it typically faded as they started dating and enjoyed the freedom of driving. After taking a break to start families, they often return to the club when they become empty nesters. Families often join so their kids can experience running their trains on the tracks. The club owns the tracks, and members bring their own trains when they visit.

EMRRC members have a range of interests. Some are passionate about the computer programming and electrical wiring that make the trains run, while others focus on model making or simply enjoy running trains on the tracks. Many members are retirees. Some worked for the railroad, while others worked in fields requiring fine motor skills. To honor members who have passed away, the club incorporates their names into the layout through features like Van Nort Electronic Supply and James J. Klein Memorial Park.

Whether you’re a lifelong train enthusiast, new to the hobby of model railroading, or just looking for an interesting outing, the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club offers a unique and welcoming space to explore.

For more information, visit emrrc.net.