If you’re into model railroad operations, BadgerRail is the perfect spot—whether you’re a veteran of realistic train running or just starting out. This round-robin group is all about enjoying the hobby in Madison and the greater South/Central Wisconsin area. We value camaraderie, swapping stories with other regional groups, pitching in during work sessions to plan and build, and running railroads of every size and scale.

We operate often, and while sessions can fill up quickly, most layout owners are glad to host a guest or two looking to enjoy the relaxed pace of operations. Unsure about joining? We frequently pair experienced crew members with newcomers to make learning the ropes a breeze.

Our operating sessions are laid-back and enjoyable, and we encourage layout owners to make all positions available to operators. We get that some prefer to reserve high-demand roles for seasoned operators, and that’s totally fine. Still, we aim to mentor and help build skills in every role whenever we can. Positions are usually assigned through a numbered selection process, where people choose from the available jobs as their turn comes up. Newer or less experienced operators can pick simpler tasks or team up with a more experienced partner as a two-person crew.

This website has two main purposes. First, it showcases the owners and their layouts, letting them decide when and how often to host operating sessions, how many operators they need, and who takes on key roles. Some like to assign experienced operators as dispatchers or yardmasters, while others give newer members a chance to build their skills in these positions. Second, it simplifies crew sign-ups. Before joining a session, you’ll just need to register with your name and email to help keep spam and hacking at bay. Feel free to reach out to get started or ask any questions.

At RiverRail, our sister group in Western Wisconsin has a beloved tradition of occasional group meals, bringing folks together for camaraderie, lively chats, friendly banter, and sharing ideas. We’re excited to make this part of our own gatherings. Most sessions, though not all, run three to four hours, and depending on the host, there’s often a chance for a meal—whether during a break, before, or after the event. Sometimes it’s home-cooked, sometimes delivered, and sometimes it’s a meet-up at a local pub, but it’s always a great opportunity to connect and talk railroading with fellow enthusiasts. A few of our members are already on board with this.

We’re a welcoming group, always excited to meet fellow model railroaders who share our passion for operations. Check out the list below to see where your next run could be.

Work and/or Operating Sessions

Our organization hosts operating sessions on a variety of scale railroads, with more layout projects underway. We hold regular work and operating sessions and are always excited to welcome new operators to join in the fun of model railroad operations. Check out the list below for our upcoming sessions.

We’re collaborating with several owners to schedule sessions over the next few weeks, so stay tuned!