Achievement Program Updates and News

by Ed Price and Bill Roman

December 2007

While the number of models entered for judging at our Spring 2007 Mini-Con was somewhat small (total of 12), we were able to award 4 models with more than the requisite 87 ½ points needed to qualify for Merit Awards. These included two cars by John Griffith (EBT Caboose #27 and EBT Combine #14), a structure by Bill Day (T.W. Snow Coaling Tower), and a structure by Martin Brechbiel (Clugston’s Store). Congratulations to all of you and to the others who entered the contest.

Speaking of contests, due to the Potomac Division hosting the MER Fall 2008 regional convention in Reston next October, we will not be having our usual Spring Mini-Con. Putting on a successful regional convention is a rather labor-intensive enterprise, to say the least. On that note, many volunteers will be needed for a variety of in-hotel activities, hosting model railroad open houses, perhaps serving as tour guides, etc. As a reminder concerning the AP process, if (or when) you volunteer, please keep a record of the amount of time you spend on these activities, since such time can be counted towards the Association Volunteer certificate. Also, if you prepare and present a clinic, you can be credited in the Author category. And of course there will be contest judging available at the regional.

Ed Price and Bill Roman are available for in-home judging of various categories of modeling so you don’t have to wait until the convention if you’ve finished work on a project.

Some recent recipients of AP awards include:

Golden Spike

Murray M. White

Model Railroad Author

John Griffith

There are numerous others who are close to obtaining awards in various categories, and a few who are approaching their Master Model Railroader award – please keep up the good work!!