For those of you that are new to the hobby or
those just wanting to know more about the Achievement Program (AP),
here is a quick rundown:
Participation
in the AP is strictly voluntary, all NMRA members are welcome and
encouraged to participate. The AP helps you on your
journey through the world of model railroading. The
AP will provide you an incentive to learn and master the many crafts
and skills necessary in the hobby of model railroading. With
the completion of each category, you will be issued a certificate
acknowledging your achievement. Complete information can be found
on the NMRA AP web page.
Awards
The Golden Spike award is like a preamble to the AP certificates.
If you have a home layout, you probably are close to earning
this award.
Requirements for Golden Spike award can be found at : http://www.nmra.org/achievement/gold.html
There
are 11 categories that can be grouped into 4 broad areas: building
model railroad equipment, settings, engineering and operations, and
service to the hobby.
The Master Model
Railroader award is given to those who complete 7 of the 11 categories.
If you like to build engines and cars then the first group is for you. If you are more artistic then scenery and structures may be what
you want to do. If you have good mechanical or
electrical skills then the engineering and operations group is for you.The last group is for service to the hobby. You
can volunteer or serve as an officer. The author
award is not just for writers, but also for camera buffs and
cartoonist, that have their material published. The
ultimate goal is to earn 7 out of the eleven categories and become a
master model railroader. Details of
the requirements for these awards can be found at: http://www.nmra.org/achievement/reqs.html
Potomac
Division AP News
