Jeff NMRA MMR Pursuit
Jeff's
Pursuit of NMRA Master Model Railroader...
I am a member of the National
Model Railroader Association.
Specifically the Nutmeg Division of the
Northeast Region (NER). The Master
Model Railroader (MMR) qualification is the
culmination of the NMRA's Achievement Program
(AP). Since starting in the 60's only
700-some people have finished this program.
When I joined the NMRA during the Hartford
National Convention, I never imagined I would
try to pursue this lofty goal. The more
I read into the rules and requirements, the
more it seemed achievable. It took me 13
years to finish, but it was an interesting
journey that improved my skills as I worked to
accomplish the requirements. I encourage
everyone to join the NMRA and try the
achievement program. It will help you
become a better model railroader.
The AP consists of 11 certificates. The
11 certificates are divided into four
categories. You have to do 7 of the 11
total, with a minimum of one in each category,
to become a MMR.
Status as of : January
18, 2023
COMPLETE Dec 2022 (MMR #727)
8 of 7 certificates earned.
4 of 4 categories covered.
Model Railroad Equipment:
1. Master Builder -
Motive Power: COMPLETE (Merit awards for
each of my three models of C&O 18742)
2. Master Builder -
Cars: COMPLETE (Merit Awards for Well Hole
Flat Cars WM 6010 and 6011 and Snow Flangers
B&O SF13 and B&O SF43, all
scratchbuilt. The other four cars were
B&O cabooses C-2895, C-2899, 902884 and
AMTK 1376)
Settings:
3. Master Builder -
Structures: COMPLETE (HO tower, NA tower, WB
tower, W tower, Consumers Fuel and Fruit
Exchange earned merit awards)
4. Master Builder - Scenery: COMPLETE
(Martinsburg area earned the merit award for
this)
5. Master Builder - Prototype Models: Plan on
using Hancock for this, need to finish five
freight cars and assorted other details to get
judged for this certificate
Engineering and Operation:
6. Model Railroad Engineer - Civil: Will
likely not pursue this certificate
7. Model Railroad
Engineer - Electrical: COMPLETE (wired
turnout, crossover, three way turnout,
switch panel, bus wire, etc)
8. Chief Dispatcher - 40 hours into the 50
hour requirement. Need to do 10 as a
dispatcher to earn this certificate. Service to the Hobby:
9. Association Official:
COMPLETE (Served 3 years on NER Board)
10. Association
Volunteer: COMPLETE (Did clinics to meet the
requirement)
11. Model Railroad
Author: COMPLETE (Too many articles to list)