Briefly, the NMRA Achievement Program (AP) is a system of requirements for demonstrating a superior level of skill in various aspects of our hobby. It covers not only building various types of models, but also building other things which are important to the hobby, such as scenery, structures, track work, and wiring. It also recognizes service to the hobby and the NMRA, which are important as well. The Achievement Program is also a personal commitment to share one’s knowledge with others and to encourage them as they also make the AP journey.

In simple terms, the AP is a travel guide, to help you on your journey through the world of model railroading. The AP also provides 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.

The AP requirements are a set of standards, but they can also serve as a set of guideposts for those who are new, near-new, and not-so-new to the hobby. Not because they lead to some sort of official pat-on-the-back, but because they are a source of ideas for projects that can help us learn to become better modelers.

Should you be interested in learning more about or having your current or past work scored by AP judges to earn your AP certificates, please contact our AP Coordinator.

The following members of the Chesapeake Division have completed all requirements of the Achievement Program to achieve the level of Master Model Railroader® (MMR®).

An NMRA member qualifies as a MMR when he or she has obtained at least seven of the eleven Achievement Certificates provided that he or she has earned at least one Achievement Certificate in each of the four areas of the Regulations. Earning the title of Master Model Railroader® is the ultimate goal for many participants in the Achievement Program. Interested and qualified MMR are also eligible and encouraged to serve as instructors in the “Modeling With The Masters®” program.

David E. Renard, #35

Kurt Thompson, #619