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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)