Tuesday, October 29, 2013

My 7th certificate!

Last weekend I attended the British Region convention in Meriden near Birmingham.

After the saturday night dinner I received the Author Certificate from the hands of British Region AP chair Steve Park. This is my 7th certificate toward MMR, but the right one has still to be earned, which is Master Builder - Cars to fulfill the requirements of having at least one certificate from the 4 categories.

I also entered 6 models to be judged and the outcome of the contest judging exceeded my expectations so that from the 6 models I entered, 5 won a Merit Award with reasonably high scores. I'll post this in a separate post.

Monday, October 28, 2013

Golden Spike Award

The best and easiest way to start in the Achievement Programm in my eyes, is to begin with the Golden Spike Award. Many modellers own a home or show layout without knowing that they already have done a big part in achieving this award.

Here is what’s to to. If not sure, ask your local AP chair.

Golden Spike Award

The Golden Spike is the easiest, and for many people, the first AP award that they earn. It is designed to demonstrate familiarity with different areas of the hobby, rather than expertise in a particular area. So take a look at the requirements - you may find that you have met most, or all of them already.
Here's the Golden Spike Award Application Form . Use it as a checklist, you may surprise yourself.

Rolling Stock (Motive Power & Cars)

Display six (6) units of rolling stock (Scratchbuilt, craftsman, or detailed commercial kits).

Notice that the requirement is to "display" them. Nowhere does it say that they must earn a minimum number of points in judging - just that they must be displayed. ( In the monthly contests at your division meetings, for example. Even having them set out on your layout, or a table in your basement counts as "display").

These models need to show a little more effort than a "shake the box" kit. For example, by itself a freight car kit straight out of the box, is not enough to qualify. However, by painting and decaling it, adding a little detailing, perhaps some weathering, etc., you'll have a qualifying model in no time!

Model Railroad Setting (Structures & Scenery)

Construct a minimum of eight (8) square feet of layout.

Again, there is no requirement about how good or how elaborate your layout must be - just that you must "construct" it. On the other hand, you may have trouble convincing someone that a loop of track nailed to a piece of green painted wood constitutes a "layout" . . . How much is 8 square feet of layout? Well, a typical module is 4 feet by 2 feet, and would easily satisfy this requirement.

Construct five (5) structures (scratchbuilt, craftsman, or detailed and commercial kits). These structures may be separate, or one or more of them may be part of a single scene.

The same comments apply here about the type of kits. The idea is to show that you can do more than glue a simple plastic kit together. Painting or weathering are good things to consider. Remember that "structures" aren't just buildings. Things like bridges and trestles also fall into this category.

Engineering (Civil & Electrical)

Three (3) types of trackage are required (turnout, crossing, etc.). All must be properly ballasted and installed on proper roadbed. Commercial trackage may be used.

This requirement sounds a lot harder than it is. First, notice that last sentence about commercial trackage; you don't have to hand-lay anything - you can just install a store bought turnout. "Types of trackage" can be just about anything: turnouts, crossings, and grade elevation (a change in elevation of the track) are all examples of "types of trackage". Also, note that the three types DO NOT have to be different. For example, just having three simple turnouts will qualify. The "proper roadbed" requirement can be met by laying the track on a raised roadbed, ( such as cork ) and ballasting it. The purpose of this requirement is to show that you understand roadbed profile, drainage, etc.

All installed trackage must be properly wired so that two trains can be operated simultaneously (Double-track main, single-track main with sidings, block or command control, etc.).

This requirement can also be easier than it sounds. Notice the option for a single track main with sidings. This means that as long as you can cut power to the sidings individually, you can run one train, park it on a siding while you run another, then park it and run the first again. This meets the requirement.

Provide one additional electrical feature such as powered turnouts, signaling, turnout indication, lighted buildings, etc.

Don't read more into this than is there. A powered turnout can be something as simple as an Atlas turnout with a switch machine. Think in terms of anything that runs off the 'Accessories' terminals of a power pack and you 're half way there.

One other thing to remember: Not all of these requirements need to be met on the same layout (or piece of layout). They don't even need to be met in the same scale! If you want to build G scale rolling stock, an N scale Model Railroad setting, and an HO scale layout for trackage and wiring, go ahead.
Also, the Golden Spike, as well as the other parts of the AP have a certain amount of flexibility. For example, suppose you and your (friend / spouse / child) work together on all your projects, but do twice the required amount (12+ units of rolling stock, 16+ square feet of layout, 10+ structures, etc.). You can both be considered, as long as you can show that you have each demonstrated the required skills.

Master Builder - Cars (Requirements)

Master Builder - Cars

A "Car" is just about anything that runs on rails and is NOT self-propelled (if it's self-propelled, it's Motive Power). This includes freight cars, passenger cars, maintenance of way cars (including equipment such as cranes), cabooses, cable cars, unpowered (dummy) locomotives, etc. Actually, if you have a model which is self propelled, but is a model of something that was designed to carry something (besides itself), such as a rail car, it can be used as one of the qualifying models for either Motive Power or Cars, BUT NOT BOTH.
Contact your Regional AP Manager if you have a question about which category a particular model would fall into.

To qualify for the Master Builder - Cars certificate:

You must build eight operable scale models of railroad cars:

"Operable" means that they must be able to roll on the track, negotiate a curve, be pulled by something, etc. It doesn 't mean that every door, valve, or other moving feature of the car must work as the prototype does. (However, any operating features that you can include in your car are likely to increase your score.)

1. There must be at least four different types of cars represented in the total of eight. One of these must be a passenger car.

"Passenger cars" include anything that would normally be found in a regular scheduled passenger train including baggage cars, express reefers, business cars, or other passenger carrying cars like drover's cabooses.

2. Each of the eight models must be super detailed with either commercial parts or scratch built parts (for extra points).

3. In addition to being super detailed, at least four of the eight models must be scratch built. The term "scratch built" implies that the modeler has done all of the necessary layout and fabrication that produce the final dimensions, appearance, and operating qualities of the model.

The following parts are specifically excluded from the scratch built requirement:

Wheels
Couplers
Light bulbs & electronics.
Trucks.
Brake fittings.
Marker lights & drumheads.
Paint, decals, etc.
Basic shapes of wood, plastic, metal, etc.

("Basic shapes" are things that the builders of the prototype would have used as raw materials. For example, an "I" beam would be a basic shape; a commercial door or window casting would not.)

2. You must earn a score of at least 87-1/2 points on four of the eight models in either an NMRA sponsored contest or in AP Merit Award judging.

Note that only four of the eight must earn 87-1/2 points. The others don't even have to be judged! They do all have to be described on the Statement of Qualification (see below).

3. You must submit a Statement of Qualification.

Achievement Programm Categories

Achievement Categories

In order to acknowledge exceptional achievement in the many phases of scale model railroading, the following achievement categories have been established to encompass both the technical and service phases of the model railroad hobby.

Earn a minimum of seven AP certificates (out of the eleven available) then submit a Statement of Qualification.

Of these seven certificates, you must have at least one from each of the following four areas:

Model Railroad Equipment:

Master Builder - Motive Power.

Master Builder - Cars.

Settings:

Master Builder - Structures.

Master Builder - Scenery.

Master Builder - Prototype Models.

Engineering and Operation:

Model Railroad Engineer - Civil.

Model Railroad Engineer - Electrical.

Chief Dispatcher

Service to the Hobby:

Association Official

Association Volunteer

Model Railroad Author

Friday, September 20, 2013

Master Model Railroader (MMR)

Master Model Railroader #526

The title of Master Model Railroader is not an easy one to achieve. In case you are wondering how many modelers have attained the title, take a look at the Master Model Railroaders list. Along the way to earning the title of Master Model Railroader, you will have a lot of fun with your modeling, and learn many new skills to boot.

To qualify as a Master Model Railroader you must:

Earn a minimum of seven AP certificates (out of the eleven available) then submit a Statement of Qualification. awarded January 31, 2014

Of these seven certificates, you must have at least one from each of the following four areas:

A. Railroad Equipment:

B . Railroad Setting:

C. Railroad Construction & Operation:

D. Service to the Hobby & NMRA Member:

Association Volunteer (Requirements)

Volunteer

To qualify for the Association Volunteer certificate, you must:

Have served actively on one or more NMRA committees (National, Regional, or Division) long enough to accumulate sixty (60) certified time units (TUs). The TUs you receive for various types of service are listed below:

Active satisfactory service as a General Manager of a National committee: 4 TUs per month.
Active satisfactory service as a National committee Manager: 3 TUs per month.
Active satisfactory service as a Region committee Manager, or on a National committee: 2 TUs per month.
Active satisfactory service as a Region committee member, a Division Officer or committee Manager: 1 TU per month.
Active satisfactory service as a Division committee or board member: 1/2 TU per month.
Editors of an NMRA publication shall receive credit at the rate appropriate for committee Chairmen at the same level.
Service as a Division officer or director (other than at the Regional level): 1 TU per month.
Newsletter Editors of 100% NMRA clubs having 10 or more members, may earn one time unit per issue of the club newsletter, providing it is four pages or more. All newsletters must have four issues on file in the NMRA's Kalmbach Memorial Library, edited by the person applying, before the time units will be considered for credit.
Official judges at NMRA sponsored model contests (including non-rail) shall be given time units for such service at the contest only (not monthly), as a one-time service credit per contest as follows:

National Contest Judge 3 Time Units
Regional Contest Judge 2 Time Units
Division Contest Judge 1 Time Unit

Individuals (and their crews) who open their home or club layout for layout tours in conjunction with NMRA conventions or other NMRA sponsored events earn credit as follows for each day that the layout is open for viewing.

National Event 3 Time Units / day (12 TUs maximum per event)
Regional Event 3 Time Units / day (6 TUs maximum per event)
Divisional Event 3 Time Units / day (3 TUs maximum per event)

Individuals who participate in modular layouts in conjunction with NMRA Divisions, or at NMRA sponsored events, earn credit as follows for each day the layout is open for viewing at the event.

National Event 3 Time Units / day (12 TUs maximum per event)
Regional Event 3 Time Units / day (6 TUs maximum per event)
Divisional Event 3 Time Units / day (3 TUs maximum per event)

NOTE: There is generally a maximum of 48 time units credited for any one National convention, 24 time units credited for any one Regional convention, and 6 time units credited for any one Division event.

Boy Scout Railroading Merit Badge Counselors who are NMRA members can earn: 1 TU (time unit) per month and 1 TU per Scout that qualifies. This credit is retroactive with no time limit for those who have served as counselors in the past provided that they were also NMRA members during the time of service.
A live clinic that is presented more than once earns Association Volunteer credits for each additional (the first presentation is credited toward Author) presentation at the following schedule:

National Clinic - 3 Time Units
Regional Clinic - 2 Time Units
Divisional Clinic - 1 Time Unit

Certification of accomplishment shall be by the Committee Manager (in the case of committee members), or by the appointing officer (in the case of Committee Chairmen). The Region (or National) President or Secretary may certify when the appointing officer is not available or when many positions will require several signatures.

KEEP TRACK OF YOUR SERVICE AS YOU DO IT

I have accumulated the necessary Time Units (TU) during various conventions and exhibitions around Europe, as well as British Region conventions.

Contest Judge (8 TU's) British Region Convention

Clinician (18 TU's) on major exhibitions and conventions in Germany

Layout Operator (84 TU's) conventions in Rodgau/Germany and Adliswil(Switzerland

Layout Operator (12 TU's) British Region conventions in Kegworth, Swindon, Copdock

Chief Dispatcher (Requirements)

Dispatcher

To qualify for the Chief Dispatcher certificate you must:

A. Have participated in the operation of a model railroad, either home or club, for not less than fifty hours. A minimum of ten hours each must have been served in three of the five categories listed below, one of which must be #5, Dispatcher:

This experience shall be accumulated on one or more model railroads having at least two mainline trains plus yard switching in simultaneous operation. Some system of freight and passenger car movements, including road switching, shall be used for controlling train activity.

The following descriptions are not designed to list ALL of the things that a particular job must involve - they list things that are typically involved in each job. Naturally, jobs, duties, and overall operating complexity will vary from one model railroad to another.

Engineer:

a. Mainline Passenger or Freight Engineer:

Shall run their train in a manner that simulates the prototype, following the rules of the model railroad being used, and operating according to the signal system (if present) or by direct instruction of the Dispatcher.

b. Wayfreight Engineer:

Will meet the requirements of Mainline Engineer. In addition, he or she shall perform all required switching with approval from the Dispatcher in a manner not to adversely affect the overall railroad schedule or operations.

Operating in a prototype manner includes no 'jack-rabbit' starts or sudden stops during normal operations.

Yardmaster:

a. Yardmaster:

Runs the freight yard. He or she makes up trains with the appropriate cars in the desired numbers to have trains ready when the timetable or Dispatcher requires them. Generally, the Yardmaster operates the switch engine, but in a large yard could direct other yard engineers.

b. Station master:

Is in charge of the passenger station and all passenger switching. He or she makes up trains with the appropriate consists so that the trains are ready when the timetable or Dispatcher requires them. Terminating trains are broken down appropriately and the cars are serviced and stored as needed. Through train switching is accomplished.

Hostler:

a. Hostler:

Shall run the engine facilities. He or she shall have each locomotive facing the correct direction, double-headed or lashed up, ready for the Engineer to easily leave the engine area. Service to locomotives shall be simulated. Returning locomotives are placed in their appropriate stalls or tracks. On layouts with advanced control systems, the Hostler can handle assignment of locomotives to the appropriate engineer' s throttle.

b. Power Desk:

Decides what is the correct motive power for each train. Assigns throttle control to the motive power. When assignment is finished, he or she returns control of that motive power to the Hostler, or to off.

Towerman:

a. Towerman:

Operates one or more towers (control panels) on a layout. He or she sets up appropriate routes at the correct time under direction of the timetable or the Dispatcher. Reports train passings to dispatcher if required.

b. Traffic Manager:

Determines which cars come and go from each industry, and the amount and location of traffic, and specifies the route. May create a computer program to do this automatically.

c. Road Master:

The operating trouble-shooter and repair person. He or she keeps things moving smoothly. Can take track in or out of service.

Dispatcher:

Coordinates all train movements, either by sequence, timetable and fast clock, or other operating system.

Documentation

The applicant shall also do the following: (please note that the use of a computer to accomplish these requirements is acceptable)

1. Prepare a schematic drawing of a model railroad layout meeting the operating conditions described in (A), and indicating all pertinent simulated distances.

Normally, this would be a diagram of one of the layouts you put in your qualifying time on - but there is no requirement that it must be. The drawing must be neat and readable, but it does not have to be in ink.

2. Develop a timetable appropriate to this model railroad, simulating prototype time, covering a period of eight hours or more, during which at least three scheduled mainline trains move in each direction.

3. Develop an operating train chart (graph) which interprets the above schedule for timetable operation of the model railroad. Indicate at least one train meet on the schematic drawing required in (B-1) above. Show the position of the trains involved and describe the action, giving pertinent time and movement data to effect the meet.

4. Develop or adapt a system of operation for the layout in (A), including all the necessary forms and explanations for their use for controlling car movements, train makeup, and operation in a prototypical manner.

Members of the same club or home layout operating group who are applying for the Chief Dispatcher certificate can use copies of the same paperwork for requirements 1 and 4, but each must develop and submit their own timetable and train chart (even if they are all copies of the same one). Another possibility would be to have all the members who qualified submit their application at the same time. and just use one set of the paperwork for #'s 1 & 4.

***

From 1995 until 2009 I had regularly participated in operating sessions at various FREMO modular layout meetings and served in the different categories:

Engineer - Mainline Freight: 21 hours (1997-2009)

Engineer - Passenger: 15 hours (1999-2009)

Engineer - Wayfreight: 31 hours (1995-2009)

Yardmaster: 36 hours (1996-2009)

Dispatcher: 18 hours (2000-2009)

Most of these jobs were served under the auspices of Wolfgang Dudler MMR

Following is a typical timetable and train chart for one of the FREMO meets where I accomplished the above tasks.

The following charts and timetable are from my home layout

To complete all the requirements for this certificate it is important to document all the jobs you did on a layout, be it club or own and to get it certified by a qualified NMRA member. This may take several years to collect all the time units necessary. If you operate on your home layout, take care that someone on your operating crew is qualified to sign off your accumulated time units and the different jobs. It took me some headscratching to backdate some of my time units but fortunately I operated always on FREMO meetings, so at least this was retraceable more or less.