I just read a fascinating article in the latest edition (Run 308 October/November 2019) of OGR Magazine, which arrived in the mail 2 days ago, entitled A 3-Railer's Journey into the NMRA Achievement Program by John Robert Coy.
The article is the first installment of the author's journey to becoming a Master Model Railroader (MMR), officially known as the AP (Achievement Program) certification of NMRA (National Model Railroader Association).
I learned from reading this article that it is possible, although rare, for 3 railers like us to become a Master Model Railroader.
What I would love to know is if it is possible for a 3 rail high railer to become a Master Model Railroader. By 3 rail high railer I mean a hobbyist with a layout that has 3 rail track and toy-like accessories much bigger than O Scale, like the Postwar Automatic Gateman and Animated Newstand, integrated artfully in realistic settings and scenery on the layout.
My gut feeling is that the answer to the above question is probably No, but IMO it would be great if the answer was Yes. Reasons for Yes include that there are magnificent layouts that have such toy-like accessories on them, and these toy-like accessories were, and still are, very popular, so much so that they are iconic. One such layout that beautifully integrates these accessories is that of Phil Klopp, who is a member of this Forum. There are others among us who have done this.
Also. those that know me well, know why I have a particular interest, which I will share later, why I wish the answer was Yes.
Please share your thoughts, if you have them, about the above question, or this article and topic.
Also, after reading Mr. Coy's article, I believe there are many active Forum members with 3 rail track who could qualify for the AP or Master Model Railroader designation. Do you agree?
And do you think you might qualify for such designation if you put your mind to it?
Arnold
