The MMR program sets goals for personal achievement that inspire the participant to try out new facets of the hobby and accomplish higher standards of modeling skills. I believe that is the motivation for the majority of MMR participants. It's really not a piece of paper for bragging rights and I have never heard of an MMR saying "I'm an MMR. Let me show you how to do that." Additionally, the NMRA puts a strong expectation of MMRs to "give back to" and promote the hobby.Bob
That's the way I see it, too, Bob! There are as many way to approach and enjoy this hobby as there are people engaged in the hobby.
I am a Life Member of the NMRA, and consider my membership and involvement as one of the best investments I have ever made. I have not participated in the Achievement Program and probably never will because my talents, even after all these years, are still fairly limited, albeit diverse, and I tend to be a bit lazy (although there is at least one category in which I would almost certainly meet the qualifications 
).
Having actively modeled in multiple scales over the years, including Z, N, HO, O, On30, and G, I have had the opportunity to meet a good number of Master Model Railroaders, and I must say that ALL have certainly earned that distinction. It is not an easy goal to reach, but every MMR I have met has told me that it was a worthwhile experience due to all the "lessons learned" along the way. It's a personal quest, as is anything else in this or any other hobby, and it involves a lot of time and effort. Some enjoy that kind of peer-evaluated challenge, while others--undoubtedly the vast majority--may have little or no interest. That's perfectly fine, but I am delighted to see at least one of our forum partricipants willing give it a shot. I'm also hoping that John's account may inspire others to give it some consideration and possibly jump in with both feet. I know for a fact that there are a good many in the O gauge world (3-rail as well as 2-rail), that would be emminently qualified for MMR status. Ditto for some of the truly superb modeling I see coming from the On30 guys and gals.
I look forward to updates from John Coy as he moves up the ladder toward the fina goal. I'm confident he will share his ongoing experiences with our magazine readers, and I will be delighted to share his reports.
