With the passing of my division's current Achievement Program Chairman, I have been selected to fill the position for the coming modeling season. One suggestion that has come up in the past is to assemble a tote board of sorts that shows the certificates that members have earned on the way toward MMR, which is something that I plan to start on as soon as I get the appropriate information. I figure something like a simple chart that lists the modelers' names in the far left column, the AP certificates across the top and checkmars/stars/smileyfaces/etc. to fill in the space when a modeler has earned each certificate should be enough for this. Have any other divisions put something like this together? Photos would be wonderful. Thinking about that project got me thinking about individual modelers' tracking their own progress. Does anyone know of a checklist or other kind of form that could help an individual modeler keep track of what has been done? What I'm thinking about here is a one-page form that leaves spaces for the modeler to fill in dates/certificates/model descriptions/time worked/operating sessions/etc. Does such a form exist or do I have to look into creating one myself? AdThanksVance.
We don't have anything like that at our division. I lost interest in doing the AP thing several years ago, because I simply hate paperwork, and for no other reason. If we had a board like you describe, maybe I would be willing to participate more, because watching all the other guys climb the corporate ladder while I am still at the bottom rung, tends to motivate. I would say get one of those A-Frame white boards, pin stripe it up with catagories and names, and stick your stars on it. Set it up at the meets so people can meander over and check their status, and people might participate in the AP program more?
I no longer belong to the NMRA, but our region did (does) a good job of developing the AP program. Al Boos has been the driving force behind it, and I'm sure he would be helpful if you have questions. Sounds like you have some good ideas, but I would still give Al a shout. From the Lone Star Region website, his e-mail is aandvboos3@aol.com . To me the board sounds like a decent idea to get people motivated and promote the program. However it does kinda turn it into a competition so I'm not sure how that would be received. Maybe, instead of per modeler, just list the available certificates along the left, and a representative star (or whatever) for each modeler in the division that has achieved it. That way it's a group thing, all trying to achieve the goal of adding more stars to the board. Just a thought. I like the AP program...it was one of the reasons I wanted to stay in the NMRA so I hope you have success with your group. Good luck!
Sounds like the Boy Scouts and their merit badges. Grin! I've worked with the scouts and other groups and watched as the youngsters pour their hearts and souls into the projects that would eventually net them a merit badge. I used to teach model railroading, wood working, electricity and other merit badge worthy classes. I personally think it's good to have a program that acknowledges achievement and rewards the achiever. I do have misgivings. I sometimes wonder about this on an adult level. Just not to sure about the heady stuff that comes along with being a Master Modeler. As if he or she is the only one who can fix or solve a problem on a model club pike or their opinion is the only one that counts. Maybe we need a Doctorate in Model Railroading. Do you think? All this aside, I do think the concept of being recognized as in Grandma's Blueberry Pie winning the Blue Ribbon, First Prize at the County Fair... can't be a bad thing. Glad to see you working with the NMRA Achievement Program. I do like the idea of the board. Just my two cents and I take change.
