I am a member of the NMRA and I am also an N Scaler. The local Division (Division 10 of the North Central Region) has a couple others who are N Scalers.
One thing that the NMRA does that helps promote Model Railroadings many aspects is the Achievement Program. If you look at the individual sections they arent as hard as it seems.
Lets use the Master Builder- Structures as an example. I will be paraphrasing some of the examples that the NMRA gives to limit the total lenght of the post.
To Qualify for the Master Builders- Structures certificate:
1. You must construct twelve (12) scale structures:
a. At least six (6) different types of structures must be represented in the total. A wood frame station and a brick station are different types of structures, but a wood frame station in California and one in Kansas would count as being different types unless you can show signifigant construction differences.
b. One of the six types must be a bridge or trestle. The brigde doesnt have to span over the Grand Canyon, a short span over a creek or a dirt road may be enough. All you need to do is demonstrate that you know how to build the bridge that is appropriate for the situation and that will support the load it has to carry. You could also replace a grade crossing with a bridge to carry the road over the tracks, or even build a foot bridge- it doesnt have to go on your layout.
c. At least six (6) of the models MUST be Scratchbuilt. The following are exempt from the scratchbuilt requirements (although you can scratch build them for additional points:
- Light Bulbs and eEectronics
- Paint, Decals, ect...
- Figures
- Basic shapes of wood, plastic, metal, ect... (example I Beams)
For this you can use the plans from a structure kit as the basis or you can design your own plans as long as you go and purchase the materials yourself and assemble them.
d. The rest of the six (6), if not Scratch built, must be super-detailed with scratch built or commercial parts (for extra points). Super detailing incudes weathering and adding little details such as, signs, ladders, electrical fixtures, window details, roof details, ect. For buildings including an interior (and a way to view it) is definitely recommended, with as much scratch building as possible for extra points. Including some sot of "scene with in a scene" is a good way to catch the judges eye. Adding detail to the structures will not only meet this part of the requirement, but wil also add to your score, and add to the over al appeal of the model.
2. You must earn a score of as least 87-1/2 points on six of the twelve models in either an NMRA sponsored contest or in AP Merit Award judging. Notice only 6 of the 12 must earn 87-1/2 points. The others dont even need to be judged! They do all have to be described in the State ment of Quailification.
3. You must submit a Statement of Qualification (SOQ- avalible from the Regional AP Manager) which includes the following
a. An attachement giving a detailed description of each of the twelve modes, including:
- Identification of all scratch built features
- All commercial components used
- Materials used in building the models
- A notation thet the model is operational, if it is intended to be
- If the Model is a kit, whose kit is it?
b. Verification of the Merit Awards (photocopies of the certificates or signed Judging Forms).
c. Photos of the modle are helpful, though not required.
Your twelve structures Do Not have to all be of the same scale or era or on the same layout. In Fact, in most cases, it's better to build the structures spereately, have it judged (either in a contest or in seperate Merit judging), and then install it in its final location. In this way, the judges can get a better look at the model.
Note: Many Contests require that structures NOT be mounted on any kind of sceniced base, or they will be considered "Displays". However, for seperate Merit Judging, they can be part of your layout.
Now that we have viewed the AP requirements for the Structures we can see that many of use probly have already qualified. If i am reading this correctly the Walthers Sunrise Feed Mill N Scale kit that John Doe there just build would qualify as one of the structures, he will get bonus points for it is he goes above and beyond just building the kit by adding working lights, figures, wood pallets, crates, barrels, a detailed interior, weathering ect... An example of someone who possibly would already have qualified would be Robin, look at all the scratchbuilt structures he has blessed us with.
The NMRA does have its benifits the Achivement Program is one of them, it encourages modelers to go the extra mile and to try something new.
I think that I will let someone else take it from here, this post looks to be long enough for now.