Thanks for your support on this guys.
I feel as if my love for the various aspects of this hobby have left me with one foot firmly planted in each of two worlds. I've been in the NMRA for 43 years now. I did over 25 years in the TCA as well, but eventually dropped out when I stopped "collecting" and shifted my focus to realistic operation. There are very few 3 railers that take this tack. The only one that I'm aware of beside myself is Bob Bartizek.
I tend to favor the more technical aspects of the hobby and a little less of the artistic, which may be why I have put off doing scenery for so long. Everyone enjoys this hobby in his own way.
Pat - Earning one's Eagle Scout is another good way of looking at the MMR qualification. The guys locally who have earned this title are:
There are many other spectacular modelers who, for whatever reason, have not earned this title. Some are probably working on it, while others just prefer to do their own thing.
Frank - You're welcome. I'm glad I could shed a little light on that other model railroading world beyond this one. Honestly, from the pictures that I've seen of your work over the years, I think you have reached the qualifications for at least two of the certifications toward MMR, scenery and structures. Here's the list.
Well, time to go carve some more rock, it ain't going to carve itself.