Proficiency Scheme

The 7¼" Proficiency Scheme aims to train participants in all aspects of operating 7¼" miniature railways. As young people today are more likely to have computer skills, this scheme is designed to combine those skills with more hands-on skills to achieve a high level of proficiency.

To achieve this for miniature railways the 7¼" Gauge Society Limited, (the recognised body for this gauge) has introduced a three-part Proficiency Scheme.

The scheme has been introduced to nationally encourage as many participants as possible to obtain a level of skill and knowledge whilst enjoying and becoming safely involved in our hobby.

Whilst it sets standards of awareness it is not a licence to drive a locomotive. It is a way of rewarding enthusiastic participation; it sets goals that encourage courteous, safe involvement in 7¼” gauge railways.

The Awards:

Bronze: It is intended for all. A simple set of questions test the candidate’s general knowledge of the hobby and is aimed chiefly at youngsters. If you are successful, you will receive a letter congratulating you from the 7¼” Gauge Society, a Bronze Award enamel badge and a certificate. You will also receive a membership badge, and a year’s free eMembership of the 7¼” Gauge Society Ltd.

Silver: The standard for this award is high and should be looked upon as a progression from the Bronze award. However it can be taken without having achieved the Bronze by any member, not just Juniors. A specific set of questions directed towards locomotive and railway issues especially their safety aspects will be asked. Success in the Silver award is recognised by a Silver Award enamel badge and a certificate. You must be a member of both your home organisation and the 7¼” Gauge Society Ltd. to participate in this award.

Gold: The Gold award is under redevelopment at the present time. As each module becomes available it will be added to this page. It will however be of a higher standard than the silver award and will consist of different modules, aimed at proficiency with the different aspects of maintaining and running a variety of different locomotives, and with the many aspects of running a miniature railway safely. The Gold scheme will be administered by the society in conjunction with participating organisations. More information to follow.

Entry to the three-part scheme with Bronze, Silver and Gold awards is dependent on participant’s skill levels and is not restricted by age.

Booklets:

Most of the revised scheme documents are moving online and you will be able to download them from the website. In particular, the Gold Award will have a lot of supporting documents.

The Bronze and Silver awards are run at club level by the appointed assessor/s that have been issued with full instructions on how to operate the scheme. Participants will be given advice and can download the booklets to study. The tests follow a standard set of questions plus the Silver Award includes the opportunity to tailor some questions to accommodate specific club rules.

All of which we hope will ensure the attraction of 7¼" railways continues in the future. To take part in the scheme either as an organisation or as an individual please contact the Project co-ordinator by email, proficiency@sevenandaquarter.org

If you would like your club or organisation to take part in this scheme, please read the Proficiency Award Operating Instructions, fill in the Proficiency Award Application Form and send it to the scheme co-ordinator.

Notes

* If you have Word, you can type in the blue boxes to fill in an application form.

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