Agree that all should mask their political beliefs on this and all other Forum topics. I suspect the Moderators would agree as well.

Pat

I disagree. I just fired off the following email to the TCA.

I received my copy of the train collectors quarterly today. When I looked at the cover photo I could not believe what I was looking at, a toy train with a medical mask on the front. I am so irritated by Larry Poland's photo and the fact that the TCA allowed this to be put on the publication. I don't know about you, but I use my toy train hobby to escape the realities of what is going on in the real world, even only for a brief moment. But here the TCA decides to push real world issues right in our face. What's next politics, racism? I am truly disappointed with this issue. Thanks for taking the fun from my hobby.

Kevin and Joe', I understand both of your perspectives on this magazine photo.  However, I am kind of inclined to agree with Joe'.. I am sick and tired of Corona'.. and all the rest of the BS that is taking place.  I really don't need to be reminded of it in my train magazines..... Just my opinion...🙄

via GIPHY

Yes, they are our Toys, and we Love them.

But they can be dangerous too.

Lead paint and solder, Electrical shorts and fires, Chemicals in smoke and oils and many other items to cut or hurt you.

A little care in these trying times may save a life, maybe your own.

I am going back to hide in my train room for a while.

Well you already have the big 2 pushing politics.

I am disappointed in the cover and feel that it is in poor taste. I have chosen not to open the magazine and instead placed it in the recycle bin. I am fully aware of how the virus has affected all of us and don’t need to be reminded. 

I also understand both sides of this one.

I think most everyone is tired of the ongoing effects of the virus along with the other nonsense going on too. I certainly see my trains as a refuge from the real world; there always there and there always loads of fun to run or even just look at. 

Yet, I see the humor in the picture too. Sometimes when times are tough, even in the most serious of situations, it’s good to be able to laugh about things because it helps you to overcome them easier.

Most importantly, I am very happy to be part of this wonderful OGR Forum community; a community that is largely comprised of a generation who grew up being taught to respect others, and respect our flag (and preserve all the history associated with it). 

Perhaps one reason so many people of my generation are so disconnected from reality is because few have traveled across the country by rail and seen all parts of it, the big cities and the small towns. Traveling by rail (without phones and 24/7 social media) naturally brought people from different upbringings together in places like the club car where they would have a drink and a smoke while engaging in a real conversation with someone else.

That doesn’t exist now. Instead people walk thru the airport with their headphones in while pushing their way in front of everyone only to be squeezed into a tiny tin can shaped bus full of people looking for the first chance to be offended about something or someone. 

While the only passenger trains I will likely ever ride are the occasional Amtrak train, I am able to enjoy the best of what was in the vast railroad history that has been preserved in museums, books, and personal anecdotes. And when that isn’t enough, I stroll on over to 

 http://www.goldengatedepot.com/reservation.html

and order me up the 3 Rail O scale version of the many passenger trains I never had a chance to ride. 

Enjoy this wonderful hobby and fly your American flags with pride because a great many have died wishing they could experience the freedoms we take for granted every day in this magnificent country. 

@Keith k posted:

I am disappointed in the cover and feel that it is in poor taste. I have chosen not to open the magazine and instead placed it in the recycle bin. I am fully aware of how the virus has affected all of us and don’t need to be reminded. 

Can you pull it out and send it to me? I haven't seen a TCA Quarterly in a long time. 

I think it was an attempt at humor.

@BigJohn&theWork posted:

 

Yet, I see the humor in the picture too. Sometimes when times are tough, even in the most serious of situations, it’s good to be able to laugh about things because it helps you to overcome them easier.

Most importantly, I am very happy to be part of this wonderful OGR Forum community; a community that is largely comprised of a generation who grew up being taught to respect others, and respect our flag (and preserve all the history associated with it). 

 

I agree.  I see the photo as a humorous reflection of our times and I am grateful for this wonderful forum.

NH Joe

I see no problem with the image.

Charlie

Cover photo just another reason I don't belong in the tca...

Could be that the cover photo's primary message is not necessarily humor, but rather how the covid19 virus has greatly affected or impaired one of the most important characteristics of the model train hobby ...the model train hobby's social aspect.  Consider how many train club meetings, train store visits, train meets/shows, conventions, etc. have been cancelled without a definitive restart date.  The virus is still a problem with its many unknown characteristics, but arguably human behavior might be a strong second that can possibly keep the covid19 problem among us for much longer.

This all is to silly to keep this thread going... Don

I was disappointed to say the least.  You have a cover of a magazine about toy trains and you put a mask on it? 

A nice reprint of a previous cover, or a 700e, Blue Comet, or whatever would be more in line with what I paid 50.00 a year for.

You only get a few shots a year at wowing your membership and remind them of how great? you think you are.

I'd like to point out that contrary to the mask-wearing locomotive depicted, if your mask has pleats, remember that they should face downward.

@Jim Berger posted:

Cover photo just another reason I don't belong in the tca...

Continues to be your loss.  

@Chris Lonero posted:

Well you already have the big 2 pushing politics.

Hardly true.

The "big two" (soon to be one) are pushing selling trains.

People buying the trains are "pushing" politics - probably for a variety of reasons.

From BigJohn and the Work ...

"Enjoy this wonderful hobby and fly your American flags with pride because a great many have died wishing they could experience the freedoms we take for granted every day in this magnificent country."

Well, we're in another one of those American cycles that this country has experienced (every 50 years +/- 25 or so).

John is correct - and I'm going to do exactly what he recommends this Fourth.

Fly our flag.  Run trains.

I'd guess with that cover, TCA is attempting to bring some levity to our lives during the current situation.

I have no complaint about the cover and see wearing masks as a safety and medical issue above the political frey.

Its a photo, no big deal, I did not lose one minutes worth of sleep thinking about it.

Since the outbreak of Covid19 and the stay at home mandate I sure have put a lot of hours on the locos in the basement.

When I saw the cover, and read the "welcome" messages, I was furious. Hobbies are supposed to get you relief from everyday problems. I don't need to pay dues to the TCA to remind me of the virus. I get THAT every day for free. I may not be renewing my membership next March. 

In the Editor's Column, it was noted (I'm paraphrasing) that the picture was not intended to be humorous but rather a way to acknowledge what the hobby is experiencing at this time.  

Personally, I got a chuckle when I saw it, I appreciated the editor's sentiments, and then moved on.

Like many others, I see trains as a respite from the outside world and want to keep politics out of it.  The cover was just a brief reflection of reality - there's no reason to infer politics from it. 

@Matt_GNo27 posted:

I'd like to point out that contrary to the mask-wearing locomotive depicted, if your mask has pleats, remember that they should face downward.

And shouldn't the mask be over the smokestack?

Much ado about nothing. 

PS - Try to get past the cover if that’s a problem for you - some great  articles in there / another good issue 👍🏼

I better add this - 

In my opinion 😊

The photo doesn't bother me, and it certainly doesn't affect my feelings about the Quarterly, the TCA or this great hobby. 

Well...as usual....folks can't resist talking about the virus here on the forum instead of concentrating on enjoying the hobby....even if we are having to do so at home.  I realize that what is going on right now in our country is concerning...both politically as well as the health crisis but why do we have to hash this over on the forum.  Part of the reason for this place is it is supposed to be an escape from what is going on with respect to politics and the COVID-19 situation.  There are plenty of other ways to discuss issues like COVID and politics on other forums or between one another privately.  Frankly....like many of you I have an opinion about the picture on the TCA cover but regardless of what that opinion is, I am not going to express it here due to the nature of how these kinds of threads generally go.  I will leave this thread up but keep your political comments and advice as far as  the virus is concerned to yourself....  You either like the cover, you don't like it, or you don't have feelings either way.

I agree, a very good issue with great information about trains.  If someone should allow the cover photo to prevent them from enjoying it.. enjoying an aspect of our hobby... of life...….   Each to their own opinion and comment.  That is reason for commemorating this weekend.  Freedom..... of all type and individual likes.  My opinion.... Build a bridge.... get over it.   Both for self and a nice one to use on the layout.

Jesse   TCA

I don't have a problem with this cover photo. It's a sign of the times. I'd just get a chuckle out of it & absorb what's inside.

I find the cover very appropriate for the times.  I believe the cover will hold up very well over time.  Some kid  will come across this issue in the future and think this locomotive is sick.  "No I long time ago there was bad disease and that is what that photo is about", said Grandpa.  

I too laughed for a second when I saw it. Then I began to enjoy the rest of the publication without ever giving the cover another thought. 

My only comment?

WOW!

How to make a big deal out of nothing!

@NJCJOE posted:

I disagree. I just fired off the following email to the TCA.

I received my copy of the train collectors quarterly today. When I looked at the cover photo I could not believe what I was looking at, a toy train with a medical mask on the front. I am so irritated by Larry Poland's photo and the fact that the TCA allowed this to be put on the publication. I don't know about you, but I use my toy train hobby to escape the realities of what is going on in the real world, even only for a brief moment. But here the TCA decides to push real world issues right in our face. What's next politics, racism? I am truly disappointed with this issue. Thanks for taking the fun from my hobby.

Couldn’t agree more Joe !!!

@gunrunnerjohn posted:

My only comment?

WOW!

How to make a big deal out of nothing!

I agree with John, I really don't care about the picture. I mean WOW.

DAVE

To me, it’s much ado about nothing...

Lighten up FRANCIS....