Just about every topic on this forum that speaks of COVID related issues has turned into discussions resulting in division of the membership. We all have our opinions on the subject and that’s fine. None of the bickering back and forth has changed nor will it change any minds at this point. So, I would propose this…. If a topic begins to devolve into bickering, preaching, shaming, agenda pushing, etc., the moderators should lock it. Information regarding the topic should be fact based and unbiased. Report the news and nothing more. Just the facts, ma’am. I know the moderators would rather spend their time doing things other than babysitting RYPN, but I just don’t think this back and forth is worth it in the end. I’ve had my part in it and I’m done. Ive spoken to other members who have stopped visiting this forum because of the bickering. Don’t let RYPN be the next victim of COVID. What say y’all?

Ok. The facts are the FRA wants railroad employees and guests to wear masks.

The facts are Cumbres & Toltec and Durango & Silverton aren’t following FRA rules.

Happy now? ;)

You mean TSA?

Both FRA and TSA I believe.

Almost.

Posting factual information with references is encouraged., ie. FRA and TSA regulation/requirement/rules. Basically, Let’s try to stick to news and information from “reliable” outlets and sources. If information is based purely upon personal experience, please indicate that. Let’s refrain from sharing opinions. Enough of that has already been done and I believe we know where most members stand on the subject already. Thanks.

Ok. Yes I’ll add that was my personal experience / observation from visiting Cumbres & Toltec and Durango and Silverton the last couple of weeks. In Durango, employees were wearing masks in and around the station, but none of the Durango train crew or on board train employees wore masks.

At Cumbres & Toltec, one of the brakeman wore a mask when walking the train and interacting with guests. Some of the staff in the station wore them as well but the majority of employees and volunteers at Cumbres did not. One of the “friends” on board the train even told us he should be wearing a mask which seemed extra odd to me.

That’ll work. Thanks.

I agree. I come here to discuss trains, not politics.

I’ll second the motion.

Although the bickering on RYPN is sometimes quite negative, it helps you to identify people in the industry who you would never want to work with. And that can be a very valuable service because everything in preservation isn't lollipops and roses.

PC

"__________ and _________aren’t following FRA rules."

Personally, I don't think it is a good idea to call out our fellow preservation organizations by name regarding non-compliance. May as well have just called the FRA or TSA and blown them in yourself. Is that the kind of reputation you want?

Is the organization you are affiliated with doing everything perfectly?

I hope the FRA pays them both a visit. A safer railroad is always a better railroad.

I was at the C&TS Victorian Iron Horse events.

The word given to us was that mask wearing was not required on open cars. Then it was said that if all the windows and doors were open our heritage coaches they were considered "open." However, if one window was put down it would negate it being "open" and we would have to mask up.

Yes I heard that as well on the specials. On the regular train even with all windows closed because of the cold rain crew and “friends” still walked through our car without a mask.

I was very uncomfortable on the packed Victorian specials and was very unhappy they decided to not require masks after advertising they would be required.