Oct/Nov 2013 issue - Frank Cozzi cartoon MIA/Where is Halloween?

Frank did a very nice article on securing flatcar loads - his method is both elegant and practical.  I enjoy seeing his other creative talents.

Our friend and regular contributor, Frank Cozzi, decided on his own to terminate his long-standing cartoon feature.  After many years of providing us with a cartoon for each issue, he informed me that he was simply finding it harder to come up with fresh ideas and preferred instead to provide us with feature articles from time to time.  You can be sure that I have always looked forward to seeing what new surprise awaited me in those brown envelopes that arrived from Frank, but I have to respect his decision. 

In place of the cartoon--at least for the time being--I have started an "Observation Car" feature intended to provide an open opportunity for readers to share their own humorous or thought-provoking material--photos, cartoons, or even text--to round-out each issue of the magazine.  We'll see how that works out, but I'm also open to other ideas for making effective use of the half-page of editorial space that closes out the magazine.

I would love to have devoted some space to a Halloween or even a Thanksgiving theme layout or project in the October/November issue, but really didn't have anything that I felt was appropriate.  Hopefully, that will change for next year.

I do think those wanting to receive a bit of holiday inspiration from the December issue will be happy with what they see.  That issue is currently in the preliminary design phase.  You can be certain that as long as I am editor, Christmas will always be celebrated in the pages of our December issue.  As I see it, O gauge trains and Christmas are an inseparable combination.

Sorry to hear about the cartoons.  I enjoyed them each issue. 

I'm sad to see them go too as I always enjoyed that one last item before "the end" of the current issue.   Kinda like saving the last piece of candy or cookie until later.

--Greg

"You can be certain that as long as I am editor, Christmas will always be celebrated in the pages of our December issue.  As I see it, O gauge trains and Christmas are an inseparable combination."

Here! Here! Allan

In full agreement!

Thanks Allan for the update regarding Frank Cozzi. I respect the decision of Frank as he is in the best position to know when to call an end to his feature.

Hope Frank enjoys his break from the action.

Sorry to see Frank's cartoons end, but I like your idea Allan!

I totally agree with Brian. I hope it works out well.

Gerry

Now knowing that Frank decided to pull the plug on his cartoons, a big "THANK YOU FRANK!!!" for the years of laughter!

I was even sadder when his wife, Elvira, stopped writing her one page stories. They were great and one of the highlights of the magazine, IMO.