Mike Brock
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Eric Thur
R.I.P. Mike Brock. Thank You for everything you did to make Prototype Modelers, Cocoa Beach a Success.
Eric Thur |
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Tony Thompson
Paul Catapano wrote:Paul, my understanding is that Mike’s widow, Georgia, is not in a mental state that would appreciate cards. I don’t think we should go in that direction. Tony Thompson tony@... |
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David Wiggs
I didn't know Mike well, but her was a great modeler. Godspeed Mike.
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Oh, how very sad to hear this news. The hobby has lost a generous individual.
May he go to his reward! -- Michael Gross Pasadena, CA |
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gtws00
A terrible loss of another wonderful person and modeler
May you rest in peace George Toman |
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Paul Catapano
Does someone have an address, they can share, where we can send a note or card?
Paul Catapano Winchester, VA. atlanticinlandrailway.blogspot.com |
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np328
Before going to CCB - many years ago by now, I only knew Mike Brock as the guy who ran the STMFC, and his pronouncements as the Sheriff.
There was also Brock's Corollary (see msg 42549 for the start of that thread) which endeared him to me as it promoted the need for NP model cars. I think over the years when presenting at CCB, I may have quoted the corollary more than once. Long ago, when my brother was still alive, he asked me if I wanted to chance going down to the CCB event, and other than last year, I've made each consecutive event. Meeting Mike, I found him to be a most kind and generous person. Times my wife went up to NASA during the daytime when CCB presentations were on, Mike would always talk with Vita when she returned in the evening. He didn't have to, he just did. Most kind of him. Going through the files just now to find msg 42549, I saw a lot of names pop up of folks who just recently preceded Mike, Frank Peacock, Richard Hendrickson (who adds Thompson's corollary to the mix, and yes, I know it has been a while with Richard however I still miss him) and with Greg Martin not all that long ago. Mike's name was mentioned by some this year as I'd think as it was with me, it just seemed odd to have CCB - minus Mike there. Looking over the names in the files of those who preceded Mike, I was struck by the thought of a line from a song of years ago, that - If there's a rock and roll heaven, then you know they have one hell of a band. I think of Mike and Greg, Frank and Richard, (and others) all trackside, all trading thoughts with one another. I can visualize that, and in that, it gives me peace. Even though it is Monday in the small hours as I write this, earlier this morning after we left CCB 2023, my wife and I stopped at a nearby restaurant to get breakfast before heading out. Another attendee who was also there, finished his breakfast and passing my wife and I, stated "Wasn't that a great convention!" I replied affirmatively and replied that we would see him next year. To have events you set in motion outlive you testifies to Mike's planning and vision. James Dick - Roseville, MN |
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Dennis Storzek
I didn't know Mike outside of the confines of this discussion board, but I always found the "sheriff" to be fair and courteous.
Somehow, I suspect Mike is already trackside on Sherman Hill watching trains, and in his favorite era! R.I.P. Mike. Dennis Storzek |
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golden1014
Here's a picture of Mike and Bill Schaumberg in good times, during CCB 2009. Godspeed, Mike.
John Golden Psalm 1  |
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Mike Smeltzer
toggle quoted message
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On Sunday, January 8, 2023, 7:44 PM, Bruce Smith <smithbf@...> wrote:
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I just returned home from another wonderful Prototype Rails at the
Beach to this sad news. Mike was an icon and an inspiration to many of us. Op sessions on his layout were always "interesting". The layout and rolling stock were simply beautiful. The electronics could be "challenging", such as the infamous "red switch"
🙂
I will always remember my first trip to Cocoa, for the 1st edition
of Prototype Rails. Mike was incredibly welcoming to me, whom he only knew through others. My daughter Brianna, who was 3 ½ at the time, was also cautiously welcomed to the layout room. That all changed when, in the midst of some good-natured
discussions centered on the very 1st DCC/Sound E unit that had been placed on the rails, halting all other trains, Brianna piped up, clear as day, to the entire room "When are we going to see more steam? I want to see more steam engines".
Mike gave her "a lifetime pass" to his layout on the spot!
Prototype rails, and the Steam Era Freight
car list are both in good hands, and will serve as a part of Mike's legacy. I think we owe it to Mike to emulate his kindness, friendliness, and generosity, to encourage and support modelers of all backgrounds and skill levels.
With sadness and admiration for a wonderful
man and modeler,
Bruce
Bruce Smith
Auburn, AL
From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> on behalf of Aley, Jeff A <jaley@...>
Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2023 12:48 PM To: RealSTMFC@groups.io <RealSTMFC@groups.io> Subject: [EXT] [RealSTMFC] Mike Brock
It is with great sadness that I must tell you that Mike Brock, founder of the Steam-Era Freight Cars list, has passed away. I just found out this morning that he passed away on Monday, January 2, 2022. He was a great friend as well as a fine modeler. I am still in shock, but hope to be able to write more about him in the next day or two.
We just concluded Prototype Rails 2023 in Cocoa Beach (which he also founded), and nobody there had been informed that he had passed. But the convention went very well, so I’m sure he was with us in spirit.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/merritt-island-fl/michael-brock-11090781
Rest in peace, Mike.
-Jeff Aley
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The NYO&W hopper on Mike Brock’s layout, back in 2011. Bill Schneider was present that day, causing havoc in the Cheyenne yard, but he never touched the hopper. It never moved. And Mike was watching. To my knowledge it is still in the coal unloading shed where it has been parked for many years.
Doug Harding https://www.facebook.com/douglas.harding.3156/ Youtube: Douglas Harding Iowa Central Railroad
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Haha -- Mike had a playful sense of humor. I recall his automobile that rolled down the street fouling the grade crossing, operated by a hidden string... :-D On 1/8/2023 7:15 PM, gary laakso wrote:
--
Tim O'Connor Sterling, Massachusetts |
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gary laakso
Tim: Where is the mystery N&W coal hopper that haunted Mike’s Sherman Hill?
Gary Laakso
From: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> On Behalf Of Tim O'Connor
Sent: Sunday, January 8, 2023 4:12 PM To: main@RealSTMFC.groups.io Subject: Re: [RealSTMFC] Mike Brock
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Here is a sample of Mike's work on his beautifully scenic'ed Sherman Hill On 1/8/2023 5:11 PM, Steve and Barb Hile wrote: --
Tim O'Connor Sterling, Massachusetts |
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Robert G P
Very sorry to learn of this. He was definitely an admirable man! My deepest condolences, Rob On Sun, Jan 8, 2023 at 6:18 PM Robert kirkham <rdkirkham@...> wrote:
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gary laakso
A generous man with his time and wisdom with a good sense of humor and an uncanny for attracting chocolate chip cookies at CCB. He helped me with my first battles with stiles and earned by gratitude. His modeling was superb and he shared his knowledge with us all. A life well lived in all aspects. My condolences to his family. We have all lost a treasure.
Gary Laakso |
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Scott
Mike's Sherman Hill layout has always been an inspiration for me. I live in Northern Colorado and have driven between Cheyenne and Laramie countless times and have always been impressed with how accurately he captured the look and feel of Sherman Hill. I still have the issue of his layout in Model Railroad Planning. Sadly, I never had the chance to meet him in person
Scott McDonald |
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Thanks for letting us know Jeff,
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Very sad to hear. I have a great appreciation of the work Mike and the other founders and volunteers brought to Cocoa Beach, but also in the moderation of this list over the years. I missed seeing his face at Cocoa Beach this year, and i’m also going to miss his occasional emails about moderator jail! Prayers and condolences for and to his family and many friends. Rob On Jan 8, 2023, at 10:48 AM, Aley, Jeff A <jaley@...> wrote: It is with great sadness that I must tell you that Mike Brock, founder of the Steam-Era Freight Cars list, has passed away. I just found out this morning that he passed away on Monday, January 2, 2022. He was a great friend as well as a fine modeler. I am still in shock, but hope to be able to write more about him in the next day or two.
We just concluded Prototype Rails 2023 in Cocoa Beach (which he also founded), and nobody there had been informed that he had passed. But the convention went very well, so I’m sure he was with us in spirit.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/merritt-island-fl/michael-brock-11090781
Rest in peace, Mike.
-Jeff Aley
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I was with Marty when he got the call. We were all shocked and saddened, to say the least.
On my very first visit to Cocoa Beach, Mike graciously invited me to his house during the day on Thursday to enjoy his layout. What a kind and generous gentleman, he will certainly be missed. CCB has become a regular stop on our schedule. My condolences to his family and friends.
A couple of quick photos
Mike in his natural PR habitat 2020  And then just last year with Jared Harper and Al Brown. 
RIP Mike!
Steve Hile
-----Original Message-----
From: <main@RealSTMFC.groups.io> Sent: Jan 8, 2023 12:48 PM To: <RealSTMFC@groups.io> Subject: [RealSTMFC] Mike Brock
It is with great sadness that I must tell you that Mike Brock, founder of the Steam-Era Freight Cars list, has passed away. I just found out this morning that he passed away on Monday, January 2, 2022. He was a great friend as well as a fine modeler. I am still in shock, but hope to be able to write more about him in the next day or two.
We just concluded Prototype Rails 2023 in Cocoa Beach (which he also founded), and nobody there had been informed that he had passed. But the convention went very well, so I’m sure he was with us in spirit.
https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/merritt-island-fl/michael-brock-11090781
Rest in peace, Mike.
-Jeff Aley
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