Bob H ("cmrproducts") passed away 3/24. I knew Bob from this forum and some of the other model railroad groups like the Digitrax Yahoo group, and part of the visit the family over the holidays time allowed me to meet Bob in person at the annual show his club put on at the Cranberry mall. Just this past Christmas he said I should have let him know when we were coming out, he would have taken me down to see his layout.
--Randy
Modeling the Reading Railroad in the 1950's
Visit my web site at www.readingeastpenn.com for construction updates, DCC Info, and more.
Randy,
That is sad news. My condolences to those close to him here and to his family. He could be a bit cranky at times, because he was so passionate about operations, but he also had a lot to offer.
It's another reminder to show you care to the ones you love around you everyday. There may not be a future occassion to do so.
Mike Lehman
Urbana, IL
I am very sad to learn of this! Bob was a regular here, especially in my earlier years on this forum. I believe he was an avid proponent of the Gleam method of track maintenance along with our recently late friend Jeffrey Wimberley.
RIP, and may all the turnouts be lined in your path, Bob.
In case some of his loved ones might be looking in, please accept my condolences.
-Crandell
Bob was posting his typical thoughtful replies to Forum topics up to just a few days ago - this is surprising and sad news.
I found this online obituary:
Robert E. “Bob” Hartle, 67, of Miola, died Tuesday, March 24, 2015. Born March 25, 1947, in Brookville PA, he was the son of the late Bernard and Avalee (Passauer) Hartle. He was a 1965 graduate of North Clarion High School and attended Vale Tech in Blairsville PA. He was married June 30, 1973 to Darlene L. Pfendler, who survives.
Bob served in the US Army during the Vietnam War, providing satellite communications, serving in Okinawa. He worked as a Machinist, and later as Quality Control at Castle Homes, Knox PA.
He was a member of Immaculate Conception Church, Clarion. He was a long-time member of the Clarion Model Railroad Club, and an avid model railroader for his entire life. Surviving in addition to his wife Darlene, are his two sons; Aric Hartle and wife Kristen, of Harrisville, Bryan Hartle and wife Jamie, of Slippery Rock, a very special niece, Melissa Allio Johnson, and her husband Glen, of Holbrook, NY, six grandchildren; Alysa Hartle, Ellie Hartle, Cameron Hartle, Janelle Hartle, Cody Hartle, and Connor Johnson. Also surviving are his sister Sharyn Simpson, and husband Lanny; his brother Donald Hartle and wife Terry;
He was preceded in death by his parents. The family suggests memorial donations be made to the American Heart Association (www.heart.org) or Clarion Model Railroad Club ℅ Scott Wilson, 473 Colbert Ave, Oil City PA 16301.
Arrangements are under the care of the Goble Funeral Home and Crematory, 330 Wood Street in Clarion where friends may call from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, March 26th. Christian Wake service will be held at 3:45 p.m. on Thursday. Military honors will be accorded by the Honor Guard from American Legion Post 66, Clarion at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, March 27th. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. Friday at Immaculate Conception Church, Main Street, Clarion, with the Father Monty Sayers presiding. Interment will follow in Fryburg cemetery.
Friends and family may send online condolences, share memories, and obtain additional information by visitingwww.goblefh.net.
By way of a sort of memorial, here is his reply to the Forum topic that asked what your goals were in this hobby.
Dave Nelson
My Model Railroading goals are to Share the model railroading experience with as many others as I can!
This is why I joined a Club to help in showing the General Public the FUN of Model Railroading.
That it is more of a Group experience than an Solo Lone Wolf thing.
In getting a group of Modelers together and having Operations Sessions on a regular basis - learning more about how real railroads operated and the friendship in a group setting.
Again getting like minded individuals together and taking long distance trips to just not see but attend a regular OPERATIONS Session at some of the more famous Layouts that have been featured in the Model Press.
Building a larger than average layout so that I too can host Operations and invite others to come share in the FUN of Model Railroading.
Helping others build their vision of a Railroad Model and eventually host Operations on their Home Layouts with a Group of fellow modelers!
BOB H - Clarion, PA
This is sad and upsetting news to me as well. Just last night I was responding to a post about using transmission fluid as a "treatment" for rail conductivity and while I was typing I thought to myself that soon, Bob H. will certainly be chiming in here as he was very experienced in the area of track maintenance.
I'll miss his posts and his sharing of knowledge.
I hope that his family and friends will find comfort in knowing that Bob's memory and legacy will be held in high regard with the fellow forum members here...
My Condolences, Ed
Very sad news. And from our limited view, very sudden. Bob indeed had a wealth of knowledge.
My deepest condolences to his family.
- Mark
Truly sad new's indeed. Very likable person, knowledgeable and compationable. Thoughts and prayers, to His family.
Makes me wonder why all these people passing younger than I....
Take Care!
Frank
I knew Bob H from over at the RCGroups forum. He was also a very talendted builder of R/C Model airplanes. Sad new, indeed!
NP 2626 "Northern Pacific, really terrific"
Northern Pacific Railway Historical Association: http://www.nprha.org/
This is so very sad. I didnt know Bob like most of you. I would like to say this....
I only knew Bob from this forum. And only recently. On my coupler thread Bob had made a few mentions, posed a couple good things to think about, and ultimately, even if he didnt know it, he helped indirectly with some of its re-designing. Because of his good ideas.
Bob must have been that much into operation as you folks say he was. He certainly mentioned it, and I tried to accomodate. I think he would have liked my results. And because of him, everytime i use them now i am sure i will think of him.
I wanted my project to benefit ALL modellers. However, I think that when i am able to return to my project (still unfinished), I would like to dedicate it to his memory.
I think its the least I can do for such a nice guy i never met, who helped me without hesitation or being asked. Even if he didnt realize he was doing it. THAT, is a modellers modeller! Im sorry i didnt get to know him better. My sincerest condolences to his family, friends, and the club he loved so much.
Very sad news indeed. Thank You Dave for posting his Obit.
In sadness and heavy heart,
Douglas C.
PM Railfan
My condolences to his family.
I always enjoyed his posts. He will be missed.
Paul
Very sad news..My condolences to his family and friends..
Larry
Conductor.
Summerset Ry.
"Stay Alert, Don't get hurt Safety First!"
Wow, very surprised to hear the sad news.
Bob posted on this forum a fair amount and was always issuing invitations to members to visit his layout.
He was also a proponent of the Metal Polish method of cleaning track.
http://cs.trains.com/mrr/f/11/t/244745.aspx?page=1
He will be missed.
Rich
Alton Junction
Sad news indeed!
Bob was a strong advocate for realistic operations on our layouts and, deriving from his posts, a straight forward person. He added a lot of value to this forum.
He will certainly be missed!
Condolences to his family.
AS I would for anyone in the Diner Thread, I have lit a candle for his passing.
-G .
Just my thoughts, ideas, opinions and experiences. Others may vary.
HO and N Scale.
After long and careful thought, they have convinced me. I have come to the conclusion that they are right. The aliens did it.
Sadly, a lot of us are getting to the age where we are losing loved ones, friends and family. I'd like to add my condolences to his friends and family.
Marlon
See pictures of the Clinton-Golden Valley RR
Often, death can come unexpectedly. Does anyone know if Bob was experiencing medical problems?
To his credit, he never complained publicly on this forum about his health.
From talking to him, I knew he had some heart issues, but he lost a lot of weight at the direction of his doctors and was eating healthy and around Christmas when I last met with him, he seemed to be in fine health. From the post of another member of the Clarion club, apparantly his wife found him unresponsive in the basement where he was likely preparing his layout for an upcoming op session.
I know he mentioned it a few times, but never in full detail, but prior to retirement, Bob worked for one of the large mobile home manufacturers in the area. Using his knowledge, he had a large basement built with steel beams on top, and custom designed a 28x80 double wide to sit on top and cover the hole, giving him a huge space to build a layout. He had a photo album he always had at the show which mostly had shots of the scratchbuilt sctructures he made for the layout, but he did show me some pictures of getting the house in place - they had a few interesting moments, imagine something 80 feet long (plus the tongue and truck pulling it) and not enough of a grade transition. All worked out int he end. Though I only ever saw it in picture, the layout was pretty amazing. The structures he was making were exact duplicates, some still stand, others he just worked from historical pictures, but the album contained botht he protoype photos and the finished models, and they were something else. At the show he'd always be working on the next one. In between talking with people, he'd glue on a wall, or roof, or some details, weight it down, and wait for the joint to set up.
Thanks, Randy.
Do you have a link to photos of his layout?
Yes, very sad news, his family will be in my prayers.
Sheldon
Sorry to read of fellow forum member and machinist Bob H's passing. My condolences.
Peter
Randy, thanks for letting us know. I appreciate all of Bob's contributions to this forum and his knowledge and experience will be missed.
Very sad news..My condolences to his family. Sad news also for the Clarion MRR Club. Very nice layout.
zstripe Truly sad new's indeed. Very likable person, knowledgeable and compationable. Thoughts and prayers, to His family. Makes me wonder why all these people passing younger than I.... Take Care! Frank
Very well said Frank, and I as well will miss his input on subjects here. He was very knowlegable and well spoken. I wish I could have known him better.
Condolences to his Family and Friends.
Double Green to you Bob, we will remember.
Johnboy out..........................
from Saskatchewan, in the Great White North..
We have met the enemy, and he is us............ (Pogo)
Condolences to friends and family.... Sorry for their loss.
Ricky W.
HO scale Proto-freelancer.
My Railroad rules:
1: It's my railroad, my rules.
2: It's for having fun and enjoyment.
3: Any objections, consult above rules.
Sad news.
My very sincere condolences to Bob's family and friends.
GARRY
HEARTLAND DIVISION, CB&Q RR
EVERYWHERE LOST; WE HUSTLE OUR CABOOSE FOR YOU
Sorry to hear the news. Condolences to his family. As another has mentioned, news like this can serve as a reminder to cherish the time we spend with our friends and family.
- Douglas
Very sad about the news. We lost another valued friend and knowledgeable forum member. I remember Bob for his comments about operations on his large layout. He helped a lot of new as well as experienced modelers.
Rest in peace, Bob
Jim
Soo Line fan He helped a lot of new as well as experienced modelers.
He helped a lot of new as well as experienced modelers.
Yes he did. I appreciated his willingness to share his knowledge. My condolences to his friends and family.
Rest in peace.
T e d
My sympathy to Bob's family & friends for their loss.
Dusty
"One difference between pessimists and optimists is that while pessimists are more often right, optimists have far more fun."