MIKE BRESTEL
It is with great sadness we report long-time Cincinnati Division 7 leader, and former National Model Railroad Association (NMRA) President, Michael C. Brestel passed away on Wednesday, May 22, 2024 at the age of 73. Mike was born May 14, 1951 and was a legend in the local, regional and national model railroad communities, beginning his many contributions when he was 15 years of age. He served in numerous leadership capacities and was a Fellow and Honorary Life Member of the NMRA. Mike loved photography and was the long-time owner of Western Hills Photo & Hobby. He was also active in the Cincinnati Railroad Club, the Cincinnati Model Railway Club and the Chesapeake & Ohio Historical Society. See our Memoriams page for Mike’s obituary (including visitation and service information), plus photos and several tributes.
(above photo by Don Phillips)
Dr. Gerry Albers
It is with great sadness we report long-time Cincinnati Division 7 member and well-known model railroader, Gerry Albers passed away on Sunday, October 13, 2024 at the age of 80. He was born in Cincinnati on July 19, 1944. Gerry and his incredible Virginian Railway were renowned in the local, regional and national model railroad communities. He was a life member of the National Model Railroad Association, a past Treasurer and Trustee of Cincinnati Division 7 and past Chair of the annual Cincinnati Model Train Show. Our condolences go to Gerry’s wife Jenny, and all their friends and family. A Celebration of Life Service was held on Tuesday, October 29 at 10:30 am at Crossroads Church in Oakley at 3500 Madison Rd, Cincinnati, OH 45209, with gathering at 10 am. See the Memoriams page for Gerry’s official obituary, a photo tribute and a synopsis of his model railroading journey. Text and photo by John Burchnall.
Bob Shaw
It is with great sadness we report long-time Division 7 member Robert (Bob) G. Shaw passed away on November 15, 2024 at the age of 79. He was born in October of 1945 and joined the NMRA in April of 1999. Bob modeled the Little Miami Division of the C&O Railway in HO scale. He generously volunteered his services at our shows and conventions and regularly opened his layout for conventions and monthly meetings. Our condolences go to all Bob’s friends and family. See the Memoriams page on our Division 7 website for more information as it becomes available. Text and photo by John Burchnall.
mike mereness
It is with great sadness we report long-time Division 7 member Mike Mereness passed away on December 21, 2024 at the age of 85. He was born on July 19, 1939 and was recovering from shingles at his home in Loveland, Ohio. Mike was a long-time member of the Eastern Loggers modeling group, being one of the 4 primary owners of the layout when it was donated to the PA Lumber Museum. He was also the long-time program chair of Miami Valley Division 3, and a member of the Southwest Ohio Wednesday round-robin operating group. Mike also enjoyed antique cars. He is survived by his wife Kathryn, son John, daughter Ann, and two grand kids. Our condolences go to all Mike’s friends and family. See the Memoriams page on our Division 7 website for more information as it becomes available. Text and photo by John Burchnall.
jack johnson
It is with great sadness we report long-time Division 7 member John “Jack” F. Johnson passed away on Wednesday, January 8, 2025 at the age of 82. He was born on August 4, 1942. Jack worked at the Andrew Jergens Company (KAO Brands) for 37 years. He was a life member of the NMRA, having joined in 1972. Jack served in several leadership roles in the Cincinnati Chapter of the NMRA, including as Secretary and Registrar. He modeled the B&O Railroad in HO scale. Our condolences go to all Jack’s friends and family. See the Memoriams page on our Cincinnati Division 7 website for obituary and other info.
Visitation was Friday, January 17 from 9:30 am to 10:30 am at Mihovk-Rosenacker Funeral Home, 5527 Cheviot Rd. (45247) followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am at St. Ignatius Loyola Church, 5222 North Bend Rd. (45247).
kevin orcutt
It is with great sadness we report long-time Division 7 member Kevin Neal Orcutt passed away on January 20, 2025 at the age of 58. He was born on March 26, 1966. and joined the NMRA in March of 1997. Kevin coordinated the video lending library of our Cincinnati Division 7 and was our past webmaster. He was also active in the group of local modelers called the Lebanon Subdivision. Kevin and his late father Gary were fixtures at train shows for many years. Our condolences go to all Kevin’s friends and family. See Memoriams page on this website for obituary and other information.