Anthony C (left) and Eddie K on the East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Anthony C (left) and Eddie K on the East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page, from the citty of Chicago Illinois USA.

I am an avid photographer Myself. Now while it can be fun to go out on location and take some photos on a nice and very sunny day by Yourself once in awhile, there is nothing more fun than going on location with a good buddy or two to share the fun.

Last October, I got together with My good friiend and fellow Chicago railfan Anthony C. (Left.)

What had started out as a "Railfan Photo Outing" to shoot pictures of trains, wound up being a fun adventure discovering the far southeast side of Chicago, near the state line border at Hammond Indiana.

Here We are on the southeast corner of the East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River enjoying some great Autum sunshine.

The East 95th Street bridge seen here, was used for a very spectacular "Car jumps an open drawbridge scene", in the 1980 feature movie "The Blues Brothers", wich stared John Belushi and Dan Akroyd.

And yes....We did take a few train photos that day a well. It was a fun outing!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this historic photo from the long gone Green Oaks kiddieland Amusement Park from Oak Lawn Illinois, at the Oak Lawn Patch newspaper www.patch.com

This was from newspaper author Adam Bendar.


When one thinks of a local Chicago area amusement park named "Kiddieland", the one that closed in 2009 at Melrose Park Illinois comes to mind for many local Chicagoans.

Believe it or not, there were actually a few different amusement parks in the greater Chicagoland area with the name "Kiddieland" on their establishment signs.

One of those other Kiddieland amusement parks in the geater Chicagoland area that unfortunately now is long lost to local history, was a place on the southwest corner of West 95th Street and South Pulaski Road in the village of Oak Lawn Illinois, that was known as "Green Oaks Kiddieland".

Green Oaks Kiddieland existed from 1946 until 1971, and today is the site of a large outdoor retail strip mall with a large K Mart store. (Originally Venture.)

When Green Oaks Kiddieland opened in 1946 under a local retired businessman named Mickey Doolan, the place was a mere 21 acres with 3 portable carnival style rides when it first opened.It proboubly resembled a traveling carnival occupying a local vacant lot.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this classic 1960's era photograph from the Chicago Transit Authority at My Link page "Dave's Electric Railroads", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.davesrailpix.com

The Chicago Transit Authority was formed in 1945, but did not begin operations until October 1st, 1947, when the money was finally raised to purchase the predecessor companies of the Chicago Surface Lines (Streetcars and buses.), and the Chicago Rapid Transit Company.

The CTA operated these old 1920's era standard rapid transit cars from the Cincinnati Car Company inherited from the former Chicago Rapid Transit Company until 1973. Several have wound up in the collections of railroad and trolley museums in North America upon retirement. These cars could operate as a single double ended car if need be, and had flip over wicker seats.

Photographer Jerry Apleman, photographed this pair somewhere on the CTA Lake Street Elevated Line (Today's CTA green line.) way back in the year of 1964.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Memphis, Tennessee Trolley Part One

I spotted this video on You Tube this morning.

During September of 2007, My lovely Wife Cheryl and I, took a much deserved vacation and visited the city of Memphis Tennesee USA.

An attraction that We both enjoyed seeing, riding and experiencing firsthand, was The Memphis Main Street Trolley in downtown Memphis. (Of course We had much better weather.)

There are three streetcar routes in downtown Memphis. There is the Main Street line, The Madison Avenue line, and the Riverfront line.

The Memphis Main Street Trolley is operated by the transit workers at the M.A.T.A / Memphis Area Transit Authority, and they do a very fine job of it as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eddie K's train in the rear staging yard, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. January 2012.

Eddie K's train in the rear staging yard, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. January 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Judging by the rolling stock and equipment, this could be the 1960's in Chicago again.

The Old Piano Roll Blues

I have many diverse tastes in music.

Although I grew up during the "Classic Rock Era", and enjoyed such greats as The Beatles, Credence Clearwater Revival, T Rex, Heart, Tommy Petty and The Heartbreakers, and also The Doobie Brothers to name a few..believe it or not, I enjoy listening to classic traditional American "Ragtime" piano music from the early 1900's era as well. Huh?

I enjoy most music, but these compositions from My own Grandmother's time, inspire Me just the same and require a lot of talent and "Technique" to play.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

City of Chicago Department of Streets and sanitation Autocar garbage truck heading eastbound on West Chicago Avenue. Chicago Illinois. Thursday, April 1st 2010.

City of Chicago Department of Streets and sanitation Autocar garbage truck heading eastbound on West Chicago Avenue. Chicago Illinois. Thursday, April 1st 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during the Spring of 2010.

An eastbound City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Autocar garbage truck, is viewed heading eastbound on West Chicago Avenue, on the westside of the city near South Cicero Avenue.

CSX W 16th St local. Cicero Illinois. Sept 2006.

CSX W 16th St local. Cicero Illinois. Sept 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo after work one afternoon, back in September of 2006.

With the switching chores all done for the session, the eastbound CSX Transportation Company's West 16th Street industrial switching local, heads towards the Belt Railway of Chicago interchange near South Knox Avenue , at the Chicago city limits.

This freight train, was photographed just West of South Laramie Avenue, in west suburban Cicero Illinois USA.

Bob O's Hot Dogs at 8258 West Irving Park Road. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011.

Bob O's Hot Dogs at 8258 West Irving Park Road. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A good place for tasty Chicago style fast food I occasionally enjoy visiting, is Bob O's Hot Dogs.

This tasty and very retro style take out sandwich shop complete with homestyle french fries ( The best), is located at 8258 West Irving Park Road in Chicago's Accacia Park neighborhood.

If You are in this area near Norridge Illinois, You might want to try them. They are really good.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Mc Donald's Museum on Lee Street. Des Plaines Illinois USA. Monday night, January 30th, 2012.

The Mc Donald's Museum on Lee Street. Des Plaines Illinois USA. Monday night, January 30th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

Wwlcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page, from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

I was passing through downtown northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois Monday night after work on My way home, and thought that I would stop and take this really unique photo.

Seen here along the west side of Lee Street just north of downtown Des Plaines, is the historic Mc Donald's museum.

This was not the forst Mc Donald's fast food restaurant, but actually the eighth. It was actually the forst corporate Mc Donalald's fast food restaurant store.

A new Mc Donald's was built across the street during the 1980's, and this one was set aside for historic preservation complete with vintage working neon signage.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

One of many railroads that had served the city of Chicago Illinois, as well as locations in the midwest, south and southwester regions of the United States, was the former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad.

I can recall, that the Rock Island operated on the southeast side of Chicago, and introduced this maroon and yellow color scheme during the late 1960's.

This photo appears at My Link Page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org.

This photo of a Rock Island EMD model GP 35 roadswitcher, was taken at Little Rock Arkansas USA during the year of 1976.

The Lyons Public Library located at 4209 South Joliet Avenue in west suburban Lyons Illinois, welcomes local Chicago area historian and photographer Edward Kwiatkowski to the library on Saturday, March 24th, 2012 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

Eddie will be hosting a musical photo slideshow / multi media event featuring historic photos of Kiddieland and other now long gone amusement parks from Chicago's past.

If You can remember Riverview Park from Chicago Illinois, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, Playland Park in Justice Illinois, or even the recently closed and greatly missed Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois...then You won't want to miss this fun family oriented event.

Admission is free.

Eastbound Metra crossing West Devon Avenue. Jan 2012.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning last Month during My lunch break.

We are on location facing east, at the West Devon Avenue railroad crossing, along the Metra / Union Pacific Railroad northwest line to Harvard Illinois. ( Formerly C & N,W)

An eastbound Metra local commuter train enroute to the Richard B. Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago Illinois, passes by the Devon Avenue railroad crossing on a sunny January 2012 day.

This location, is where Chicago's Edison Park and Norwood Park neighborhoods border.

"The Oak Park Daylight". Operating on the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

"The Oak Park Daylight". Operating on the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during last week Wednsday night's operating session, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

One of My fellow club members named Martin, recently purchased this colorful Broadway limited Imports model, of a 1941 built Southern Pacific Railroad GS 4 Class "Daylight" 4-8-4 steam locomotive.

This locomotive is viewed pulling the ficticious "Oak Park Daylight" passenger train on the club layout.

PC 9161 Switching @ Brown Street

I spotted this video on You Tube this morning.

A Chicago railroad that I remember from My own youth in the Windy City, was
the former Penn Central Railroad.

I was 14 years old when Penn Central and five other bankrupt northeastern
United States railroads, were purchased by the goverment and became Conrail
back in 1976.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Two eastbound trains meet. Cicero Illinois. September 2007.

Two eastbound trains meet. Cicero Illinois. September 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in September of 2007.

An eastbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Aurora Illinois, is viewed departing from the station at west suburban Cicero Illinois. The Metra is viewed passing two eastbound BNSF Railway locomotives, that have jusat departed from the nearby Clyde Yard facility.

Southbound Canadian Pacific unit grain train crossing South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois. June 2008.

Southbound Canadian Pacific unit grain train crossing South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois. June 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in June of 2008.

A southbound Canadian Pacific Railroad unit grain train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago, is viewed crossing South Archer Avenue near Chicago's Midway Airport.

The Hillside Public Library located at 405 Hillside Avenue in west suburban Hillside Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian and photographer Edward Kwiatkowski to the library on Saturday, February 25th, 2012, from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

Eddie will be hosting a musical photo slideshow / multi media lecture event entitled
"When Chicago Rode The Streetcars and other rail subjects", in the library's downstairs meeting room. Admission is free.

If You or someone You know, had grown up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in June of 1958, then You won't want to miss this historic presentation, wich is set to authentic historic period music ranging from Ragtime Piano, Dixieland Jazz, and 1940's era Big Band Standards.

See Chicago how it was prior to 1958.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

I found this historic photograph from the Grand Trunk Western Railroad at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad was one of the last railroads in North America, to operate steam locomotives in daily revenue service, operating their last ones in 1961.
This GTW U.S.R.A (United States Railway Administration / World War 1 era) light 2-8-2 Mikado type steam locomotive, was photographed by Dennis Schmidt on July 19th, 1956 at Pontiac Michigan. These were standard freight service locomotives that would occasionally pull passenger trains on the GTW when needed.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. July 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. July 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo last year, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

An Athearn Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad wide vision caboose, brings up the rear of My freight train on the club layout.

A Belt Railway of Chicago shoving platform. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2012.

A Belt Railway of Chicago shoving platform. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This photo was E Mailed to Me by My good friend and fellow Chicago railfan Anthony C.

Cabooses with observation cupolas, have long since fallen out of favor with daily railroad operations begining during the early 1980's.

Cabooses however, still do see some use on some of todays railroads in a different capacity or two. The Belt Railway of Chicago, still uses cabooses on some transfer and switching local trains around Chicago, however they are now refered to as "Shoving Platforms", and make excelent idler cars on switching locals.

This example, was photographed near the Belt Railway of Chicago's West 68th Street wye junction .

Thanks Anthony.
Eddie K.

Southbound Metra kicking up snowdust. Northbrook IL.

I photographed this digital live sound video, back in February of 2010.

A southbound Metra commuter train enroute to Chicago from Fox Lake Illinois, kicks up snowdust just north of the Willow Road overpass bridge, in north suburban Northbrook Illinois USA.

Inbound Chicago Transit Authority Orange line train. Chicago Illinois. February 2008.

Inbound Chicago Transit Authority Orange line train. Chicago Illinois. February 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one evening at sunset, back in February of 2008.

We are looking westbound on South Archer Avenue, at the intersection of South Western Avenue in Chicago's Mc Kinley Park neighborhood.

An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority orange line train enroute to downtown Chicago, is viewed passing over the high curved bridge that passes over Brighton Junction.

Westbound Metra commuter local departing the Western Avenue station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

Westbound Metra commuter local departing the Western Avenue station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a lovely Autum morning, back in October of 2006.

A westbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois, departs from the former Milwaukee Road train station at Western Avenue, on a beautiful Indian Summer morning.

Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Aside from My interests in trains, buses, and various transportation subjects...
I have been a lifelong fan of classic American roadside drive in restaurants from the 1950's and 60's era.

I was born in Chicago Illinois in 1962, and I remember seeing the last of these classic American roadside icons in the greater Chicagoland area. Most were gone by 1975. I seem to recall, that west suburban Berwyn Illinois once had a good number of these on Illinois U.S Route # 34 / Ogden Avenue aka Old U.S Rt # 66.

I found this photo on the internet today.

Seen here is a place that was known as Sandy's Drive In, wich no longer exists, but was located in the city of Peoria Illinois.

Until it closed in 2007, I can fondly remember hanging out at The Frosted Mug Drive In, wich was located at 11601 South Pulaski Road in Alsip Illinois.

TV shows like Happy Days and movies like American Grafitti, help to revive this era.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 2010.

The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a September 2010 visit to The Hesston Steam Museum, located in northwest Indiana, near the Michigan state line at neighboring New Buffalo Michigan.

A 14 inch guage miniature live steam passenger train to the left, shares depot space with a larger 2 foot narrow guage steam train to the right, at the museum's Hesston Junction depot.

The Hesston Steam Museum, is a fun and very family oriented attraction, located just east of Michigan City Indiana.

For more information, log on to
www.hesston.org

Digital Live Sound Video: The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video back in September of 2010, at a popular local Chicago area atrraction known as The Chicago Botanic Garden, wich is located in north suburban Glencoe Illinois.

During the warm weather months from approximately May to October, the Chicago Botanic Garden operates a series of outdoor G Scale model railroads through some of their gardens.

I captured this Milwaukee Road freight train passing through at the time of My visit.

Tiger Rag - Midlife Dixieland Jazzband

Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Call Me old fashioned if You feel a need to do so, but I have always enjoyed
listening to traditional American Dixieland Jazz music.

Dixieland Jazz band proboubly dates back to the early 1900's era, circa the "Teens",
and evolved from the once popular Ragtime Music of the turn of the century. This
up tempo and fun style of jazz music, originated in the "Crescent City" known as New Orleans Louisianna, and is a "Must" every year at Mardi Gras time.

I vacationed in New Orleans Louisianna during Mardi Gras in 1977 and 1978 when I was a teenager, and absolutely loved dixieland jazz music. Especiually when it was performed live!

Here is an ensemble I discovered today on the You Tube channel, known as the Midlife Dixieland Jazz Band. Here they perform a Dixieland Jazz classic entitled
"The Tiger Rag."

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Morton Grove Department of Public Works Elgin street sweeper vehicle. Morton Grove Illinois USA. November 2011.

Morton Grove Department of Public Works Elgin street sweeper vehicle. Morton Grove Illinois USA. November 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo in traffic one day last November during My morning lunch break.

We are facing south on North Harlem Avenue, at the intersection of West Dempster Street in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois.

An Elgin Pelican model street sweeper vehicle from the Morton Grove Department of Public Works, is waiting for the left turning signal in the eastbound turning lane.

There were plenty of Autum leaves to be swept op on the residential side streets of Morton Grove on this overcast Autum day.

An Athearn Santa Fe freight train.

An Athearn Santa Fe freight train., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

I grew up on the near southwest side of the city of Chicago Illinois, during the 1960's and 70's era, and I enjoy modeling the trains from My youth during this period.

One of My all time favorite railroads from this part of Chicago that I fondly remember, was the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe.

My Athearn EMD GP 35 shown here, is decorated in the 1960's era Santa Fe blue with the yellow ends and letting color scheme, wich was used by the A,T & S,F from 1960 until 1972.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this classic late 1950's era black and white photo at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

The photo wich is dated for March 31st, 1958.

Photographer Dennis Schmidt, captured this classic and proboubly recently dieselized Grand Trunk Western Railroad passenger train, at the South Bend Indiana train station.

During this period, the GTW was in the process of a late dieselization of their motive power fleet. The GTW was one of the last railroads in North America, to operate steam locomotives in daily revenue service until 1961. The GTW EMD GP 9 roadswitcher locomotives viewed on the head end of this passenger train, were painted in the olive green, black and gold colors of the parent railroad company Canadian National.

The Grand Trunk Western, was a United States subsidiary of the Canadian National Railroad.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Hello everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Be sure to come out to the Hillside Public Library on Saturday, February 25th
from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, as I will be hosting a nostalgic railfan multi media
photo slideshow event in the library's downstairs meeting room.
The Hillside Public Library, is located at 405 Hillside Avenue in west -
suburban Hillside Illinois.

The main theme of My presentation, will feature a homemade musical photo
slideshow entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars"! If You or someone
You know had grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of
CTA electric streetcar operations in 1958, then You won't want to miss this
nostalgic transit ride down memory lane.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Metra switcher running light. Franklin Park Illinois.

Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad track maintenance crew. Union Illinois. September 1985.

Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad track maintenance crew. Union Illinois. September 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during My September 1985 members weekend visit, to the Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois.

An added bonus of My visit, was capturing this image of a Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad M.O.W crew, performing spot repairs at the adjacent Olson Road railroad crossing, on the C & N,W branchline in pre Union Pacific days.

Notice the stationary railroad crossing crossbucks, with no yield signs on the posts.

Eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad freight train approaching the Edgington Street railroad crossing. Franklin Park Illinois. October 2008.

Eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad freight train approaching the Edgington Street railroad crossing. Franklin Park Illinois. October 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2008.

An eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad freight train, is viewed departing from northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

Wintertime at the Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. December 2007.

Wintertime at the Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. December 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one day, back in December of 2007.

The Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin Illinois, was officially closed for the season. I was passing by the museum on Illinois U.s Rt # 31, and briefly stopped to snap a few photos of the museum equipment in a Winter setting.

Coming this Saturday to the Brookfield Public Library! 3609 Grand Boulevard In Brookfield Illinois. Remembering Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks Of The Past ! 1:00 until 3:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from Eddie's Railfan Page ! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Playland Park. (Gone) Justice Illinois USA., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Be sure to come out to the Brookfield Public Library this Saturday from 1 until 3 PM. I will be hosting a musical photo slideshow / Multi Media event entitled "Remembering Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks of The Past"!

If You could remember growing up in the greater Chicagoland area, and visiting such fun Summer places like Riverview Park in Chicago Illinois, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, Playland Park in Justice Illinois, or even the recently closed and greatly missed Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois...then You absolutely will not want to miss this fun presentation in the library's downstairs meeting room.

So please...mark Your calendar for Saturday, January 28th at the Brookfield Public Library, located at 3609 Grand Boulevard in west suburban Brookfield Illinois. 1 to 3 PM.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A City Of Chicago Department Of Streets And Sanitation Autocar garbage truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Early January 2012.

A City Of Chicago Department Of Streets And Sanitation Autocar garbage truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Early January 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one morning recently during My lunch break.

A trash collection crew from the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, apparently was also enjoying their much deserved lunch break as well at a nearby Mc Donald's Restaurant.

The truck is a new Autocar cabover, with a Loadmaster disposal body.

This photo was taken looking north on North Harlem Avenue, at West Addison Street on the northside of Chicago Illinois.

The Heritage Series: Illinois Central Gulf

Eddie K's new ICG side door caboose on it's first run.

I photographed this digital live sound video, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

I had just purchased this orange Centrailia Car Shops H.O Scale model of a 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad side door caboose. My caboose was making it's debut on the model railroad club layout that night.

This train, reminds Me of the Illinois Central Gulf trains I grew up with on the near southwest side of Chicago, just after the August 10th 1972 merger of the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio, and the Illinois Central railroads.

MTH 1941 New York Central Railroad streamlined J 3 4-6-4 Hudson steam locomotive.

MTH 1941 New York Central Railroad streamlined J 3 4-6-4 Hudson steam locomotive., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at a Wednsday night operating session at the Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Model train manufacturer MTH (Mike's Train House) ,has recently produced this historic early 1940's era model of a New York Central Railroad streamlined J 3 Hudson type passenger steam locomotive.

This model is sound equipped, and is quiete a sight to see in action, just like the prototype must have been like back in the day.

Eastbound Norfolk Southern /BNSF transfer train entering the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Eastbound Norfolk Southern /BNSF transfer train entering the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one morning, back in October of 2011.

An eastbound Norfolk Southern / BNSF Railway transfer train, is viewed heading eastbound and entering the Chicago side of the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard, after interchanging off of the BRC 's West 68th Street wye junction.

Welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of Eddie's Railfan Page!

A Chicago Transit Authority 2006 New Flyer bus, modified as a clean air hybrid bus. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this unique and very historic photo from Southern California at My Link page "Northern California Bus Fans", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com

The Pacific Electric, was a major electric powered interurban / commuter railroad that operated out of the city of Los Angeles California, from the early 1900's until 1961.

Aside from their already famous and popular electric interurban trains, the Pacific Electric also augmented their operations with a fleet of transit buses. These buses provided local service around the Los Angeles area, and served the Pacific Electric quiete well.

Seen here in the foreground, is a late 1940's era propane powered transit bus, manufactured by the Twin Coach Company of Kent Ohio. Many citties in North America, utilized these propane powered buses during the 1950's and 60's era. The buses inthe background, are standard General Motors 40 foot TDH Series "Old Look" (Pre 1959) transit buses. Many transit agencies in North America, operated the old look GM's until the early to mid 1970's.

This photo is from the Jim Husing collection.

Mechanical failure. A disabled handicapped bus is being towed back tothe garage. Glenview Illinois. September 2008.

Mechanical failure. A disabled handicapped bus is being towed back to the garage. Glenview Illinois. September 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Nothing like the sight of a disabled handicapped bus.

I took this photo during My first year of employment at First Transit. The old 2001 vintage Chevrolet paratransit mini buses, were definately on their last leg mechanically, and were breaking down on the road quiete a bit.

2001 Chevrolet bus # 5038, is viewed being towed to the Glenview Illinois garage.

These buses were finally retired by 2010, and replaced by newer Ford models.

I found this photo from the city of Modesto California at My Link page "Northern California Bus Fans", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com

The General Motors TDH Series "Old Look" transit buses, were a very popular and versatile standard transit bus model. Introduced during the mid 1940's, the 40 foot model was manufactured from 1945 until 1959, when the "New Look" Fishbowl Windshield models were introduced.

General Motors actually manufactured smaller 30 foot GM old look style buses, until approximately 1967. The later model GM old look TDH Series buses like the one shown here, had twin sealed beam headlights.

This photo was taken in the city of Modesto California, in February of 1979.

Photo courtessy of the Melvin Bemero collection.

The Greyhound Bus Company's large Chicago maintenance facility. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

The Greyhound Bus Company's large Chicago maintenance facility. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one Autum morning, back in October of 2006.

Seen here along the north bank of the north branch of the Chicago River at North Halsted Street near West Chicago Avenue, is the large Greyhound Bus Company Chicago maintetnace facility.

Silent digital video: Chicago Transit Authority buses on North Clark Street. Chicago Illinois. July 2007.

Silent digital video: Chicago Transit Authority buses on North Clark Street. Chicago Illinois. July 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old digital camera, back in July of 2007.

Several Chicago Transit Authority Route # 22 / Clark Street buses, are viewed passing by on North Clark Street near West North Avenue, in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood on a hot Summer day.

The last passenger drop off of the work day. Wheeling Illinois USA. January 2012.

The last passenger drop off of the work day. Wheeling Illinois USA. January 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I tok this photo at work two weeks ago.

A long workday with short Wintertime daylight hours is coming to a close.

My last passenger of the day, wich was a kind lady in a wheelchair with a companion rider, have just been let off at an apartment complex in northwest suburban Wheeling Illinois. With no other passengers needing a pick up on My route, dispatch gave Me the go ahead to fuel the bus and return to the garage.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A freshly washed Metra commuter train. Glenview Illinois USA. June 2011.

A freshly washed Metra commuter train. Glenview Illinois USA. June 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on My way to work one morning, back in June of 2011.

A freshly washed and nicely maintained EMD model F 40PH locomotive, pushes a southbound local commuter train to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois.

This train was photographed in the early morning sunshine, at The Glen Of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station.

I found this old vintage tinted postcard of Chicago on the internet.

This picture, shows the very crowded (And still is today.) intersection of State and Madison Streets in downtown Chicago Illinois, circa the early 1900's.

From 1882 until 1906 when they were eventually phased out for good, some of
Chicago's then competing public transit companies utilized cable cars on surface transportation routes. Chicago once had the world's largest cable car system during the late 1800's. The introduction of the electric powered city streetcar in 1893, proved to be far more reliable than the old cable cars.

San Francisco Californai introduced their cable cars in the year of 1871, and they are still running today. After seeing the success firsthand on a late 1800's era business trip to San Francisco California, several local Chicago politicians, businessmen and transit company executives declared that Chicago had to have a cable car system.

During that time, slow moving horse drawn streetcars and omnibuses, were the industry standard on early public transit company systems in North America.
Cable cars were actually the "State of the art" in public transportation technology back then.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Coming soon to the Brookfield Public Library! "Kiddieland Memories!" Saturday, January 28th from 1 to 3 PM! Hosted by Eddie K From Eddie's Railfan Page http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Kiddieland Amusement Park at night. Melrose Park Illinois. July 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Next week Saturday afternoon, January 28th from 1 until 3 PM, I will be hosting an historic photo slideshow / multi media presentation in the downstairs meeting room of the Brookfield Public Library. The library is located at 3609 Grand Boulevard, in west suburban Brookfield Illinois.

I will be hosting a show, spotlighting "Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks Of The Past."

Aside from photos that were taken many years ago at Riverview Park in Chicago, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, and Playland Park in unincorporated Justice Illinois...I will be showing My own homemade musical photo slideshow I produced entitled "Kiddieland Memories!"

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there. Admission is free.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Vintage Film of Brooklyn Trolleys Circa 1930s

I spotted these old 1930's era vintage home movies that were taken in New York City
on You Tube this morning.

Seen here are the electric city streetcars, of the Brooklyn And Queens Railway.

1960's era B & O EMD 2nd Generation roadswitcher locomotives.

1960's era B & O EMD 2nd Generation roadswitcher locomotives., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A common sight I can recall when I was growing up on the southside of Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era, was the beautiful dark blue and yellow EMD 2nd generation roadswitcher locomotives, of the former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

This color scheme was introduced around the late 1950's and early 60's era, to replace the original blue, gray and yellow color scheme, wich was expensive and difficult to maintain. The original color scheme was attractive and quiete striking, but the economics of maintenance would soon introduce this much simplified solid "Dip Job" paint scheme for the B & O, and several other North American Railroads by the 1960's.

In 1972, the Baltimore & Ohio, the Chesapeke & Ohio, and the Western Maryland railroads merged and became the Chessie System Railroad.

A good number of former B & O and C & O EMD locomotives would operate in this 1960's era solid color scheme, until the current CSX Transportation Company railroad began operations in 1986.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Niles Fire Department International ambulance truck responding to an emergency call. Niles Illinois USA. March 2011.

Niles Fire Department International ambulance truck responding to an emergency call. Niles Illinois USA. March 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo in traffic one day last year.

With the siren wailing and the emergency flashing strobe lights activated, a fast moving International fire amubulance from the Niles Fire Department, races northbound at the intersection of North Harlem and West Touhy Avenue, in north suburban Nilles Illinois USA.

View looking west from the Daley College pedestrian overpass. ChicagoIllinois. Late September 1982.

View looking west from the Richard J. Daley College pedestrian overpass. Chicago Illinois. Late September 1982., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, way back in September of 1982.

We are facing west toward the late day sun, on the Richard J.Daley College pedestrian overpass bridge wich spans West 76th Street near South Pulaski Road, at an area known as Ford City East, on the southwest side of Chicago Illinois..

The tall apartment building to the left, is the Ford City Apartments.

I was attending an evening adult education photography course here at the time of this photograph.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Southbound Union Pacific freight train. Alsip Illinois. November 1989.

Southbound Union Pacific freight train. Alsip Illinois. November 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in November of 1989.

A Union Pacific Railroad fast moving freight train, is viewed heading southeast over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, in south suburban Alsip illinois USA.

Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation garbage trucks. Chicago Illinois. November 2006.

Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation garbage trucks. Chicago Illinois. November 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in November of 2006.

A small convoy of City Of Chicago Department Of Streets And Sanitation garbage trucks, are viewed heading southbound on North Cicero Avenue. These trucks are more than likely enroute to the large waste transfer station on North Kilbourn Avenue, in Chicago's nearby Northwest Industrial Park to dump their loads.

The Memphis Main Street Trolley. Memphis Tennesee. September 2007.

The Memphis Main Street Trolley. Memphis Tennesee. September 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during My September 2007 vacation to the city of Memphis Tennesee.

Seen here heading southbound on Main Street in downtown Memphis, is a popular local attraction known as the Memphis Main Street Trolley.

For people like Myself and a few others out there who were born too late to experience electric city streetcars operating in a downtown urban setting, this alone is a great reason to visit Memphis.

My Wife and I had a wonderful time visitinf Memphis Tennesee USA.

Elmwood Park Department Of Public Works International snowplow equipped dump truck plowing and salting North 74th Court. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Thursday, January 12th, 2012.

Elmwood Park Department Of Public Works International snowplow equipped dump truck plowing and salting North 74th Court. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Thursday, January 12th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo last week Thursday during My lunch break.

After an unseasonabally mild December and early January...the greater Chicagoland area got hit with a heavy snowstorm on Thursday, January 12th, 2012.

An International snowplow equipped dump truck from the Village of Elmwood Park Department of Public Works, is viewed plowing snow and spreading rock salt on North 74th Court in Elmwood Park Illinois.

The Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA.

The Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

I grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois, on the near southwest side of town.

The real life day to day trains of My own youth here in the Windy City, is what I really enjoy modeling in H.O scale.

Seen here is y Athearn H.O scale freight train from the former Atchinson, Topeka & santa Fe Railroad. With the Athearn EMD GP 35 wearing the Santa Fe's 1960's era blue and yellow color scheme and some 1970's era box cars in tow...I can sit back and watch an A,T & S,F freight train from this period roll past Me on the club layout.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

5:00 AM snowplowing. Elmwood Park Illinois.Feb 2011.

San Francisco California isn't the only city in the United States of America to
operate Cable Cars in daily transit route service. Chicago once had them too.

The city of Chicago Illinois, had a network of cable car lines from approximately 1882, until they were phased out for good in 1906.

After seeing the San Francisco cable cars first hand on a business trip during the late 1800's, several Chicago politicians, businessmen and transit executives decided
that "Chicago must have a cable car system"! This was the "state of the art" in public transportation technology prior to the introduction of the electric powered streetcar in 1893.

At one point in time during this era, Chicago once had the worlds largest cable car system.

Thanks.
Eddie K.