Twilight time on the Missisippi River. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

I took this photo approximately last week Tuesday evening, in Memphis Tennesee.
Me and My lovely Wife Cheryl, went on a much needed and very pleasant little vacation down south, to the city of Memphis Tennesee. This is a view looking northwest at the large Missisippi River bridge, that links the States of Arkansas and Tennesee. The sun was already over the horizon, and the decorative structural lights on the bridge had just turned on for the night. In the foreground can be seen Mud Island, and the monorail that connects to it from the east shore of the Missisippi River. Another day is ending.

Eastbound CSX Transportation intermodal train. Western Springs Illinois USA. September 2006.

I took this photo after work around sunset, in September of 2006. Seen here racing through west suburban Western Springs Illinois, is an eastbound CSX Transportation intermodal container train traveling over the BNSF Railway.

The Tinley Park Metra commuter rail station. Tinley Park Illinois USA. September 2006.

Seen here during a lovely sunset in September of 2006, is the "New" Metra commuter rail station that was dedicated in 2003. The original Metra station that stood here had burned to the ground in a late night fire. The new station is larger and more elaborate. Commuter trains operate on this line 7 days a week between Chicago and Joliet Illinois. A few freight trains a day pass through here from the Iowa Interstate Railroad. Prior to the year of 1980, this was the mainline of the former and very bankrupt Rock Island Railroad.

Floor leval interior view of a CTA 6000 series rapid transit car doorway. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo in August of 2006, at the Illinois Railway Museum located in Union Illinois. One of the high leval doors of a Chicago Transit Authority 6000 series rapid transit/ subway car was found to be open while I was walking through a display barn. This is yet another behind the scenes view, of the restoration of an operating museum exhibit. Those two tone green interior colors, where also used on Chicago Transit Authority buses during the 1950's.

As a young boy growing uo in Chicago during the 1960's and 70's, I could remember riding the CTA electric trolleybuses on the route # 52 Kedzie / California Avenue line, as well as the 1940's and 50's era GM "Old Look" TDH Series buses, and the Twin Coach propane buses that all featured this color scheme. The old buses were largely retired by 1972 and 73, but some of the CTA 6000 series cars held on to this interior color scheme into the mid 1980's.

Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion estate. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

Hi everybody!
Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page.
I took this photo last week, while on vacation with My lovely wife Cheryl in Memphis Tennesee.

This is the Graceland mansion home and estate of the late great Elvis Presley, who resided here from 1957, to his untimely passing at 42 years of age in 1977. Graceland is a very popular Memphis area attraction and worth visiting. Across the street are a few other Elvis museums that include his collection of cars, memorabillia, and even his two private jet airplanes.

Elvis Presley's final resting place. Graceland Estae. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

For fans of the early rock and roll music stars from the 1950's and 60's era, no trip to Memphis would be complete without a visit to the Graceland Mansion estate where Elvis Presley and his Family resided. Elvis, his Mother Gladys, his Father Vernon, his Grandmother Minnie Mae, and a headstone honoring his twin Brother Jesse who died at birth, are burried around a fountain in the Meditation Garden, that Elvis had built on the property in 1965. The Meditation Garden, is an outdoor place on the Graceland Estate, where Elvis would go to when he needed some quiet time, or a place to daydream outside.

A summer afternoon at the Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. August 2005.

I took this photo on a hot and humid August day in 2005. Seen here in lovely northwest Indiana near the Michigan State line, is a family attraction known as the Hesston Steam Museum. The steam locomotive shown here, is a meter guage ( 2 foot U.S track guage) 0-4-0 T from Czechloslovakia, while the red coaches were originally from Chicago's Brookfield Zoo train.

Northbound Canadian National auto rack train entering the IHB Argo Yard. Summit Illinois USA. May 2006.

I took this photo on an overcast morning in May of 2006. A northbound CN unit auto rack train, is seen entering the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's Argo Yard, in southwest suburban Summit Illinois near the town of Bedford Park. The train is passing over the U.S Route # 171 Archer Road underpass bridge.

Chicago Transit Authority PCC electric streetcar # 4391. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo last year, at the Illinois Railway Museum located in the town of Union Illinois. Seen here rounding the curve on the east side of the trolley loop, is CTA car # 4391 wich was built by the St. Louis Car Company in the year of 1948.
This car was from the "Last" order for Chicago city streetcars, as the Chicago Transit Authority was formed in November of 1947, and was begining a program to phase out streetcars in Chicago, and replace the trolley lines with buses.

This car was in operation in Chicago, untill the end of streetcar service on June 21st 1958.

The Kiddieland Limited waiting on passengers. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo one weekday evening, in early June of 2007. Summer had just arrived to the greater Chicagoland area, and the Kiddieland Amusement Park had just opened for weeknight business upon the seasonal local school closings.

Attendance was a little on the low side on this fine summer evening in early June, but large crowds would replace this in the upcoming weeks.

The Kiddieland Limited, is a 14 inch track guage gas powered replica, of a 1940's and 50's era pre Amtrak streamliner passenger train. The locomotive appears to a working model of an EMD F-7 cab unit diesel locomotive. The locomotive and cars, are painted in the famous Southern Pacific Railroad's orange , red and black "Daylight" color scheme colors, albeit with Kiddieland Limited markings. A miniature classic.

The Misssisippi River bridge and the Mud Island monorail. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

I took this phot last week, from the open roof top lounge at the Madison Hotel in downtown Memphis. We are looking west at the Missippi River bridge. The other side of the river, is the State of Arkansas. In the foreground, can be seen the monorail people mover, that transports patrons to and from Mud Island. Mud Island is an outdoor Family entertainment attraction, with a water park, and a small concert arena. The city of Memphis Tennesee is a fun place to visit.

The original Snackville Junction restaurant on South Western Avenue near West 115th Street. Chicago Illinois USA. January 1976

Another of My family's "Rare old photos" was discovered on a recent visit to My Parents house.
I actually took this photo in early January of 1976, on the east side of Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood. My Dada and Myself attempted to try going for a breakfast at the Snackville Junction restaurant on a Sunday morning. The neon sign in the window said "open", but unfortunately...the restaurant was actually closed with no Manager or Employees to be seen anywhere. Still, I ended up taking a rare old photograph at the age of 13. It was worth it.

Southbound BNSF Railway transfer train approaching the West 71st Street railroad crossing. Bridgeview Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo after work one day, in early September of 2007. This transfer freight train, is one of several that pass this location 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois, in Chicago's southwest suburbs.

The Roselle Illinois Metra commuter rail station. September 2007.

I took this photo in early September of 2007. Seen here , is the Metra commuter rail station that serves the far outlying west suburban village of Roselle Illinois. This is a modern and elaborate brick station building, and is located on the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline. Freight trains from the Canadian Pacific and the Iowa Chicago & Eastern pass the depot on a daily basis. Commuter trains that stop at this station, travel over the former Milwaukee Road West line from Chicago to Elgin Illinois.

Beale Street in downtown Memphis. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

Hi everybody!
Welcome aboard the vacation 2007 edition of Eddie's Railfan Page.
Some of My friends began calling and E-mailing Me in the last few days asking Me.."Eddie? Is everything alright? How come You didn't do any posting on Your blog site at all last week?"

Here is the reason why. ( Believe Me, I'm fine.)
Last week, My wife Cheryl and Myself left Chicago via O'Hare Airport and American Eagle Airlines, and headed off to a great and much needed vacation in the city of Memphis Tennesee.
For those who have never been to the city of Memphis, this is Beale Street in downtown Memphis. Beale Street is the big entertainment district with lots of clubs, nightlife, live bands, great music, the famouse Memphis Barbeque restaurants, and lots of kind and friendly people.
Between Graceland, the Main Street Trolley, many museums and attractions, and just plain having some long overdue and much needed fun, We had an absolutely great time on vacation!

Horses and Trolleys on Main Street. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

I took this photo last week while on vacation in Memphis Tennesee. My lovely wife Cheryl and Myself, finally got to take a long overdue vacation, and decided to visit the city of Memphis Tennesee. Yes, We went to Graceland and seen all of those Elvis Presley as well.
To a railfan and transportation enthusiast like Myself, the Memphis Main Street Trolley alone is well worth the visit. I took this late morning photo looking east at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Main Street. A tourist horse and buggy ride, shares Main Street with an electric streetcar that originally worked "Down Under" in the city of Melbourne Australia.

The Memphis Main Street Trolley 4 wheel Gomaco replica streetcar. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

I took this photo looking south on Main Street, in downtown Memphis Tennesee. In recent years, electric streetcars have returned to the city of Memphis Tennesee. This little 4 wheel car, is a modern replica /caricature, of typle small city streetcars from the early 1900's, albeit with a single arm pantograph contacting the overhead wire. The Memphis Main Street Trolley costs only $ 1.00 to ride. there are also two different trolley lines as well. There is the Main Street Line, and the Riverfront line. The Riverfront line is very interurban like, as the line travels on mostly private right of way, and the Melbourne Australia city cars are equipped with air whistles.

The Memphis Main Street trolley refurbished Melbourne Australia city streetcar. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

I took this photo looking east, at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Main Street in downtown Memphis Tennesee. After many years of absense, the city of Memphis Tennesee once again has an authentic electric powered city streetcar line.
Shown here is a purple and cream colored 1920's era city streetcar originally from Melbourne Australia. Several of these former Melbourne electric streetcars or "Trams" as European people call them, can be found here in the United States, working in tourist trolley service. These cars can be found in Dallas Texas, Seatle Washington, and of course Memphis Tennesee.

The Memphis Main Street Trolley yellow Gomaco Birney replica car. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

I took this photo in downtown Memphis Tennesee, on a late Sunday morning. This
view is looking north on Main Street near
Madison Avenue.
The yellow streetcar shown here, is an operating
replica of a two truck car originally manufactured
during the 20th century in the late teens and early 1920's by the Birney Car Company. The replica shown here, was manufactured by the Gomaco company located in Ida Grove Iowa.

The Mempis Main Street Trolley cars were originally equipped with twin spring loaded trolley poles, but have since been re-equipped
with a modern single arm pantograph.

Museum equipment being switched in the yard. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. November 1976.

I found this old photo while rumaging through some of My old Family photographs recently.

My Family and I, visited the Illinois Railway Museum in early November of 1976. This could have been the last weekend of operation for the season, as the only equipment still taking passengers for demonstration rides, was a couple of electric streetcars that day.

This photograph shows one of the many behind the scenes support operations of a large railroad museum, as a large cut of museum equipment, is being spotted on various sidings and shop track leads in the museum's display yard. Winter will be approaching shortly in upcoming weeks as the bare trees and brown grass indicate. In the wintertime, the museum is closed to the public, and various repairs to equipment, tune ups, maintenance, painting and infrustructure improvements take place. Although it is the "Off Season", there is still activity to be had here.

Chicago's historic Brighton Junction. September 4th 2007.

In early September of 2007, I made a return visit to an old railfan haunt of mine. This now "After the fact" photograph, shows a railroad junction in transition. Brighton Junction, located just west of the intersection of Archer and Western Avenue's, was officially closed in early July of 2007. This junction was famous, as a series of antique steam era manual Semaphore signals were operated by a crewman in the shanty, and all trains were required to stop before reaching the crosstracks. The old shanty was still standing here in early September of 2007, however the semaphores and ground leval stop signs were removed upon automated upgrading of this old steam era junction. To the left behind a chain link fence can be seen the new interlocking plant. A large blue metal sign that says "Brighton", is mounted on the steel cabinet shed. The large two deck set of Semaphore signals that stood on the south side of the shanty, are destined for display at a museum in the State of Virginia, while the wooden operators shanty and the single masted set of Semaphores that were out of view to the right, are supposidly destined for future museum display at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois.

During the 1960's and in earlier times, Brighton Junction was known as the Pennsylvania Railroad's "Panhandle Junction". This view is looking northwest toward the Canadian National ex Illinois Central / Gulf Mobile & Ohio crosstracks.

Sunset on West 71st Street. Bridgeview Illinois USA. September 2007.

My collection of railfan photographs doesn't consist solely of train photographs. A fine example seen here, is this late summer sunset in early September of 2007. I took this mood photo after work, at the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad crossing signal on West 71st Street, in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois. The sun was setting in the western sky, as a great day and a wonderfull summer was coming to a close.

Your host and photographer on location in Chicago. September 2007.

Hi everyone!
Welcome aboard another edition of Eddie's Railfan Page.
Here I am on Chicago's northside, at the engine terminal and small yard used by the Chicago Terminal Railroad, and the Union Pacific. I travel to many areas in Chicago, mainly the northside and the western suburbs. I am from the city of Chicago, and I am a lifelong railfan. I have been an amature photographer since the early 1980's, and I enjoy sharing My photographs with the many people who have supported My blogsite. I am Married, and My wonderfull wife Cheryl is very supportive of My various historical and railfan interests. ( who could ask for more?) I want to say Thank You for all the fine and helpfull E-mails and comments that I have been recieving here at My blog site.

CTA Archer Avenue bus terminal remodeling. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo on September 4th 2007. This is the Chicago Transit Authority's west terminal for the CTA Route # 62 Archer / Harlem avenue bus line, located at South Archer and Neva Avenues at the Chicago city limits near Summit Illinois. The terminal was closed for repairs and improvements, as evidenced by the construction crew and fresh concrete being poured.

Union Pacific EMD GP-15 locomotive with switching train idling. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo on Chicago's northside in early September of 2007. This is a small yard located between North Elston Avenue and the I-90 Kennedy Expressway, and it is shared by the Union Pacific, and the little Chicago Terminal Railroad. The "Y" on the locomotives number boards and the reflective red and white safety stripes on the front, is how the Union Pacific desiganates locomotives for Yard and Terminal service. The UPY on the cab sides, translates to Union Pacific "Yard". The train was sitting still with the locomotive idling at the time of My "Authorized" visit to the property.

Visiting locomotive. The Union Pacific Railroad M-19A Diesel Shop. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2007.

I took this photo one afternoon, in July of 2007. A visiting Canadian Pacific former Soo Line locomotive, was spotted sharing a ready track siding with a Union Pacific engine in Chicago Illinois. This is the busy Union Pacific M-19A Diesel Locomotive Shops at 400 North Pulaski Road. This is a former Chicago & NorthWestern facility, that services both freight service locomotives, and Metra commuter passenger service locomotives as well. This is an active locomotive terminal on Chicago's westside.

Westbound Canadian Pacific light engine movement. The Hanson Park Metra commuter rail flag stop depot. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo after work one day,in August of 2007. Seen here passing the Metra Hanson Park flagstop commuter depot near Central and Grand Avenues on Chicago's northside, is a westbound Canadian Pacific Railroad , General Electric AC 4400 CW roadswitcher locomotive running solo.
The locomotive is seen behind the chain link fence on the bypass line used by freight trains entering and leaving nearby Cragin Junction one mile east of here. In the foreground can be seen a ground leval platform crossing signal used to warn pedestrians of oncoming commuter trains approaching the station. These signals are necessary, as many of the commuter trains are fast moving expresses that litterally fly through the depot at high speeds. Whoooooosh!

Southbound BNSF Railway transfer train travelling over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad. Bridgeview Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo after work one evening, in early September of 2007. A southbound BNSF Railway transfer train, is seen approaching the West 71st Street railroad crossing in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois. The train is an example of the many transfer and run thru trains, that travel over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad.

The Morton Salt Company on North Elston Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo at work one day after servicing a large grocery store not far from here. This is the large Morton salt company on Chicago's northside. Salt is delivered to the plant via covered hopper cars, and is serviced by the nearby ( across the street) Chicago Terminal Railroad. I believe this is in an industrial district of the city of Chicago known as Goose Island. If anybody has inforamation on this area, I would like to hear from You. Please drop Me a line. Ok?

Eastbound Metra commuter local. The Metra Cicero commuter rail depot. Cicero Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo after work, in early September of 2007. An eastbound Metra commuter local enroute to Chicago Union Station, is slowing down to make a station stop in the village of Cicero Illinois at the Chicago city limits. Behind the train in the distance, is the South Laramie Avenue overpass bridge, and the BNSF Railway's Clyde Yard.

Chicago, Aurora & Elgin Railroad car # 316. The Relic Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois USA. August 1974.

This is one of the oldest railfan photographs in My own archives. My Sister Janine took this photo for Me in August of 1974. My Family went on a one day bus charter with the Omnibus Society of America to the relic trolley Museum in South Elgin Illinois, and the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. I was only 12 years old at the time, and wasn't a railfan photographer yet. Unfortunately, I don't come from a family of transportation enthusiast, and did not have a lot of photos taken on this excursion. ( I am in a class by Myself.) Our trip was a last run bus charter, of the Continental Air Transport companys 1950's era streamlined Flxible Flyer and Clipper model coaches. The Relic Trolley Museum has long since changed it's name to what is known as The Fox River trolley Museum today. It was a nice trip, I only wish I had more photos of the antique equipment.

Odges Hot Dogs. 730 North Damen Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2007.

Hi everybody!
Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page.
I thought that it would be nice today, to
get together here at Odges,and enjoy some
real Chicago style hot dogs. Odges is located
at 730 North Damen Avenue in Chicago's
Ukranian Village neighborhood. The prices
are very reasonable and the food is good.

Old diesels from former railroads congregating. The BNSF Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo after work one day, in early September of 2007. We are looking northwest from the South Laramie Avenue bridge in the village of Cicero Illinois. The two locomotives to the left are still in the colors and partial markings from the former Atchinson, Topeka & santa Fe Railroad, and the Burlington Northern Railroad wich had both merged in 1995 and became todays BNSF Railway. The blue Conrail locomotive to the right, was absorbed by either the Norfolk Southern or CSX Transportation through a recent take over and dividing of Conrail in recent years. Enjoy these old color schemes while they last.

Eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad freight train. Roselle Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo from the south platform, at the Metra commuter rail station in Roselle Illinois. An eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad freight train, is seen passing through the station on the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline enroute to Chicago Illinois.

Eastbound CSX Transportation West 16th Street switching local. Cicero Illinois USA. September 2006.

I took this photo after work last year in September of 2006. Seen here proceeding eastbound near South Laramie Avenue, is the CSX Transportation industrial switching local, that services the industries along West 16th Street in the village of Cicero Illinois. Normally a large EMD SD 40-2 six axel road switcher is assigned to this run, but on this day, the job is being performed by two 4 axel EMD road switcher models.

Indiana Harbor Belt coiled steel car in transit. Bridgeview Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo after work in August of 2007. Seen here traveling southbound at the West 71st Street railroad crossing in Bridgeview Illinois, is an Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad coiled steel car. The car is in the IHB new image color scheme with large white letters. These cars are modified flatcars with removeable covers to protect the loads from the weather and the elements.

The NEW Metra Edison Park commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2007.

Seen here on Chicago's far northwest side at the Chicago city limits near suburban Park Ridge Illinois, is the brand new and still under construction Edison Park Metra commuter rail station. Edison Park is an outlaying Chicago neighborhood community, and is served by bus from CTA and Pace, and sees commuter rail service on the Union Pacific ex Chicago & NorthWestern RR Northwest line to Harvard Illinois This is a pleasant and upscale community.
The station was nearing completion at the time of this photograph.

Summertime fun at the Santa's Village Amusement Park. (gone) Dundee Illinois USA. August 1986.

I took this photo in August of 1986, at Santa's Village Amusement Park in Dundee Illinois. I had visited Santa's Village a handfull of times in the early to mid 1980's. Santa's Village went out of business in 2006 before the start of the season. The rides and equipment was soon auctioned off. This was the park in much better times 20 years earlier.

Former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad hopper car. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2007.

I spotted and photographed this former Chicago & Northwestern Railroad hopper car, on a loaded unit coal train entering the city of Chicago via the Union Pacific west line. The Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad was absorbed by the Union Pacific Railroad in a 1998 merger.

The Silver Palm restaurant and lounge. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2007.

The Silver Palm restaurant and lounge, is located on Ogden Avenue near West Randolph Street, just outside of downtown Chicago Illinois. The Silver Palm, is an old 1940's era streamlined dining car, that was used on the pre Amtrak, Atlantic Coast Line Railroad passenger train of the same name. This restaurant is open in the evenings, and appears to be a very pleasant place to go on a date to with Your special sweetheart.

Preserved 0-4-0T fireless steam locomotive. Tinley Park Illinois USA. September 2006.

This preserved industrial fireless steam locomotive switcher, can be seen today at the Tinley Park Illinois Metra commuter rail station, located on South Oak Park Avenue.

Electric streetcar details. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo at the rear entrance doors, on Chicago Surface Lines car # 144 at the Illinois Railway Museum located in Union Illinois. CSL car # 144 was built in 1908 by the Pulman Standard Car Company of Chicago, and was in regular service on Chicago city streets untill May of 1954. It was kept on succesor company Chicago Transit Authority untill the end of all electric streetcar service in Chicago in June of 1958. It was one of the first cars preserved at the Illinois Railway Museum.

The Belt Railway of Chicago diesel shop at Clearing Yard. Bedford Park Illinois USA. September 2006.

I took this photo after work one day, in early September of 2006. This is the diesel locomotive shop and servicing area, at the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois. Many railroads operate transfer trains over the BRC, and also recieve servicing and maintenance here at the shops.

Pace Orion transit coach at the CTA Yellow line Dempster Street station. Skokie Illinois USA. September 2007.

Hi everyone!
Welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of Eddie's Railfan Page. Here are some bus photographs taken around Chicago through the passing years.

I took this photo in early September of 2007, in north suburban Skokie Illinois. The bus shown here, is from the Chicagoland suburban bus company known as Pace. The bus has just turned off of Dempster Street, and will be picking up passengers in the bus lane alongside the Chicago Transit Authority Yellow line station.

Northbound Ford school bus at the intersection of West 63rd Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. March 1986.

I took this photo from the northwest corner of West 63rd Street and South Kedzie Avenue, back in March of 1986. A ford school bus waits for the green light to change on South Kedzie Avenue, as everybody is busy going their own way.
Behind the school bus, is the now boarded up and soon to be demolished Marquette movie theatre building, wich would be levalled in approximately two weeks from the time of this photograph.

During the 1970's, My Family and I had seen many movies at the old Marquette theatre.

CTA Route # 53A South Pulaski Rd 1970's era GMC bus approaching the South Terminal at West 111th Street and South pulaski Rd. December 1986.

I took this photo on a sunny and clear Saturday afternoon, back in December of 1986. Seen here at the intersection of West 111th Street and South Pulaski Rd in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood, is a 1970's era CTA GMC Fishbowl bus preparing to make a left turn off of South Pulaski Rd, to the south terminal one block east on West 111th Street.

Eastbound CTA Nova bus on North Avenue. April 2006.

I took this photo after work during rush hour. Seen here heading eastbound on North Avenue near Pulaski Road, is a Chicago Transit Authority Nova transit bus. This is just east of North pulaski Road on Chicago's northside. Many old storefront buildings are still standing along West North Avenue today in this area.

The Itasca Illinois Metra commuter rail station. Itasca Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo one morning, in early September of 2007. This is the Metra commuter rail station, located in northwest suburban Itasca Illinois. Itasca is a pleasant and upscale community along the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline. The Metra commuter trains travel this mainline daily between Chicago and Elgin Illinois. Notice the old fashioned cupola and weather vane on the roof, wich is an architectural style dating back to victorian times.

Eastbound BNSF Railway light engine movement. The Metra Cicero Illinois commuter rail station. September 2007.

Old and new color schemes working together.
I took this photo after work, in early September of 2007. An eastbound two unit BNSF Railway light engine move, has just passed the Metra station in immediate west suburban Cicero Illinois. The locomotive to the left is wearing the BNSF 1995 Phase One color scheme, while the locomotive to the right, is a former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe early 1960's vintage EMD GP-30, still wearing the A,T & S,F Yellow Bonnet color scheme that was introduced in 1972.

Eastbound CTA Brown line train passing North Rockwell Street. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2006.

I took this photo after work, in April of 2006. The Chicago Transit Authority Brown line, was in the early stages of Reconstruction and improvements. The crossing signals were brand new, and the old Rockwell street rapid transit station was recently demolished. The new station was under construction, out of view to the left.