Inside the gift shop. Goebert's Farm Stand. Barrington Illinois USA. October 2008.

I took this photo inside the gift shop, at Goebert's Farm Stand in northwest suburban Barrington Illinois. These seasonal lightweight Pumpkin decorations, are currently adorning the shops unique wagon wheel overhead Chandelier. Goebert's Farm Stand, is a very unique and fun family attraction in the Greater Chicagoland area.

Metra's last 3 EMD model E-8 passenger locomotives performing a photo runby. Richfield Illinois USA. October 1989.

I took this photo on a very overcast Saturday, October 28th 1989 afternoon. We are in far northwest Richfield Illinois near the small city of Harvard in Mc Henry County. This was the last run farewell fantrip for Metra's last three 1950's era EMD model E-8 passenger diesel locomotives. These former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad locomotives, originally hauled pre Amtrak passenger trains, and worked their final decades in Chicago commuter train service. Railfans are gathered lineside with their cameras and video equipment, to capture this historic event. Three photo runbys were performed at this photo location in Richfield Illinois.

Westbound CTA Yellow Line / Skokie Swift train rounding the curve west of Kostner Avenue. Skokie Illinois USA. August 2008.

I took this photo on a hot summer afternoon in August of 2008. A Chicago Transit Authority yellow line train aka the Skokie Swift, has just raced past the Kostner Avenue railroad crossing in north suburban Skokie Illinois, and is now rounding thew curve to head northbound to the Dempster Street terminal.

The Prairie Avenue railroad crossing gates. Brookfield Ilinois USA. July 2008.

I took this photo around sunset on a hot summer evening, in July of 2008. Although it is currently a quiet period between trains, this is still the very busy BNSF Railway 3 track Chicago to Aurora Illinois commuter mainline, that for years has been nicknamed "The Racetrack". Trains can come and go at any given time through here, and these crossing signals are constantly getting a good work out. The tempoearilly quiet atmosphere and fading daylight, set the mood for this twilight photograph. In about another 15 minutes....a couple of double stack intermodal container trains will come rolling through here.

Norfolk Southern transfer train waiting on a hold order. Cragin Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo on a hot summer afternoon in June of 2007. We are looking east from the north or "Westbound" platform of the Metra Grand / Cicero Avenue commuter rail station. A soon to be westbound Norfolk Southern transfer train, is seen waiting on a hold order at Cragin Junction. The train is idling on the interchange lead, waiting to depart from Belt Railway of Chicago trackage, on to the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline. Cragin Junction, is the north terminal for the Belt Railway of Chicago.

The Itask Metra commuter rail station. Itaska Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo one morning in September of 2007. Seen here is the Metra commuter rail station in northwest suburban Itaska Illinois. This spartan train station, with it's unique and somewhat American Colonial style rood cupola, serves Metra commuter rail passengers on the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road west line to Elgin Illinois. Itaska is located near the towns of Wood Dale, Medinah and Roselle Illinois.

The old wooden Durango Colorado train station. July 1981.

I took this photo one morning in July of the year 1981. I was enjoying a pleasant Motorcoach family vacation to the States of Colorado and New Mexico via Mayflower Tours Company. Seen here, is the large and unique wooden Durango train station, wich serves tourists riding on the steam powered narrow guage Durango & Silverton Railroad.

Westbound speeding Metra express commuter train. Cicero Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo after work one late afternoon in September of 2007. We are looking south from the parking lot of the Metra commuter rail station, in west suburban Cicero Illinois. A speeding westbound Metra express commuter train enroute to Aurora Ilinois, is seen racing through the station during the evening rush hour commuting
period. Cicero station, is a very busy location to take railfan photographs with plenty of train activity.

The end of the season has arrived at the Park Ridge Dairy Queen. Park Ridge Illinois USA. October 2008.

The last soft serve refreshment has been served for 2008 at the Park Ridge Dairy Queen, located at 2 West Devon Avenue in northwest suburban Park Ridge Illinois. Now the windows have been boarded up, as this unique old fashioned store front Dairy Queen, beds down for the upcoming winter season. Although the place was closed in the middle of October, the owner will be more than glad to see You next spring.

Westbound Metra commuter train arriving in Oak Lawn Illinois. March 2007.

I took this photo one evening after work, in March of 2007. We are looking south on Cicero Avenue / Illinois U.S Route # 50 near the intersection at Southwest Highway / Illinois U.S Route # 7, in southwest suburban Oak Lawn Illinois. This Metra commuter local, is slowing down for the upcoming Oak Lawn Metra commuter rail station adjacent to West 95th Street.

The lovely Metra,Stone Avenue commuter rail station. La Grange Illinois USA. October 2007.

I took this photo on a lovely Autum morning in October of 2007. Seen here in west suburban La GRange Illinois, is the very architecturally stylish, and very classicly timeless Metra, Stone Avenue commuter rail station. The main building with it's arches, is located just east of Brainard Avenue along the northside of Burlington Avenue. The well manicured park like setting with plenty of trees and plantlife, give this commuter train stion a very pleasant look and feel. It's a great place for fellow railfans to just sit and enjoy a lovely day on an adjacent lineside park bench. There are many freight trains from the BNSF Railway speeding through here daily, as well as Amtrak, and Chicago's Metra commuter rail trains heading to or from Aurora Illinois.

A morning view looking east on West Chicago Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this photo while driving eastbound in heavy traffic one morning in October of 2006. We are heading eastbound on West Chicago Avenue, approaching the intersection at North Ashland Avenue on Chicago's northside. Chicago Avenue offers views of the Chicago city skyline through here, as well as a good old fashioned / pre strip mall era congested shopping district with plenty of storefronts and parking meters.

Westbound speeding BNSF Railway empty unit coal train. La Grange Illinois USA. May 2007.

I took this photograph one day after work, on an overcast afternoon in May of 2007. A westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train, is seen speeding westbound through the Metra, Stone Avenue commuter rail station in west suburban La Grange Illinois.

Eastbound CTA Green Line train at the Oak Park Avenue station. Oak Park Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo on a hot summer afternoon, in August of 2006. Seen here looking north on Oak Park Avenue, is a Chicago bound Chicago Transit Authority "Green Line" rapid transit train waiting for departure. This is a pleasant scene photographed in downtown west suburban Oak Park Illinois. Oak Park Avenue shown here, is a small and unique shopping district, and is easilly accesible via public transportation.

Canadian National transfer train departing Cicero Illinois. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. October 2008.

I took this photo one mild afternoon, in early October of 2008. A Canadian National Railroad transfer freight train, is seen departing eastbound from the nearby former Illinois Central Hawthorne Yard in west suburban Cicero Illinois. The train is photographed just west of the Chicago city limits at Hawthorne Junction. The freight train is now slowly entering the southbound interchange curve connection at Hawthorne Junction, and will slowly proceed southbound on to the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks at the Chicago border.

Kettle Corn anyone? Goebert's Farm Stand. Barrington Illinois USA. Early October 2008.

Hello everybody!
welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page.
Every year, I make an annual visit in the fall of the year with My Wife and her family to Goebert's Farm Stand. This unique produce market, and family attraction, is located on route # 72 Higgins Avenue near Barrington Road in outlying northwest suburban Barington Illinois, near the town of Streamwood. The fresh smell of roasting Kettle Corn, filled the air that day. There are many things for familys with little Children to enjoy here. It's worth a visit.

Southbound Norfolk Southern transfer train waiting on a hold order. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

I photographed this southbound Norfolk Southern transfer train one afternoon in October of 2006. This train is currently stuck in a railroad traffic jam, as there is another train stopped approximately 80 feet ahead of it. The train was photographed on the Belt Railway of Chicago north and south trunk line, just south of West Madison Street. There are many crosstrack interchange junctions south of here on the Belt Railway of Chicago, and priority has been more or less given to the trains of the railroads the BRC crosses at leval.

CTA and CN two train photographic meet. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2008.

I took this photo one afternoon in September of 2008, just south of downtown Chicago Illinois. Seen here looking east at the intersection of South Canal Street and west Cermak Road, is a unique two train meet. An eastbound Canadian National freight train, is waiting on a hold order, while a southbound Chicago Transit Authority Red Line train enroute to west 95th Street, passes overhead in the background.

A fellow railfan photographing the steam train. Silverton Colorado USA. July 1981.

I took this photograph in Silverton Colorado, during a July 1981 family motorcoach vacation I went on to the states of Colorado and New Mexico. No, that is not Me in the foreground, but rather a fellow railfan tourist photographing Durnago & Silverton Railroad steam locomotive # 481 and it's vintage train. This train has just arrived at the former mining town of Silverton Colorado. The Durango & Silverton Narrow Guage Railroad, is a wonderful steam powered tourist attraction. This railroad, with narrow guage tracks 3 feet apart, carries passengers between Durango and Silverton Colorado.

Northbound Canadian Pacific transfer train. Chicago Illinois. November 2006.

I took this photograph, on a lovely and mild Autum morning in October of 2006. Seen here is a northbound Canadian Pacific transfer train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago enroute to nearby Cragin Junction. The train is passing over the Metra / Union Pacific Railroad -West Line to Elburn Illinois. This flyover junction, is located on west kinzie Street and North Kenton Avenue.

Eastbound Metra commuter local arriving at the Cicero station. Cicero Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo looking west underneath the north or "westbound" platform, at the Metra commuter rail station in west suburban Cicero Illinois. An eastbound local enroute to Chicago Union Station, is seen slowing to a stop at the Cicero station. In previous years, this worn out rag tag looking station, was originally known as the Cicero Avenue station.

The official Chicago city seal. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this close up photo of the official Chicago city seal, on West Erie Street in Chicago's Ukranian Village neighborhood. This example of the official Chicago city seal, was photographed on the right side cab door, of a City of Chicago Deaprtment of Streets and Sanitation garbage truck. This official seal is found on the sides of all city of Chicago owned vechicles, except for the Chicago Police and Fire Departments, as they have their own unique logos.

Your host and photographer in Rawlins Wyoming USA. June 1984.

This photo was taken by one of My fellow Motorcoach travelers, on the return leg of a trip I went on to Yellowstone National Park in June of 1984. Here I am posing alongside preserved Union Pacific Railroad 2-8-0 type steam locomotive # 533. This freight locomotive is on display in a small city park in the town of Rawlins Wyoming.

Eastbound CSX Transportation Co double stack container train. Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2007.

I took this photo after work one evening, in March of 2007. Seen here heading eastbound through Hayford Junction, is a CSX double stack container train, traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks. The train is passing over the now single ex GTW crosstrack at West 75th Street and South Central Park Avenue in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood.

Westbound Metra commuter local departing Elmwood Park station. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. September 2007.

A westbound Metra commuter local enroute to Elgin Illinois, is seen approaching the diagonal Grand Avenue railroad crossing in Elmwood Park Illinois, after departing the station around sunset.

Former Burlington Northern and Conrail locomotives. The BNSF Railway Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo looking in to the southside of the BNSF Railway Clyde Yard in Cicero Illinois, on foot from Adjacent South Ogden Avenue / Illinois U.S Route # 34 -in west suburban Cicero Illinois. These two locomotives originally worked for predecessor railroads Burlington Northern ( Pre 1995) and Conrail ( Pre 1999.)
Here they are idling in their former owners color schemes and markings in 2007.

The Golf Mill Shopping Center. Niles Illinois USA. October 2008.

It's a wet Friday night at approximately 10:00 PM, and the Golf Mill Shopping Center in northwest suburban Niles Illinois has closed for the night. Night time maintenance crews have now taken over the mall itself, as well as the parking lots and grounds that surround the mall.

Westbound Metra commuter local. River Grove Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this photograph on a lovely and mild October morning in the year of 2006. Seen here, is a westbound Metra commuter train on approach to the River Grove Metra commuter rail station on Thatcher Avenue. The train is photographed just east of Thatcher Avenue, running along the southside of the adjacent Elmwood Cemetery.

Canadian National transfer train rounding the interchange curve. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. October 2008.

There is nothing like a lovely afternoon of Autum railfanning at the Chicago city limits. Seen here is a Canadian National transfer train, that is departing from the former Illinois Central Hawthorne Yard in nearby west suburban Cicero Illinois. The train is slowly rounding the southbound interchange curve at the Chicago border, and will soon be heading southbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks.

Westbound Metra commuter local preparing for departure from the Western Avenue station. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this photo on a lovely Autum day, in October of 2006. A westbound Metra commuter local enroute to Elgin Illinois, has just boarded a small group of passengers at the Western Avenue commuter rail station. A second or two after I snapped this image, the airbrakes hissed, the locomotive bell began to ring, and the train slowly pulled away.

Eastbound short Burlington Northern freight train. West Hindsdale Illinois USA. October 1989.

I took this photo on a lovely Autum afternoon, in October of 1989 in the west suburban village of West Hindsdale Illinois. A short Burlington Northern Railroad freight local, is seen heading eastbound toward Chicago Illinois.

The waiting room of the Northbrook Metra commuter rail station. Northbrook Illinois USA. September 2008.

I took this photograph inside the waiting room, of the Metra commuter rail station located in north suburban Northbrook Illinois. This simple, spacious and very clean waiting room, serves commuters on the Metra / Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline to Fox Lake Illinois. Northbrook is a pleasant and upscale town in Chicago's northern suburbs near Glenview and Deerfield Illinois.

Eastbound CSX Transportation Co intermodal transfer train. Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2007.

I took this photo looking east, just north of the Belt Railway of Chicago / Canadian National crosstracks at Hayford Junction on Chicago's southwest side. An eastbound CSX intermodal transfer train, has just left the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard, and is now passing through the crosstracks at Hayford Junction.

Westbound Metra express commuter train on a foggy morning. River Forest Illinois USA. November 2006.

I took this photo on a damp and foggy late Autum morning, in November of 2006. Seen here, is an approaching westbound Metra express commuter train to Elburn Illinois, wich will merely pass through the elevated River Forest Illinois Metra commuter rail station. This train station, is located along the Metra / Union Pacific Railroad -West Line to Elburn Illinois. Prior to 1998, this was the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad. The passengers on the platform, are waiting for the soon to arrive eastbound local to downtown Chicago Illinois. The former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad, operated with left hand style running, and is still operated as such today under the Union Pacific Railroad's operations.

The Bridgeview Police and Fire Station on South Oketo Avenue and West 75th Street. Bridgeview Illinois USA. October 2008.

I took this photo around sunset, on a mild and pleasant evening in early October of 2008. Seen here with the garage doors open, is the Bridgeview Illinois Police and Fire Public Safety building on South Oketo Avenue and West 75th Street. This facility is in a very convenient and centrally located area of southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois, and serves their community very well.

Thank You Bridgeview Police and Fire Departments for a job well done.

Eddie K.

Westbound Metra commuter local departing the Brookfield Metra commuter rail station. Brookfield Illinois USA. July 2008.

I took this photo around sunset, on a hot summer evening in July of 2008. A Metra commuter local, is seen departing from the Metra / Brookfield commuter rail station on Prairie Avenue, and is now resuming it's westbound journey to Aurora Illinois.

Twilight at the Summit Amtrak /Metra commuter flagstop depot. Summit Illinois USA. October 2008.

I took this photo just after sunset, in October of 2008. This is the tiny but very utilitarian Summit train station, located just west of the Chicago city limits in southwest suburban Summit Illinois. A freight train is seen waiting on a hold order adjacent to the little flagstop depot.

Retired wooden Burlington Northern caboose. Keystone South Dakota USA. June 1984.

I took this photo on a June 1984 motorcoach vacation I went on to Yellowstone National Park in northwest Wyoming. Enroute to Yellowstone, our bus stopped in Keystone South Dakota. Here a retired wooden caboose from the Burlington Northern Railroad, is now working as a roadside billboard advertising a local attraction.

Di Cresenzo's Pizza on South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. March 1984. ( Gone.)

Hi everyone!
welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page, coming to You from the city of Chicago Illinois.
One of My happiest memorys of growing up on Chicago's southwest side, were the many neighborhood stores and eating establishments that were found almost everywhere, and usually owned and operated by some of the nicest families around.

Seen here was one of My all time favorite little "Cubby Hole" neighborhood eating establishments in Chicago's Archer Heights neighborhood near Midway Airport. During the 1980's begining in 1983 until the placed closed in 1990,I frequently dined at this quaint and wonderfully tasty neighborhood pizza restaurant known as Di Cresenzo's Pizza. This restaurants food was so tasty and delightfully fragrant...That You could smell it on South Archer Avenue. Mmmmmmmm! Everything was homemade and well seasoned here.

The establishment was owned by an elderly Italian gentlemen named Anthony Di Cresenzo
(Seen in the gray sweatshirt.) Standing next to him was his Sister Elvira scala who owned a little neighborhood breakfast diner on nearby South Pulaski Road and west 49th Street. Anthony Di Cresenzo was a very kind and occasionally comical man with a Gravel voice and a Broken English accent. He always made You feel at home, and gave You plenty to eat. It was indeed one of the nicest family restaurants I have ever been to.

Di Cresenzo's Pizza was located on South Archer Avenue between South kolin and Kildare Avenues. It was a small place with only six little tables and a three stool counter in the dining room. Anthony Di Cresenzo retired and closed the restaurant in 1990, and unfortunately....passed away the following year. His Sister Elvira, who many local neighborhood patrons nicknamed her Emily, stayed in business at the diner with the neon EAT sign, until April of 2000. She passed away in March of 2008.

The old Di Cresenzo's Pizza restaurant site, is now the Studio 31 Dance Club today.

A special thanks to the Di Cresenzo and Scala families for all the happy memorys and great neighborhood meals back then. It was absolutely wonderful!

Eddie K.

Southbound Canadian National transfer train rounding the interchange curve. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. October 2008.

I took this photograph on a late weekday afternoon, in October of 2008. A southbound Canadian National transfer train has just left the former Illinois Central Hawthorne Yard facility, in nearby west suburban Cicero Illinois. The train is now slowly rounding the southbound interchange curve connection at Hawthorne Junction, and is now entering on to the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks at the Chicago border.

Eastbound Union Pacific unit coal train entering the city of Chicago at sunset. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this photo one evening after work, in October of 2006. An eastbound Union Pacific Railroad unit coal train has just recieved a green block signal with clearance from the dispatcher, and is now slowly passing the railroad crossing on North Kilbourn Avenue and West Kinzie Street.The late day Autum sun is setting in the western skies, as the train travels eastbound over the former Chicago & Northwestern Railroad mainline.

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

I took this photograph last year on a September 2007 vacation in the city of Memphis Tennesee. Seen here on a quiet Sunday morning on Main Street near the intersection at Madison Avenue, is a yellow operating replica of a 1920's era two truck Birney Street car. This car, was built by a company known as Gomaco, and they are located in Ida Grove Iowa. It has an old fashioned body styling, but the controls are all modern, and very state of the art.

The Kiddieland Limited waiting in the station. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. July 2008.

I took this photo on a hot summer weeknight in July of 2008, at the Kiddieland Amusement Park. It is getting near the end of the evening, and the park will more than likely be closing for the night within the upcoming hour. A park crew member, is seen waiting for passengers at the boarding station.

Eastbound Metra express commuter train speeding past the Brainard Avenue RR Crossing. La Grange Ilinois USA. October 2007.

I took this photograph on a lovely Autum morning in October of 2007. An eastbound Metra express commuter train, is seen speeding past the Brainard Avenue railroad crossing in west suburban La Grange Illinois. The train is moving quickly in order to bring the group of onboard rail commuters to Chicago Union Station in a very timely manner.

The South California Avenue bridge over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2008.

I took this photo looking north on South California Avenue, between West 35th and 31st Streets on Chicago's near southwest side. Pictured here just north of the U.S I-55
Stevenson Expressway, is this gray former drawbridge over the Chicago sanitary and Ship Canal. The Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, was constructed between 1892 and 1900, and reversed the flow of the Chicago River inland. River traffic over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, was originally tall masted vessels, steam boats, as well as barges and tug boats. During World War 2, the United States Navy operated submarines, destroyers and other naval vessels through the canal, mainly at night time. In later years, river traffic through the canal became the domain of low leval barges and tow boats, eliminating the need for drawbridge operators. The drawbridges were gradually phased out during the mid to late 1950's, and soon were converted to stationary bridges like the one here on South California Avenue. There are still some operating drawbridges on the canal at South Clark Street, South Halsted Street, as well as South Damen and Ashland Avenues due to the recreational boat storage yards at these locations. There are still many former drawbridges,as well as railroad pivoting swing bridges today on the Chicago Sanitary and ship Canal.

This photo location is just south of Chicago's Little Village neighborhood.
The tall building in the background, is the Cook County Criminal Court Building.

Westbound Burlington Northern Railroad commuter local. Riverside Illinois USA. October 1989.

I took this lovely Autum photograph on a pleasant Sunday afternoon, in October of 1989. A westbound Burlington Northern / Metra commuter local, is seen in west suburban Riverside Illinois.The locomotive, is a classic 1953 vintage EMD model E-9 passenger locomotive. These locomotives were built by EMD in La Grange Illinois in 1953 as EMD model E-8 passenger locomotives. In the early 1970's, they were shipped to Morrison Knudson Corporation in Boise Idaho, and rebuilt mechanically and electrically into E-9 upgraded standards. These locomotives were retired from Chicago's Metra commuter rail agency, on a September 1992 last run fantrip from Chicago to Aurora Illinois. Some of these have now found new homes in recent years, at various railroad museums around the United States.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific switching local departing Franklin Park. Franklin Park Illinois USA. October 2007.

A bright red and recently painted Canadian Pacific EMD roadswitcher, is seen heading eastbound and departing downtown Franklin Park Illinois with a short freight train tow. Autum afternoons are colorful and pleasant times to be trackside with a camera in hand.

A miniature New York Central RR J-1E class 4-6-4 Hudson type steam locomotive. The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. October 1998.

I took this photo during an October 1998 visit to the Hesston Steam Museum, located in northwest Indiana near Michigan City, and the nearby border town of New Buffalo Michigan. A miniature 7 and 1/2 " track guage working live steam model of a famous New York Central J-1E Hudson Class steam locomotive, is seen pulling a miniature passenger train past lovely seasonal Autum foliage.
For more information on this family attraction, log on to www.hesston.org

Night time on the Chicago River. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2008.

I took this photo looking west from the North Clark Street drawbridge over the Chicago River, in downtown Chicago Illinois. One of Chicago's Water Taxi's is seen passing underneath the North La Salle Street drawbridge, and heading east.

Eastbound Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train leaving Clearing Yard. Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. January 1987.

A heavy January snowstorm fell on the city of Chicago Illinois this morning, and soon I was on location at Hayford Junction with a camera in My hand after the snow stopped falling in the early afternoon. An eastbound Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train being pulled by mid 1960's vinatge Alco C-425 roadswitchers, departs Clearing Yard, and will soon proceed over the nearby Grand Trunk western Railroad crosstracks at Hayford Junction. I took this photo looking east near the South Pulaski Road overpass bridge.