Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train crossing West 67th Street. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video on location at West 67th and South Knox Avenues near Chicago's Midway Airport in June of 2008. I spotted a slow moving Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train approaching from the north, and quickly parked My car and began photographing this video. Unfortunately...The overcast sky suddenly opened up the moment I stepped out of My car, and I got soaked in a sudden and very torential Chicago summer rainstorm. It was really poring!

A southbound Belt Railway of Chicago heavy transfer freight train with a leased diesel locomotive up front, approaches the railroad crossing at West 67th Street, and sooon heads east on the West 68th Street wye junction at Clearing Yard. Railroading continues 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in all kinds of weather, and this is definately proof of it in action on Chicago's southwest side.

Eastbound BNSF Railway transfer train. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2006.

I took this photo after work one Springtime afternoon in May of 2006. We are at the location of South Oak Park Avenue at West 60th Street, at the Chicago city limits just east of Summit Illinois. An eastbound BNSF Railway transfer train with a borrowed diesel locomotive from the Canadian National Railroad ( Or vise versa), is viewed traveling eastbound around a curve over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks. This train has just left the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard in nearby Bedford Park Illinois with several cars in tow.

Westbound Norfolk Southern freight train waiting on a hold order. Chicago Illinois USA. Early January 2008.

A westbound Norfolk Southern Railroad freight train, is viewed one Winter morning in early January of 2008. This train is parked next to the Metra, Wrightwood commuter rail station near South Kedzie Avenue and Southwest Highway, just west of the former Wabash Railroad ( Pre 1964) Landers Yard.

Westbound Canadian National freight train. North Riverside Illinois USA. May 2006.

I took this photo one lovely Springtime morning, in May of 2006. A westbound Canadian National freight train, is viewed crossing Des Plaines Avenue in west suburban North Riverside Illinois. The train is traveling over the pre 1999 predecessor railroad Illinois Central Iowa Division Mainline.

The Metra, Galewood commuter flagstop depot. Chicago Illinois USA. Early March 2009.

I took this photo looking south from the adjacent West Mc Lean Avenue just west of North Narragansett Avenue, in Chicago's Galewood neighborhood. This is the Metra, Galewood commuter flagstop depot. This depot serves a handful of Metra commuter locals along the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline to Elgin Illinois.

Chicago's famous Home Run Inn Pizzeria at 6221 South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2009.

Hi everyone!
Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois.
Anybody who knows anything about the city of Chicago, is our love for great food.
A popular local food favorite in the greater Chicagoland area, is of course Pizza.

This is one of the many locations for Chicago's famous Home Run Inn Pizzeria restaurants, at 6221 South Archer Avenue near Chicago's Midway Airport. The pizza, pasta and other entrees here, are definately worth stopping in for on Chicago's southwest side. If You get the chance to do so...You won't be sorry. It's great!

It's hard to believe, but about ten years ago or so...This was the site of an old Jewel Osco grocery store. Today it serves fresh Home Run Inn Pizzas and not the frozen kind You would find in the Jewel's freezer section.

Northbound Grand Trunk Western Railroad transfer train passing through Mc Cook Junction. Mc Cook Illinois USA. May 1990.

I took this photo on a pleasant Springtime afternoon in May of 1990. We are on the east side of the Indiana Harbor Belt / Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Rrailroad crosstracks at Mc Cook Junction. A northbound Grand Trunk Western Railroad transfer train made up mostly of Auto Rack enclosed transport cars, is viewed proceeding slowly northbound over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad.

Digital Live Sound Video: Central Illinois Railroad EMD SW-9 # 1206 backing across W Cermak Road with a BNSF Railway boxcar. Chicago Illinois USA..

I photographed this Digital Live Sound Video on Friday, October 31st, 2008. We are looking west on 22nd Street / West Cermak Road in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood. Freshly repainted Central Illinois Railroad rebuilt 1950's era EMD model SW-9 yardswitcher number # 1206, is pulling a BNSF Railway boxcar out from an industrial railroad spur siding along the southside of West Cermak Road. The locomotive was recently repainted in to the 1950's era Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad 'Blackbird" color scheme. Prior to 1970 and the merger creation of the Burlington Northern Railroad, the C,B & Q had switched the sidings on this industrial branchline railroad, with EMD switchers in this color scheme.

Westbound CTA Skokie Swift train at Kostner Avenue. Skokie Illinois USA. Friday, January 30th, 2009.

I took this sunny wintertime photo along the CTA Yellow Line, wich is also known as the Skokie Swift since it's opening in 1964. It was a very bitterly cold 13 degrees above zero Farenheight on this winter afternoon in January of 2009. Cold as it was, the CTA Skokie Swift can be quiete picturesque during the winterime. A westbound train is viewed here at the Kostner Avenue CTA Yellow line railroad crossing.

Westbound Metra rush hour express commuter train. Chicago Illinois USA. Early March 2009.

I took this photo on an overcast late Winter afternoon, in early March of 2009. We are on Mc Lean Avenue just west of Narragansett Avenue near the Metra, Galewood commuter flagstop depot. A speeding Metra express commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois passes by in the background. The factory building complex in the background, is the M & M Mars Candy Factory on Chicago's northside.

Southbound Canadian National heavy transfer train. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo on a hot summer afternoon in June of 2008. A southbound Canadian National Railroad heavy transfer freight train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago, is viewed crossing the Canadian National ex Illinois Central crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction along the Chicago city limits border at the begining of west suburban Cicero Illinois. This heavy and very lenghty slow moving transfer freight train, is enroute to the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard in Bedford Park Illinois.

Southbound Niles Public Services Elgin Pelican model street sweeper. Niles Illinois USA. March 2009.

Hello everybody!
welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page.
Our opening photo today, is dedicated to the many hardworking people who keep our streets and infrustructure immaculate in the day to day working world. The many public servants from the village of north suburban Niles Illinois, are shown here setting a positive example.

I spotted this Elgin Pelican model city street sweeper vechicle from the Niles Public Services, at work sweeping debris from North Harlem Avenue in the southbound lanes. I was heading back to work after My lunch break that day, and couldn't help but notice what a fine job that the Niles Public Services was doing. I was very impressed by the civic pride and dedication.

Thank You Niles Public Services for a job well done.

Eddie K.

The very busy Union Pacific M-19A Diesel Shop. Chicago Illinois USA. Early October 2007.

I took this photo on a sunny and warm Indian Summer afternoon, in early October of 2007. Seen here just north of West Kinzie Street between Pulaski Road and Kilbourn Avenue, is Chicago's very busy Union Pacific Railroad M-19A Diesel Shop. This is a former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad facility. Union Pacific freight locomotives, as well as Metra commuter train locomotives are both serviced at this location. Several locomotives are seen idling on the ready tracks today.

Northbound CTA Purple line train. Wilmette Illinois USA. Early March 2009.

I took this photo on My lunchbreak one afternoon, in early March of 2009. A Chicago Transit Authority maintenance crew worker, steps aside and clears the way for a northbound 4 car CTA Purple line train arriving at the Linden Avenue terminal in downtown north suburban Wilmette Illinois. This photo was taken looking east, at the Isabella Street CTA railroad crossing.

Twilight at the Metra, Chicago Ridge commuter rail station. Chicago Ridge Illinois USA. August 31st, 2007.

I took this interesting twilight mood photo, on location at the Metra, Chicago Ridge commuter rail station near the towns of Oak Lawn and Worth Illinois. The last day of August is coming to an end on this warm summer evening in 2007. Although there were no trains at the time of My visit, this east facing view near Ridgeland Avenue is pleasant in it's own right.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Park Ridge Fire Department responding to an emergency call. Park Ridge Illinois USA. March 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video while in traffic after work one afternoon, in March of 2009. I was driving southbound on Greenwood Avenue in northwest suburban Park Ridge Illinois at this time enroute home after work.

The Village of Park Ridge Fire Department, is not wasting any time to get to the scene of this emergency call. A fire fighters work isn't for everyone, as the hours are long, First responders have to be in top physical shape, tradgedy can be an almost daily occurance, and emergency responders often risk their own lives to save
others.

Eddie's Railfan Page salutes the many brave men and woman of our communities emergency response teams.

Thank You for a job well done.

Eddie K.

Afternoon switching activity at the former Illinois Central Railroad Crawford Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2007.

I took this photo after work one lovely Springtime afternoon in May of 2007. This is the Canadian National Railroad's former Illinois Central Crawford Yard, located immediately east of the crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction. Two EMD roadswitchers, are seen assembling a lenghty train of tank cars at the former Illinois Central facility. Crawford Yard is located along the former Illinois Central Railroad's Iowa Division Mainline.

Southbound freight train passing through Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. Early October 2007.

One of My favorite railfan haunts of recent times, is the very busy crosstrack junction located on the border at west suburban Cicero Illinois known as Hawthorne Junction. I arrived in time to capture this heavy slow moving transfer train, heading southbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks enroute to the BRC's own Clearing Yard in Bedford Park Illinois. The train is crossing the Canadian National ex Illinois Central crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction on a sunny and mild Indian Summer afternoon in early October of 2007.

Mechanical safety fence gates on the CTA Purple line. Wilmette Illinois USA. Early March 2009.

I took this photo one afternoon in early March of 2009. We are looking south from the Isabella Street, Chicago Transit Authority railroad crossing in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. These automatic mechanical moving chain link fence gates, safely keep people from trespassing on to the electrified 3rd rail right of way along the CTA Purple line rapid transit.

Westbound Metra express commuter train. Chicago Illinois USA. Early March 2009.

I took this photo one weekday afternoon, in early March of 2009. A speeding Metra westbound rush hour express commuter train, is viewed passing through the Metra / Galewood commuter flagstop depot at North Narraganset and West Mc Lean Avenues.

A delicious, Chicago Style thin crust pizza. Home Run Inn Pizzeria. 6221 South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2009.

Hi everyone!
Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois.
Railfanning outdoors on location with Your camera in the fresh air, can really work up a good appetite.

Seen here is a very tasty reminder of one of Chicago's finer attributes. FOOD!
Last week Tuesday, I got together with My Friends Anthony C, and Bill for dinner at the Home Run Inn Pizzeria Restaurant, located at 6221 South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood near Midway Airport. Seen here is our Chicago Style thin crust pizza that We all enjoyed at Chicago's famous Home Run Inn Pizzeria.

Home Run Inn Pizza, had it's beginings on West 31st Street in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood way back in 1945, by the Perino Family. I went to the original Home Run Inn Pizzeria on West 31st Street many times as a kid during the 1960's and early 1970's, when it was just a little neighborhood street corner Tavern that sold homemade pizza's. (They had a constant booming pizza business!)

By the mid 1970's, the old tavern was demolished and replaced by a grand restaurant and banquette hall. ( Still there)
In the years following, they soon were selling frozen Home Run Inn Pizza's in the local Grocery store freezer sections, and eventually franchised the restaurant operation with several locations. It is still the same great tasting pizza I remember growing up with on Chicago's southside many years ago.

What are We waiting for? Come on everyone! Lets Eat! Mangia Mangia!

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound BNSF Railway unit coal train. Berwyn Illinois USA. Early March 2009.

I was driving southbound on Harlem Avenue / Illinois U.S Route # 43 at the border of the west suburban towns of Berwyn (Left) and Riverside Illinois ( Right) one night in early March of 2009. An eastbound BNSF Railway loaded unit coal train, is viewed slowing down upon entering west suburban Berwyn Illinois. The train will soon be entering the BNSF Railway Clyde Yard in nearby Cicero Illinois.

Westbound Burlington Northern / early Metra commuter train. La Grange Illinois USA. Febuary 1985.

I took this photo on a Febuary 1985 visit, to downtown west suburban La Grange Illinois. The commuter trains on the recently formed Metra, Chicago commuter rail agency, were still using these classic 1953 vintage EMD rebuilt model E-9 passenger cab unit diesel electric locomotives from Pre Amtrak times. This commuter local enroute to Aurora Illinois, is viewed upon arrival at the La Grange Road Amtrak / BN commuter rail station.

Conrail switching local at work. Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983.

I took this photo looking northwest from the soon to closed rand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard embankment. This photo turned out to be a bonus on this visit to Elsdon Yard, wich I was informed was in it's final week of operation. A Conrail industrial switching local, is viewed spotting cars on the many factory spur sidings at West 48th Place in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood. In a few years...This Conrail factory switching branchline would be abandoned and the rails pulled up. This are was redeveloped in to part of the right of way for the CTA Orange line to Midway Airport, wich opened for business in 1993.

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

I took this photo in August of 2007, on location at the West 71st Street railroad crossing in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois. I spotted this unique Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad coiled steel car in transit on a southbound IHB freight train. Notice the big and bold IHB markings.

Northbound CTA Purple line train at the Isabella Street railroad crossing. Wilmette Illinois USA. Early March 2009.

I took this photo during My lunchtime one afternoon, in early March of 2009. A Chicago Transit Authority maintenance worker prepares to go back to work servicing the mechanical safety gates, at the Isabella Street CTA rapid transit railroad crossing, in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. These automatic mechanical chain link motorized fence gates, keep people from trespassing on to the electrified 3rd rail CTA Purple line right of way, preventing electrocution accidents and other liability issues.

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

Inside the First Transit garage. Glenview Illinois USA. November 2008.

I took this photo in November of 2008. It is the begining of the 2nd shift at the First Transit garage in north suburban Glenview Illinois. Several of My fellow paratransit drivers have already clocked in, and are now leaving the garage to begin their mandatory pre trip inspections, and assigned bus routes this afternoon.

Digital Live Sound Video: First Transit "New" 2008 Ford Paratransit bus leaving the garage. Glenview Illinois USA. January 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one winter afternoon, in January of 2009 at the First Transit Company gargae in Glenview Illinois. I was working on thee 2nd shift at this time, and was about to begin My workday. One of My fellow paratransit bus drivers, is seen bringing a new 2008 Ford E-450 Econoline Series paratransit bus out from the garage. The driver will soon begin the mandatory pre trip vechicle inspection.

The Greyhound Bus Company maintenance facility on North Halsted Street. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this photo one morning, in October of 2006. This is the Chicago Maintenance Facility for the Greyhound Bus Company. This large regional garage and maintenance facility, is located on North Halsted Street near West Chicago Avenue along the Chicago River.

A pre Pace bus from Suburban Transit at the intersection of South Archer and Harlem Avenues. Chicago Illinois USA. April 1988.

This is proboubly one of the "Rarest" bus photos I have ever taken in My collection.
I took this photo on a lovely Springtime afternoon, way back in April of 1988. We are looking east on South Archer Avenue at the intersection of South Harlem Avenue/ Illinois U.S Route # 43. We are at the Chicago city limits just east of Summit Illinois. a 1970's era GMC TDH series New Look Fishbowl Windshield bus from the former Suburban Transit Company, is viewed in the left turning lane leading to South Harlem Avenue. Chicagoland had many different suburban bus companies prior to the formation of the RTA in 1974, and later Pace in 1984.

Silent Digital Video: Two CTA buses pass each other on West Devon Avenue in the evening. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video on location, near the intersection of West Devon and North Glenwood Avenues in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. It is just past sunset on an early Springtime evening in April of 2007. Two Chicago Transit Authority GMC RTS model 40 foot transit buses, are viewed passing each other on West Devon Avenue.

Southbound Pace bus on Cumberland Avenue. River Grove Illinois USA. March 2009.

I took this photo one late morning, in March of 2009. A southbound Pace 2002 Orion low floor transit bus, is viewed passing alongside Saint Joeseph's Catholic Cemetery on Cumberland Avenue near Belmont

Looking north at the intersection of Harlem and Touhy Avenues. Niles Illinois USA. March 2009.

I took this photo one afternoon while I was heading northbound on Harlem Avenue.We are at the intersection of Harlem and Touhy Avenues, in north suburban Niles Illinois. In the left turning lane, is a short 30 foot Chicago Transit Authority Optimus Opus transit bus assigned to the CTA Route # 90 North Harlem Avenue / Touhy bus route.

Delicious homemade Italian cheesy garlic bread with Marinara sauce. Chicago's famous Home Run Inn Pizzeria. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2009.

Hi everyone!
welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page.
I thought that I would start out todays tasty photo viewing, with an appetizer.
Last week I got together with My friends Bill and Anthony C, for pizza at the Home Run Inn Pizzeria at 6221 South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood near Midway Airport.

The garlic bread and pizza, are only a part of a large selection of flavorful homestyle Italian entrees here at Home Run Inn. This chain began in 1945, and is
owned and operated by the Perino family.

Home Run Inn Pizza is one of My all time favorite Chicago Style pizza places.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra commuter train crossing North Harlem Avenue. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. July 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video on location at the North Harlem Avenue railroad crossing, in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois. This westbound Metra commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois over the former Milwaukee Road mainline, is viewed at the intersection of Harlem and Fullerton Avenues at the Chicago city limits on a hot summer afternoon.

Eastbound BNSF Railway double stack container train. Riverside Illinois USA. October 2007.

I took this photo one lovely Autum morning in October of 2007. An eastbound BNSF Railway double stack container train with the lead two EMD locomotives wearing the predecessor railroad Burlington Northern cascade green color scheme, is viewed at the Riverside Illinois, Metra commuter rail station.

Northbound BNSF Railway transfer train entering the IHB Argo Yard. Summit Illinois USA. June 2007.

I photographed this image one hot summer morning in June of 2007. A northbound BNSF Railway transfer freight train traveling over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railway, is viewed slowing down on approach to the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's Argo Yard in the southwest suburban village of Summit Illinois.

Strasburg Railroad steam locomotive # 31 running in reverse. Strasburg Pennsylvania USA. August 1990.

I took this photo one morning, on My August 1990 vacation to Strasburg Pennsylvania.
Fresh out of the overhaul shop, 0-6-0 steam locomotive # 31 is viewed running in reverse on the mainline during a break in run. This scene was photographed near Cherry Hill Road.

Summer sunset. Bridgeview Illinois USA. August 2008.

I took this magnificent looking end of the day mood photograph in August of 2008.
We are looking west inside a small industrial park on West 90th Street near South Harlem Avenue / Illinois U.S Route # 43, in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.The day is coming to a close in a bright display of color and light.

Digital live Sound Video: Eastbound Canadian Pacific short freight train lead by a former Soo Line locomotive. Franklin Park Illinois USA. March 2009

I photographed this digital live sound video on location, at the Edgington Street railroad crossing in Franklin Park Illinois. A former Soo Line railroad EMD roadswitcher that is still wearing the 1970's era colors and markings of the predecessor railroad, is viewed slowly approaching the Edgington Street railroad crossing with a short cut of mostly empty intermodal cars in tow.

The Soo Line Railroad was acquired by the Canadian Pacific and absorbed through a merger in the year of 1990. It is a fallen flag railroad, but for some reason or another...the successor company Canadian Pacific Railroad still has many pieces of former Soo Line equipment rolling around in their former owners colors and markings rolling around Chicago today.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train entering Berwyn at twilight. Berwyn Illinois USA. March 2007.

I took this photo on a cold and rainy evening in March of 2007. This photo was taken from the westbound platform of the Metra, Berwyn commuter rail station at Oak Park Avenue and Windsor Street. I was on the Stanley Avenue side of the station, when I spotted this eastbound BNSF Railway freight train. With whatever daylight left begining to fade out in to the approaching darkness, the freight train is viewed slowing down on approach to the nearby BNSF Railway Clyde Yard,located in nearby west suburban Cicero Illinois.

Southbound Metra commuter local. Morton Grove Illinois USA. August 2008.

I took this photo one August afternoon in 2008, while I was on My lunch break at work. Seen here is a southbound Metra commuter local arriving at the Metra commuter rail station in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois. The train is enroute to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois.

The underside of the old CTA Brown line rapid transit structure at North Southport Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2006.

In 2006 and 2007, the Chicago Transit Authority was busy rebuilding the very outdated Brown Line rapid transit route, known in recent years past as the Ravenswood Elevated Line on Chicago's northside. I took this photo looking up from the sidewalk below, at the North Southport Avenue rapid transit station in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood. This is the old elevated rapid transit structure. Notice how intricate this view is. Many people pass this location daily and never even seem to notice it. Much hard work and dedication went in to the original construction.

Chicago Fire Deaprtment, Support Services mobile canteen truck. Glenview Illinois USA. March 2009.

Hello everyone!
Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois.

I took this photo one afternoon in March of 2009. A Chicago Fire Department support Services mobile canteen truck, is viewed parked across the street from a contract maintenance repair shop in north suburban Glenview Illinois. This Chevrolet Stepvan truck, is utilized by the Chicago Fire Department in their Support Services operations. This vechicle provides hard working Chicago Fire Department personel with Hot Coffe, Snacks and Cold Beverages, at the site of large fires or disasters.

Silent Digital Video: Eastbound Metra express commuter train. Riverside Illinois USA. April 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video on location one morning, at the Riverside commuter rail station. This Metra commuter rail station, is located in west suburban Riverside Illinois, along the very busy BNSF Railway 3 track Chicago to Aurora Illinois "Racetrack" commuter mainline. An eastbound morning express commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station, Soars past My camera at high speed on a lovely morning in the early Springtime of 2007.

Southbound Norfolk Southern Railroad transfer train. Chicago Illinois USA. September 1987.

I took this photo in September of 1987, while railfanning the Belt Railway of Chicago near West 63rd Street and South Knox Avenue near Chicago's Midway Airport. This heavy southbound Norfolk Southern transfer train, is moving slowly over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks, and will soon be arriving at the BRC's own Clearing Yard in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois. Notice that locomotives did not have pilot mounted Ditch Lights back in 1987.

Former Illinois Central locomotives on the head end of a Canadian National freight train. Crawford Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo after work one summer afternoon, in June of 2007. Although the former Illinois Central Railroad and their Crawford Yard facility at the Chicago city limits were acquired by the Canadian National through merger in 1999, equipment and paint schemes from the fallen flag Illinois Central can still show up occasionally. I photographed these two former Illinois Central EMD roadswitchers in pre 1999 colors and markings, on the head end of a westbound freight train preparing to depart from Crawford Yard east of west suburban Cicero Illinois.

Westbound Burlington Northern Railroad freight train behind Tiger Striped EMD model GP-50's. La Grange Illinois USA. June 1986.

I spent a considerable amount of time railfanning the Burlington Northern 3 track Chicago to Aurora Illinois mainline, on location in La Grange Illinois during the 1980's. It was a colorful time back in pre BNSF Railway days in the west suburban village of La Grange Illinois.

I photographed this westbound Burlington Northern freight train, at the La Grange Road railroad crossing in June of 1986. The Burlington Northern applied this unique one of a kind experimental black and orange Tiger striped scheme, only on it's EMD model GP-50 roadswitchers.

Southwest Airlines jet plane landing at Chicago's Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois USA. Early November 2006.

Hi everyone!
welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page.
I took thos photo one morning in early November of 2006. We are looking westbound on West 55th Street just east of the intersection at South Cicero Avenue. A commercial jet plane from Southwest Airlines, is seen coming in for a landing at Chicago's Midway Airport. A daily scene in this particular Chicago neighborhood.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound CTA Blue line train. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video on a brightly sunlit, but very bitterly cold nonetheless January afternoon in 2009. A westbound Chicago Transit Authority Blue line rapid transit train is viewed apprpaching the Canfield Road overpass bridge. The train is traveling westbound to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport in the median right of way in the Illlinois U.S I-90 Kennedy Expressway near Park Ridge Illinois.

Metra M.O.W truck. River Grove Illinois USA. Early October 2007.

I took this photo one morning in early October of 2007. Seen here in the parking lot of a large local outdoor stripmall, we see a maintenance of way truck from Chicago's Metra commuter rail agency. The cfrew was proboubly just begining their workday, and were proboubly getting a coffee to go before arriving at the lineside worksite.

Southbound Canadian National transfer train. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo one late afternoon in June of 2008. A southbound Canadian National heavy transfer freight train has recieved clerance, and is now approaching Hawthorne Junction enroute to the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. The train is traveling southbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks. In a moment, this lenghty freight train will soon be passing through the Canadian National ex Illinois Central crosstracks at the border of west suburban Cicero Illinois.

Iama Stationer's office supply store at 6305 South Kedzie Avenue. ( Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. April 1985.

Hello everyone!
welcome aboard another edition of Eddie's Railfan Page. This blog is coming to You from the city of Chicago Illinois.

I took this vintage neighborhood photo looking north on South Kedzie Avenue at West 63rd Street, in Chicago's Marquette Park and immediately adjacent Chicago Lawn neighborhoods on the southwest side of Chicago.

In the days before Laptop Computers, Cell Phones, I-Pods, Blackberry Mobile Communication Devices, and stores like Office Depot and Staples....Many people would shop for their Typing Paper, White Out, Pencils, Pens, Erasers, Weekly Planners and various other office supplys at neighborhood stores like Iama Stationer's.

Chicago's Iama Stationer's was located along the east side of South kedzie Avenue at West 63rd Street in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood. This vintage store was located in the building that housed the Marquette Movie Theatre and varuious other storefront businesses. Here is how Iama Stationer's looked like in April of 1985 just around Easter.

This building was demolished in August of 1987.

Thank You.
Eddie K.

Silent Digital Video: The Octopuss ride in action. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. June 2007.

I photographed this unique silent digital video after work one evening in June of 2007 with My old digital camera that I no longer have. We are in the east parking lot of the Kiddieland Amusement Park, located in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois. This is the Octopus ride in action around sunset on the park's midway.

Preserved Historic Tower B-12 at sunset. Franklin Park Illinois USA. June 2008.

A local historical Chicago area railroad artifact that has fortunately made it in to preservation and display, is the historic interlocking tower B-12 in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois. This tower and an old steel early 1900's era ex Milwaukee Road cupola caboose, stand out against the approaching night time skies at the end of this lovely Summer day in June of 2008.

Two BNSF Railway locomotives departing Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo after work one afternoon in September of 2007. We are on location at the Metra / Cicero commuter rail station ( Formerly known as Cicero Avenue.) in west suburban Cicero Illinois. Two freight locomotives from the BNSF Railway, are seen heading eastbound and running light as they depart the adjacent Clyde Yard.

Eastbound Metra commuter local arriving at Western Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this photo on location one lovely Autum morning in October 2006. We are at the Metra, Western Avenue ex Milwaukee Road station located at North Western Avenue at West Hubbard Street. An inbound Metra morning commuter local enroute to Chicago Union Station, arrives at the final station stop before downtown Chicago.

Southbound CN transfer train approaching Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. June 2008.

It is late in the day on this June 2008 visit to Hawthorne Junction, and soon the sun will be getting ready to set. A southbound Canadian National transfer freight train has just recieved clearance from the railroad dispatcher, and is now in transit over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks enroute to Clearing Yard in Bedford Park Illinois. In a few moments, this train will be passing through the former Illinois Central crosstracks here at the Chicago city limits.

Silent Digital Video: Westbound Metra evening rush hour commuter local. Riverside Illinois USA. May 2007.

I photographed this westbound Metra commuter train enroute to Aurora Illinois after work one evening, in May of 2007. This Metra rush hour all stops local commuter train, has just departed from the Harlem Avenue station just east of here, in nearby west suburban Berwyn Illinois. The train is now passing through the west suburban village of Riverside Illinois, over the BNSF Railway.

Belt Railway of Chicago caboose # 126 at Clearing Yard. Bedford Park Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo after work one Summer afternoon, in August of 2007. This is one of My all time personal favorite photos I had taken in recent years. Belt Railway of Chicago wide vision cupola caboose # 126, is viewed parked near the north entrance to the BRC Clearing Yard just east of South Central Avenue. I spotted this caboose on the rear of a handful of Belt Railway of Chicago transfer trains, when I usually didn't have My camera with Me. On this day...I got to see and photograph this Gem up close.

The Metra ex Milwaukee Road, Western Avenue commuter rail station during a Summer rainshower. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo on a rainy morning in August of 2006. This view shows the Metra, Western Avenue commuter rail station during a very wet visit. Although it wasn't exactly the best of weather on this August 2006 day, I was still able to capture the work a day look of the former Milwaukee Road commuter rail station at North Western Avenue and West Hubbard Street just a couple of miles west of downtown Chicago Illinois.