Mechanical failure on the museum mainline. The East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum. East Troy Wisconsin USA. September 2006.

Anything can happen unexpectidly on any railroad line, even well maintained and reputible tourist museum operations like the trolley museum here in East Troy Wisconsin.

The recently restored early 1900's era wooden interurban car from Sheboygan Wisconsin to the right, has suffered a mechanical failure on the mainline. The musem's Dispatcher /Operations Supervisor, has ordered this electric interurban car to stay where it is at until further notice. Museum patrons were shuttled from one end of the demonstration mainline, with other cars operating from both ends of the disabled interurban coach. The former Philadelphia Suburban Transit Company steel interurban coach on the left, took passengers to and from the west end of the line in East Troy Wisconsin. The east end trips to Mukwonogo Wisconsin, were handled by a 1920's era city streetcar originally from Milwaukee Wisconsin.

Northbound Chicago & NorthWestern RR transfer train passing through Argo Junction. Summit Illinois USA. December 1990.

I took this photo on a sunny and mild Sunday afternoon, in December of 1990. I was on location with My 35MM Pentex ME Super camera, at Argo Junction in southwest suburban Summit Ilinois. It was a mild December for thew most part in the year of 1990. I believe that the outside temperature on this day was around 56 Degrees Farenheight.

Seen here heading northbound over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad line, is a Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad transfer freight train. The train is viewed approaching the bridge over the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

Seasonal street maintenance on Fullerton Avenue. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Early October 2007.

I took this photo one mild and sunny Autum afternoon, in October of 2007. We are looking east on Fullerton Avenue in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois. Winter will be arriving in the greater Chicagoland area within the next two months. Sometimes, even less than that.

Street maintenance and paving is being performed ahead of time before the ice and snow come to Chicago. A nice coat of fresh asphalt, provides an example of preventive maintenance here. Winter conditions wreak havoc on the streets of Chicago and the surrounding communities every year. This crew is keeping things one step ahead for now in this photo.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Metra commuter local. Morton Grove Illinois USA. September 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video on My way to work one morning, in September of 2009. We are on location looking north on Lehigh Avenue, at the intersection of Oakton Street in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois. It is approximately 5:50 AM and the sun hasn't risen yet. A southbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois, heads to Chicago under what is left of the night time sky overhead.

Two Belt Railway of Chicago EMD roadswitchers at work. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2007.

I took this ariel photo looking east from the South Cicero Avenue overpass bridge one day after work, in July of 2007. We are looking in to the Chicago side of the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard near Midway Airport. Two BRC EMD roadswitchers, are seen pushing a cut of cars westward near the West 68th Street Wye. This is the north entrance to Clearing Yard on their north and south trunk line.

Southbound CN freight train on the Belt Railway of Chicago interchange. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2007.

I took this photograph after work one afternoon, in June of 2007. We are at the Chicago city limits, on the border at West suburban Cicero Illinois. A southbound Canadian National freight train is viewed on the Belt Railway of Chicago interchange track connection at Hawthorne Junction. The train is slowly departing from the nearby Canadian National ex Illinois Central Hawthorne Yard in nearby Cicero Illinois. The train wil proceed southbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago shortly.

Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train preparing for departure. Glenview Illinois USA. April 2009.

I took this photo one morning during My lunchbreak, in early April of 2009. It is an overcast morning during the begining of the Springtime season at the Glenview Illinois Amtrak / Metra commuter rail station. With all the passengers that needed to board or even disembark at the Glenview station, this northbound Amtrak Hiawatha regional passenger train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, will soon depart.

Remembering My Cousin Richard Horvath one year later. 1955 - 2008.

Todays posting is dedicated in special memory, to My now departed Cousin Richard Horvath. It was one year ago today, that My Cousin had met the Lord after being struck by a hit and run driver while on his way home riding his bicycle.
He died after suffering from massive injuries at Advocate Christ Hospital in southwest suburban Oak Lawn Illinois.

Richard, it has been exactly one year since We had to say goodbye to You under very tragic circumstances. Our Family and Friends who knew You, greatly miss You and still talk about You today. Our thoughts, prayers and memorys of You live in our hearts. It was difficult saying farewell after growing up with You, and going many fun places together with You. Until We are eventually reunited, We miss You.

Rest in peace Rich.

Eddie.

Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad logo on a M.O.W truck. Argo Yard. Summit Illinois USA. Early September 2008.

I took this photo after work one evening, in early September of 2008. We are in the parking area across the street from the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's Argo Yard in southwest suburban Summit Illinois. Seen here in the lot along the north side of West 63rd Street near Archer Road / Illinois U.S Route # 171...is a railroad maintenance of way service utility truck. The corporate Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad logo is seen on the cab door.

Eddie K in 1987 at age 25. Chicago Illinois USA.

Hi everyone!
Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page.

Now that the intro is over....Lets Rock!

Here I am clowning around for the camera in the year of 1987. Ha Ha Ha!
Gee whiz man! Was that really Me?

Life can get too serious once in a while. Believe Me...It is good to be able to laugh at Yourself once in awhile. Having a good sense of humor has helped Me get through many hard times I have experienced.

I always wanted to play in Rock and Roll garage band, but unfortunately never got to. Still, I enjoy getting together with other people and jamming occasionally.

Digital live Sound Video: Northbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train. Glenview Illinois USA. May 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video looking west from My bus company rear parking lot, in early May of 2009. I had just clocked out of work for the evening, and heard the unique droning sound of an approaching freight train. Luckily My camera was near Me. Freight trains on this portion of the Canadian Pacific Railroad's former Milwaukee Road northline, are very rare south of the interchange junction with the Union Pacific in nearby Northbrook Illinois about 1 mile north of here. It was a very pleasant and quiete unexpected surprise.

Preserved Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RR 4-6-0 steam locomotive # 637 built in 1892. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. July 2009.

I photographed this 1890's era steam era relic at the Illinois Railway Museum. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad 4-6-0 Ten Wheeler type steam locomotive # 637, was built by the Rogers Locomotive Works of Patterson New Jersey in the year of 1892. After many decades in service all over the C,B & Q system...it was retired from service in 1956 and eventually donated to the city of Aurora Illinois where it sat on display in a city park. It was acquired by the Illinois Railway Museum in 1990, and is slowly undergoing a cosmetic restoration for now. It is temporarily seperated from it's fuel and water tender. thus revealing it's Decklass cab.

Eastbound Metra commuter local. Franklin Park Illinois USA. October 2007.

I took this photo one lovely Autum morning in October of 2007. An eastbound Metra local commuter train, slows down for the upcoming station stop in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park. 1928 -2009. Melrose Park Illinois. Farewell old friend.

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

Todays posting is dedicated in tribute to Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois. After 81 years in operation, Kiddieland is officially closing for good today. Kiddieland was the last family style amusement park in the greater Chicagoland Area., and it will be greatly missed.

Chicagoland once had several little amusemment parks with places like Adventurland in Addison Illinois. (Closed 1976) Fairyland in Lyons Illinois. (Closed 1978) and Playland Park in Justice Illinois. (Closed 1979)

Today, We bid "Farewell ti Kidieland". Long Live Kiddieland!
81 years of local Chicago area family fun and memorys.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Kiddieland Limited returning to the boarding station. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. June 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one summer afternoon, in June of 2008. The eastbound Kiddieland Limited miniature streamliner train, is viewed returning to the boarding station at the end of it's joirney.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Gallion pirate ship and midway rides. Kiddieland Amusenet Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. July 2008.

Here is one of My own personal digital live sound videos I took last year from the east parking lot at Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park. Seen here are some of the popular rides along the park's Midway.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Scooter ride in action at Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois. July 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one evening in early July of 2008. A popular ride on the midway at Chicago's kiddieland Amusement park for many years, was a bumper car ride known as "The Scooter". Here is a group od amusement park patrons enjoying a ride around the track.

The disasembled Ferris Wheel ride. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. November 2006.

I took this photo on My way to work one morning in early November of 2006.
Kiddieland closed for the season every year at the end of October. This is a behind the scenes view of the park at the begining of the "Off Season". The parks Ferris Wheel ride was just disasembled at some point the week before. It is shown here glistening in a coat of fresh silver paint. I could smell the paint fumes from where I was standing in the east parking lot. Yes...I briefly trespassed to take this photo.

Silent Digital Video: The Kiddieland Limited departing the boarding station. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois. June 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video after work one Friday evening, in June of 2007. It is early in the 2007 summer season at Kiddieland. The 1950's era Kiddieland Limited gasoline powered diesel replica steamliner passenger train, departs from the boarding station for a counter clockwise lap around the amusement park perimeter.

Kiddieland's track guage was 14" between the rails on their miniature railroad.

Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in December of 2007.

This is a rare "Off Season" photo of Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois. It is December of 2007. Every year around the Christmas Holiday Season, A traveling live Christmas tree vendor would rent out the east parking lot. The park was closed for the season, but You could still visit the property if You or Your Family desired a live evergreen Christmas tree in Your household.

The Tilt A Whirl ride. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. September 2006.

I took this photo in September of 2006 with My first digital camera. We are in the east parking lot looking west. This is the Tilt A Whirl ride on the Kiddieland Amusement Park's midway. It was one of My favorits.

The Kiddieland Limited passes in to the night.Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. September 2006.

I felt that this photo is a fitting finale to todays tribute to Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois. It is a Friday evening in September of 2009, and closing time is approaching within the hour. The outbound Kiddieland Limited is making one of it;s last trips of this evenings session.

After 81 years in operation at this location in Melrose Park Illinois, Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park is closing today Sunday, September 27th 2009.

Long Live Kiddieland!

The abandoned Frosted Mug Drive In restaurant. Alsip Illinois USA. June 2009.

This is a sad image of a place that once brought Me many happy memorys.
Seen here late at night at the corner of South Pulaski Road and West 116th Street, is the Frosted Mug Drive In Restaurant in south suburban Alsip Illinois.

I would visit the Frosted Mug occasionally from 1985 until 2007 just before they closed. This place was a local fun place with car shows on Tuesday and Saturday nights, homemade root beer, tasty and inexpensive food, and year round car hop service. This was one of the last drive in restaurants in the Chicago are with car hop service. Most of them had vanished by the mid 1970's.

Silent Digital Video: Northbound CTA purple line train passing over West Granville Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video one hot summer morning in July of 2007. We are looking west on West Granville Avenue on Chicago's far northside in the Rogers Park neighborhood. A northbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line train enroute to the Linden Avenue terminal in north suburban Wilmette Illinois, is viewed crossing over the viaduct on west Granville Illinois. The large construction crane in the background, gives evidence of a new tall building under construction on North Broadway Avenue.

Eastbound Union Pacific unit coal train. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo looking north on North Kilbourn Avenue near West Kinzie Street, on a hot summer afternoon in August of 2007. An eastbound Union Pacific Railroad unit coal train, is viewed entering Chicago Illinois over the former Chicago & Northwestern Railroad west line.

A southbound CSX gondola car in transit. Bridgeview Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo on an overcast summer afternoon in August of 2007. A CSX Transportation Company gondola car , is viewed heading southbound at the West 71st Street railroad crossing in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois. This car is coupled on to an Indiana Harbor Belt transfer train.

A small boothside Jukebox. Margie's Candies. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2006.

One of the customers I serviced when I use to work as an outside sales representative, was this very retro 1950's era Margie's Candies in Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. Located on the southwest corner of West Armitage Street and North Western Avenue, this old fashioned ice cream parlor was a real blast from the past. They even had these little in booth Jukeboxes. They were once common at many Hamburger drive ins, Diners, Taverns and Pizza places. Most of the Chicago area ones had disappeared by the mid to late 1970's. This one is alive and well today.

The original Chesdan's Pizza at South Archer and Spaulding Avenues in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, had these until the mid 1970's inside their wooden restaurant booths.

Westbound BNSF Railway intermodal transfer train. Hodgkins Illinois USA. January 2007.

I took this photo one cold and overcast winter morning in January of 2007. A heavy westbound BNSF Railway intermodal transfer train, approaches the photo location formerly known as 67th Street in Hodgkins Illinois.

Railroad crossing gate at Techny Road. Northbrook Illinois USA. August 2009.

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

Being an avid Chicago area railfan with a digital camera in hand, it is only natural to suspect that I spend much time waiting at railroad crossings for the trains to pass by.

Seen here looking west on Techny Road in north suburban Northbrook Illinois, is one of My all time favorite railroad crossing gate locations. Techny Road is actuially a junction point along the Canadian Pacific Railroad's ex Milwaukee Road northline.
It is definately worth a visit, as most times there is varying degrees of frequent freight and passenger train activity.

Meet fellow Chicago area railfan Franklin Campbell. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, August 1st 2009.

My blogsite "Eddie's Railfan Page" has done much more for Me than having an opportunity to post My personal railfan photos and tell the storys that accompany them. Last year, I had the distinct honor and privlidge of getting to meet one of My fellow railfans and blogsite readers. Seen here in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois on a rainy Saturday, August 1st 2009, is My fellow railfan buddy Franklin Campbell.

Frank has provided Me with much valuable and informative input on My photos and storys. Frank also has his own unique Flickr photo page as well. You can see his in My list of contacts at My Flickr Photo Page.

Thanks Frank.
Eddie K.

A blue Canadian National boxcar in transit. Franklin Park Illinois USA. January 2007.

I took this photo one cold and overcast winter morning in January of 2007. I spotted this unique blue Canadian National boxcar in transit aboard an eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train departing Franklin Park Illinois. This is proboubly a boxcar that was acquired through the Canadian National's takeover merger of the Grand Trunk Western Railroad in recent years. The Grand Trunk Western had used this particular shade of blue on some of their boxcars. Notice the Canadian National Railroad's internet computer web address being advertised.

Preserved Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad 4-6-4 Hudson type steam locomotive # 3006. Galesburg Illinois USA. June 1985.

I took this photo during a June 1985 20th Century Railroad Club of Chicago excursion to the Galesburg Illinois Railroad days Celebration. Seen here is the centerpiece of the Galesburg Railroad Museum. Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad steam locomotive # 3006, is a 4-6-4 hudson Type steam locomotive built by the Baldwin Locomotive Works of Philadelphia Pennsylvania in 1930. It was used in fast passenger train service until the end of steam during the late 1950's. It was donated to the city of Galesburg Illinois for display in 1961.

Boarding an eastbound 1920's era Milwaukee city streetcar. The East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum. East Troy Wisconsin USA. September 2006.

I took this photo during a September 2006 visit to the East troy Electric Railroad and Museum in East Troy Wisconsin. One of the museums operating pieces, an early 1900's era interurban car from Sheboygan Wisconsin, has unfortunately broke down on the museum's mainline. This 1920's era city streetcar from the city of Milwaukee Wisconsin, is boarding passengers on the mainline for an eastbound trip to the Elegent Farmers Market in Mukwonogo Wisconsin.

The original Ford City sign on South Pulaski Road. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1982.

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

Out of all of the many photos I had taken over the years, this one is definately by far one of My personal all time favorites.

I took this photo one night, in October of 1982. This is the original roadside Ford City shopping center sign that used to stand at South Pulaski Road and West 76th Street near Chicago's Ashburn and Scottsdale neighborhoods on the southwest side of the city. I was attending an evening Adult Education 35mm Photography course at the adjacent Richard J. Daley College. After a few tips from our teacher, I went outside at breaktime, and took this unique night time photo along South Pulaski Road.

This was one of My very first 35mm night time photos, and it turned out pretty good.
I was using a second hand 35mm werlisa camera a now deceased family member had loaned Me for the class. I bought My first 35mm camera in early March of 1983.

The Ford City shoppin center mall was remodeled extensively in 1988, and this lovely sign unfortunately was one of the first things to go. I am glad I photographed this Icon from My days of living on the southwest side of Chicago Illinois.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago's historic Brighton Junction. ( Gone / rebuilt and modernized.) Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this photo on an overcast Autum morning, back in October of 2006. This is a photo of Chicago's Brighton Junction, wich was located up on an embankment just west of the intersection of South Archer and Western Avenues. Brighton Junction, was an old steam era manual railroad crosstrack junction with manually operated mechanical Semaphore signals and a dispatch operator on duty controlling train traffic at the crossreacks. It was long outdated technologicaly, and was in it's last Autum of operation a manually controlled railroad junction. In early July of 2007, the Canadian National Railroad closed this junction, took the shanty out of service, rebuilt the crosstracks and replaced the old Swmaphore signals with modern block signals. Brighton Junction used to be a place where modern double stack container trains, met old steam era signaling and operating procedures. All trains had to stop at the crosstracks. Today it is 100% automated with Satelite communications.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Amtrak Hiawatha train speeding through the Metra, Edgebrook commuter train station. Chicago Illinois USA

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one evening, in August of 2009. A southbound Amtrak Hiawatha regional passenger train enroute to Chicago from Milwaukee Wisconsin, is viewed speeding through the Metra, Edhebrook commuter flagstop depot on Chicago's far northwest side near Niles and Skokie Illinois.

A former Burlington Northern RR covered hopper car in transit crossing South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2009.

I took this photo on a rainy evening after work, in August of 2009. I spotted this 1970's era covered hopper car from the now fallen flag railroad Burlington Northern, traveling northbound aboard a BNSF Railway heavy transfer freight train, This train had just departed from the Belt Railway of Chicago, Clearing Yard in nearby Bedford Park Illinois. This train is traveling northbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago, and is viewed crossing South Archer Avenue near Chicago's Midway Airport. The gentle rain makes this normally dirty and weather beaten train shimmer.

Westbound Canadian Pacific freight train. Bensenville Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo in August of 2006 with My first digital camera that I had purchased second hand from a friend of one of My friends. It is a hot summer morning in August of 2006. We are looking east from the Bensenville Illinois, Metra commuter rail station. A westbound Canadian Pacific freight train has just departed from the nearby CP Rail Bensenville Yard, and is now approaching and passing through the Bensenville station.

Northbound Canadian National freight train. Franklin Park Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo one summer morning in June of 2007. I spotted this unique Canadian National Railroad cylindrical covered hopper in transit coupled on to a northbound Canadian National freight train. The train is crossing the soon to be completed Grand Avenue Underpass project in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

Eastbound Chicago Fire Department truck responding to a call on West Belmont Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo looking through My cars front windshield on a hot summer day in june of 2007. I was heading westbound on West Belmont Avenue near South Pulaski Road, when I heard the sirens and spotted the flashing lights of an approaching Chicago Fire Department truck responding to an emergency call. The large Florsheim Shoe Company factory building in the background at West Belmont Avenue and North Pulaski Road, has now been converted to loft style apartments.

Digital Live Sound Video: Speeding westbound Metra express commuter train. La Grange Illinois USA. July 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one evening in July of 2009. We are on the north or "Westbound" platform of the Amtrak/ Metra La Grange Road commuter rail station in west suburban La Grange Illinois. A speeding westbound evening express commuter train enroute to Aurora Illinois, speeds past My camera.

Switching activity at the former Illinois Central RR Crawford Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo after work one summer afternoon in June of 2007. The former Illinois Central Railroad Crawford Yard east of Cicero Illinois is alive and well today under post 1999 succesor rai;road Canadian National. A large cut of chemical tank cars are being assembled in the yard.

The last day of the 1991 operating season. The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Late October 1991.

I took this photo in late October of 1991 at the Hesston Steam Museum in northwestern Indiana near Michigan City. It is the last official operating Sunday of the 1991 season, and the outside temperature is in the low to mid 40's with occasional light rain and drizzle. To My hands, it was a bone chilling cold.

The 14" guage live steam train is viewed waiting at the open air Hesston Junction depot during a temporary period of hazy sunshine. It was a fun outing nonetheless.

For more info, click on to www.hesston.org

Northbound CTA red line train crossing West Albion Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2007.

I took this photo one morning in March of 2007. We are looking westbound on West Albion Avenue in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood. It is the very begining of Springtime during late March of 2007, as a northbound Chicago transit Authority red line train enroute to the Howard Street terminal in nearby Evanston Illinois, crosses over west Albion Avenue.

Westbound Canadian Pacific freight train with a former Soo Line caboose. Bensenville Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo on a hot summer morning in August of 2006. A westbound Canadian Pacific Railroad freight train is viewed passing through the Bensenville, Metra commuter rail station. On the rear of the train is a rusty old Soo Line wide vision caboose.

Preserved Chicago Motor Coach Co 1951 GM TDH series bus. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. July 2009.

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

Prior to the formation of the Chicago transit Authority in 1947, The city of Chicago's public transit needs, were handled by more than one company. While the Chicago Surface Lines operated mainly with a large fleet of electric city streetcars, they also rostered a modest fleet of transit buses too. The main motor bus operator in Chicago, was a company known as The Chicago Motor Coach Company. This 1951 General Motors bus seen here inside one of the museum's display barns, is an example of one of the last buses owned by the Chicago Motor Coach Company. The Chicago Motor Coach Company joined the Chicago Transit Authority in the year of 1952.

The CTA operated these buses like this one in regular service until 1972.

Digital Live Sound Video: Late night traffic in downtown Chicago Illinois. October 2008.

I photographed this unique digital live sound video one night in October of 2008.
We are looking east at the intersection of Madison and Clark Streets. A westbound CTA bus passes the intersection along with taxi cabs around 12 midnight.

Westbound CTA Addison Street bus at the intersection of North Harlem Avenue. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

I took this photo one lovely Autum morning in October of 2006. A westbound Chicago Transit Authority 1990's era Flxible Metro transit bus, has just arrived at the intersection of west Addison Street and North Harlem Avenue in Chicago's Mont Clare neighborhood. Notice the bright morning sunshine glinting off of the drivers side of the bus.

Southbound CTA Route #53A South Pulaski Road bus at West 111th Street. Chicago Illinois USA. December 1986.

I took this photo looking northwest at the intersection of South Pulaski Road and West 111th Street in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood near Oak Lawn Illinois.
A mid 1970's era Chicago Transit Authority GMC TDH series fishbowl windshield bus, is viewed waiting in the eastbound turning lane on to west 111th Street. The bus is at the end of it's southbound journey, and will soon arrive at the turn a round loop terminal at West 111th Street and South Springfield Avenue.

Blue Pace bus at the Metra, La Grange Road commuter rail station. La Grange Illinois USA. March 2006.

I took this photo after work on an overcast Winter afternoon in early March of 2006.
A Pace Route # 302 Ogden / Stanly Avenue bus is viewed waiting at the west terminal alongside the Metra, La Grange Road commuter rail station. This view is looking north alongside Burlington Avenue.

Entering the First Transit garage at the end of the shift. Glenview Illinois USA. July 2008.

I took this photo at work one day last year. I had just clocked out for the day Myself after a long day of driving in the hot summer sun. One of My fellow paratransit drivers is viewed entering the First Transit garage in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

Preserved 1986 M.A.N articulated trolley bus from Seatle Washington. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. Friday, July 3rd 2009.

I took this photo on a summer 2009 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum. Seen here is an example of how todays modern equipment can become tommorows museum exhibit. This modern looking M.A.N articulated electric trolley bus from 1986. served the city of Seatle Wahington until recent years/ Today, it is occasionally operated at it's new home at the Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois.

Switching at the north entrance to the BRC Clearing Yard. Bedford Park Illinois USA. September 2006.

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

A Belt Railway of Chicago EMD 2nd generation roadswitcher locomotive, is viewed shoving a cut of covered hoppers westbound. This photo was taken looking south at the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard north entrance on South Central Avenue.
This is near the Chicago city limits, in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois near Chicago's Midway Airport.

Silent Digital Video: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha crossing Devon Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video one overcast morning in September of 2007. A speeding northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, speeds across West Devon Avenue in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood. This location is across the street from the Metra / Edgebrook commuter flagstop depot near adjacent Lehigh Avenue.

The C & N W / Metra EMD E-8 Farewell excursion runbys. Richfield Illinois USA. Saturday, October 28th 1989.

One of the more memorable Chicagoland railfan charters I had went on, was the Last Run EMD E-8 retirement fantrip over the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad from Chicago to Harvard Illinois. The trains three early 1950's era EMD model E-8 passenger locomotives and train, prepare to do a series of photo runbys at Richfield Illinois under cloudy Autum skies.

Westbound Metra evening rush hour express commuter train. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2007.

I took this photo after work one afternoon, in May of 2007.

An exciting photo location to experience frequent Metra commuter train activity during rush hour periods, is the tiny Hanson Park commuter rail flagstop depot adjacent to the North Central Avenue overpass bridge, just south of Grand Avenue.

This location is on the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road west line to Elgin Illinois. During the afternoon and evening rush hour commuting period, many fast moving express commuter trains come whipping through the station. The low leval boarding platforms have ground leval flashing warning devices with bells to warn people of the upcoming trains. Here a somewhat blurred speeding westbound express comes racing by My camera. Danger! Stand back!

Preserved A,T & S,F 4-8-4 steam locomotive # 2903. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. Friday, July 3rd 2009.

This huge 1940's era Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad dual service 2900 class 4-8-4 mainline steam locomotive # 2903, is one of the many exhibits You can view up close at the Illinois Railway Museum. This locomotive was originally displayed in the backyard of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry prior to the mid 1990's.

Today, it is in a much better home protected from the weather elements indoors.

A BNSF Railway one car transfer train waiting on a hold order. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2007.

I took this photo just east of South Lawndale Avenue at approximately West 49th Street, on a cold and windy winter morning in January of 2007. This is a BNSF Railway "Extra" movement waiting to depart from the former A,T & S,F Corwith Yard. A former Burlington Northern EMD locomotive prepares to tow a one car train.

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

I took this photo looking north from the Grand Trunk Western Railroad embankment at Elsdon Yard. A Conrail industrial switching local is seen slowly shoving a cut of cars, on the light railed industrial spur trackage at West 48th Street about 4 blocks west of South Kedzie Avenue. The factorys are still there today, but this branchline serving them was abandoned and later dismantled around 1986.

Conrail itself became a fallen flag railroad in the year of 1999, after being divided up through merger between the CSX Transportation Company and the Norfolk Southern Railroad

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train. Glenview Illinois USA. Early September 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video at The Glen of North Glenview, Metra commuter rail station. A speeding northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train enroute from Milwaukee Wisconsiin, has just left the nearby Glenview, Amtrak / Metra train station near Glenview Road. The train is building up speed as it passes through The Glen of North Glenview commuter station, near the former site of the Glenview Naval Air Station wich is now a shopping mall today.

Westbound Burlington Northern (Early Metra) commuter train. Riverside Illinois USA. October 1989.

I took this photo on a lovely Sunday afternoon, way back in October of 1989. A westbound Burlington Northern / Early Metra commuter local enroute to Aurora Illinois, makes the station stop at west suburban Riverside Illinois in a colorful Autum setting.

Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe RR maintenance of way equipment at Mc Cook Junction. Mc Cook Illinois USA. October 1983.

I took this photo on a sunny Autum afternoon, way back in October of 1983. Seen here are a few pieces of demoted Santa Fe steam era freight and passenger equipment in maintenance of way service. They are seen just east of the Indiana Harbor Belt crosstracks at Mc Cook Junction near Lyons Illinois.