Seasonal wintertime beauty in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. Febtuary 2010.

I took this photograph during My morning lunch break one day recently, in February of 2010.

One quaint but very upscale town I enjoy visiting occasionally in Chicago's northern suburbs, is te village of Wilmette Illinois. Even with heavy lake effect snow accumulation on the ground from a recent snowstorm, Wilmette just appears to be one of those unique places that looks beautiful anytime of the year.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Canadian Pacific short local freight train. Franklin Park Illinois USA. February 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video during My lunch break one morning, in February 2010.

We are on location at the Ruby Street railroad crossing in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois on a very sunny but bitterly cold winter morning. Seen here is a short eastbound Canadian Pacific 5 car local freight train with a former Milwaukee Road EMD road switcher locomotive up front. This train had just left the nearby Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road Bensenville Yard near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

When the former Soo Line Railroad had acquired the very bankrupt Milwaukee Road through merger way back in 1985, it had simply painted a big black patch over the former Milwaukee Road markings. This color scheme became known as the "Black Beard" color scheme. The Canadian Pacific later absorbed the former Soo Line through merger in the year of 1990, but still has yet to repaint some of the former ex Milwaukee Road "Black Beard" units today. A project that was definately put on the back burner.

The northbound Amtrak Hiawatha passing the Chestnut Avenue railroad crossing at sunset. Glenview Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo after work one evening around sunset last week.

The northbound Amtrak Hiawatha service regional passenger train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, is viewed passing the Chestnut Avenue railroad crossing in north suburban Glenview Illinois during a spectacular winter sunset.

Westbound Canadian National transfer train passing te adjacent Metra. Hanson Park commuter rail flagstop depot. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2007.

I took this photo after work one pleasant afternoon back in March of 2007.

It is the early Springtime once again in the city of Chicago Illinois, as a slow moving westbound Canadian National freight train passes the Metra, Hanson Park commuter flagstop depot where I am standing at near North Central Avenue. This train had just recieved clearance a few minutes ago, and is interchanging on to the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline, from the Belt Railway of Chicago at nearby Cragin Junction.

Night time at the Park Ridge Metra commuter rail station. Park Ridge Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo after work one night last week.

Seen here between arrivals of many Metra local commuter trains, is the Metra commuter rail station in near northwest suburban Park Ridge Illinois. The depot is located in the central business district known as Uptown Park Ridge. This commuter train depot, is served daily by trains on the Metra / Union Pacific northwest line to Harvard Illinois, formerly the Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad.

Eastbound Canadan Pacific intermodal freight train. Elmwood Park Ilinois USA. March 2008.

I took this photo after work one afternoon in March of 2008.

Winter is giving way to the approaching Springtime season on this lovely day in March of 2008. An eastbound Canadian Pacific intermodal transfer freight train, is viewed passing the 75th Avenue railroad crossing in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

Northbound Conrail caboose hop at Brighton Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. January 1988.

Hi friends!

welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois.

Today, I thought I would do something a little different and post a special photo feature on railroad cabooses.

I took this photo one late afternoon in January of 1988 at Chicago's Brighton Junction near South Archer and western Avenues. Seen here in very bright Winter sunshine on a dry but bitterly cold afternoon, is a Conrail transfer caboose.
This caboose as well as the 1st Generation EMD SW series yard swiitcher locomotive up front, look as though they may have came from the fallen flag pre 1968 railroad that was known as the New York Central.

This caboose hop is waiting for clearance to pass through the crosstracks at Brighton Junction.

Preserved wooden Grand Trunk Western caboose. Grand Haven Michigan USA.

This photo is from My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right Your computer screen.

Seen here on display in a small city park in the town of Grand Haven Michigan, is this wooden steam era caboose from the former Grand Trunk Western Railroad. Notice the pre 1961 Maple Leaf logo on the side of the caboose.

Preserved former Milwaukee Road steel cupola caboose on display. Franklin Park Illinois USA. June 2008.

Another local Chicago area artifact of railroad preservation, is this old steam era steel cupola caboose from the former Milwaukee Road. It is on display adjacent to preserved Tower B-12 alongside Franklin Avenue in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

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

I took this photo at the north entrance to the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard on South Central Avenue one hot summer afternoon in July of 2007.

wearing a striking red and yellow color scheme, this caboose is utilized on switching locals as well as some degree of yard switching as well.

Preserved 1981 vintage A,T & S,F caboose on display at the Santa Fe Prairie. Hodgkins Illinois USA. July 2007.

Long since retired from freight train duty, this former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe wide vision caboose is now on display tody at the Santa Fe Prairie Nature Preserve in southwest suburban Hodgkins Illinois adjacent to the Des Plaines River.

It is a modern wide vision cupola caboose built in the year of 1981.

Preserved Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific caboose. Tinley Park Illinois USA. June 2008.

One of the lessor known artifacts of Chicago area railroad preservation, is this old steel cupola caboose from the defunct Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. On display in a city park along the east side of 80th Avenue in south suburban Tinley Park Illinois, this caboose makes for a fine display.

The former Rock Island mainline passes through Tinley Park Illinois as well.

Two former Burlington Northern cabooses at the BNSF Railway Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo looking south from the Metra / Cicero Illinois commuter rail station near South Cicero Avenue and West 26th Street.

Parked near the yard operations tower on the Ogden Avenue side of Clyde Yard, We see two cascade green relics from the pre 1995 predecessor railroad Burlington Northern.

The biscuits and Gravy special at Darcy Lynn's Snack Shop. Lyons Illinois USA. September 2006.

Hello everybody!

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

Aside from the usual Chicago Style food favorites like "Hot dogs -Grecian Gyros -Deep Dish Pizza - and Eli's Cheesecake", a popular but sometimes less noticed food favorite in the greater Chicagoland area is a breakfast entree served in some of the small diner restaurants known as "Biscuits and Gravy".

This very savory andd sometimes greasy breakfast favorite, originally hails from the southern United States. People in places like Tennesee, Kentucky, Georgia, Alabama and the Carolinas have enjoyed this delicassy for many years.

It is a popular food favorite with truck drivers, factory workers or most anybody who enjoys a good hearty and satisfying breakfast occasionally.

Darcy Lynn's Snack Shop located on Ogden Avenue / Illinois U.S Route # 34 in west suburban Lyons Illinois just west of First Avenue / Illinois U.S Route # 171 knows how to make them just right.

Heck! I get hungry just looking at this photo! Lets eat!

Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park after the park had closed for good. Thursday, December 31st 2009.

After 81 years in operation in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois, Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park had closed it's gates to the public for the last time. The last day of public operation was on Sunday, September 27th 2009.

According to this picture, the greater Chicagoland area is about to lose yet another of it's vintage train stations from the historic past. No, not any of the ones utilized by Metra or Amtrak trains, but rather this one used by the miniature Kiddieland Limited passenger train on the 14 inch track guage amusement park railroad line. The station and amusementg park will both be missed.

Westbound Kenosha Transit electric streetcar on 54th Street. Kenosha Wisconsin USA. January 2001.

I took this photo one very bitterly cold and windy Winter afternoon in the city of Kenosha Wisconsin, back in January of 2001.

With an outside termperature reading of 5 above zero Farenheight and sharp winds, I was out there capturing this photo of wintertime streetcar operations in downtown Kenosha Wisconsin. Kenosha had recently had major heavy lake effect snowstorms prior to My visit in January of 2001. Notice the window sill high snowbanks along the private right of way on 54th Street near the harbor area.

It was definately a day for wool hats, gloves, hot coffee and shelter. Brrrrrr!!!!!

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train crossing North Narragansett Avenue at night. Chicago Illinois USA. Feb 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video one night after work, in early February of 2010.

We are looking south on North Narragansett Avenue in Chicago's Galewood neighborhood. An eastbound Canadian Pacific intermodal transfer train, is viewed passing the North Narragansett Avenue railroad crossing with several double stack container cars in tow.

This train is heading to the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago interchange at Cragin Junction. Notice the top center block signal change from green to red.

Out of view to the right alongside West Mc Clean Avenue, is the Metra Galewood commuter flagstop depot.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard locomotive terminal. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. 1977.

This photo taken during the year of 1977, is from My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

I discovered the Grand Trunk Western Elsdon Yard, Roundhouse and Locomotive Terminal while I was attending nearby Curie High School from 1977 to 1981.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad, was the United States subsidiary of the Canadian National Railroad. For many years, the locomotives and paint schemes followed those of the parent company CN. The black and red scheme with white running board sill stripe, was introduced by the Canadian National in 1961 to replace the original olive green and gold paint scheme with an elaborate Maple Leaf corporate logo.

Around 1971 or 1972 perhaps, the Grand Trunk Western began using their own blue and red color scheme with the white running board sill stripe. The GT logo shown on the side of the locomotive, was refered to as the "Wet Noodle" image.

The GTW closed Elsdon Yard and the locomotive roundhouse at approximately West 49th Street on South Kedzie Avenue in October of 1983. I miss hanging out at this location today with My camera. An outdoor retail stripmall now occupies the former Elsdon Roudhouse site today.

Union Pacific EMD GP 15 UPY # 547 idling with a short cut of cars. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this northside Chicago photo in September of 2007.

Seen here on the east side of the Illinois U.S Route # I -90 Kennedy Expressway near West North Avenue, is Union Pacific Railroad EMD GP-15 light roadswitcher # 547 idling with a short cut of cars in tow near a small former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad yard facility.

The versatile EMD GP-15 was introduced during the mid 1970's as a replacement locomotive for the now againg EMD 1st Generation model GP-7 and 9 model roadswitchers. The Union Pacific utilizes them today for terminal and yard switching, as well as branchline switching locals.

The UPY next to the locomotive road number, is a system used by the Union Pacific to designate this locomotive for yard and terminal switching work assignments.

The abandoned Frosted Mug drive in restaurant on South Pulaski Road. Alsip Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo last Sunday afternoon in south suburban Alsip Illinois.

For many years begining in 1985 for Myself, the Frosted Mug drive in was always a favorite and fun place I always enjoyed visiting. I would come here often during the 1980's and enjoy great food and classic car shows in the ambiance of an old 1950's era roadside drive in restaurant with year round car hop service.

This place also had a railfan connection for Me as well, as many times I would walk or bicycle to the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad mainline just south of here at 123rd Street with My 35mm camera in hand.

The Frosted Mug closed for remodelig in late 2007 after being up for sale a good while, but has since not reopened yet. The initial remodeling work had came to a stop at some point, but it looks like some of it may have resumed recently.

This view shows the car hop service canopy with the now missing Frosted Mug plastic sign. The greater Chicagoland area once had many roadside drive in restaurants with car hop service during the Baby Boomer era, but most had disappeared by the mid 1970's. The Frosted Mug was one of the last ones of it's kind in the Chicago area.

I hope it reopens again soon as a roadside drive in with car hop service. I really miss the Pit Bar B Q sandwiches, the hot Chilli, Pizza Burgers,Malts, Homemade Root Beer and classic car show events in the parking lot.

Eastbound Metra evening rush hour local. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. September 2007.

I photographed this image looking east on Grand Avenue around sunset, in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

An evening rush hour Metra local commuter train is viewed crossing the diagonal railroad crossing on Grand Avenue, and slowing down for the station stop at the nearby Elmwood Park station.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Canadian National short local freight train. Schiller Park Illinois USA. February 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video one day last week during My lunch break.

A northbound Canadian National short local freight train, passes through the Schiller Park Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

The Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe / Illinois Northern branchline local at work circa 1986. Chicago Illinois USA.

I took this photo I believe around June of 1986.

Seen here east of South Kedzie Avenue near West 28th Street, is the 5 day a week Santa Fe switching local that serviced the former Illinois Northern industrial shortline branch in Chicago;s Little Village neighborhood.

This local would depart from the A,T & S,F Corwith Yard around 10:00 AM Monday thru Friday, and head back to Corwith Yard around 3:00 PM. This local would travel as far east as the interchange with the Burlington Northern at South Western and Blue Island Avenues.

Today with one or possibly two industrial customers left that are only switched as needed, The succesor parent railroad BNSF Railway has filed a petition to abandone this line in recent years.

The abandoned Frosted Mug drive in restaurant. Alsip Illinois USA. February 2010.

Hello everyone!

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

A place I frequently visited in Chicago's south suburbs by the Chicago Transit Authority Route # 52A South Kedzie Avenue bus line before I owned My first car during the 1980's, was none other than the classic 1950's era Frosted Mug drive in restaurant located on South Pulaski Road at West 116th Street Street in the village of Alsip Illinois.

The Frosted Mug is only a few city blocks south of the CTA Route # 52A South Kedzie Avenue bus terminal loop at West 115th Street and South Springfield Avenue in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood at the city limits.

Although I would not own My first car until February of 1991, I always enjoyed eating good food at the Frosted Mug, and enjoying an occasional classic car show or two in their parking lot. They were also famous for their homemade root beer and year round car hop service. It was definately a surviving blast from Chicagoland's past. It was definately worth a bus ride there.

The Frosted Mug closed in late 2007 after being up for sale for a number of years.
The place was to be remodeled and opened again soon, but somehow that did not materialize. The old Frosted Mug has been abandoned for sometime now, however it looks like some of the remodeling has once again slowly started up again recently.
If nothing elese, the new exterior paint job looks nice.

I hope that they re open the old Frosted Mug as a classic 1950's and 60's era roadside drive in restaurant with car hop service again. I miss it.

Two 1970's era CTA GMC buses at the South Archer and Neva Avenue terminal loop. Chicago Illinois USA. April 1988.

I took this photo one sunny and warm Springtime afternoon way back in April of 1988.

This Chicago Transit Authority bus terminal loop located at South Archer and Neva Avenues, is the west terminal for the CTA Route # 62 Archer / Harlem Avenue bus line.

Operating during their final decade of service, two CTA mid 1970's era GMC TDH series fishbowl windshield buses are viewed waiting for their scheduled departure times. This CTA bus terminal is located just east of the Chicago city limits at the border of southwest suburban Summit Illinois.

This photo was taken in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood near Midway Airport.

Silent Digital Video: Several CTA buses passing by on North Clark Street. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2007.

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

Seen here heading both north and southbound on North Clark Street, are several Chicago transit Authority buses. The area is on North Clark Street adjacent to Chicago's Lincoln Park near west North Avenue.

First Transit 2008 Ford paratransit bus # 5157 at Evanston Hospital. Evanston Illinois USA. December 2009.

I took this photo at work one afternoon in December of 2009.

One of the many jobs I perform as a Paratransit Driver, is taking patients to and from various local Chicago area hospitals. Here is My bus # 5157 waiting at the Emergency entrance at the Evanston Northwestern Memorial Hospital near Central Street in north suburban Evanston Illinois.

Westbound pre Pace bus from Suburban Transit in the southbound turning lane at South Archer and Harlem Avenues. Chicago Illinois USA. April 1988.

I took this photo on a lovely Springtime afternoon back in April of 1988.

Before the local Chicago area suburban bus operator known as Pace was formed in 1984, the greater Chicagoland area once had several different suburban bus companys.

This 1970's era GMC fishbowl windshield TDH series transit bus from the former Suburban Transit Company, has just left the nearby terminal loop at South Archer and Neva Avenues in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood. Now in the southbound turning lane, the bus will head south on Harlem Avenue enroute to Orland Park Illinois.

Suburban Transit had a very unique and eye catching color scheme.

Southbound CTA Route # 54 Cicero Avenue bus at Belmont and Cicero Avenues. Chicago Illinois USA. December 2003.

I took this photo after work one evening back in December of 2003.

It is near the end of the year, and the daylight hours are temporarily becoming even less. Seen here at sunset, is a southbound Chicago Transit Authority 1990's era Nova transit bus heading southbound past the intersection of West Belmont and North Cicero Avenues in Chicago's Cragin neighborhood.

Prior to the end of service in March of 1973, bus route # 54 Cicero Avenue was a CTA electric trolleybus route. Several of the old line poles that once had supported the overhead twin trolleybus wires, can be seen today at various places along both Cicero and Belmont Avenues.

Happy warm weather memorys from the city of Chicago Illinois. July 2009.

Hi everyone!

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

The Winter of 2010 here in the greater Chicagoland area, has been a long and miserable one. With recurring heavy lake effect snow storms, fog, cold temperatures and several days of overcast skies....I felt that it was time to post some nice warm weather photos to get away from those reminders of seasonal Wintertime blahs.

I felt that instead of posting what has appeared to be "more than our share" of My current and past Wintertime railfan photos, It is aboutr time that We enjoyed a bit of a "Spring Break" photo wise here at Eddie's Railfan Page today.

I took this photo last summer in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood on West Taylor Street. A popular local Chicago neighborhood sidewalk refreshment stand, is none other than Mario's Italian Lemonade on West Taylor Street.

This is a pleasant Summertime memory of life in the city of Chicago Illinois during the warmer weather months.

Hang in there folks! It won't be much longer now!

Digital Live Sound Video: A speeding northbound Metra express commuter train. Glenview Illinois USA. Early April 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one early Springtime evening last year, back in early April of 2009.

A speeding northbound Metra express commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, is viewed racing along the east side of Lehigh Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois. It was a sunny and cool day, but enjoyable in every way after work was over.

Yes, that is My shadow on the pavement just before sunset.

Northbound CTA Skokie Swift train crossing Main Street. Skokie Illinois USA. April 2007.

I took this photo one Springtime morning, back in April of 2007.

With bright sunshine, mild outdoor temperatures and scenery about to bloom at anytime now...a northbound Chicago Transit Authority yellow line train enroute to the nearby Dempster Street terminal passes the Main Street railroad crossing in downtown north suburban Skokie Illinois.

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

I took this photo on a lovely Springtime afternoon back in May of 1990.

A slow moving northbound Grand Trunk Western transfer freight train, is viewed traveling over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, and approaching the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe crosstracks at Mc Cook Junction.

Eastbound Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train passing through Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. April 1987.

I took this photo on a beautiful Spring afternoon back in April of 1987.

An eastbound Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train with a 1st Generation EMD Cow and Calf model TR-4 yard switchers up front, are viewed approaching the Grand Trunk Western Railroad crosstracks at Hayford Junction.

Hayford Junction was a frequent haunt of Mine for railfan photography back during the 1980's. This busy freight only junction, is located at West 75th Street and South Central Park Avenue in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood.

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

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

This westbound Metra commuter local has just boarded a load of passengers at the Metra, Western Avenue commuter rail station. This commuter train is enroute to Elgin Illinois over the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road west line.

Western Avenue is the first commuter train station stop west of Chicago Union Station. There are two nearby Metra commuter coach yard and maintenance facilities to the west of here at nearby North California Avenue.

Wintertime on the north branch of the Chicago River. Wilmette Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo one morning this past week during My lunch break.

This lovely seasonal Wintertime image, was taken looking north from the Isabella Street bridge over the north branch of the Chicago River in north suburban Wilmette Illinois.

This view is reminiscent of the scenes one would find on those old Currier and Ives Christmas Holiday greeting cards. The normaly vary creek like north branch of the Chicago River, is viewed covered with ice and snow.

Eastbound CTA blue line train. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2009.

I took this photo one blustery cold Winter afternoon last year, back in January of 2009.

This photo was taken facing east from the Canfield Road overpass bridge on the I-90 Kennedy Expressway at the Chicago city limits near the town of Park Ridge Illinois. An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority blue line rapid transit train, is viewed heading toward downtown Chicago via the center median of the expressway.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra EMD switcher running light. Franklin Park Illinois USA. February 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video during My morning lunch break, at the Ruby Street railroad crossing in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

A westbound Metra EMD yard switcheris viewed passing through Franklin Park Illinois. This engine is more than likely running as an extra, enroute to pick up a mechanicaly disabled commuter coach or locomotive somewhere on the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road line to Elgin Illiniois.

Former D,T & I and GTW locomotives idling at the Grand Trunk Western RR's former Elsdon Yard site. Chicago Illinois USA. June 1984.

I took this photo one hazy summer day way back in June of 1984.

Seen here just immediately north of adjacent West 51st Street between South St. louis and South Lawndale Avenues in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood, are EMD roadswitcher diesel locootives idling at the recently closed GTW Elsdon Yard site.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad had officially closed their old steam era Elsdon Yard in October of 1983, and moved their former Elsdon switching operations to the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard in Bedford Park Illinois.

For a few years after the fact, this little segment of the former Elsdon Yard site, was used as a makeshift locomotive and crew terminal until September of 1986 at least.

Seen here idling on th curve by the small office building, are orange EMD roadswitcher locomotives acquired second hand through the merger and absorbtion of the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad in 1981, as well as some regular Grand Trunk Western locomotives as well.

Locomotives were fueled on site here via a tractor and trailer semi tanker truck on occasion as well.

A City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Volvo recycling garbage truck. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2009.

I took this photo on Chicago's northwest side somewhere north of Higgins Avenue near Harlem.

Seen here on a lovely day in the early Spring of 2009, is a City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Volvo recycling garbage truck.

The cab is wearing the standard light blue color scheme used on the regular City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation vechicles, but the garbage truck body is painted in the "New" dark blue color scheme used on the recycling trucks.

It was unheard of back then when I was growing up in Chicago during the 1960's and 70's, but the City of Chicago has been making great strides with recycling programs and going green environmental campaigns in recent years.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound CTA purple line train crossing Isabella Street. Wilmette Illinois USA. February 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video on location at the Isabella Street CTA purple line railroad crossing in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. This Chicago Transit Authority purple line train had just crossed the north branch of the Chicago River upon departing the nearby Central Street station neighboring Evanston Illinois, and is now heading to the Linden Avenue terminal at the end of the line a few city blocks north of here.

Eddie K visiting the Illinois Railway Museum at age 14 way back in November of 1976. Union Illinois USA.

Here is a "Rare" photo of Me taken at The Illinois Railway Museum in early November of 1976. The Illinois Railway Museum was a small place back then by todays standards, but it was rapidly growing nonethess.

There was no inside passenger car display barn in those days yet, just a small open outdoor storage yard near the steam locomotive shop. You can easilly see how much The Illinois Railway Museum has indeed grew by leaps and bounds.

Grand Trunk Western freight train rounding the southbound interchange curve connection at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. January 1987.

I took this photo one Winter afternoon way back in January of 1987.

After a heavy all morning snowstorm had finally stopped falling on the city of Chicago Illinois, I siezed a great railfan photo opportunity and headed out to Hayford Junction.

Seen here is a Grand Trunk Western Railroad freight train that had just departed from the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. The train is turning south on the interchange on to the GTW rails at Hayford Junction. The rare black EMD roadswitcher was recently acquired from the Pitsburgh & Lake Erie Railroad.

The CTA Linden Avenue purple line terminal and yard. Wilmette Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo a few days ago during My morning lunch break, in north suburban Wilmette Illinois.

We are facing north from adjacent Maple Avenue. This view is looking in to the Chicago Transit Authority's Linden Avenue terminal and yard on the CTA purple line.
This is the end of the line for all northbound CTA purple line trains.

Chicago Police Department intersection camera at West 31st Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo looking east on West 31st Street in Chicago's Little Village neighorhood on the near southwest side of the city of Chicago Illinois.

A very unpopular topic amongst local Chicago area motorists, are these red light intersection cameras that for the most part, are guaranteed to get You a ticket in the mail.

Chicago like many other citties, has had problems in recent past years with careless motorists racing to beat the changing red traffic light at an approaching intersection, or just plain not paying attention to their driving at all.

These large municipal "Gadgets" are quiete effective in generating municipal revenue, but sometimes are found to be miscalibrated and sometimes just flash for the sake of flashing. (Better bring out the screwdriver again.)

There is currently an effort underway by some Illinois Politicians to eventually have these things removed.

It is very easy to get a ticket in some parts of Chicago. Belmont Avenue on the northside of the city is particularly notorious for this.

So please drive carefully while in the city of Chicago.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Metra local arriving in Deerfield Illinois. Thursday, February 11th 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video during My morning lunch break at the Deerfield Metra commuter rail station.

A southbound local enroute to Chicago Union Station from far north suburban Fox Lake Illinois, is viewed arriving in the station on a sunny but cold Winter morning in February 2010.

Orange Gomaco 4 wheel replica trolley car. The Memphis Main Street Trolley. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

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

Seen here at the intersection of Madison Avenue and Main Street in downtown Memphis, is a popular local attraction known as The Memphis main Street Trolley.

The orange car shown here, is a replica of a typical early 1900's era American 4 wheel single truck electric streetcar. The car was manufactured by the Gomaco Corporation of Ida Grove Iowa USA.

Gomaco refurbishes old electric streetcars, builds replicas, and also manufactures the popular rubber tired trolley bus vechicles used by many sightseeing companys in many North American citties today.

A detail photo of the steel grates on the Maple Avenue bridge. Wilmette Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo one day this week during My morning lunch break, in north suburban Wilmette Illinois.

This unique photo was taken looking down from the adjacent walkway on the south side of the Maple Avenue bridge. The Maple Avenue bridge in north suburban Wilmette Illinois, spans the very creek like north branch of the Chicago River. The bridge was constructed in the year of 1908. The grates that are shown here, are on the roadway portion of the bridge used by vechicles.

Looking through the grates, We can see the snow and ice covered waters of the north branch of the Chicago River below us during the wintertime.

Historic Photo Grand Trunk Western Railroad EMD model SW 1200 yard switcher at work. South Bend Indiana USA. 1957.

This unique 1950's era vintage color photo, comes to us from My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

One local Chicago area / Midwest regional railroad I have had a fascination with for many years, was the Canadian National Railroad's United States subsidiary railroad line known as the Grnd trunk Western.

This photo taken at South Bend Indiana way back in 1957, shows how many of the GTW's early First Generation diesel locomotives, wore the olive green and gold color scheme of the parent railroad company Canadian National for many years.

Silent Digital Video: Two Metra morning rush hour commuter trains meet at the Harlem Avenue station. Berwyn Illinois USA. January 2008.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old digital camera one morning, back in early january of 2008.

It is the weekday morning rush hour commuting period at the Harlem Avenue station in west suburban Berwyn Illinois, as a speeding eastbound express enroute to Chicago Union Station passes a local stopped at the station.

Northbound CTA purple line train entering the Linden Avenue terminal. Wilmette Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo one day this week during My morning lunch break, in north suburban Wilmette Illinois.

Looking west on Maple Avenue, We see a slow moving northbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line rapid transit train entering the Linden Avenue terminal at the north end of the line.

Wintertime in north suburban Deerfield Illinois. Thursday, February 11th 2010.

Hi everyone!

welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois.

The 2010 Winter season has been a tough one for everyone from local Chicagoans, to people residing in other regions of the nation. Heavy lake effect snowstorms have especially been prevalent here in the greater Chicagoland area in 2010.

However, those occasional moments of "Winter Beauty" with snowy landscapes and brilliant sunshine do show up and catch us delightfully off gaurd sometimes when We least expect it.

I took this photo during My morning lunch break on a delightfully sunny but cold Thursday, February 11th 2010. After several days of overcast skies and two back to back lake effect snowstorms...The sun finally came out to brighten things up.

This photo was taken looking east along the west side of Illinois U.S Route # 43 / Waukegan Road in far north suburban Deerfield Illinois. Looking much like a Christmas / Holiday Greeting Card image, this photo opportunity was too good to pass up. It may have been cold outside, but it was a lovely day nonetheless.

Luckilly Spring will soon be on it's way here. I can't wait!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Metra local departing from Elmwood Park station. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. January 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one overcast Winter afternoon, back in January of 2009.

An eastbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Elgin Illinois, is viewed departing from the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station with much Winter snow on the ground.

Eastbound short Canadian National local freight train. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. February 2007.

I took this photo after work one evening in February 2007.

The entire Chicago area and many parts of the Midwest region, were suffering during what was known as "The Chicago Deep Freeze of February 2007". Conditions were very dangerous and bitterly cold, with avernight time lows at the zero mark or below. Daytime single digit temperatures and cold winds, created much infrastructure damage with many water main pipes breaking below street leval.

Here I am like a "Fool", out braving 8 degree above zero and rapidly falling temperature conditions with a sharp wind blowing in out of the west at Hawthorne Junction. Winter sunsets are quiete spectacular photo subjects, and I froze taking this one. No regrets though, it was worth it!

An eastbound Canadian National short two tank car freight train, is viewed departing from the former Illinois Central Hawthorne Yard in nearby Cicero Illinois at sunset.
The train is heading to the nearby Crawford Yard, with a former Grand Trunk Western EMD roadswitcher in the lead.

Silent Digital Video: The Octopus ride at Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park. (1928-2009 Closed for good) Melrose Park Illinois USA. June 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old digital camera one evening after work, back in June of 2007.

One thing I did in Kiddieland's last years, was take several photos and videos.
Believe Me, I am so glad that I did when I had the chance to do so.

Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park, was located at the intersection of North and First Avenues in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois. This tiny family operated amusement park provided many happy summer memorys for local Chicagoans in it's 81 years of operation. It will be greatly missed, as it was the very last of it's kind altogether in the greater Chicagoland area.

Eastbound Metra local at the Franklin Park commuter rail station. Franklin Park Illinois USA. October 2007.

I took this photo on a pleasant Autum morning back in October of 2007.

An eastbound Metra morning local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Elgin Illinois, is viewed boarding and disembarking passengers at the Franklin Park, Metra commuter rail station.

Hamburger Heaven drive in restaurant. Elmhurst Illinois USA. July 2008.

Seeing how the greater Chicagoland area and many other parts of the nation are having a long and difficult Winter season so far in 2010, I felt that it was time to post a nice happy summertime photo to escape the Wintertime blahs.

During the long Winter season, it is easy for one to long for the seasonal pleasures, activities and refreshments associated with the upcoming Spring and Summer seasons. ( Hang in their folks. It won't be too much longer.)

A happy Summertime memory for many local Chicago area residents, are those hot summer evenings enjoying soft serve ice cream at a local fast food stand or vintage Drive In Restaurant, like the still standing 1950's era Hamburger Heaven drive in.
Located on the southeast corner of York Street and North Avenue in west suburban Elmhurst Illinois, this seasonal old Baby Boomer era drive in restaurant with a walk uo window is a blast from Chicago area summer evenings past.

The Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Corwith Yard locomotive terminal. Chicago Illinois USA. March 1985.

I took this photo way back in March of 1985.

See here near the end of the Wintertime season, is the now former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Corwith Yard locomotive servicing terminal. This was located along the west side of Corwith Yard at approximately West 41st Street, about 4 to 5 city blocks east of South Pulaski Road.

Corwith Yard is alive and well today under the 1995 succesor railroad BNSF Railway.

Southbound Metra local at the Glenview station. Glenview Illinois USA. January 2010.

I took this photo during My morning lunch break back in January of 2010.

A southbound Metra local enroute to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois, has just arrived in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train passing through Northbrook Illinois. February 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video during My morning lunchbreak recently, on location at the Northbrook Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

Seen here is a northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, with locomotives on both ends of the train on this sunny and dry Winter day. The next two days would bring heavy lake effect snowstorms to the entire Chicago area.

Historic Photo! An Illinois Central Gulf piggyback train passing through Joliet Illinois. May 1982.

This early 1980's era photo comes to us via My links page Fallen Flags.Org
to the right of Your computer screen. Wearing the orange and white color scheme introduced by the Illinois Central way back in 1967, an Illinois Central Gulf piggyback train is seen here in May of 1982 passing through Joliet Illinois.

The train is traveling over the tracks of pre 1972 predecessor railroad Gulf, Mobile & Ohio. The Illinois Central and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio merged in October of 1972 to become the Illinois Central Gulf, wich unfortunately was not successful in the long run financially.

A scene out of the 1950's on the Strasburg Railroad. Strasburg Pennsylvania USA. August 1990.

I took this photo on an August 1990 vacation to Strasburg Pennsylvania.

It is amazing what a roll of 35MM ASA 100 speed film and a tourist railroad can do.
This image was photographed at the Strasburg Railroad enginehouse at the end of the day. Between the equipment at the enginehouse and the way these people are dressed, it could easily be 1954 all over again.