Stan's Drive In at the corner of South Archer Avenue and Lock Street in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2008.

A sometimes un noticed local landmark with character in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood on the southside of town, is this little eating establishment known as Stan's Drive In.

looking like an old converted 1920's era gasoline station, Stan's Drive In is an example of some of the small Mom and Pop neighborhood businesses once very common during past decades in Chicago.

Although it was closed for the day when I stopped to take this photo, I wouldn't mind stopping in for a sandwich or snack here if I ever have the opportunity.

Historic photo! The old steam era Soo line freight house at West Roosevelt Road and South Canal Street. Chicago Illinois USA. Circa 1980's.

One old familiar railroad landmark just immediately outside of downtown Chicago Illinois, was the old Soo Line steam era elevated freight house along the west side of South Canal Street at the intersection of West Roosevelt Road.

Located just across Canal Street from the Burlington Northern / Metra commuter coach yard, I recall that this building during the early 1980's, also housed the office of Chicago's 20th Century Railroad Club.

The building was eventually demolished, and today, this is the site of a large outdoor retail strip mall with a Dominick's Finer Foods supermarket store.

Dennis Madia photograph.

Eastbound Conrail freight train at sunset in the Burlington Northern RR Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois USA. June 1983.

I took this pleasant Summer evening photograph along the south edge of the Burlington Northern Railroad's Clyde yard from adjacent Ogden Avenue / Illinois U.S Route #34, in west suburban Cicero Illinois.

With the sun setting in the background, this Conrail freight train is viewed waiting for clearance to proceed eastbound.

The Highlands Metra commuter rail flagstop depot. Hindsdale Illinois USA. Early September 1993.

I took this photo during an early September 1993 Sunday evening visit to the Metra highlands commuter flagstop depot just east of downtown west suburban Hindsdale Illinois.

This former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad small passenger depot, is still serving Monday to Friday rush hour commuters today on the BNSF Railway 3 track Chicago to Aurora "Racetrack" mainline.

Western Pacific bay window caboose #482. From the internet.

This Western Pacific Railroad bay window caboose photo, comes to Eddie's Railfan Page today from My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

Judging by the overall appearance, this WP bay window caboose #482 looks like it could be wearing the "Last" caboose color scheme used by the Western Pacific Railroad immediately prior to the much anticipated 1982 merger and acquisition by the Union Pacific Railroad.

Notice the lack of the unique Western Pacific "Feather River Route" logo, and the addition of plain Union Pacific style script lettering towards the upper car body.

Penn Central Alco RS-3 #5585 at Boston Massachusettes circa late 1960's. From the internet.

This historic photo from the fallen flag United States railroad Penn Central, comes to Eddie's Railfan Page today from My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

The Penn Central Railroad existed from 1968 until the United States Goverment creation of Conrail in 1976. The Penn Central was the creation of the 1968 merger of the New York Central and the Pennyslvania railroad. The New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad joined Penn Central in 1969. The Penn Central declared bankruptcy as early as 1970, and lived on borrowed time and borrowed funds until Conrail was created and took over their operations in 1976.

In the early days of the Penn Central merger, some locomotives wore this unique red and white combination of letters in the PC logo. This photo was taken in the city of Boston Massachusettes at some point possibly during the late 1960's. The Penn Central PC logo was eventually standardized with two white letters.

Historic Photo! Chicago's original Comiskey Park Stadium on West 35th Street circa late 1980's. Dennis Madia photo.

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

Todays opening photo is not one of My own today, but rather of former Chicagoan and fellow railfan buddy Dennis Madia. Dennis came to My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation this past Saturday in Harwood Heights Illinois, and loaned Me some of His photos for My blogsite. Thank You Dennis!

Dennis? How would You like to throw out the "First pitch" today here at Eddie's Railfan Page? Cool!

Being a former Southside Chicagoan Myself, I have always felt a connection to the old Comiskey Park Stadium at West 35th Street and South Shields Avenue in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. This was the original home of The Chicago White Sox American Leaque baseball team, and had a certain unique if not outdated neighborhood charm. I could remember going to a few Chicago White Sox games here in later years Myself. It was a fun place!

Many memorys were made here as well.
The 1959 World Series games -The late Chicago White Sox owner Bill Veck with His many crazy and family fun oriented promotions -WLUP FM 98 Radio personality Steve Dahl and Gary Mieir with their Disco Demolition Night rally and subsequent riot in 1979, The late Michael Jackson and His Brothers performing a series of Jackson's Victory Concerts in 1984, and the late great actor and comedian John Candy on a date with His girlfriend on the field of the soon to be closed Comiskey Park in the 1990 movie "Only the lonely". And of course..."Andy The Clown".

Comiskey Park was eventually considered outdated and inadequete by the Chicago White Sox owners, and was demolished after the 1990 season. It was replaced by a much larger and very commercial looking baseball stadium across the street. It was also originally named Comiskey Park as well during it's first few years or so of operation.

Money unfortunately does talk though, and the cellular telephone company U.S Cellular eventually bought the stadium and naming rights to it. Many local Baseball Fans, area residents and local historians pleaded and begged the people from U.S Cellular to please keep the historic Comiskey Park name alive, but unfortunately did not succeed.

Today the new stadium is now known as U.S Cellular Field.

Comiskey Park was definately Historical Southside Chicago neighborhood magic.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Southbound Canadian Pacific transfer train passing through Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo after work one hazy, humid and slightly overcast Summer afternoon back in June of 2007.

Two trains are shown meeting here at Hawthorne Junction.
The Canadian Pacific freight train has just arrived at the junction, and is slowly rolling along in transit to the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard in south suburban Bedford Park Illinois.

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

Railroads operate 24 / 7 in all kinds of weather rain or shine, and this video presents an everyday example of just that kind of a working environment.

I had just stepped out of My car to photograph a digital railfan video of an approaching Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train enroute to Clearing Yard, when all of a sudden...I got drenched by a very sudden, heavy and torrential rainstorm.
This BRC transfer train is viewed crossing West 67th Street near Chicago's Midway Airport, and is entering the West 68th Street wye interchange and heading east in to the Chicago side of Clearing Yard.

My good friend Anthony C and His lovely Wife Carolyn spotted Me, yelled out My name and waved to Me. It's a small world and You may never know when one of Your good buddys will show up. Even during the darndest / wettest occasions in public.
A happy memory even during inclement weather.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad caboose C-527 on a switching local in 1956. From the internet.

This photo comes to Eddie's Railfan Page today from My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

This is a rare color photograph from 1956, of a working local freight train and crew.
Although a town wasn't mentioned, it looks like the photo could have been taken in the States of Massachusettes, New York, or even Connecticut.

The New Havwen Railroad began using bold and modern color schemes with a new and unique NH logo under the leadership of then New Haven Railroad President Patrick B. Mc Ginnis and His administration during the 1950's era.

Southbound Metra local crossing North Central Avenue in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo one morning back in August of 2007.

The automobile traffic has come to a stand still on North Central Avenue, as there is much morning rush hour commuter train activity on the Metra / ex Milwaukee Road north line to Fox Lake Illinois.

This view is looking north on North Central Avenue, near the intersection of Lehigh Avenue in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood community near Niles and Skokie Illinois.

The Yellow Submarine Drive In Restaurant on South Archer Avenue. (Closed) Chicago Illinois USA. April 2007.

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

Before there were the mega Sub Shop Sandwich fast food chains like Subway and Quizno's, there were once many little Mom and Pop neighborhood establishments like the old roadside Baby Boomer era Yellow Submarine Drive In Restaurant on South Archer Avenue.

The Yellow Submarine, was a classic 1950's and 60's era roadside drive in restaurant with a walk up window. The Yellow Submarine was located on the south side of South Archer Avenue near the intersection of South Oak Park Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood near Midway Airport.

I took this random photo just for the heck of it one morning back in April of 2007. It was a good thing that I did, as this business had closed one year later. The last time I passed the old Yellow Submarine Drive In site, it was abandoned and all of the interior fixtures long removed. It was an empty gutted shell of a building waiting for a new business to hopefully open up there.

Still, The Yellow Submarine had a long run at this location for many years.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Kiddieland Limited passing alongside First Avenue. Melrose Park Illinois USA. June 2009. (Gone.)

I took this photo last year in June, during what turned out to be Kidieland Amusement Park's final season of operation after 81 years at this site.
The Kiddieland Limited gasoline powered replica late 1940's era streamliner passenger train, is viewed heading northbound passing alongside adjacent First Avenue.

It has been announced that TODAY, MONDAY, JUNE 28th, 2010...The Kiddieland Amusement Park site at North and First Avenues in Melrose Park Illinois, will be the start of the long awaited demolition. A Costco store is to be erected here and opened by November of 2010.

Goodbye Kiddieland! R.I.P We miss You!

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra local departing Elmwood Park Illinois. Sunday afternoon, March 14th, 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video while taking a pleasant afternoon walk on Sunday, March 14th, 2010.

A westbound Metra local enroute to the city of Elgin Illinois, is viewed departing from the Elmwood Park, Metra commuter rail station on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Historic Photo! Pennsylvania Railroad 40 foot plug door box car in transit circa 1960's era. From the internet.

I spotted this photo recently on My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

A Pennsylvania Railroad classic 40 foot plug door box car, is seen in transit aboard a manifest freight train somewhere during the 1960's era. A classic photo in black and white indeed.

The Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe / I.N Local at work. Chicago Illinois USA. Circa June 1984.

I recently found this old photo I had taken during My early railfan photography days way back in June of 1984.

I took this photo back when I was still living in My old neighborhood on the near southwest side of Chicago. From Monday thru Friday, the A,T & S,F served the industries on a six mile branchline that passed through Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. This rail line was originally known as The Illinois Northern Railroad. It was partly owned by the International Harvester Corporation, and was a subsidiary of the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

The I.N Branchline Local began it's morning run around 9:45 AM from the A,T & S,F Corwith Yard, and would travel approximately 6 miles northeast to the Burlington Northern interchange at the elevated junction located at South Western and Blue Island Avenues near Chicago's pilsen neighborhood. The local would return to Corwith Yard around 3:20 PM daily. There was also a passing run around siding located on West 26th Street along the tall north walls of Chicago's infamous Cook County Jail complex.

The local with a light engine at the moment, was photographed east of South Kedzie Avenue at approximately West 28th Street in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood.

Fellow railfans meet at Eddie K's Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation. Saturday, June 26th, 2010.

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

Yesterday afternoon, June 26th, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, I hosted My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Sliswahow and Video Presentation at The Eisenhower Public Library in nearby northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

The show was a success, as a a number of people came out to see the show upstairs in the nice air conditioned meeting room. After the show was over ( All too soon of course) I had the opportunity to socialize with some of My fellow railfans in attendence.

A very humorous and unplanned part of the show, was My encounter with a Disfunctional modern sliding push button wall light switch. As soon as I had dimmed or shut off the room lights, they would automaticly come back on again as I was walking away to grab My seat! It was just like something out of one of those old Three Stooges movies. "Oh, A wise guy! Ruff! Ruff!"
Luckily Mike is an Audio Visual Director at Northeastern university, and was able to assist Me with working that crazy light switch with a mind of it's own. Ha Ha Ha!
Mike was just like "Scotty" on the old TV show "Star Trek".
Thanks Mike! You saved the show.

Posing with Me for a group photo after the show are from left to right....
Mike, Gladdy, Myself and Dennis.
Dennis has been sending Me numerous E-Mails and comments for the past few years at Eddie's Railfan Page from His home in Cinncinati Ohio.

Dennis is originally from Chicago, and grew up in the Poratage Park neighborhood on the northside. His family moved to Cinncinati Ohio many years ago when He was Young, but somehow part of His heart remained in Chicago. He was in town visiting Family, and made it a point to visit the show while He was here.

Thank You Dennis and everyone for making The Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation a fun and absolutely wonderful experience. A special thank you to the five people who shared their storys of riding the Chicago streetcars many years ago as well.

Thanks everyone!
Eddie K.

Westbound BNSF Railway double stack container train. Riverside Illinois. Sunday afternoon, April 4th 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video on location at the Riverside Illinois Metra commuter rail station earlier this past Spring.

A westbound BNSF Railway double stack sontainer train is viewed passing through the station on a lovely early Springtime afternoon back in April of 2010.

Westbound Auto Rack train passing through Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. April 1987.

One happy memory I have about railfanning in Chicago during the 1980's, were the many visits I made to Hayford Junction at West 75th Street and South Central Park Avenue in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood.

wether I went there by CTA bus or by My bicycle...Hayford Junction was an enjoyable experience back then. I took this photo from the southside of the crosstracks.
A westbound unit train made up of Auto Rack freight cars is viewed traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks entering in to the nearby BRC Clearing Yard. The train is passing through the north and south Grand Trunk Western Railroad crosstracks.

Back then, I rarely took mid train photos of the cars in transit. I am so glad that I did on this occasion, as I had captured a rare pre 1982 Southern Railroad Auto Rack car in transit.

Penn Central caboose #24526 at Philadelphia Pennsylvania in April of 1974. From the internet.

I spotted this photo recently while surfing the internet.

One familar and favorite railroad color scheme I grew up with during the late 1960's and mid 1970's in Chicago, was the Jade green livery used by the Penn Central Railroad from 1968 until the Goverment creation of Conrail in 1976.

I used to enjoy seeing these cabooses on the rear of transfer freight trains on the southside of Chicago. This photo was taken way back in April of 1974 in the city of Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

Twilight time at the Glenview Amtrak / Metra commuter rail station. Glenview Illinois USA. August 2008.

I took this photo after work obe evening vack in August of 2008.

Another Summer day is coming to an end and night is now settling in on north suburban Glenview Illinois, as the station platform lights have now turned on for the night at the Glenview Illinois Amtrak / Metra commuter rail station.

Bruuuum! Bruuum! Lets go for a ride! Yeah! Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late May, 2010.

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

Once again....The weekend has finally arrived!
With bright sunshine and nice weather whenever You can find it, it is
always a great time to get on that motorcycle ( If You own one.) and Ride!

I spotted this beautiful red motorcycle parked on West Diversey Avenue recently In Elmwood Park Illinois, and thought that mybe this photo I took of it could be used to set the mood for todays Friday posting of Eddie's Railfan Page.

I don't actually own a motorcycle, but I enjoy seeing them as well.

Like singer John Fogerty said on the song Hot Rod Heart..."Ooooh, Lets go riding."

Thanks.
Eddie K.

East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum Philadelphia PA Stratford car # 64 at the west end of the line near the carbarn. East Troy Wisconisn USA. 2006.

I took this photo during a September 2006 visit to The East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum in East Troy Wisconsin.

Seen here on the west end of the line near the carbarn leads, is a former Philadelphia Suburban Transit 1920's era Stratford interurban rapid transit car. These cars were used for many years on what is now the SEPTA Norristown High Speed Line just outside of the city of Philadelphia Pennsylvania.

Modified with a low leval step in one of the vestibules for easy boarding and alighting, car # 64 shown here operated as "The Phantom Lake Flyer" at East Troy for a number of years in recent times.

This car was recently traded to The Electric City Trolley Museum in Scranton Pennsylvania for three former Cleveland Ohio PCC electric streetcars.

Attention all Chicago area railfans! My Chicagoalnd Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation is tommorow from 1:00 to 3:00 PM!

Hi everyone!
Just a community reminder.

Tommorow afternoon, Saturday June 26th 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM....I will be hosting My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Prentation at The Eisenhower Public Library.

The Eisenhower Public Library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

Aside from the many personal railfan photos and videos I will be showing, I will also present as an adde bonus feature...A short musical photo slideshow entitled "Chicago Streetcar Memorys". If You were one of the many people who grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in 1958, then You will enjoy seeing this. Please feel free to share Your happy memorys of growing up in the Windy City back then.

It will be a fun afternoon, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Metra commuter train. Banockburn Illinois USA. Early June, 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video on location recently, in far north suburban Banockburn Illinois.

Viewed from just across Waukegan Road / Illinois U.S Route #43, is a southbound Metra commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois. This train is traveling over the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road north line trackage near Lake Forest and Deerfield Illinois.

Historic Photo! New York Central Railroad Alco model FA-2 cab unit diesel locomotive. Detroit Michigan USA circa mid 1960's. From the internet.

I spotted this historic 1960's era railroad photograph while surfing the internet recently.

The American Locomotive Company of Scenectedy New York also known as Alco, originally built steam locomotives for America's railroads. Alco was also one of the first companys to introduce diesel electric locomotives begining during the 1930's.

After World War Two had ended in 1945, many of North America's railroads were in a hurry to modernize their operating locomotive fleets, and steam locomotives were definately on the way out.

Alco introduced the FA series of freight service cab unit diesels during the mid 1940's. Although successful at first, the FA's eventually were prone to any number of mechanical difficulties. The New York central operated this early replacer of steam locomotives until the merger with the Pennsylvania Railroad in 1968, wich had created the Penn central Railroad. The Penn central didn't want the Alco FA's inherited through merger and retired them pronto.

This locomotive is viewed at a servicing facility in Detroit Michigan during it's final years of service with the New York Central Railroad.

The American Locomotive Company went out of business in 1969.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club layout. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2010.

I took this photo during a May 2010 evening visit to The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Seen here wearing Canadian National Railroad markings, is a recently released Bachman Spectrum Series U.S.R.A 2-10-2 steam freight service locomotive hauling a long freight train. Just like the World War One era Baldwin locomotive Works prototype, this locomotive is nothing short of powerful.

The Metra, Western Avenue ex Milwaukee Road commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2007.

One place I always enjoyed lineside railfanning with My camera in hand, was the Metra Western Avenue station at North Western Avenue and West Hubbard Street near Chicago's Ukranian Village neighborhood.

located approximately 2 miles west of downtown Chicago Illinois, this old brick elevated train station originally served passenger trains from the Milwaukee Road.
Just west of the station, are two Metra coach yard maintenance facilities. The one immediately west of the station is a former Milwaukee Road facility, the other one adjacent to the paralel running Union Pacific ex Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad line, is a former C & N,W facility from when these two former railroad entities competed with each other.

There are no freight trains passing through this area, just 100% Metra commuter trains and M.O.W /Maintenance of Way extras. To the immediate east of the station on top of the Northwestern Avenue underpass viaduct, is an old railroad interlocking tower that is still in service today.

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

It's hard to believe, but I have officially been working as a Paratransit Driver for two and a half years now. It's a great job and I love it.

This photo was taken of Me by one of My fellow paratransit bus drivers back in June of 2008 during My first year of employment as a bus driver.

The smile has not left My face yet, as I have a wonderful crew of fellow bus drivers that I work with, who treat each other like we're one great big family. It was a good decision for Me careerwise. I love being a bus driver.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Positive Connections Chevrolet van school bus. Glenview Illinois USA. Thursday, May 6th, 2010.

I photographed this little Chevrolet van school bus during My morning lunch break on Thursday, May 6th, 2010 in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

This little modeified Chevrolet van style cut away school bus, is an economical way for school bus companys to handle lightly trafficked bus routes, or routes requiring special equipment needed to assist handicapped patrons.

This Chevrolet van school bus for the local Chicago area school bus company known as Positive Connections, is equipped with a wheelchair lift for just such a purpose.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Pace 30 Foot N.A.B.I short transit bus on Dewews Street. Glenview Illinois USA. May 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one lovely Springtime morning last year, in May of 2009.

A short blue Pace 30 foot N.A.B.I transit bus, is viewed making the bus stop at Dewes Street and Harlem Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

Interior view of First Transit Ford paratransit bus #4183. ( Retired /Gone) Glenview Illinois USA. October 2008.

One of the more unique buses at one time on the First Transit / North Cook County Bus Garge fleet, was this old 1990's era little Ford paratransit bus # 4183.

I was only assigned to drive this little bus once during My first year of employment as a paratransit driver.

I photographed this interior view with the unique plush vinyl seats. # 4183 was the only bus on the roster with this feature.

Aside from the fact that the wheelchair Q straint floor mounting brackets were not compatible with the ones on our other buses, this vechicle was used for Ambulatory passengers only. The wheelchair lift was operable though.

Age and mechanical issues eventually caught up to this vechicle, and this photo was taken shortly before retirement. New 2008 Ford paratransit buses were already on order and arriving shortly.

Two CTA 1970's era GMC fishbowl windshield buses waiting at the South Archer Avenue west terminal loop. Chicago Illinois USA. April 1988.

One of My favorite bus photos I had taken during the 1980's, was this one near the Chicago city limits at South Archer and Neva Avenues.

Seen here at the CTA Route # 62 Archer / Harlem Avenue west terminal loop in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood near Midway Airport, are two 1970's era GMC TDH series "New Look" fishbowl windshield 40 foot transit buses.

Long the standard transit bus type utilized by the Chicago Transit Authority, they would be retired by 1996.

Two Pace training buses in a local strip mall parking lot. Bridgeview Illinois USA. August 2002.

I spotted these two Pace bus driver training buses one hot Summer day back in August of 2002.

Seen here in the parking lot of a local large outdoor strip mall on the east side of South Harlem Avenue near West 87th Street, are two suburban Pace buses from the nearby Pace Southwest Garage facility in the town of Bridgeview Illinois.

New bus driver recruit employees, will be performing driver training excercises under road supervisor authorization on this day.

Two CTA buses at the rush hour only terminal loop at West Belmont and North Octavia Avenues. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

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

The evening weekday rush hour has already began on the Chicago Transit Authority's Route #77 Belmont Avenue bus line.

We are looking east at the auxilary, "Rush Hour Only" bus terminal loop at West Belmont and North Octavia Avenues in Chicago's Mont Clare neighborhood. With an open rear engine compartment hood door open and a CTA Supervisor on the scene, one of the two buses is unfortunately experiencing some sort of a mechanical problem.

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

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

Two Chicago Transit Authority GMC model RTS 40 foot transit buses, pass each other at the intersection of West Devon and North Glenwood Avenues in Chicago's Rogers Park neighborhood at twilight.

The streetcar to bus transition era in Chicago reanacted. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. June 2001.

Over the years, I have made many visits to The Illinois Railway Museum located in the town of Union Illinois.

I was fortunate to capture this image during a June 2001 visit to the museum.
On the left We see a preserved Chicago Surface Lines 1941 White gasoline powered transit bus, while on the right is an early 1920's era electric streetcar also from the CSL. The city of Chicago Illinois at one time had the worlds largest electric streetcar network.

Chicago Surface Lines and another company wich eventually became part of todays Chicago Transit Authority known as The Chicago Motor Coach Company, began operating with motor buses during the 1920's. The CSL had a modest but ready fleet, used mostly on outlying or lightly trafficked bus routes.

The CSL began a slow and gradual phasing out program of certain lightly trafficked electric streetcar lines begining during the mid 1940's. By the time that the succesor company Chicago Transit Authority began operations in 1947, there was a big drive on behalf of the company to phase out electric streetcars and upgrade the aging rapid transit elevated and subway lines.

Streetcar route eliminations gained momentum during the 1950's, and the last route the CTA Route # 22 Clark /Wenthworth Avenue line ended Chicago's electric streetcar operations for good on June 21st, 1958.

These two unique preserved and operating artifacts from the Chicago Surface Lines gives one an idea how the early surface transit route conversion era must have looked and felt like in the windy city.

Thanks.
Eddie K

The Neon sign of Falco's Pizzeria in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010.

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

I took this photo last evening around 7:30 PM. A favorite local Chicago area neighborhood eating establishment on the southwest side of the city, is none other than falco's Pizzeria. Falco's Pizzeria is located at the intersection of South Archer and California Avenues in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

Last night, Myself and several friends got together here for some great food and some wonderful conversations. It has been a long time since I had the opportunity to do something fun like this with My buddys. It was a great time.

Eddie and friends enjoying a group pizza outing at Falco's Pizzeria. Chicago Illinois USA. Tuesday, June 22nd, 2010.

Last night, I had the long overdue pleasure of getting together with several friends for a group pizza diner outing at Falco's Pizzeria in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

We had a great time and some wonderful southside Chicago Style Pizza. Falco's Pizzeria is located on the northwest corner by South Archer and California Avenues. this place has been here for more than 25 years, and is still turning out great pizzas today.

Pictured her in the photo from left to right is.....Myself, Jim, Big Ed, Tony, Paul, Pete and Anthony C.

After working many weeks with long working hours, it was great getting caught up on storys with wonderful friends.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Metra coach yard switcher at work. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

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

Looking west from one of the station platforms of the Metra Western Avenue commuter rail station at North Western Avenue and West Hubbard Street, We spot a Metra EMD yard switcher pulling a cut of commuter coaches from the California Avenue maintenance facility alongside Grand Avenue.

Historic photo! Eastbound Western Pacific Railroad California Zephyr passenger train heading eastbound over Altamont Pass. February 1970.

I found this historic photo from pre Amtrak times while surfing the internet recently.

It is February of 1970, and the eastbound Western Pacific Railroad's own deluxe flagship streamliner passenger train known as The California Zephyr is viewed heading through Altamont Pass in northern California.

1970 was the year that this train was eventually discontinued prior to the begining of Amtrak the following year on May 1st, 1971.

The California Zephyr traveled between Chicago Illinois and Oakland California over three railroads from 1949 until 1970.

Amtrak revived the train name and some of the routing in recent years.

Chicago Streetcar Memorys at The Eisenhower Public Library in Harwood Heights Illinois. Saturday, June 26th, 2010 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

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

Just a reminder!
This coming Saturday, June 26th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM. I will be hosting an event entitled "The Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation" at The
Eisenhower Public Library in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois. The library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue.

A special added bonus feature, will be a short musical photo slideshow I put together recently entitled "Chicago Streetcar Memorys". This muscal photo slideshow features many old and historic period photos of Chicago with Chicago Surface Lines and Later Chicago Transit Authority electric streetcars all set to authentic, historic period music from the era to help set the mood.

If You were one of the many people who grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations on June 21st, 1958, then You will enjoy seeing this program and perhaps maybe share a few of Your memorys as well.

Thank You.
Eddie K.

Chicago Blackhawks fever in north suburban Glenview Illinois. June 2010.

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

Well folks....The Chicago Blackhawks NHL Hockey Team finally did it! On Wednsday night, June 9th, 2010 The Chicago Blackhawks won game # 6 of the Stanley Cup Hockey Championship with a 4 to 3 win during overtime against The Philadelphia Flyers.

Local team spirit is running very high throughout the greater Chicagoland area.
The local Bear holding the two lanterns sculpture alongside Lehigh Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois, is now proudly wearing a Chicago Blackhawks Jersey too.
Originally, this sculpture was wearing protective hockey head gear as well a few days before, but a severe thunderstorm hit the greater Chicagoland area, and soon...the red play at home Jersey sufficed.

Go Hawks!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Metra commuter train. Banockburn Illinois USA. Early June 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video a couple of weeks ago during My morning lunch break, in far north suburban Banockburn Illinois.

A fast moving Metra commuter train, is viewed approaching and passing the Illinois U.S Route # 22 Half Day Road railroad crossing. I believe that this train is a scheduled local enroute to the next station stop at nearby Lake Forest Illinois.

This unique roadside image of mainline railroading, was photographed looking west along Waukegan Road. The train is traveling over the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road northline, wich features commuter trains from Chicago to Fox Lake Illinois.
Beside the fact that this is a busy artery route for freight trains, the Amtrak Hiawatha and Empire Builder passenger trains pass through here as well.

Southbound Canadian National freight train arriving at Schiller Park Illinois. Late September 2009.

I took this photo one morning last September, during My morning lunch break.

A southbound Canadian National heavy freight train, slows to a stop just north of the Lawrence Avenue viaduct in near northwest suburban Schiller Park Illinois on a beautiful sunshine day in late September.

Penn Central ex Pennsylvania Railroad EMD E-7 passenger locomotive #4219 At Bay Head Junction New Jersey in 1970. From the internet.

I found this rare and very historic reference photo on the internet.

Contrary to popular belief, not all of the Penn Central Railroad's locomotives were painted in a solid black color scheme. At least not right away after the 1968 merger with the New York Central anyway.

The Penn Central was created from the 1968 merger of the Pennsylvania Railroad, and the New York Central Railroad. The following year in 1969, the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad joined in and became part of the Penn Central as well.
Disasterous financial suffering soon followed, and the Penn Central declared bankruptcy as early as 1970. It was a tough and very low budget existanse for a huge railroad like this.

This former Pennsylvania Railroad EMD E-7 passenger locomotive acquired through the 1968 merger, is viewed still wearing the Pennsylvania Railroad's late 1960's era solid Tuscan Red color scheme, but with a white Penn central logo on the nose at Bay Head Junction New Jersey. This was two years after the merger.

Digital Live Sound Video: The H.O Scale Santa Fe Superchief streamliner passenger train. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers Model Railroad Club.

I photographed this digital live sound video during a recent May 2010 visit to The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

An H.O Scale model of an early 1940's era Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Superchief streamliner passenger train, is viewed operating on the club's layout.
Notice the interior lights inside the coaches.

Historic Photo! New York Central Railroad EMD model SW-1 yard switcher locomotive #580 in Chicago Illinois, circa 1950's. From the internet.

I spotted this rare historic color 1950's era photo from My own hometown recently on the internet.

New York Central Railroad EMD SW-1 yard switcher #580, is viewed running M.U'd with another locomotive. I believe this was photographed near the now demolished site of South union Tower near Chicago Union Station during the early to mid 1950's.

If anyone can identify the exact location, I would really appreciate it.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Good Humor ice cream truck rounding the corner at Grand and 75th Avenues. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late May 2010.

I took this photo while taking a pleasant Springtime afternoon walk recently, on a Sunday afternoon back in late May of 2010.

The Chevrolet stepvan used by a local Good Humor ice cream vendor, is viewed turning south on to 75th Avenue in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois. With plenty of mild temperatures and sunshine, it is a great day to sell ice cream and refreshments as another Summertime will soon be upon us.

Once the ice cream truck turns and heads southbound on 75th Avenue, He will soon turn on the electronic music box to draw attention to His mobile refreshment business.

Block signals at sunset. Franklin Park Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo one quiet Summer evening back in June of 2008.

We are looking east from the Edgington Street railroad crossing at the former Milwaukee Road block signal brdge.

With all red showing against the approaching night time sky, it is a pleasant image to end a beautiful Summer day with in the greater Chicagoland area.

My buddy Anthony C, posing by His recently purchased Hyundai Sonata. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2010.

One of the nicer things about being a railfan, are the many really cool people You meet along the way that share a common interest.

Seen here recently in west suburban Oak Park Illinois, is My railfan buddy Anthony C.
Anthony has always given lots of support and contributions to Eddie's Railfan Page, and it is always a great time just getting together with Him and other friends when the opportunity prevails.

Here is Anthony posing by His recently purchased Hyundai Sonata. This is a really cool car with great performance and many high tech features.

Thanks.
Eddie K

Northbound Grand Trunk Western intermodal train approaching the West 71st Street railroad crossing at Marquette Park. Chicago Illinois USA. May 1987.

I took this photo one lovely Springtime afternoon, way back in May of 1987.

A northbound Grand Trunk Western Railroad intermodal train with Canadian National motive power up front, is viewed quickly approaching the West 71st Street railroad crossing adjacent to Chicago's Marquette Park.

Historic Photo! A former New York Central Railroad wooden steam era caboose. St. Thomas Ontario Canada. January 1970. From the internet.

Wooden railroad cabooses were pretty much outlawed from mainline freight trains by the time of this January 1970 photo taken in St. Thomas Ontario Canada.

Prior to the New York Central Railroad's use of Jade green paint and Cigar band logos begining in the late 1950's The NYC cabooses were actually very plain and wore this brown or dark red oxide color scheme on their cabooses and freight cars.

Although wooden cabooses eventually fell out of favor, some railroads like the Burlington Northern had used them on transfer freight trains and switching locals in to the late 1970's. Some railroads like the Grand Trunk Western used theirs on Maintenance of Way trains toward the end of their service lives.

This weathern beaten New York Central wooden steam era caboose, was proboubly also being used in this matter by 1970. This caboose could have actually been in it's last months of service under the succesor railroad Penn Central prior to retirement or scrapping. It was definately the end of an era.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha arriving in Glenview Illinois. September 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video, at the Glenview Road railroad crossing in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

The northbound Amtrak Hiawatha regional passenger train ( One of several), is viewed arriving at the Glenview Amtrak / Metra commuter rail station on a lovely sunny day.

Historic Photo! Western Pacific Railroad EMD SW-1 # 503. Sacramento California, 1969. From the internet.

I found this photo on the internet recently.

The Western Pacific Railroad was a west coast regional railroad that existed from 1910 until the merger with the Union Pacific Railroad in 1982.

From the late 1940's until the mid 1960's, the Western Pacific diesel locomotives wore this unique and very eye catching silver and orange paint scheme honoring their flagship streamliner passenger train known as The California Zephyr.

Although this was a very striking and colorful paint scheme when introduced, it eventually proved itself to be impractical in the long run, as it was difficult and expensive to maintain. The constant exposure to the elements, mainly the blistering hot California sunshine, was very prone to fading and extreme weathering. By the year of 1966, the Western Pacific began experimenting with solid orange and solid orange and black "Dip Job" paint schemes to cut back on some of the maintenance costs. By the early 1970's, the Western Pacific settled on a dark green and orange paint scheme.

This photo of Western Pacific EMD SW-1 yard switcher # 503 taken way back in the year of 1969, shows the effects what the constant weather extremes can do to an eleborate paint job after awhile.

Night time at the Metra Galewood commuter flagstop depot. Chicago Illinois USA. December 2009.

I took this photo after work one cold Winter evening last year, in December of 2009.

Although December in the city of Chicago Illinois is almost always full of overcast days and there is the ever shorter daytime with early darkness many Chicagoans despise, on the bright side...there are many opportunities to photograph night time railfan subjects.

It was very cold and windy when I took this photograph with no train activity in sight. Still, the Metra Galewood commuter flagstop depot made for a nice nocturnal photo subject nonetheless.

Coming Soon! My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation! Saturday, June 26th 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

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

Just a reminder....next week Saturday, June 26th, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, I
will be hosting My Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation at
The Eisenhower Public Library.

The Eisenhower Public Library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

It will be a fun afternoon, and We hope to see You there.

All A-booooaaard!

Westbound BNSF Railway freight train. Riverside Illinois USA. July 2007.

I took this photo one hot, hazy and very humid hot summer day back in July of 2007.

A westbound BNSF Railway freight train is seen approaching the Riverside Illinois Metra commuter rail station in Chicago's western suburbs.

Penn Central ex New Haven Railroad EMD FL -9. Harmon New York circa mid 1970's. From the internet.

I found this photo recently while surfing the internet.

EMD introduced the unique dual mode EMD model FL-9 cab unit diesel electric cab unit locomotives in the year of 1959. Only the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad purchased these. They could operate as a conventional diesel electric powered locomotive, or as a "Straight Electric" utilizing third rail shoes for entering in to New Yorks City's Grand Central Station.

In later years, the post 1968 succesor railroad Penn Central had painter their EMD FL-9's in to this unique color scheme for commuter train use.

The EMD FL-9 was a good hard working quality built machine that more than outlived their normal working service lives mechanicaly. Several worked their last years for the Connecticut Department of Transportation, and off all things, repainted in to their original New Haven Railroad late 1950's era Mc Ginnis color scheme name after New Haven Railroad President Patrick B. Mc Ginnis.

The Connecticut Department of Transportation, as well as Amtrak retired these unique early dual mode locomotives within the last ten years. Some have even made it in to museum preservation as well.

The EMD FL-9 was definately an early Hybrid model.

A former Penn Central EMD SW-1 switcher and N5 class caboose at Washington DC not long after the creation of Conrail. August 1976. From the internet.

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

Although I mostly post photos and videos from My own personal collection here, I occasionally enjoy the opportunity to surf the internet to find historic or even unique material to keep things fresh.

The railroad Conrail, offially known as Cosolidated Rail Corp, was created by the United States Govorment under then U.S President Gerald Ford in April of 1976, to bail out and keep operating six important and very bankrupt northeastern United States railroads. The Penn Central was so broke financially, that it proboubly topped the list at the time.

It is August of 1976, and a now Conrail EMD SW-1 and class N-5 caboose, are viewed at work in Washington DC during America's BiCentenial year.

New York Central cigar band logo. Used from 1959 until the Penn Central merger in 1968. From the internet.

One of My all time personal favorite railroad logos I recall seeing around the city of Chicago Illinois growing up during the 1960's and 70's era, was the New York Central Railroad's own "Cigar Band" logo.

This was the NYC's last corporate logo, and was in use from 1959 until 1968 when the New York Central and the Pennsylvania Railroad merged to become the Penn Central.
The New York, New Haven & Hartford joined the merger with Penn Central in 1969.

Unfortunately...things were so bad financially back then, that the Penn Central filed bankruptcy as early as 1970. The Penn Central became Conrail in April of 1976.
Several ex New York Central freight cars rolled around on the railroad mainlines with the cigar band logo many years after the fact as well.