Chicago Fire Department Ford C Cab pumper truck. Chicago Illinois USA.June 1984.

Chicago Fire Department Ford C Cab pumper truck. Chicago Illinois USA. June 1984., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photo on a hot Summer afternoon, way back in June of 1984.

Chicago Fire Department Ford C Cab pumper truck # 65, is viewed driving slowly westbound, on West 48th Street about one block west of South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

These firefighters were not responding to an emergency call, but rather either returning to the local fire station, or performing inspections on local neighborhood fire hydrants.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Guys night out!

Guys night out!, a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This past Tuesday night, Myself and some buddies from the southwest side of Chicago got together for dinner, at Danny's Pizza in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood.

We had a great time, excelent food, and believe Me...this outing was "Long Overdue".

I hope that We have the opportunity to do this again sometime soon.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Playland Park. (Gone) Justice Illinois USA.

Playland Park. (Gone) Justice Illinois USA., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This photo was ent to Me recently, by Mr. Robert Pitunjac of the Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago.

One of My all time favorite amusement parks that once existed in the greater Chicagoland area, was Playland Park in southwest suburban Justice Illinois. I went there with My family a handful of times during the 1970's. before the park had closed in 1979.

One of My favorite rides in the park, was "The Mad Mouse Roller Coaster" shown here in this vintage black and white photo.

The Mad Mouse Roller Coaster, was a unique one car roller coaster rail ride, with very sharp overhanging curves, and lots of sudden dips and short climbs.

The Mad Mouse Roller Coaster, was located in the northwest corner of Playland Park.

During the park's last year or so in business, the mad mouse was taken out of service, more than likely pending an accident investigation at the park.

Eastbound Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe transfer train. ChicagoIllinois. September 1988.

Eastbound Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe transfer train. Chicago Illinois. September 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in September of 1988.

An eastbound Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad transfer train, passes the South Austin Avenue railroad crossing at West 60th Street in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood.

The train is traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago trackage near Midway Airport. The former A,T & S,F was still using cabooses on some transfer freight trains yet back in 1988.

CTA departing Wilmette Illinois. Feb 2010.

I photographed this Wintertime digital live sound video one morning during My lunch break, in north suburban Wilmette Illinois USA.

It is a bitterly cold Winter morning in February of 2010.

We are looking west on Maple Avenue, as a southbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line train enroute to downtown Chicago Illinois via Evanston, departs from the Linden Avenue terminal and yard.

Interior of preserved Illinois Terminal lightweight center entrance interurban car # 101 built by the American Car Company in 1917.. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Friday, July 3rd, 2009.

Interior of preserved Illinois Terminal lightweight center entrance interurban car # 101 built by the American Car Company in 1917.. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Friday, July 3rd, 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a July 2009 visit to The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois USA. www.irm.org

While many of the museum's visiting patrons are satisfied taking exterior photos of the preserved vintage rail equipment, I enjoy taking interior photos as well.

This photo was taken inside Illinois Terminal Railroad lightweight center entrance interurban car # 101. This photo gives todays Young railfans, an idea of what the passengers would see on their Illinois Terminal interurban train rides in southern and southwestern Illinois many years ago.

Westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train passing underneath the Congress Park overhead block signal bridge at the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing. Brookfield Illinois. December 2006.

Westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train passing underneath the Congress Park overhead block signal bridge at the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing. Brookfield Illinois. December 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

With bright sunshine and unseasonabally mild outdoor temperatures in the low 50's, who could ask for a nicer morning to do some late year railfanning?

We are looking west from the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing in west suburban Brookfield Illinois.

An empty westbound BNSF Railway unit coal train, is viewed departing the greater Chicagoland area, and heading back to the coal strip mines in the State of Wyoming.

Grand Trunk Western Railroad M.O.W Burro crane at the abandoned Elsdon Yard site. Chicago Illinois. September 1987.

Grand Trunk Western Railroad M.O.W Burro crane at the abandoned Elsdon Yard site. Chicago Illinois. September 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in September of 1987.

Time has finally run out for what ever was left of the operations, at the abandoned Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard on West 51st Street in Chicago Illinois USA.

This little remnant of the yard along the north side of West 51st Street one block east of South Lawndale Avenue, was last being used by the GTW as a makeshift locomotive and crew terminal after the closing of Elsdon Yard in October of 1983.

The little yard office building in the background to the left, is now boarded up. This portion of the Elsdon Yard operations, closed for good in September of 1986.

With the M.O.W Department's Burro crane in the ready, track removal will soon be under way at the once busy GTW Elsdon Yard.

This area today, is slowly being redeveloped for other residential and commercial real estate use, in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

Danny's Pizza on South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood. Tuesday, September 27th, 2011.

Danny's Pizza on South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood. Tuesday, September 27th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

Man! there is nothing quiete as tasty in the Windy City, as good southside Chicago Style Pizza. Mmmmm!

I took this photo this past Tuesday night, at Danny's Pizza in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood.

My friends and I, enjoyed a nice pizza outing get together here.

Danny's Pizza, is located at 6021 South Archer Avenue, on the southwest corner of South Archer and Menard Avenues near Midway Airport.

Fellow Chicago historians meet. Tuesday, September 27th, 2011.

Fellow Chicago historians meet. Tuesday, September 27th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This past Tuesday, Myself and some friends went out for pizza at Danny's Pizza on South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood.

After working an exhausting long day driving a paratransit bus in Chicago's northern Cook County suburbs, and then driving a good 30 miles or so to the southwest side of Chicago, I had the distinct honor and privlidge of meeting Mr. Robert Pitunjac from the Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago.

Robert had discovered Eddie's Railfan Page on the internet quiete some time ago, and began to corrospond with Me via E Mail back in August of this year.

Robert and Myself have many things in common regarding our great admiration of local Chicago history, and We have been learniing a lot about the southwest side of Chicago, wich is a geographic area of the city from wich We came from.

Robert has sent Me many nice historic old photos of the southwest side of Chicago recently, wich were posted in Eddie's Railfan Page.

The photos of Chicago's long gone Playland Park in Justice Illinois, were greatly appreciated as well.

The Clear Ridge Historical Society, wich focuses primarilly on the Clearing and Garfield Ridge neighborhoods of Chicago surrounding Midway Airport, is based out of the nearby Clearing Branch of The Chicago Public Library.

Thanks Robert.
It's an honor and privlidge meeting You.

Eddie K.

Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA.

Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This historic photo of Chicago's long gone Playland Park amusement park in southwest suburban Justice Illinois USA, was sent to Me recently by Mr. Robert Pitunjac from The Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago.

Playland Park is believed to have opened during the 1950's, and closed for good at the end of the 1979 season, due to the sudden and untimely death of the park's owner.

My family actually took Me here a handful of times during the 1970's, but unfortunately...did not have any photos of the place until now.

The Archery Range was located with other carnival style game stands, along the south midway near the southeast end of the amusement park.

Thanks Robert.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound CTA Purple line train crossing Isabella Street just before sunset. Wilmette Illinois. Wednsday, August 4th, 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound CTA Purple line train crossing Isabella Street just before sunset. Wilmette Illinois. Wednsday, August 4th, 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video one evening just before sunset, in north suburban Wilmette Illinois USA.

The local Mosquitos unfortunately were trying to put the bite on Me at this location at the Chicago Transit Authority's Isabella Street railroad crossing on the CTA purple line.

Two young bicyclist, wait for a northbound CTA purple train enroute to the nearby Linden Avenue terminal to pass by.

I found this photo at My Link page "Dave's Electric Railroads", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.davesrailpix.com

For many people who grew up in Chicago's western suburbs prior to April of 1948, a great way to travel around the surrounding towns and to the Chicago city limits, was by the electric streetcars of the Chicago & West Towns Electric Railway.

This photo taken proboubly in the early 1940's, shows an eastbound streetcar from the Chicago & West Towns crossing the Des Plaines River on Lake Street, just east of First Avenue near Maywood Illinois.

The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston IN. Sept 2010.

I photographed this "End of the day" digital live sound video last September, at the Hesston Steam Museum in northwest Indiana near Michigan City.

It is approximately 5:15 PM, and the Hesston Steam Museum is now preparing to close for the night. The days operating session has come to an end, as the 2 foot narrow guage steam train is being backed up to the carbarn.

The locomotive is a meter guage ( U.S 2 foot track guage) 0 -8- 0 industrial steam locomotive originally from Germany. The open coaches, are originally from Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. These operated on the zoo's Brookfield, Salt Creek And Western Railroad from 1967 until 1985.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. September 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. September 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo last week, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A freight train being pulled by My second hand Athearn U.S.R.A ( United States Railway Administration.) light 2-8-2 steam locomotive, is ordered to stop as their is another train stopped immediately ahead of mine.

I witnessed simular railroad traffic jams about a mile south of Cragin Junction, on the Belt Railway of Chicago around 2006.

During rush hour commuting periods on the Canadian Pacific owned former Milwaukee Road west line, northbound transfer freight trains traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago had to wait for clearance to interchange on to the former Milwaukee Road at Cragin Junction.

Sometimes it was almost a daily site seeing two or three transfer trains waiting, parked just a mere 15 to 20 feet from each other until further notice from the railroad dispatcher via radio.

Metra heavy track maintenance work. Glenview Illinois. Monday, May 10th 2010.

Metra heavy track maintenance work. Glenview Illinois. Monday, May 10th 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in May of 2010.

There was much track maintenance activity going on along the former Milwaukee Road northline to Fox Lake Illinois.

This Metra track geometry inspection machine, was photographed looking west from Johns Drive, in north suburban Glenview Illinois USA.

Jasmine taking a look outside in the bright morning sunshine. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. September 2011.

Jasmine taking a look outside in the bright morning sunshine. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. September 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photo recently, on a bright and sunny morning in early September of 2011.

My Wife Cheryl and I, own a lovely Chihauhau dog named Jasmine.

Jasmine has just woke up from a long and well deserved overnight sleep, and is now taking a look outside of our back door in to the rising morning sunlight.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA.

Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A happy if now somewhat vague memory for people who grew up on the southwest side of Chicago or Chicago's southwest suburbs during the 1950's, 60's and 70's, were family outings to the Playland Park amusement park in southwest suburban Justice Illinois.

This photo was sent to Me recently, by a Mr. Robert Pitunjac from the Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago. ( Clearing, Garfiled Ridge neighborhoods.)
Thanks Robert.

This photo was proboubly taken sometime during the late 1960's or early 1970's era. The blooming trees in the background, indicate that this was proboubly taken in early May around the time the park opened for the season during the Springtime.

I went to Playland Park a handful of times during the 1970's with My family as a kid and as a teenager, but unfortunately...they somehow never took the camera with them.

I seem to recall, that the Scrambler ride shown here, was located along the south Midway, toward the west end of the park. The highway bridge in the background, is the Interstate 294 Tollway. Playland Park was located on a frontage road along the north side of the 294 Tollway, just west of South Archer Road / Illinois U.S Route # 171, in the village of Justice Illinois.

Playland Park closed at the end of the 1979 season, after the sudden and untimely death of the park's owner.

The Playland Park site was sold to the adjacent trailer park, and today is the site of the large Sterling Estates trailer park.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Coming soon to the Franklin Park Public Library! "Riding The CTA RapidTransit During The 1950's And 60's!" Saturday, November 5th! Hosted byEddie K, From the popular internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page!"http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

CTA 6000 series rapid transit car fantrip. Chicago Illinois. April 1986., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Franklin Park Public Library, located at 10311 West Grand Avenue in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian and railfan photographer Eddie K from the popular Chicago based internet transportation site "Eddie's Railfan Page" http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com to the library on Saturday, November 5th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

Eddie will be hosting a local railfan photo slideshow at the library, featuring a theme about riding the Chicago Transit Authority's elevated and subway rapid transit lines, during the 1950's and 60's in Chicago.

A special DVD video entitled "The CTA El and other electrics" will be shown, wich features several local Chicago area silent railfan home movies photographed on various CTA rapid transit lines during the 1950's and 60's era.

Do You remember the long gone Garfield Park elevated line on the west side of Chicago? How about the old Ravenswood elevated line?

This video also features footage of the electric powered interurban trains of the long gone Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee and the Chicago, Aurora And Elgin Railroads, wich shared the CTA elevated right of way to and from downtown Chicago Illinois.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K./p>

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra commuter train passing over the Canadian National crosstracks. Franklin Park Illinois. June 2008.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra commuter train passing over the Canadian National crosstracks. Franklin Park Illinois. June 2008. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

The Kiddieland Limited waiting in the station. Kiddieland Amusemet Park. Melrose Park Illinois. July 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a July 2008 visit to Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park, in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois.

It is getting near the end of another Summer evening session at this once popular family owned amusement park, as an operating crew member of the Miniature Railroad ride, waits for a few passengers to board.

After 81 years in business, Kiddieland was closed for good in September of 2009.

Today, this is the site of a large Costco wholesale warehouse club store.

The Oak Park IL Society of Model Engineers.

I photographed this digital live sound video, during a recent Wednsday night operating session at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A short early 1950's era Milwaukee Road streamlined passenger train owned and operated by fellow club member Jason, passes by a field in the background.

This train, is a DCC Sound equipped model by Broadway Limited Imports.

Eastbound CTA Orange line train approaching South Lawndale Avenue. Chicago Illinois. Late January , 2007.

Eastbound CTA Orange line train approaching South Lawndale Avenue. Chicago Illinois. Late January , 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a dry but bitterly cold Winter morning, back in January of 2007.

An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority orange line rapid transit train, has just departed from the nearby Pulaski Road station. The train is approaching the South Lawndale Avenue underpass bridge near West 50th Street on it's journey to downtown Chicago Illinois USA.

The tall pole mounted ariel floodlights in the background behind the rapid transit embankment, are from the Curie High School athletic filed.

Westbound Burlington Northern Railroad unit coal train. Hindsdale Illinois USA. October 1989.

Westbound Burlington Northern Railroad unit coal train. Hindsdale Illinois USA. October 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, way back in October of 1989.

During the 1980's, I spent quiete a bit of time occasionally railfanning the former Burlington Northern Railroad in Chicago's western suburbs.

Their three track Chicago to Aurora Illinois commuter mainline known unofficially as "The Racetrack", always seemed to be very busy at any given time.

An empty westbound unit coal train, is viewed on a lovely Autum day in October of 1989, passing through west suburban Hindsdale Illinois.

After the 1995 merger of the Burlington Northern Railroad with the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe, this line became todays BNSF Railway.

A preserved Chicago Transit Authority 4000 series rapid transit car. The Illinois Railway Museum. Friday, July 3rd 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

On Saturday, November 5th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, I will be hosting a local railfan photo slideshow at the Franklin Park Public Library. The library is located at 10311 West Grand Avenue, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

The theme of My presentation, will focus on "Riding the CTA rapid transit during the 1950's and 60's in Chicago."

As part of the presentation, I will be showing a DVD video entitled, "The CTA el and other electrics", wich features several local Chicago area silent railfan home movies of the various Chicago Transit Authority elevated and subway rapid transit lines, photographed in color during the 1950's and 60's era.

Also seen, are runbys from the Chicago, Aurora And Elgin, and the Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee electric interurban trains, that also shared the CTA elevated right of way to and from downtown Chicago Illinois.

Do You remember...the long gone Garfield Park Elevated on the west side of Chicago?
How aboutthe Lake Street Elevated line at grade leval with crossing gates, in west suburban Oak Park Illinois?

Admissionis free.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

Be sure to come out to the Lyons Public Library on Saturday, October 8th 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, as I will be hosting a local railfan photo slideshow there.
The Lyons Public Library, is located at 4209 Joliet Avenue, in west suburban Lyons Illinois.

Due to many requests from people who have attended My presentations recently, I will be showing My homemade musical photo slideshow I put together entitled
"When Chicago Rode The Streetcars!"

If You were one of the many people who grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois USA prior to the end of Chicago Transit Authority electric streetcar operations in 1958, or perhaps know someone like a family member or friend who did....then You won't wan't to miss this presentation of Chicago's transit history.

Admission is free.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound BNSF Railway intermodal train at twilight.. July 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one Summer evening at dusk, back in July of 2008.

An eastbound BNSF Railway intermodal train, passes through the Brookfield Metra commuter rail station at Prairie Avenue, in west suburban Brookfield Illinois.

The Grand Trunk Western Elsdon Yard locomotive terminal. Chicago Illinois. 1977.

The Grand Trunk Western Elsdon Yard locomotive terminal. Chicago Illinois. 1977., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this classic 1970's era Chicago railroad photo from the Grand Trunk Western Railroad at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

This photo was taken at the Grand Trunk Western Railroad's long gone Elsdon Yard locomotive terminal at approximately West 49th Street just west of South Kedzie Avenue, in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

This wonderful and quaint old steam era train yard and 1914 built roundhouse, are all too familiar to Me. I attended nearby Curie High School from 1977 to 1981, and could recall hanging out here many times either after school, or in the morning if I arrived to school too early occasionally.

This facility was closed by the GTW in October of 1983, and the prperty is slowly being redeveloped for commercial and residential uses today.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video last year, at the Chicago Botanic Garden in north suburban Glencoe Illinois.

A popular exhibit that My Wife and I both enjoyed at the Chicago Botanic Garden, is the outdoor G Scale model railroad.

Here there are several layouts that pass through lovely outdoor garden settings.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2011.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, during a recent visit to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo.

If Your feet are tired from all of the walking at the Brookfield Zoo, a great way to relax and see all four corners of the zoo, is by these motor safari trams.

A westbound CSX Transportation Company freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Saturday, April 2nd, 2011.

A westbound CSX Transportation Company freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Saturday, April 2nd, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo this past Spring, at the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station.

A westbound CSX Transportation Company freight train, is viewed passing through the station on a pleasantly sunny Saturday afternoon back in April of 2011

The Marquette Movie Theatre building on West 63rd Street at South Kedzie Avenue. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. March 1986.

The Marquette Movie Theatre building on West 63rd Street at South Kedzie Avenue. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. March 1986., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

I took this now historic photo from the southwest side of Chicago, way back in March of 1986.

Time is running out for the Marquette Movie Theatre building on West 63rd Street and South Kedzie Avenue, in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood.

The glory days had ended in recent years for this classic neighborhood movie theatre building with many local neighborhood business tenants, with their stores and upstairs offices.

With the arrival of neighborhood video rental stores, a lack of adequete parking, and fewer people attending movie showings at the theatres during the 1980's, the Marquette Theatre indeed fell on hard times.

In later years, the building would become poorly maintained, pidgeons would roost on the upper ledges of the building, and rodent infestations would occur as well.

At the time of this photo in March of 1986, the eventual demolition of this building was made clear, and the various local business tenenats would recieve their eviction notices.

The Marquette Movie Theatre building, was demolished the following year in August of 1987.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

W B BNSF Railway winter night train. La Grange IL. Dec 2009.

I photographed this night time digital live sound video at the La Grange Road Metra / Amtrak commuter rail station in west suburban La Grange Illinois USA.

It's a bitterly cold night with single digit outdoor temperatures in December of 2009.

A westbound BNSF Railway piggyback train, roars throuth the station on this cold Winter night.

I found this classic early 1900's era photo from the Union Pacific Railroad at My Link page Yesteryear Depot.com, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.yesteryeardepot.com

Early American railroad locomotives from the 1800's, were good machines all in all, but soon found themselves inadequete for the job, as freight and passenger trains were rapidly becoming longer and heavier.

Many times over, these now antiquidated machines from America's Victorian era, would be reassigned to branchline dutties with shorter and lighter trains or bridge weight restrictions, or even be demoted to the railroad's own maintenance of way department, and used in support operations.

Unon Pacific 4-4-0 steam locomotive #712 wich is typical of American locomotives with small proportions from the 1870's and 1880's era, is viewed plowing snow at Ellisworth Kansas way back in March of 1915.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train. Saturday, August 1st, 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video, during a very rainy date of Saturday, August 1st, 2009, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois USA.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train with former Soo Line motive power, is viewed leaving town with a large cut of cars in tow.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. August 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Big changes are coming to the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club layout in the near future.

The single track long bridge span representing a crossing of the Missisippi River in the background, will soon be replaced by this double track drawbridge in the foreground, wich will sit on an angle.

The rear area is to be scenicked with river banks, trees and other details.

The manualally operated crossing gate operators tower on West 51st Street, at the GTW Elsdon Yard. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983.

The manualally operated crossing gate operators tower on West 51st Street, at the GTW Elsdon Yard. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, way back in October of 1983.

Time had finally ran out for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad's own steam era Elsdon Yard on West 51st Street in Chicago, when I took this photo on what turned out to be...the final week of operation prior to abandonement.

For many years, this wooden tower on the north side of West 51st Street about one block east of South Lawndale Avenue, manually controlled the crossing gate signals at this busy 14 track yard facility on the southwest side of Chicago.

One week after I had taken this photo, this tower was demolished on site. If You look carefully, You can see the tower's operator watching Me from the shadows inside.

Northbound Canadian Pacific Railroad transfer train. Chicago Illinois. September 2006.

Northbound Canadian Pacific Railroad transfer train. Chicago Illinois. September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, back in September of 2006.

A northbound Canadian Pacific transfer train, is viewed on top of the Belt Railway of Chicago elevated embankment right of way north of Lake Street on the west side of Chicago Illinois.

I found this early 1950's era late steam era photograph from the former Illinois Central Railroad at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, locayed to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

I grew up just a mile north of the Illinois Central Railroad's own Iowa, Division Mainline, and their former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad mainline just south of the adjacent Chicago sanitary and Ship Canal.

The Illinois Central was one of My favorite Chicago railroads for many reasons. One of them being, is that they operated the last of their steam locomotives until 1960, and actually preserved a handful of them as well for display.

I was born in 1962, and had missed Chicago's steam era railroading altogether as a kid. I did however see both old and new diesels working side by side in different color schemes on the Illinois Central.

I am a lofelong fan of the Illinois Central, the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio, and the Illinois Central Gulf railroads.

3 Canadian Pacific engines running light. Chicago IL.

I photographed this digiyal live sound video, during a recent hot Summertime Saturday afternoon in July of 2011.

Three Canadian Pacific railroad EMD roadswitchers in three flavors of paint schemes, are seen at the North Sayre Avenue railroad crossing in Chicago's Mont Clare neighborhood.
The units are heading light westbound, and approaching the Metra Mont Clare comuter rail station at the Chicago city limits, just a few blocks east of near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. Early April 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. Early April 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

One of My all time personal favorites mongst the many Chicago railroads I grew up with, was the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe.

I lived about a mile and 1/2 north of their Corwith Yard facility on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's, 70's and throughout the 1980's.

Seen here is My simulated pre 1970 Santa Fe freight train operating on the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers club layout.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Bedtime for Jasmine.

Bedtime for Jasmine., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently.

All living creatures experience fatigue sooner or later.

Our little Chihauhau dog Jasmine, shows the effects of having a very long day. Now it is time for a long overdue overnight sleep session for Our little friend.

A "New" City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Autocar garbage truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Early August 2011.

A "New" City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Autocar garbage truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Early August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo while driving northbound on Harlem Avenue, on My way back to work after My lunch break.

The City of Chicago Department of Streets ands Sanitation, has been adding many "New" Autocar garbage trucks to it's fleet in the past two years.

This very shiny and brand new example, was photographed at the intersection of North Harlem and West Foster Avenues on the northwest side of Chicago.

Coming soon to the Franklin Park Public Library! "Riding the CTA rapid transit during the 1950's and 60's"! Saturday, November 5th 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from "Eddie's Railfan Page"! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Interior view of a CTA 6000 series rapid transit car., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

On Saturday, November 5th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM...I will be hosting a local railfan photo slideshow, at the Franklin Park Public Library. The library is located at 10311 West Grand Avenue, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois USA. Admission is free.

The theme of My presentation, wil be about riding the Chicago Transit Authority's rapid transit lines in Chicago, during the 1950's and 60's era.

I will be showing an historic DVD video entitled "The CTA EL And Other Electrics", wich features several color silent local Chicago area railfan home movies, taken during this period.

Do You remember...the CTA Lake Street Elevated line at ground leval with crossing gates, in west suburban Oak Park Illinois? How about the original CTA Skokie Swift, featuring cars with "Pan Trolleys" in Skokie? Or how about...the long gone Garfield Park Elevated Line on Chicago's west side?

Aside from the outstanding and historic film footage of these lines...there are also scenes of the Chicago, Aurora And Elgin RR as well as the Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee, wich shared the CTA elevated lines entering and departing downtown Chicago Illinois.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to se You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Milwaukee Road Baldwin S-12 switcher in St Paul Minnesota. 1968.

Milwaukee Road Baldwin S-12 switcher in St Paul Minnesota. 1968., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I spotted this historic photo from the Milwaukee Road recently, at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org
(It's a really wonderful historic railfan photo website!)

The Milwaukee Road, was one of many North American railroads that were in a big hurry to retire and scrap their fleet of steam locomotives, and replace them with diesels after World War 2 had ended in 1945.

This diesel electric yard switcher locomotive from the long defunct Baldwin Locomotive Works, is viewed working in a freight yard at St.Paul Minnesota in 1968.

Southbound Metra departing the Lake Cook Road station. March 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one afternoon, back in late March of 2010.

A southbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train, is viewed departing from the Lake Cook Road commuter rail station, in north suburban Deerfield Illinois USA.

This train is enroute to Chicago Union Station, from far north suburban Fox Lake Illinois.

A Metra, Caterpillar heavy duty front end loader. Glenview Illinois USA. September 2011.

A Metra, Caterpillar heavy duty front end loader. Glenview Illinois USA. September 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently in north suburban Glenview Illinois USA.

Parked along the east side of Lehigh Avenue near the recent site of railroad crossing repairs at Chestnut Avenue, is this Caterpillar heavy duty front end loader machine, that is either owned or leased by Chicago's Metra commuter rail agency.

This machine, serves the maintenance of way department at Metra quete well.

Old neon sign from the former Chicago, Aurora & Elgin interurban railroad.

Old neon sign from the former Chicago, Aurora & Elgin interurban railroad., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, during an August 2006 visit to The Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois USA. www.irm.org

In case You didn't know it...aside from the large collection of steam locomotives, early diesels, electric streetcars and vintage buses...the museum also has a fine collection of classic North American neon signs from the historic past.

This example from the long defunct Chicago, Aurora And Elgin electric interurban railroad, has been lovingly restored.

Conrail switching local. Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983.

Conrail switching local. Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this now historic southwest side Chicago photo,back in October of 1983.

Time was running out for the light railed spur sidings , in the industrial district along West 48th Place just west of South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

I was in the right place at the right time, when the Conrail switching local arrived to serve the factory spur sidings with rail shipments and empty cars alike.

In a few years, this light railed industrial branchline with very sharp curves, would be abandoned and the rails removed.

This view was taken facing northwest, from the north embankment of the already empty and soon abandoned Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard.

The very lovely and scenic Beckwith Road. Morton Grove Illinois USA. August 2011.

The very lovely and scenic Beckwith Road. Morton Grove Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photo recently, back in August of 2011.

One of My favorite roads I enjoy traveling on almost daily in the greater Chicagoland area, is Beckwith Road in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois. With many trees lining both sides of the road, this very scenic roadway reminds Me of South Archer Road / Illinois U.S Route # 171 in southwest suburban Willow Springs Illinois, when I used to live on the southwest side of Chicago many years ago.

Just like Route # 171 way further south, Beckwith Road is lovely at any time of the year, and is a real pleasure to drive.

NB CTA purple line train. Evanston IL. Aug 2011

I photographed this digital live sound video recently one morning, back in August of 2011.

A northbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line train enroute to north suburban Wilmette Illinois from downtown Chicago, is viewed arriving at the Dempster Street station in north suburban Evanston Illinois.

Coming soon to the Lyons Public Library! "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars!" Saturday, October 8th, 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from Eddie's Railfan Page! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Recreating Chicago's electric streetcar era. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. 1995., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Lyons Public Library located at 4209 Joliet Avenue in west suburban Lyons Illinois, welcomes local Chicago transportation historian Eddie K from the internet site Eddie's Railfan Page to the library on Saturday, October 8th, 2011.

Due to many requests from several people who have attended Eddie's presentations in the recent past...Eddie K will be showing His own unique homemade musical photo slideshow feature entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars"!

If You or someone You know had grown up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in 1958, then You won't wan't to miss this historic and nostalgic presentation of Chicago's transit history.

The many old photos taken during Chicago's electric streetcar era, are set to authentic historic period music ranging from Ragtime Piano, Dixieland Jazz, and 1940's era Big Band Standards.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2011.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a recent September 2011 visit to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo, located in west suburban Brookfoeld Illinois.

While many people enjoy taking photos of the wild animals at the zoo, I also enjoy taking photos of the in house utility vechicles from the zoo's own maintenance department.

Seen here, is one of the Brookfield Zoo's own little Ford utility dump trucks.

These vechicles and the dedicated crews who operate them, help keep the grounds and infrastructure of Chicago's Brookfield Zoo in tip top shape for the visiting public.

A special thanks to the many employees of Chicago's Brookfield Zoo for a job very well done.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Morning sunshine on the potted rear porch plants.

Morning sunshine on the potted rear porch plants., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently one morning on the rear porch.

Basking in the radient sunshine of a lovely early September morning, is one of My Mother in law's many outdoor potted flower plants.

A Chicago Surface Lines Company electric streetcar on the West 63rd Street line at South Cicero Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. Circa 1916.

A Chicago Surface Lines Company electric streetcar on the West 63rd Street line at South Cicero Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. Circa 1916., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This very rare and historic southwest side Chicago photograph from 1916, was sent to Me recently by Mr. Robert Pitunjac from the Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago. (Clearing, Garfield Ridge neighborhoods from southwest side of Chicago Illinois.)

Judging by the way these pedestrians are dressed, this could have been taken during the late Winter, very early Springtime, or even in late Autum.

Chicago quickly had become a "Boom Town City" during the 1800's, and was still in the process of expanding during the early 1900's.

This photo was taken at the intersection of West 63rd Street and South Cicero Avenue, at what is today the site of Chicago's Midway Airport.

Much of Chicago on the south and southwest side of the city, was apparently still quiete rural and countrylike.

Chicago Municipal Airport would open here in 1926, and the original name would later be changed to Chicago Midway Airport after World War 2 had ended. The name change was meant to honor the 1942 World War 2 Allied victory battle against Japan at Midway Island inthe Pacific Ocean.

These people are most likely either going to or departing from their places of employment during rush hour, and are in the process of catching a ride aboard a Chicago Surface Lines company electric streetcar on the Route # 63 / 63rd Street line.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2011.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a recent visit, to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo.

Seen here on one of the concession stand buildings near the west end of the park, is a very weather beaten but classic sign for that popular frozen soft drink beverage known as ICEE.

These beverages, are a big seller during the Summertime in the greater Chicagoland area.

Chicago Terminal Railroad switching local at work. Bensenville Illinois USA. Wednsday, March 2nd, 2011.

Chicago Terminal Railroad switching local at work. Bensenville Illinois USA. Wednsday, March 2nd, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in early March of 2011.

Seen here on a bright and sunny, but still a very chilly late Winter day....is the industrial switching local train from the Chicago Terminal Railroad.

This former Milwaukee Road industrial branchline railroad, serves the industries in Bensenville and Elk Grove Village Illinois near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

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

Bluebird school buses. Glenview Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I was born in the city of Chicago Illinois during the year of 1962.

The Chicago Transit Authority, began operations on November 1st, 1947, with the intentions of phasing out the remaining electric streetcar system and replacing the
trolley cars with motor buses.

Begining during the late 1940's and carrying on throughout the 1950's, the CTA had ordered several propane powered transit buses from the Twin Coach Company of Kent Ohio, and the succesor company Flxible Twin Coach Company.

The 1940's era Twin Coach Comapany propane buses, had somewhat tall windows and vents on the roof. The later buses from the Flxible Twin Coach Comapany, had smaller windows. I can vaguelly recall, that these buses had two tone green interiors, Green soft vinyl seats, and individual incadescent interior lights. These buses operated relatively quietly, but were prone to rough idling and slow acceleration.

I grew up with these buses, and rode them with My family, during their final years of operation on Chicago city streets. The CTA began retiring these in the early 1970's. The very last one, was retired as a maintenance work bus in 1974.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Historic Photo! Northbound Chicago Surface Lines Company 1940's era White transit bus picking up passengers on South Cicero Avenue and West 61st Street across from Chicago's Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. October 1946.

Historic Photo! Northbound Chicago Surface Lines Company 1940's era White transit bus picking up passengers on South Cicero Avenue and West 61st Street across from Chicago's Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. October 1946., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this historic southwest side Chicago bus photograph at My Link page "Northern California Bus Fans", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com

This photo was taken in October of 1946.

We are on the east side of South Cicero Avenue at West 61st Street. A northbound Chicago Surface Lines gasoline powered White transit bus, is viewed picking up passengers across the street from Chicago's Midway Airport.

A 1944 White bus from the CSL like the one shown here, is preserved and operated today at The Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

The current Chicago Transit Authority, was still a year away, and would officially begin operations of the former CSL on November 1st, 1947.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Pace bus crossing the Union Pacific railroad tracks on West Lake Avenue. Glenview Illinois. August 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Pace bus crossing the Union Pacific railroad tracks on West Lake Avenue. Glenview Illinois. August 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video back in August of 2010.

A westbound Pace short N.A.B.I transit bus, is viewed crossing the Union Pacific Railroad tracks on West Lake Avenue, in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

I found this photo at My Link page Northern California Bus Fans, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com

The Bangor And Aroostook, for many years was a regional freight hauling railroad that had operated in the State of Maine.

Although the railroad had left the passenger train business early, they did operate an inner city connecting bus line.

Photographer Bob Hussy, photographed this old early 1960's era General Motors bus at an unspecified location proboubly during the 1960's or early 1970's era.

I spotted this electric trolleybus photo from the city of Boston Massachusettes USA at My link page Tom's Trolleybus Pictures, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.trolleybuses.net

The city of Boston Massachusettes and their MTA transit system just like Chicago, Los Angeles and many other citties in North America, operated electric trolleybuses on some surface transportation routes. Boston and a few other North American citties, kept theirs going. They are alive and well today in Boston.

This old photo taken in 1971, shows an old late 1940's era Pulman Standard electric trolley bus from the Boston MTA, sitting at a bus storage facility.

Notice the doors at an unusual location on the left or driver's side of the bus, halfway through the bus body. The Boston trolleybuses, also shared subway tunnels with the Boston streetcar subway. This allowed passengers to board or disembark at subway stations.