Wintertime at the Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. December 2007.

Wintertime at the Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. December 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in December of 2007.

I was driving northbound on Illinois U.S Rt # 31 along the west bank of the Fox River in the town of South Elgin Illinois, and couldn't resist to stop and take this photo.

Seen here during the off season, is the Fox River Trolley Museum. The museum was closed, but the sunshine and snowy Wintertime scenery was open for a photographic opportunity.

Westbound Metra commuter train crossing Grand Avenue. Elmwood Park Illinois. October 2008.

Westbound Metra commuter train crossing Grand Avenue. Elmwood Park Illinois. October 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2008.

A westbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois, has just departed the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station, and is now entering the diagonal Grand Avenue railroad crossing.

From 1904 until the place had closed for good on Labor Day weekend in 1967, many older Chicagoans fondly remember having seasonal amusement park fun at a place that was known as Riverview Park.

Riverview Park, was located on the northside of the city of Chicago Illinois, at the location of West Belmont Avenue to the south, North western Avenue to the east, West Roscoe Avenue to the north, and the north branch of the Chicago River to the west.

A happy memory shared with Me by many older Chicagoans who have come to see My railfan photo slideshow presentations at the suburban Libraries, is that of riding the Route #49 Western Avenue electric streetcar line of the Chicago Surface Lines Comapny, and the succesor company Chicago Transit Authority after 1947, to the front gates of Riverview Park on hot Summer days.

I was only 5 years old when Riverview closed in 1967, but I am thankful for all the input that people have shared with Me who grew up in Chicago back then.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound Metra double header. Morton Grove Il. April 2009.

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

A northbound Metra double headed commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, passes alongside Lehigh Avenue at the Beckwith Road railroad crossing, in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois.

The 7 and 1/2" guage live steam miniature railroad. The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. August 1984.

The 7 and 1/2" guage live steam miniature railroad. The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. August 1984., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in August of 1984.

Seen here passing by, is a tiny 7 and 1/2" track guage miniature working live steam train.

This unique miniature railroad and several other operating larger narow guage trains, can be enjoyed by visiting patrons at The Hesston Steam Museum. www,hesston.org

The Hesston Steam Museum is located in northwestern Indiana, just east of Michigan City in the town of Hesston Indiana, near the border at New Buffalo Michigan.

Silent digital video: Southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad caboose hop. La Grange Park Illinois. August 2007.

Silent digital video: Southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad caboose hop. La Grange Park Illinois. August 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old camera, on a hot Summer day back in August of 2007.

An eastbound Pace bus, waits for a southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad caboose hop, at the Harding Avenue railroad crossing in west suburban La Grange Park Illinois USA.

Passenger terminal switching at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. November 2011.

Passenger terminal switching at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. November 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.

The area on the club layout modeled after Chicago's long gone Grand Centyral Station, is a very busy place.

This is American style passenger train railroading, as it was in pre Amtrak times.

Saint Richard's Catholic Parish annual summer carnival. Chicago Illinois. July 1983.

Saint Richard's Catholic Parish annual summer carnival. Chicago Illinois. July 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I was born and raised on the southwest side of the city of Chicago Illinois.

One of My many happy memories I have , was visiting the local Chicago neighborhood summer carnivals and festivals.

Many of these summertime carnivals, were held at local neighborhood Catholic churches.

My all time favorite summertime neighborhood carnival, had to be the one held every July, at Saint Richard's Catholic Parish Church in Chicago's Archer Heights neighborhood.

Through out the 1980's, I would venture out to Saint Richard's parish at West 50th Street and South Kostner Avenue, and enjoy a wonderful night of live entertainment, carnival rides, and arcade games on the midway.

Saint Richard's carnival was always a real blast to go to back in the day.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this historic late 1960's era pre Amtrak passenger train photo from the Southern Pacific Railroad, at My Link Page Yesteryear Depot.Com, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.yesteryeardepot.com

The Southern Pacific Railroad operated many passenger trains, but by the mid 1950's, began to make many cut backs in service.

Gone was the colorful red, orange and black "Daylight" color scheme, replaced by a much simpler silver with a red letterboard color scheme. The S P's diesel locomotives, began wearing an ugly but utilitarian gray with a red nose color scheme in 1958 as well. Although the Daylight color scheme was gone, the named "Daylight" passenger trains remained on the company passenger timetable. Southern Pacific passenger train # 99 "The Daylight Limited, is viewed at Paso Robles station enroute to San Francisco California in the year of 1969.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific local. Franklin Park IL. Feb 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning back in February of 2010.

We are in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois, on a sunny but bitterly cold day.
An eastbound Canadian Pacific local freight train with a former Milwaukee Road locomotive providing the power, departs from the nearby CP Bensenville Yard facility with a short string of covered hopper cars in tow.

Southbund sailboat on the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Southbund sailboat on the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a recent October 2011 photo outing to the southeast side of the city of Chicago Illinois.

A local recreational boater, navigates His sailboat past the East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River, and through the channel.

Autum was now upon the greater Chicagoland area, and boaters were getting their last voyages in for the season.

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.

In many smaller rural and outlying communities in the United States and Canada many decades ago, traveling to and from local towns and citties was acomplished via electric powered interurban railroads.

Illinois Terminal Railroad lightweight center entrance car # 101, was built by the American Car Comapny in 1917, and operated between St. Louis Missouri and Alton Illinois.

This view, shows the cars interior, to give one an idea of how it must have been like to ride aboard this car in regular interurban service.

HiDef: Southern Steam Special - 154 & 630 Knoxville to Alcoa 11/13/11

The year of 2011, seen three former Southern Railway (United States) 2-8-0 Consolidation type steam locomotives return to service.

Southern Railway # 401, made it's debut after many years of restoration at the Monticello Railroad Museum in Illinois.

Southern Railway # 154, returned to service and pulls passenger excursions on "The Three Rivers Rambler" tourist railroad in Knoxville Tennesee. This locomotive wich was built in the 1890's, spent many years on static display in a city park.

Southern Railway # 630, was returned to service in 2011, at the Tennesee Valley Railroad Museum in Chattanooga Tennesee.

Southern Railway engines # 630 and # 154, are viewed in this video, pulling an excursion steam special in November of 2011.

The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September15th, 2010.

The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a September 2010 visit, to the Chicago Botanic Garden in north suburban Glencoe Illinois USA.

Aside from the many beautiful outdoor gardens with many species flowers and plant life, the Chicago Botanic Garden also has this very outstanding exhibit, of outdoor G scale garden model railroad layouts.

This train, is being pulled by a model of an EMD model GP 30 roadswitcher, from the former Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

An up close and detailed view of the Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Depot on west 51st Street. ( Gone. ) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983.

An up close and detailed view of the Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Depot on west 51st Street. ( Gone. ) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in October of 1983.

Seen here in it's final week of operation as a yard office and dispatching center, is the old 1888 built Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon depot on West 51st Street in Chicago.

Within a month after I had taken this photo, this old two story former passenger train station would be demolished.

This is the original photo "Cropped", to show the platform and details up close.

Westbound Metra / Union Pacific west line train at the North kilbourn avenue railroad crossing. Chicago Illinois. November 2006.

Westbound Metra / Union Pacific west line train at the North kilbourn avenue railroad crossing. Chicago Illinois. November 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo after work one evening, back in November of 2006.

A westbound Metra commuter train enroute to Elburn Illinois, approaches the North kilbourn Avenue railroad crossing at nightfall.

The old Cock Robin Ice Cream Shop. Brookfield Illinois. October 2007. (Closed.)

The old Cock Robin Ice Cream Shop. Brookfield Illinois. October 2007. (Closed.), a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2007.

For many years, one of My favorite places to stop for ice cream and refreshments, was this old 1950's era Cock Robin ice cream store located just east of Prairie Avenue, in west suburban Brookfield Illinois USA.

By the time I had taken this photo, it was unfortunate that this store had closed for good just weeks before. It was also rumored that the entire Cock Robin ice cream store chain had recently went out of business for good as well.

Well, it was nice while it lasted.

This old Cock Robin store is still standing in Brokfield Illinois today, looking much as it is in this photograph.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

The city of Baltimore Maryland in the eastern United States, operated electric streetcars as late as 1963.

This car shown here, was photographed by Dan Lawrence in an area refered to as Towson. This car, is a 1930's era streamlined P.C.C or "President's Confeence Commitee design streetcar.

These cars were operated by the Baltimore Transit Company, and were originally painted in a dark blueish green and cream color scheme. This much simplified yellow and gray color scheme, would be the final one wore by these cars in Baltimore service.

Many examples of electric city streetcars from the Baltimore Transit Company, are preserved and operated today at The Baltimore Streetcar Museum.

I found this photo at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

One of My favorite railroads that had made up the famous Burlington Northern Railroad merger of March 2nd 1970, was the former Northern Pacific Railroad.

I had always enjoyed the fact, that the Northern Pacific had actually operated steam locomotives in regular service as late as 1957, and actually had preserved several for display along on line towns and railroad museums.

The Northern Pacific also utilzed this quite stylish and yet conservative color scheme on their freight service locomotives. Often mistaken for black, this color scheme is actually a very dark and murky green with yellow or gold ends and frame.

Notice that the Northern Pacific was also using steam locomotive style swinging bells on the roofs of these EMD model GP 9 roadswitchers, photographed at Spokane Washington in May of 1969.

Eastbound Metra local arrives in Park Ridge Illinois. Feb 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video, on a bitterly cold Winter evening after work back in February of 2009.

An eastbound Metra local, is viewed arriving at the Park Ridge Illinois Metra commuter rail station long after sunset.

Two flavors of Southern Pacific Railroad passenger train color schemes.

Two flavors of Southern Pacific Railroad passenger train color schemes., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

In recent times, I have become a fan of the former Southern Pacific Railroad passenger trains from pre Amtrak times.

The Southern Pacific, had utilized a small variety of color schemes on their passenger train cars. Colors ranging from dark Pulman green, to two tone gray, and the ever popular Daylight red, orange and black color scheme made for a colorful era of passenger train travel on America's west coast.

The car to the left, is wearing the famous S.P Daylight color scheme, while the car to the right...is wearing the stylish two tone gray used on the Southern Pacific "Lark" passenger train.

Westbound Metra express commuter train. The Metra Hanson Park commuter flagstop depot. Chicago Illinois. March 2007.

Westbound Metra express commuter train. The Metra Hanson Park commuter flagstop depot. Chicago Illinois. March 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

A westbound Metra express commuter train, is viewed flying through the tiny Hanson Park Metra station adjacent to the North Central Avenue overpass bridge just south of North Grand Avenue.

During the late 1800's, Hanson Park was actually a suburb of the city of Chicago Illinois.

Union Pacific maintenance truck backing up. Des Plaines Illinois. Nov 2...

I photographed this brief little video a few weeks ago, in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois.

A maintenance of way department crew from the Union Pacific Railroad, is backing their Freightliner heavy maintenance truck on the U.P freight only "Techny Line", just east of the Wolf Road railroad crossing.

The original 1960's era White Castle restaurant at South Archer and Kedzie Avenues, in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood. Seen in March of 1985 prior to demolition.

The original 1960's era White Castle restaurant at South Archer and Kedzie Avenues, in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood. Seen in March of 1985 prior to demolition., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo at the intersection of South Archer and Kedzie Avenues in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, way back in March of 1985.

Seen here on the northwest corner, is the original 1960's era White Castle fast food restaurant, wich was in it's final weeks of operation prior to demolition.

A "New" and larger White Castle restaurant would soon be erected at this location.

Union Pacific Railroad corporate logo. Des Plaines Illinois USA. November 2011.

Union Pacific Railroad corporate logo. Des Plaines Illinois USA. November 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo a couple of weeks ago, in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois.

Seen here attatched to the upper right hand corner of this brick building located at North and First Avenues in Des Plaines adjacent to Deval Junction, is the official Union Pacific Railroad corporate logo.

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

A BNSF Railway one car transfer train on a hold order. Corwith Yard. Chicago Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

A special one car BNSF Railway extra movement, waits for clearance to depart from the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Corwith Yard, and proceed westbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago owned single track branchline.

This engine and car, were photographed just east of South Lawndale Avenue at approximately West 49th Street, in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

Looking west from the intersection of 25th Street and Laramie Avenue.Cicero Illinois USA. June 1985.

Looking west from the intersection of 25th Street and Laramie Avenue. Cicero Illinois USA. June 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago Illinois, and began taking 35 MM photographs in 1983.

It is almost hard to believe, just how many of My early photographs I had taken, are now actually historic photographs used for reference by local historians and residents past and present.

I took this photo in west suburban Cicero Illinois, way back in June of 1985.

We are facing west at the intersection of South Laramie Avenue and west 25th Street. This view looking west along West 25th Street, has been greatly altered today.

Chiko's Liqours, is still here in 2011, but the row of storefonts containing the old Woolworth's Store, has long since been demolished, and is now the site of a municipal parking lot.

The Palace Bowl bowling alley in the background, was demolished approximately 8 years ago or so. This bowling alley, was used in the movie Uncle Buck, wich starred the late great comic actor John Candy.

I am so glad that I took this random snap shot photo when i did back in June of 1985.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound U.P transfer train at Hayford JCT. Early Sept 1990.

Westbound U.P transfer train at Hayford JCT. Early Sept 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in early September of 1990.

A westbound Union Pacific Railroad transfer freight train, is viewed passing through Hayford Junction at West 75th Street and South Central Park Avenue, in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood.

The lead locomotive, is wearing Missouri Pacific markings. The Union Pacific Railroad acquired the Missouri Pacific through merger in 1982, and actually painted a few of their locomotives with Missouri Pacific markings like this.

The large factory building in the background, is the Nabisco cookie factory at West 75th Street adjacent to the South Kedzie Avenue overpass bridge.

Kiddieland Amusement Park at night. Melrose Park Illinois. July 2008.

Kiddieland Amusement Park at night. Melrose Park Illinois. July 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this now very historic photo, back in July of 2008.

We are in the east parking lot of what was Kiddieland Amusement Park in northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois.

Just beyond the fence, are the lighted carnival style rides on the park's east midway, wich brought joy to many visiting families here during the park's operating season annually from late April to late October.

During Kiddieland's final years of operation from 2006 to 2009, I would sometimes come here after work and shoot photos and short videos, as I somehow knew that Kiddieland was on borrowed time.

Kiddieland closed for good on Sunday, September 27th, 2009.

Now for some good news!
I actually had enough pictures and videos I had taken, to put together a homemade slideshow and video presentation I put together entitled "Kiddieland Memories"!

I have been showing this video at a number of Chicago area suburban public libraries, and I am currently recieving more offers to do so as I write this posting.

If You have already purchased a 2012 calendar, please mark the date of Saturday, March 24th. I will be hosting Kiddieland Memories at the Lyons Public Library on that date from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

The Lyons Public library, is located at 4209 Joliet Avenue, in west suburban Lyons Illinois.

I know that it is a few months away yet, but this will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound Metra crossing Techny Road at twilight. March 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one evening, back in March of 2009..

A fast moving northbound Metra commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, passes the Techny Road railroad crossing in north suburban Northbrook Illinois at twilight.

Westbound Metra / Union Pacific west line train passing North Kilbourn Avenue. Chicago Illinois. November 2006.

Westbound Metra / Union Pacific west line train passing North Kilbourn Avenue. Chicago Illinois. November 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo at sunset, back in November of 2006.

A fast moving Metra evening rush hour commuter train enroute to Elburn Illinois, passes the North Kilbourn Avenue railroad crossing in Chicago's NorthWest Industrial Park.

Old steam locomotive on display at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Hotel. Chattanooga Tennesee. May 1990.

Old steam locomotive on display at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Hotel. Chattanooga Tennesee. May 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a May 1990 family motorcoach vacation, to the Great Smokey Mountains in the southern states of Tennesee and North Carolina.

Seen here on static display, is an old 2-6-0 steam locomotive, at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Hotel in downtown Chattanooga Tennesee USA.

This locomotive, was gaudilly backdated cosmetically, to look like an old steam locomotive one would find in a western movie.

N B Norfolk Southern RR Tripple Crown. Broadview IL. May 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video, back in early May of 2009.

A slow moving Norfolk Southern Railroad Tripple Crown road railer train, is viewed heading northbound over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, in west suburban Broadview Illinois. The train is viewed approaching and passing underneath, the West Cermak Road overpass bridge.

Eastbound Metra express commuter train speeding past the Brainard Avenue railroad crossing. La Grange Illinois. October 2007.

Eastbound Metra express commuter train speeding past the Brainard Avenue railroad crossing. La Grange Illinois. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

A fast moving eastbound Metra express commuter train, is photographed flying past the Brainard Avenue railroad crossing, in west suburban La Grange Illinois USA.

Hawthorne Junction at the Chicago city limits around sunset. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2008.

Hawthorne Junction at the Chicago city limits around sunset. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo around sunset back in June of 2008.

We are facing west on the Canadian National Railroad's former Illinois Central RR Iowa Division Mainline at Hawthorne Junction.

Hawthorne Junction is located immediately on the Chicago city limits border, at west suburban Cicero Illinois USA, at approximately West 33rd Street and South Kenton Avenue on private property.

The crosstracks in the background, are the north and south running Belt Railway of Chicago.
To the left of the photo where the metal shanty is, was the location of Belt Tower prior to 1990.

Niles Public Services GMC dump truck. Niles Illinois USA. November 2011.

Niles Public Services GMC dump truck. Niles Illinois USA. November 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

Aside from My obvious train interests as a local camera carrying railfan, I also enjoy seeing public service vechicles.

I spotted this Niles Public Services Company GMC dump truck, heading northbound on Harlem Avenue at the intersection of Howard Street, in north suburban Niles Illinois USA.

Repainted Central Illinois Railroad EMD SW- # 1206 pushing train pastthe South Wood Street railroad crossing. Chicago Illinois. Friday,October 31st, 2008.

Repainted Central Illinois Railroad EMD SW-9 # 1206 pushing train past the South Wood Street railroad crossing. Chicago Illinois. Friday, October 31st, 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on Friday, October 31st, 2008.

Central Illinois Railroad EMD SW 1200 # 1206, is viewed pushing a local freight train west of the South Wood Street railroad crossing, in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

Don's Hot Dogs on South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Don's Hot Dogs on South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood on the southwest side of the city.

One old neighborhood fast food eatery I can recall along the west side of South Kedzie Avenue near West 78th Street during the 1970's and 80's, was a little roadside establishment known as Don's hot Dogs.

I was pleasantly surprised, to see that Don's was still in business here at this location many years later.

The roof top hot dog putting condoments on itself, is a real attention getter. Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park had one like this , at one of their concession stands prior to the park's closing in 2009.

Northbound Canadian Pacific freight. Deerfield IL. Nov 1st, 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video back on November 1st, 2011.

A slow moving northbound Canadian Pacific freight train, is viewed passing through the Lake Cook Road Metra commuter rail station, in far north suburban Deerfield Illinois USA.

I took this photo during a May 1985 Memorial Day weekend visit, to The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois USA.

Aside from the many historic pieces of railroad rolling stock, preserved steam locomotives, electric streetcars, interururban coaches and vintage transit buses...
the museum has also acquired a nice collection of old advertising signs from
America's past.

This old metal 1950's era sign from 7.UP, was photographed at the old Central Avenue snack bar concession stand.

The old signs, are a very tasteful addition to the museum's collection.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound BNSF intermodal transfer. Elmwood Park IL. Nov 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video on My way to work this past Wednsday morning.

It is officially 5:30 AM at the Elmwood Park Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

A westbound BNSF Railway intermodal transfer train made up of mostly empty double -
stack container cars, passes through the station under pre dawn darkness.

Union Pacific Auto Rack car. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011.

Union Pacific Auto Rack car. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

A slow moving westbound Auto Rack train, is photographed just east of the Scott Street railroad crossing.

Illinois Department Of Transportation International dump truck plowing snow and spreading rock salt. Glenview Illinois USA. Tuesday, February 1st, 2011.

Illinois Department Of Transportation International dump truck plowing snow and spreading rock salt. Glenview Illinois USA. Tuesday, February 1st, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on Tuesday, February 1st, 2011.

This was the day, that the infamous Chicago Blizzard of 2011 hit, and dumped a record 20.9 inches of snow across the entire Chicagoland area.

I took this photo driving northbound on Illinois U.S Route # 21 / Milwaukee Avenue, in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

The National Weather Service was on "High Alert", and many Illinois Department of Transportation heavy duty snowplow trucks were on the roads early.

This photo was taken around 10:45 AM, just a few hours before the big snow would start falling.

The final Grand Trunk Western Railroad yard office building at Elsdon Yard. ( Closed.) Chicago Illinois USA. December 1983.

The final Grand Trunk Western Railroad yard office building at Elsdon Yard. ( Closed.) Chicago Illinois USA. December 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in December of 1983.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad had just recently closed their Elsdon Yard facility in October of 1983, and soon demolished the old two story Elsdon station and several other structures.

After the Elsdon station was demolished in November of 1983, the GTW resumed what little bit of leftover railroad business at the Elsdon site, in this little makeshift yard office building just immediately north of West 51st Street, just east of South Lawndale Avenue in Chicago.

This building was used as a temporary crew change terminal, until September of 1986.

I passed through here recently. This little building is still standing, but it now has Canadian National markings, is boarded up and has been grafitti tagged by local low class urban riff raff.

Southbound Ford utility flat bed truck on Harlem Avenue. Niles Illinois. November 2010.

Southbound Ford utility flat bed truck on Harlem Avenue. Niles Illinois. November 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in November of 2010.

Construction is a big industry through out the greater Chicagoland area today.

Heading southbound on North Harlem Avenue near the intersectionof West Touhy Avenue, is a Ford flat bed truck from the Vollmar Comapny.

Eastbound BNSF empty coal train,

I photographed this digital live sound video, back in December of 2009.

An eastbound BNSF Railway / Wisconsin Electric Power Company empty unit coal train, is viewed passing through northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

Southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train. Alsip Illinois. Late October 1990.

Southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train. Alsip Illinois. Late October 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in late October of 1990.

A southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer freight train, is photographed just east of the South Cicero Avenue overpass bridge near West 123rd Street, in south suburban Alsip Illinois USA.

Chicagp Park District trash collection crew heads to the next waste can. Lincoln Park. Chicago Illinois. November 2006.

Chicagp Park District trash collection crew heads to the next waste can. Lincoln Park. Chicago Illinois. November 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in November of 2006.

A dark green GMC garbage truck from the Chicago Park District, is viewed slowly driving on one of the many walking paths in Chicago's Lincoln Park.

The crew is out making a trash collection run onthis overcast November morning.

H.O passenger train runby.

I photographed this digital live sound video this past Monday night, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

In this ariel view, a fast moving diesel powered passenger train led by sound equipped Union Pacific EMD model E 7 passenger locomotives, passes by our lcation.

Inbound Chicago Transit Authority Orange line train. Chicago Illinois. February 2008.

Inbound Chicago Transit Authority Orange line train. Chicago Illinois. February 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo around sunset one evening, back in February of 2008.

We are heading westbound on South Archer Avenue at the intersection of South Western Avenue, where Chicago's Brighton Park and Mc Kinley Park neighborhoods border.

An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority train enroute to downtown Chicago, passes over the high bridge above Brighton Junction at sunset.

Union Pacific Railroad local freight. Des Plaines Illinois USA. November 2011.

Union Pacific Railroad local freight. Des Plaines Illinois USA. November 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo last week, in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois USA.

A Union Pacific Railroad switching local, is viewed idling just west of the Wolf Road railroad crossing.

Southbound Conrail light engine move. Brighton Junction. Chicago Illinois. January 1988.

Southbound Conrail light engine move. Brighton Junction. Chicago Illinois. January 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a sunny, dry , cold and windy Winter day back in January of 1988.

A southbound Conrail light engine movement, is viewed passing through Brighton Junction, located on an elevated embankment just west of the intersection of South Archer and Western Avenues in Chicago Illinois USA.

Looking west on West Taylor Street on a late Winter morning. ChicagoIllinois USA. wednsday, March 16th, 2011.

Looking west on West Taylor Street on a late Winter morning. Chicago Illinois USA. wednsday, March 16th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

Although Eddie's Railfan Page is mainly a transportation photo page, I often recieve nice E Mail comments from "Non" railfans.

One of the nicest compliments I have ever recieved, was that My blogsite "Had a certain neighborhood feel about it". ( Thank You.)

In keeping with such a very pleasant and thoughtful message like that, I thought that I would open todays posting, with a classic Chicago neighborhood photograph.

We are looking west on West Taylor Street east of South Racine Avenue, in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood near the University of Chicago Circle Campus.

Winter was winding down on this sunny, cold and dry Chicago morning taken in March of 2011. Little Italy, is a pleasant and trendy neighborhood to visit on the near southside of Chicago, just west of downtown.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this old photo taken on the southside of Chicago at West 79th Street and South Western Avenue at My Link page Dave's Electric Railroads, wich is located to the right of Your computer screen at www,davesrailpix.com

Chicago's last day of electric streetcar operation took place on June 21st, 1958, on the Chicago Transit Authority's Route # 22 Clark / wentworth line.

Although I was born in Chicago during 1962 and pretty much had missed the electric streetcar era altogether here in the Windy City, My parents, older relatives and now senior friends of the family...told Me many fascinating stories about riding the electric streetcars in the city of Chicago many decades ago. I found it fascinating, and eventually had the privlidge of riding restored Chicago streetcars at the Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois. www.irm.org.


The photo shown here from a section entitled the Bill Volkmer Collecton, was taken at the west terminal of the Chicago Surface Lines ( Pre CTA) Route # 79 electric streetcar line at West 79th Street and South Western Avenue in Chicago's Wrightwood neighborhood. This photo was more than likely taken during the 1940's.

I found this historic late 1970's era photo from the former Norfolk & Western Railroad at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

Railfan photographer Steve Unger, took this photo at Roanoke Virginia in April of 1978. Coal traffic, had always been a priority shipment on the Norfolk & Western Railroad going way back to the steam era.

The N & W coal hopper seen here, is wearing the 1960's era Norfolk & Western markings, wich featured a circular logo with N & W inside. This logo, was refered to by railfans, as the Norfolk & Western's "Hamburger" logo. This corporate logo was in use from 1964, until it was replaced by a simple large NW logo in 1971.

The Norfolk & Western was one of My favorite Chicago railroads during the 1960's and 70's, as I had relatives that lived near the N & W's former Wabash Railroad mainline and Landers Yard, in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train. Riverside IL. Nov 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video this past Sunday afternoon, on location at the Riverside Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train, is viewed passing through the station.

A flyer from the Franklin Park Public Library, promoting Eddie K's May14th, 2011 presentation.

A flyer from the Franklin Park Public Library, promoting Eddie K's May 14th, 2011 presentation., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Aside from posting the many photos and stories here at Eddie's Railfan Page, I have recently began to host public speaking photo slideshow presentations at various Chicago area public libraries.

My program "Kiddieland Memories", has actually attracted a lot of positive feedback, and I now have been recieving a number of offers to host it soon.

I am in the process of booking My library appearances for 2012 as I write this, and several offers to host Kiddieland memories have since surfaced.

I will be keeping everyone posted in regardas to My upcoming presentations, as they develope.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard locomotive terminal.(Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard locomotive terminal. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in October of 1983.

Seen here just north of West 51st Street and just west of South Kedzie Avenue at approximately West 49th Street, is the Grand Trunk Western Railroad's Elsdon locomotive terminal.

One locomotive acquired through merger from the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad in 1981 and two GTW locomotives, are viewed idling on the ready tracks during the final week of operation prior to abandonement of this facility.

Kato GS-4 with 10 Car Train

I spotted this N Scale model railroad layout video on You Tube this morning.

In recent times, I have become a big fan of the Southern Pacific Railroad's "Daylight" series passenger trains and their unique orange, red and black color scheme.

The Southern Pacific Railroad introduced this unique passenger train color scheme, around approximately 1936. This color scheme was used by the SP, until eventually phased out around 1955, when it was replaced by a much simpler silver with a red letterboard color scheme on passenger cars.

Several steam locomotives and a handful of diesels also recieved the Daylight color scheme.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound yellow PCC electric streetcar. Kenosha Wisconsin USA. October 2003.

Eastbound yellow PCC electric streetcar. Kenosha Wisconsin USA. October 2003., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I tok this photo during an October 2003 visit, to the city of Kenosha Wisconsin USA.

Seen here heading eastbound on 56th Street, is a restored 1951 vintage streamlined city streetcar, from the city of Toronto Ontario Canada.

The Fire Alarm Lounge. (Gone.) Cicero Illinois USA. January 1986.

The Fire Alarm Lounge. (Gone.) Cicero Illinois USA. January 1986., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

One of the more unique roadside signs I have come to know in the greater Chicagoland area many years ago, was that of The Fire Alarm Lounge in west suburban Cicero Illinois.

This now long gone lounge and dance club establishment, was located on South Ogden Avenue, near the intersection of West 31st Street.

That old fire engine, made for a definate attention getter from passing motorists.

Union Pacific Railroad railroad crossing signal relay cabinet. Des Plaines Illinois USA. November 2011.

Union Pacific Railroad railroad crossing signal relay cabinet. Des Plaines Illinois USA. November 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one day last week.

Seen here located immediately east of the Wolf Road railroad crossing in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois, is this large silver signal relay cabinet, with heavilly weathered decal markings from the Union Pacific Railroad.

Westbound Chicago Fire Department Ford Ambulance. Chicago Illinois.November 2006.

Westbound Chicago Fire Department Ford Ambulance. Chicago Illinois. November 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

Aside from the many photos of railroad subjects, I also enjoy incorporating images of other transportation subjects, as well as images taken of the various neighborhoods and communities around the greater Chicagoland area.

I took this photo back in October of 2006.
A Chicago Fire Department ambulance, is viewed heading westbound on West Chicago Avenue, responding to an emergency call near North Central Avenue on the west side of the city.

Southbound Indiana Railroad unit coal train. Des Plaines IL. Nov 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video last week, in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois.

I just had stepped outside of My car, when a southbound Indiana Railroad unit coal train, passed by on the Union Pacific freight only cut off line (Formerly Chicago & Northwestern Railroad), at the Wolf Road railroad crossing.

A former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad covered hopper car in transit. Riverside Illinois USA. Sunday, November 20th, 2011.

A former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad covered hopper car in transit. Riverside Illinois USA. Sunday, November 20th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo yesterday afternoon, at the Riverside Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

A former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad covered hopper car, is viewed traveling through the station aboard an eastbound BNSF Railway freight train.