Monday, February 28, 2011

Coming soon to the Eisenhower Public Library! 4613 N Oketo Avenue inHarwood Heights Illinois. When Chicago Rode The Streetcars!





Saturday, April 23rd from 1:00 until 3"00 PM.


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

Be sure to come out and visit the Eisenhower Public Library at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois. I will be hosting the Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow from 1:00 until 3:00 PM. One of many short features I will be showing, will be My homemade musical photo slideshow entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars". If You or someone You know grew up in Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in 1958, then You will enjoy seeing these historic images of Chicago how it used to look like many years ago.

Who knows? Maybe You may see a picture from Your old neighborhood even!

It will be a fun event, and we hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.
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Digita Live Sound Video: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train passing therough the Metra, Lake Cook Road commuter rail station. Deerfield Illinois. June 2010.


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A typical 1870's era American steam locomotive.















It's hard to believe by todays standards, but early American railroad steam locomotives were actually quiete small. But just as trains they pulled became longer and heavier, the locomotives did as well.

One of the earliest standard locomotive wheel arrangements that was introduced during the mid 1800's, and had experienced a lenghty era of follow up examples for decades to come, was the 4 -4-0 type of locomotive, also refered to as the "American" type by the "Whytes system of classification".

This locomotive type, was on of the earliest standardized models. They were known for their reliability, and good tracking qualities at speed. Many were manufactured in to the early 1900's.

While the longer and heavier freight trains eventually limited their use to small branchline local switching freights or even commuter or light passenger trains, their run was a lenghty one nonetheless.
Several of these would eventually work on shortline or industrial railroads in later years. Many would be cut up for scrap during World War 2 scrap drives.

Some 4-4-0's have made it to museum preservation as well.
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Westbound Village of Glenview Public Works dump truck with a snowplow attatched. Glenview Illinois USA. Tuesday, February 1st, 2011.




Tuesday, February 1st, 2011, was a news making day in Chicago weather history.

A record 20.9 inches of snow fell on may parts of the entire Chicago area. This crippling snow storm, would become known as the Chicago blizzard of 2011. The snow accumulation on the ground, lasted just shy of the two week mark in many areas, as warm air would soon creep into the greater Chicagoland area.

This photo was taken looking east on Glenview Road, in north suburban Glenview Illinois around 4:35 PM. The snow would fall heavilly overnight, until approximately 11:00 AM the next day.
The strong winds blowing out of the northeast, made the sideways falling snow seem like a desert sandstorm.
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The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010.




One of the nicer local Chicago area tourist attractions I visited during My September 2010 vacation, was the Chicago Botanic Garden in north suburban Glencoe Illinois.

Aside from the many lovely varieties of flowers, trees, plant life and resident wildlife on the property, the Chicago Botanic Garden even has this wonderful outdoor G Scale garden railroad display, featuring several demonstration outdoor model train layouts.

The Santa Fe Super Chief passenger train from pre Amtrak times, is viewed passing through one of the garden areas.
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Sunday, February 27, 2011

Coming soon to the Franklin Park Public Library! Kiddieland Memories! Saturday, May 14th, 2011.




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

On Saturday, May 14th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, I will be hosting a photo slideshow at the Franklin Park Illinois Public Library. The Library is located at 10311 west Grand Avenue in Franklin Park Illinois.

The main theme of the event, will be a feature on Chicago's Kiddieland Amusenment Park, that operated in Melrose Park Illinois from 1928 until the park closed for good in 2009.

It will be a fun event, and we hope to see You there.

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

On Saturday, April 23rd, 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM. I will be hosting an event entitled "The Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow". The event will be held at The Eisenhower Public Library, located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.
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1970's era Illinois Central Gulf covered hopper. Hawthorne Junction.Chicago /Cicero Illinois. June 2008.













With faded paint and markings dating back to the 1970's, this former Illinois Central Gulf orange covered hopper cars rolls through Hawthorne Junction on a hot Summer afternoon in June of 2008.
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Early morning rainy departure. Glenview IL. Nov 2009.





I photographed this digital live sound video, on a rainy Autum morning back in November of 2009.

The southbound Metra 5:40 AM local, is viewed departing from north suburban Glenview Illinois in the early morning rain. This commuter train, was photographed at the Glenview Road railroad crossing.
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Melting snow from Chicago's blizzard of 2011. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Wednsday, February 16th, 2011.




Chicago's blizzard snowstorm of Tuesday, February 1st, 2011 was quite hard to handle for most Chicagoans. The aftermath of heavy snow accumulation, collasped roofs and unshoveled walkways was more than enough agrivation and inconvenience for anyone.

Luckilly, the snow had melted for the most part before the end of the 2nd week after the snowstorm. I took this photo on location, in the town of Elmwood Park Illinois on Wednsday, February 16th, 2011.

It was great to see concrete siidewalks again.

Thanks.
Eddie K.
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During the early 1970's, I traveled a handful of times with My family aboard the Amtrak Floridian, and also rode the Amtrak City of New Orleans once in 1977.

Back in those early Amtrak times, dome cars left over from the 1950's era of North American streamliner passenger trains, were still in daily use on some trains. They were fun to ride in, and offered excelent panoramic views of the train and surrounding scenery. This is an interior view of a dome car. Dome cars were eventually taken off of the Amtrak trains during the 1990's. It was nice while it had lasted.
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Eastbound Canadian Pacific double stack container train entering on to the Belt Railway of Chicago trackage at Cragin Junction. Chicago Illinois. July 2007.




I took this photo during a hot Summer day back in July of 2007.

We are on location at the Metra Grand / Cicero Avenue commuter rail station in Chicago's Cragin neighborhood. To the left is a Norfolk Southern freight train waiting on a hold order at nearby Cragin Junction. To the right is a quick moving Canadian Pacific intermodal double stack container train. The Canadian Pacific train is passing through Cragin Junction and entering on to the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks at the interchange. Once clearance is granted to the Norfolk Southern train, the NS train will depart from the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks and enter on to the westbound Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline.
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Friday, February 25, 2011

Those railfans and their cameras. Franklin Park IL. Aug 1st, 2009.




I photographed this digital live sound video on Saturday, August 1st 2009, in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

Several railfans with their cameras in hand are in town, to photograph visiting 1941 built Southern Pacific GS=4 Daylight steam locomotive # 4449 on display adjacent to preserved historic Tower B -12.

The Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline was getting pretty busy with rail traffic. Seen here, are several of My fellow Chicago area railfans doing what most of us train buffs do best...."Take Pictures". An eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern freight train temporarilly steals the spotlight from SP # 4449 steaming nearby.
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The Deerfield Illinois Metra commuter rail station. Tuesday night, October 19th, 2010.




I took this photo after work on evening, back in October of 2010.

Night has fallen in the greater Chicagoland area, but the action continues on the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road northline.

Seen here, is a nocturnal view of the Deerfield Illinois Metra commuter rail station at Deerfield Road.
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The Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers H.O Scale model railroad club. Oak Park Illinois USA. February 2011.




Although the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad from pre 1995 times is all but a memory now...It is alive and well in miniature on the H.O Scale Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers model railroad club.

My short recreated 1970 era A,T & S,F local freight, captures the feeling of the Santa Fe I knew growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago many years ago.
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The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 2010.




I took this photo last year, during My September 2010 visit to The Hesston Steam Museum in northwest Indiana.

One of the nicest things about the Hesston Steam Museum that I have come to enjoy, is their very lovely and scenic steam train ride through the woods. Our steam train in this photo, is photographed near a location on line known as Michigan Curve.

For more information about the Hesston Steam Museum.
Log on to www.hesston.org
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Electric utility construction site. Chicago Illinois USA. Early January , 2011.




I took this photo in early January of 2011.

The intersection of West Devon and North Harlem Avenues near the Chicago city limits, was the site of heavy street excavation and electrical utility work. I found Myself "Stuck" in many a traffic jam going to and from work back then. It was a "MESS"!
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Thursday, February 24, 2011

Chicago Motor Coach Company open air bus. 1927.













Hello everyone!
Welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of Eddie's Railfan Page!
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Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

On Saturday afternoon, April 23rd 2011, I will be hosting an upcoming event at the Eisenhower Public Library at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois entitled, "The Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow"! The event will run from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

For all of the "Bus Enthusiasts" in attendance that day, I will be showing a musical photo slideshow entitled "Chicago Trolleybus Memories 1930 - 1973".

If You grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois during the electric trolleybus era, then You will enjoy seeing these historic images of Chicago the way it used to look like many years ago.

It will be a fun event, and we hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.
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Digital Live Sound Video: Pace bus crossing the Metra tracks on Central Avenue. Wilmette Illinois. Early April 2010.




I photographed this digital live sound video in the early Springtime last year.

We are in north suburban Wilmette Illinois at sunrise.
A suburban Pace bus is viewed crossing the Metra / Union Pacific northline tracks on Central Avenue. The bus will then turn left and head south on Green Bay Road.
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Temporary Pace bus storage facility at the Metra, Lake Cook Road commuter rail station. Deerfield Illinois. June 2010.




I took this photo one day during My morning lunch break, back in June of 2010.

Seen here behind temporary construction site rental fencing, are several suburban Pace buses at a temporary storage site, at the Lake Cook Road Metra commuter rail station in north subruban Deerfield Illinois.
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Disabled Pace bus being towed southbound on Waukegan Road. Glenview Illinois. Thursday, July 1st, 2010.




I was definately in the "Right place at the right time", when I spotted this disabled Pace Orion transit bus being towed back to the garage.

For those who work in the public transportation industry, this is an everyday scene of transit support operations. When something mechanical breaks down on the road, it's great to have a wrecker truck and a mechanic handy at any given time.
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Behind the First Transit mechanic's garage at night. Glenview Illinois USA. January 2011.




I took this photo after work recently, in January of 2011.

Sitting in the shadows of the building exterior lights, this First Transit 2008 Ford paratransit bus, awaits it's turn to go inside the mechanics garage for some overnight repairs or maintenance.
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Silent digital video: Eastbound suburban Pace bus on Cermak Road. Berwyn Illinois. April 2007.


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A CTA bus enroute back to the Forest Glen garage. River Grove Illinois. July 2010.




I took this photo after work one Summer evening, back in July of 2010.

Looking south at the intersection of West Belmont and North Cumberland Avenues in near northwest suburban River Grove Illinois, We see a Chicago Transit Authority bus making a non revenue run back to the Forest Glen Garage facility.

The little shack building with the yellow guard rails surrounding it in the background, marks the location of the CTA Route # 77 Belmont Avenue west terminal bus turn around loop.
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Wednesday, February 23, 2011

Westbound Metra local. Franklin Park Illinois. Monday, October 11th, 2010.





Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois USA!
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Central Illinois Railroad. Chicago IL. Oct 2008.





I photographed this digital live sound video during a public relations "Open House" event, that was sponsored and held on the Central Illinois Railroad in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

The date is Friday, October 31st, 2008.

Central Illinois Railroad EMD Sw 1200 yard switcher # 1206, was just repained in to a 1950's era Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad "Heritage" color scheme. Inoperable and heavilly grafitti tagged locomotive # 1208, is being pulled from it's storage siding.
These two engines are backing on to South Canalport Avenue.
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Coming soon to The Eisenhower Public Library! The Chicago Railfan PhotoSlideshow! Saturday, April 23rd 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM!


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

On Saturday, April 23rd 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, I will be hosting an event at The Eisenhower Public Library entitled "The Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow".

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

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

Thanks!

Eddie K.
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The aftermath of Chicago's blizzard of 2011. Bannockburn Illinois USA. February 2011.





I took this photo a few days after Chicago's record Blizzard of 2011 snowstorm had hit the entire Chicagoland area.

With blustery cold single digit outdoor temperatures , tall snowbanks and clear skies, the driver of this front end loading Mack garbage truck from the Groot Disposal Comapny, proceeds to his next destination despite the cold and heavy snow accumualtions.

This photo was taken on location, in fa north suburban Bannockburn Illinois. We are facing north along the east side of Illinois U.S Route # 43 / Waukegan Road, near the intersection at Route # 22 Half Day Road.
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The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th,2010.



I took this photo during My September 2010 visit to The Hesston Steam Museum, located in northwest Indiana near the State line border south of New Buffalo Michigan.

This photo was taken inside the museum's enginehouse.

Flying Dutchman Railroad locomotive # 15, is an old 3 foot narrow guage 4 wheel industrial diesel switcher, that was manufactured by the Plymouth Locomotive Company.

This locomotive, is a genuine behind the scenes "Workhorse" locomotive. This locomotive is used primarilly for shop switching, as well as yard and carbarn switching. t is also used on M.O.W or "Maintenance Of way" trains, to help maintain the museum's track and infrastructure.

Occasionally, it is used (Sometimes on short notice) to power the museum's operating tourist trains. During early December when their is much snow on the ground, and it can be too cold to operate the museum's narrow guage steam locomotives...this locomotive is used on the annual "Candy cane Express" or holiday "Santa Clause" trains.

Seen here looking in to the locomotive cab, We see the operators jump seat, the controls and brake stand. Locomotive # 15's over all appearance is rather dirty. Just remember, this is a "Working" locomotive.


For more information about The Hesston Steam Museum, log on to www.hesston.org
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Penn Central Alco RS-1 # 9929 at Buffalo New York circa 1970's. Fromthe internet.



I found this historic 1970's era railroad photo at My link page Fallen Flags.Org , located to the right of Your computer screen.

The Penn Central Railroad, was created from the 1968 merger of the New York Central Railroad, and the Pennsylvania Railroad. Both were large North American railroads that once experienced great financial success, and were once in fierce competition with each other.

By the mid to late 1950's, both railroad companies were losing money, and began entertaining the idea of eventually merging as partners during the 1960's.

The succesor company known as the Penn Central Railroad, was created from the 1968 merger of both of these once great railroads.
By 1969, the Penn Central bought out the New York, New Haven & Hartford Railroad through merger, and absorbing it in to the Penn Central system.

The big plans of these three financially troubled carriers for a bright future, did not materialize as hoped for. The PC was bankrupt by 1970. The PC existed on borrowed time and many borrowed funds, until the Consolidated Rail Corp, better known as Conrail, was created in April of 1976 by the United States Goverment. Conrail bailed out six bankrupt northeastern U.S railroads, and operated until it was purchased and split up through merger by the Norfolk Southern and CSX Transportation Company railroads in 1999.

Back in the Penn Central days, several old 1940's and 50's era first generation diesel switcher locomotives from Alco, Baldwin and EMD, were still in daily service hauling freight for the PC.

Locomotives like this 1940's era Alco (American Locomotive Company) model RS-1 roadswitcher, had originally replaced the steam locomotives.
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Tuesday, February 22, 2011













I found this photo at My link page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

Wooden railroad cabooses were a popular steam era railroad icon in North America.
By the 1960's, their days were numbered. Many railroads had standardized on steel carbody designs for railroad cabooses several years before. Steel cabooses offered better safety for the onboard crew members.

Some railroads that operated wooden cabooses in to the 1960's included, the Grand Trunk Western, the New York Central, the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy and according to this historic black and white photo...the Chesapeke & Ohio Railroad. This photo shows a wooden C & O caboose in the modern yellow with blue markings, in a photo location listed as Detroit Michigan, during the year of 1961.

Wooden cabooses ended their careers on many railroads in local way freight service, transfer trains, and M.O.W or maintenance of way service.

Several wooden cabooses would wind up as diplays in railroad museum's.
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Southbound Metra kicking up snowdust. Northbrook IL.




I photographed this digital live sound video, during an overcast Winter morning in December of 2009.

A fast moving Metra commuter train, is viewed kicking up snowdust in it's wake.
The train is passing through north suburban Northbrook Illinois, and will soon be entering nearby Glenview.
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Westbound Chicago Transit Authority Blue line train. Chicago Illinois. February 2008.




I took this photo in westbound rush hour traffic one winter afternoon, back in February of 2008.

Passing the many slow moving or stopped cars along the Illinois U.S Route I-90 Kennedy Expressway on the northside of Chicago, a westbound Chicago Transit Authority Blue line rapid transit train enroute to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport passes the traffic congestion effortlessly.
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Unimog Run By




I found this unique video today on You Tube.com

An important part of the maintenance and support operations of the Kenosha Wisconsin streetcar line, is the much needed wintertime snowplowing operations to keep the shuttle streetcar line clear.

The city of Kenosha Wisconsin, is located on the shores of Lake Michigan, and believe Me...their Hi Rail equipped 4 wheel Unimong truck owned by Kenosha Transit, gets a good work out! Kenosha Wisconsin gets more than it's share of heavy lake effect snowstorms.
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Rondout Tower and Junction. Rondout Illinois. Early March 2010.



I took this photo one cold winter morning in early March of 2010, in far north suburban Rondout Illinois.

One of the last operating wooden interlocking towers that is still in existance located in the greater Chicagoland area today, is the former Milwaukee Road tower at Rondout Illinois. This view is facing southwest. The track in the foreground, is the Canadian National's former Elgin, Joliet & Eastern line. Out of view behind the nearby trees, is the Metra / Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road north line to Fox Lake Illinois.
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Behind the scenes at The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. 1995.




I took this photo during a 1995 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois.

Although many people devote their time to photographing the many streetcars, locomotives and railcars either on display inside one of the many museum barns, or taking action photos of the operating antique rail equipment on the museum mainline...I occasionally take the time to photograph those important "Behind the scenes" images of museum operations.

Seen here near the south edge of the property facing north, is the museum's own steam locomotive shop. The various piles of stockpiled motors and metal parts outside the shop building, give this photo a working railroad character of it's own.

The shop buildings and supplies, are an ever important part of museum support operations at the Illinois Railway Museum.
www.irm.org
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The order counter at Bob O's Hot Dogs. 8258 West Irving Park Road.Chicago Illinois. August 2010.



A favorite local Chicago eatery I enjoy getting lunch to go from occasionally, is Bob O's Hot Dogs at 8258 West Irving Park Road in Chicago's Acacia Park neighborhood.

Most everything is good here. The hot homemade delicious cheese fries alone are woth the trip. They are not the bland commercial kind, these are the home cut fresh kind.
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Monday, February 21, 2011

Coming this Spring to the Franklin Park Public Library. KiddielandMemories! Saturday, May 14th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.




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

I will be hosting a slideshow event soon at the Franklin Park Public Library, located at 10311 West Grand Avenue in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois, on Saturday, May 14th 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

The main theme of My scheduled presentation, will be Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in nearby Melrose Park Illinois. Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park existed at the northwest corner of First and North Avenues in Melrose Park Illinois from 1928, until it closed for good in 2009.

If You have some photos, an old home movie dubbed to DVD of Kiddieland many years ago,a more recent modern home video on DVD, or even a memory or two that You would like to share with the audience, then You will enjoy this presentation.

I will be showing a short homemade musical photo slideshow video of Kiddieland's last season in 2009 at the event.

Kiddieland may be gone...but the memories are still there for those who visited
Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park. The "Last" little amusement park of it's kind in the greater Chicagoland area.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.
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I found this historic photo from the long gone Chicago Great Western Railroad at My link page Yesteryear Depot www.yesteryeardepot.com located to the right of Your computer screen.

This photo was taken in west suburban Maywood Illinois during the year of 1948.

The Chicago Great Western was one of many midwestern United States railroads that were in a big hurry to dieselize their operations after World War 2 had ended in 1945. During the steam era, the CGW had utilized these big, heavy and very powerful 2-10-4 Texas type steam locomotives on their road freights.

If You use Your imagination, You could just hear the shear power of CGW 2-10-4 steam locomotive # 851 pulling this heavy freight train under load conditions. You could proboubly feel the ground shake underneath You as it passes by as well.

The CGW did indeed dieselize their locomotive fleet early, and all remaining steam was off the roster by 1951. As far as I know, It appears that the entire CGW steam locomotive fleet was cut up for scrap. The money from the scrap sale, was used to purchase new diesel locomotives.
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Chicago, North Shore and Milwaukee interurban cars at the storage yard near the Harrison Street station. Milwaukee Wisconsin.





I found this historic photograph from the long defunct Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee electric interurban railroad at My link page Dave's Electric Railroads, located to the right of Your computer screen.

Seen here on a cold winter day at the storage yard near the Harrison Street station in the city of Milwaukee Wisconsin, are several electric powered interurban cars, waiting in the yard between assignments.

Although the Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee went out of business in January of 1963 after losing their battle with bankruptcy, several of their cars have wound up in railroad museums across America.

Several have found new homes at places like The Seashore Trolley Museum in Kenebunkport Maine, The Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin Illinois, and also The Illinois Railway Museum located in the town of Union Illinois.
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Digital Live Sound Video: The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010.





I photographed this digital live sound video last year, during My September visit to The Chicago Botanic Garden.

The Chicago Botanic Garden, is located in far north suburban Glencoe Illinois. One of the nice things to see during Your visit, is the outdoor G Scale garden railroad exhibit.
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A Lake County Sherrif's Police pick up truck. Bannockburn Illinois USA. February 2011.





I took this photo recently, in far north suburban Bannockburn Illinois.

A Lake County Illinois Sherrif's Police pick up truck, is viewed heading northbound on Illinois U.S Route # 43 / Waukegan Road.
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A bright red EMD switcher on a CP Rail switching local. Franklin Park Illinois. October 2007.





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

A short eastbound Canadian Pacific Railroad switching local, is viewed departing Franklin Park Illinois with a short consist in tow.
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Saturday, February 19, 2011




















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

The upcoming Springtime season is taking shape pretty nicely, as I have been recieving offers to host some more of My Chicago area railfan photo slideshows,

On Saturday, April 23rd, 2011 from 1:oo until 3:oo PM, I will be hosting the Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow event at The Eisenhower Public Library. This library, is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois, and even features a full service gourmet expresso coffee shop downstairs.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.
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C,A & E wooden train passing. IRM. July 3rd, 2009.





I photographed this digital live sound video, during My Friday, July 3rd, 2009 visit to The Illinois Railway Museum.

We are riding aboard Illinois Terminal Railroad lightweight center entrance interurban car # 101. Our car is now stopped, so that an eastbound two car wooden interurban train from the Chicago, Aurora And Elgin Railroad can pass us on the passing siding.
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One Chicago railroad that I fondly remember from the 1970's and early 1980's era, was the now long gone Illinois Central Gulf.

The Illinois Central Gulf, was created from the August 10th, 1972 merger of the Illinois Central Railroad, and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad. For many years after the fact, one could see former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio EMD roadswitchers, that were still wearing their original 1960's and early 1970's era G,M & O color schemes and markings in to the 1980's.

This railroad suffered from slightly less than profitable former G,m & O lines, and decided to reorganize by the mid 1980's. The original Illinois Central name was resurrected, and the original 1950's and early 1960's era Illinois Central black and white freight locomotive color scheme was used as well. A "New" A,T & T style version of the 1960's and 70's era Illinois Central "Split Rail" logo was utilized. Several former G,M & O routes were sold or "Spun Off" to new upstart regional and short line railroad companies.

The Canadian National had began noticing the "New" Illinois Central with great interest, and purchased the company through merger in 1999.
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The aftermath of Chicago's blizzard of 2011. Bannockburn Illinois USA. February 2011.





I took this photo in far north suburban Bannockburn Illinois, a few days after the Chicago blizzard of 2011 had struck the entire Chicagoland area with an unusually heavy lake effext snowstorm blizzard.

These little Bobcat tractors manufctured by a company known as Melro Equipment, came in very handy for whoever owned, operated or needed to lease one during this nasty winter weather crisis.
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The Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers H.O Scale model railroad club. Oak Park Illinois USA. February 2011.





I took this photo during a recent visit to the Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers H.O Scale model railroad club, located in west suburban Oak Park Illinois.

A very impressive and masive site to see up close, is this unique scratchbuilt and still under xonstruction model of Chicago's long gone Grand Central Station.

The original Grand Central Station, I believe was erected during the late 1800's. This large brick industrial style building with a large grand clock tower, was located south of downtown Chicago Illinois along the Chicago River, in an area that now is the site of a riverfront condominium building.

The original Grand Central Station, wa owned and operated by the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, and served daily passenger trains from the B & O, The Soo Line, and the C & O. The depot was closed for good in 1969, and I believe, may have possibly been demolished in 1971.
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The Longhorn Steakhouse Restaurant on Forest Preserve Drive. Chicago Illinois. Monday, November 1st, 2010.





One of the nicest, friendliest and certainly one of the most flavorful places My Wife and I occasionally enjoy dining at...is the Longhorn Steakhouse.

We enjoy visiting the one located on Forest Preserve Drive east of Harlem Avenue, on the northwest side of Chicago, near the village of Norridge Illinois. Definately a nice place for a special dinner for two night.
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Friday, February 18, 2011

The Tuesday night $5.50 all You can eat Mostacolli or spaghetti withmeatballs.



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

One local Italian food favorite here in the Windy City, is delicious homemade pasta. A great place to dine in and enjoy it at, is Danny's Pizza. Located at 6021 South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood near Midway Airport, they have an unbelievable $ 5.50 "All You Can Eat" special on Mostacolli or Spaghetti. Both with Meatballs mind You!

It is really good, and I highly recommend this place.

Thanks.
Eddie K

Eddie's Railfan Page
http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com
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Silent digital video: CSX Transportation switching local at work. Forest Park Illinois. June 2007.


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Melting snow from Chicago's blizzard of 2011. Elmwood Park IllinoisUSA. Wednsday, February 16th, 2011.




I took this photo two days ago, in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

After being buried under heavy lake effect snow accumulation from the Tuesday, February 1st Chicago blizzard of 2011 for nearly two weeks, the greater Chicagoland area has been experiencing some very nice thaw conditions comparable to Springtime.

With warm daytime temperatures in the 40's and 50's for now, much of Mother Natures own seasonal "Mess" has melted.

It is great to see concrete sidewalks and grass again.
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Metra locomotive running light. Glenview Il. April 2009.





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

There must be a shortage of Metra commuter locomotives at the Fox Lake Illinois terminal, as a single Metra MPI model MP 36PH commuter passenger locomotive, is viewed passing through north suburban Glenview Illinois, running light as an extra movement during the evening rush hour period.
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Recreating Chicago's electric streetcar era. The Illinois RailwayMuseum. Union Illinois USA. 1995.



I took this photo during a 1995 visit to The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois USA. www.irm.org

One feature about the museum's operations I have come to enjoy, is the way that some of the museum's volunteers help set the mood of it all, by trying to visually reanact or recreate how the electric streetcar era in the city of Chicago Illinois must have been like.

This young museum volunteer, is playing the part of a Chicago Surface Lines Company onboard streetcar conductor.
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Westbound Metra commuter train preparing for departure. The MetraWestern Avenue commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.




I took this photo on an absolutely beautiful Autum morning, back in early October of 2006.

A westbound Metra local, is now preparing for departure mometarilly, from the former Milwaukee Road commuter train station at Western Avenue in the city of Chicago Illinois.
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The Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers H.O Scale model railroad club.Oak Park Illinois USA. February 2011.



Growing up on the near southwest side of the city of Chicago Illinois like I did during the 1960's and 70's era, one railroad that was inded an all time favorite of mine....was the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

One of My favorite color schemes the Santa Fe had utilized on their freight locomotives prior to the introduction of the "Yellowbonnet" color scheme in 1972, was the dark blue with yellow ends and letters color scheme. This color scheme was introduced in the year of 1960.

My Athearn H.O Scale model of an EMD GP 35 roadswitcher seen here, is painted in the 1960's era Santa Fe freight color scheme I fondly remember.

Long freight trains would arrive and depart daily from the Santa Fe's Corwith Yard in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, behind multiple unit consists of these engines in this color scheme.
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Hello everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.

Springtime is coming soon folks, and so is The Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow event that I will be hosting at the Eisenhower Public Library on Saturday, April 23rd 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM. Admission is free.
The library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue, in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

Aside from the selections of railroad photos and videos, I will be showing a homemade musical photo slideshow for all of the "Bus Fans" in the audience entitled
"Chicago Trolleybus Memories 1930 - 1973.

Begining in the year of 1930 under the Chicago Surface Lines Company, and from 1947 until the end of service by the succesor company known as the Chicago Transit Authority, Chicago had a large network of electric powered transit bus routes. Some were converted from electric streetcar lines.

For those who grew up in Chicago Illinois prior to 1973, then You will enjoy seeing this unique era in Chicago's public transit history.

Happy memories everyone!

Thanks.
Eddie K.
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Thursday, February 17, 2011

Looking up at the intersection of West Montrose and North MilwaukeeAvenue, in Chicago's Jefferson Park neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA.February 2011.




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

Architectuarally speaking, there is nothing like classic northside Chicago Illinois and the many crowded commercial districts and storefronts from a forgotten era, still alive and well today.

I took this photo looking up around sunset one late Winter afternoon, on Saturday, February 5th, 2011. We are facing southeast at the intersection of North Milwaukee and west montrose Avenues, in Chicago's Jefferson Park neighborhood. The beautiful and classic commercial storefront buildings from the early 1900's era, still line this busy commercial thoroughfare today on the northwest side of the city of Chicago Illinois.

However, there has been a recent change though along the streets. The city of Chicago in recent years, installed these very classic looking early 1900's style overhead streetlights, giving this commercial district a very "Retro" look to it.

Thanks.
Eddie K.
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The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th,2010.





One of My all time favorite railroad museums that I enjoy visiting whenever I am able to do so during the warm weather months, is a place known as "The Hesston Steam Museum'. Located in the northwestern Indiana town of Hesston, just east of Michigan City Indiana, and just a few miles south of the border at New Buffalo Michigan.

This is a beautiful and quaint operating railroad museum in a country setting. The museum's unique dual 2 and 3 foot track guage Flying Dutchman Railroad, takes visitors through a lovely and scenic ride through a wooded setting, with much wildlife to be seen and enjoyed by all.

For more information on the Hesston Steam museum, log on to www.hesston.org.

Thanks.
Eddie K

Eddie's Railfan Page
http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com
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Southbound Metra local. Glenview IL. April 2009.





I photographed this digital live sound video, on a very lovely Springtime morning back in April of 2009.

Photographed from Johns Drive along the east side of the Canadian Pacific and Metra owned former Milwaukee Road northline to Fox Lake Illinois, We see a southbound Metra local departing from the nearby Glen of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station.
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A once popular local Chicago area railroad that unfortunately has since became a fallen flag railroad itself, was the fabled Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad.
Originally owned by the United States Steel Corporation, this industrial railroad operated from Waukegan Illinois on the north, to Gary Indiana on the south, using a route that circled the far once rural outlying future suburbs. Because of this, the railroad had become known as "The Chicago Outer Belt Line", avoiding much time consuming interchange operations in the immediate Chicago area.

The E,J & E had used several different color schemes on their diesel locomotive fleet ranging from solid black on the very early diesel switchers, to a colorful orange and green, to a solid orange, a solid green and a solid mineral brown on the yard switchers, and finally...this bright solid orange with the "J' logo on a green circular background on the nose of some of their EMD SD series heavy roadswitcher locomotives used in the later years.

On February 1st, 2009, the Canadian National Railroad purchased the former E,J & E and acquired the railroad through merger. The old E,J & E had a unique flavor and character all of it's own.
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The Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Corwith Yard engine terminal. Chicago Illinois. March 1985.





I took this photo way back in March of 1985.

Seen here on the southwest side of Chicago Illinois, is the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad locomotive servicing terminal at the A,T & S, F Corwith Yard, photographed during the actual "Santa Fe" days.

In the year of 1995, the Burlington Northern Railroad and the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad merged and became todays BNSF Railway.

Corwith Yard located in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, is owned and operated today by the BNSF Railway, and still uses the name Corwith Yard for this facility.
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