Thursday, March 31, 2011

Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page! Coming to You from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.
















I spotted this wonderful Milwaukee Road photograph today, at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

For many years, the former Milwaukee Road utilized their classic 1950's era EMD First Generation passenger service E and F Series streamlined cab unit diesel locomotives on Chicago area commuter trains.

This photo was taken on July 19th, 1978 in Fox Lake Illinois. I believe that 1978 was proboubly the last year that Milwaukee Road had used these aging locomotives on Chicago area commuter trains. Soon brand new EMD model F-40PH locomotives wearing Chicago's RTA color scheme would be taking over.

Milwaukee Road locomotive # 33C shown here, is an EMD model E-9 locomotive used on pre and some post 1971 Amtrak passenger trains. This locomotive ended it's service career pulling Chicago area commuter trains.

Now for the good news! Locomotive # 33 C, is preserved today at The Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois. www.irm.org

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.o Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. Wednsday, March 23rd, 2011.

This miniature H.O Scale model of a short Burlington Northern Railroad covered hopper car, brought back happy memories of lineside railfanning during the 1980's for Me, in west suburban La Grange Illinois.

These hopper cars in the Cascade Green color scheme with the unique and slanted BN logo, were a common site coupled on to any Burlington Northern freight train arriving or departing from Chicago Illinois during the 1980's.

La Grange Illinois was a great place to photograph the Burlington Northern mainline back then, or even todays 1995 succesor railroad BNSF Railway.

Illinois Terminal # 415 departing Barn # 8 Stop.



I photographed this digital live sound video, during My Friday, July 3rd 2009 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Illinois Terminal Railroad lightweight interurban car # 415, is viewed departing from the Barn # * stop along the museum's trolley loop.

Northbound Canadian Pacific intermodal transfer train with a former Soo Line caboose on the rear. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. March 2007.

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

A northbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train with a former and very rusty Soo Line caboose on the rear, passes through Hawthorne Junction at the Chicago city limits.

This train is traveling northbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks, along the east border of west suburban Cicero Illinois. The train is passing through the Canadian National ex Illinois Central crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction. The hill to the left of the train, is the site of the abandoned Bell Air Drive In Movie Theatre.

Passengers disembarking at the Metra Norwood Park commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. June 2008.

I took this photo back in June of 2008, at the Metra ( Former C & N W) Norwood Park commuter rail station.

Passengers are viewed disembarking from an eastbound local commuter train, at the Raven Street railroad crossing adjacent to the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad steam era depot.

Hobby City. 6910 West Cermak Road. Berwyn Illinois USA. In business at this location from 1982 - 2011. Goodbye.

In local Chicago area hobbiest news...after being in business at 6910 West Cermak Road in west suburban Berwyn Illinois since 1982, the small but popular Hobby City store has closed for good at the end of March 2011.

I had many happy memories of purchasing H.O Scale layout supplies, rolling stock, videos, magazines...or just saying Hi to Bill the owner or His lovely Wife Carol.

Hobby City will be greatly missed by many local Chicago area hobbiest and collectors.

Thanks for the many happy years and memories Bill and Carol.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Shiny, brand new Interstate Asphalt tank car. The Canadian National ex Illinois Central Crawford Yard. Chicago Illinois. June 2008.

I took this photo back in June of 2008.

One of the rarest and proboubly most appreciated sites when railfanning, is that of a brand new (No grafitti yet) shiny freight car.

I spotted this brand new tank car, at the former Illinois Central / Chicago & Illinois Western RR Crawford Yard at the Chicago city limits east of Cicero Illinois.

The unique Interstate Asphalt logo, is a real eye catcher as well. Nice.

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

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

The Chicago Transit Authority in the year of 1952. Chicago Illinois USA. From the internet site Northern California Bus Fans.com www.norcalbusfans.com

I spoted this historic early 1950's era photo at My link page "Northern California Bus Fans.Com" recently.

The Chicago Transit Authority was formed in the year of 1945, but did not actually begin operations until October 1st, 1947. By that time, the CTA had raised the money to purchase the Chicago Surface Lines Company (Streetcars and some buses), and the Chicago Rapid Transit Company. In the year of 1952, the CTA purchased the Chicago Motor Coach Comapny, and rapidly began to phase out the remaining electric streetcar routes.

This photo from the early years of the Chicago Transit Authority, finds a late 1940's era General Motors TDH Series old look transit bus, wearing both of the markings of the CTA, and the former Chicago Motor Coach Company.

Along the side of the bus behind the external advertising billboard, is the round CTA logo. Along the roof of the bus, is the former Chicago Motor Coach Company's advertising slogan "The Boulevard Route".

This CTA bus, is assigned to the Route # 152 Addison Street line.

All Ways Transportation Company Ford paratransit bus. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011.

I took this photo recently, in March of 2011.

All Ways Transportation Company, is one of several private transit companies providing handicapped ADA accessible bus transportation around the greater Chicagoland area.

One of their yellow Ford paratransit buses, is viewed here making a left turn off of North Harlem Avenue, and wil soon head eastbound on West Gunnison Street in Chicago Illinois.

Paratransit service is very beneficial to the elderly and handicapped people, who normally could not get around at all.

the north terminal loop for the Chicago transit Authority Route # 82 Kimball /Homan Avenue bus line at West Devon and North Kedzie Avenues. Chicago Illinois. september 2006.

I took this photo, back in early September of 2006.

Seen here on the far northside of the city of Chicago Illinois near the border at north suburban Lincolnwood Illinois, is the north terminal loop for the Chicago Transit Authority's Route # 82 Kimball / Homan Avenue bus line.

This transit terminal, is located near the intersection of West Devon and North Kedzie Avenues.

Coming this Spring to the Elmwood Park Public Library. 1 Conti Parkway Circle in Elmwood Park Illinois. "Chicago Trolleybus Memories!" Sat, May 21st from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Hosted by Eddie K from Eddie's Railfan Page! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Hello everyone!

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

On Saturday, May 21st, 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, I will be hosting an event entitled "The Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow", at the Elmwood Park Public Library.

One of many features I will be showing at the event, will be a short musical photo slideshow entitled "Chicago Trolleybus Memories.1930 -1973."

The city of Chicago Illinois, had a network of electric powered transit bus routes begining in 1930 under the Chicago Surface Lines Company, and closing out for good in 1973 under the post 1947 succesor company known as the Chicago Transit Authority. Most of these electric powered trolleybus routes, existed for the most part on the northside of Chicago.

If You grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois during this historic time period, or know someone who did...then You will enjoy seeing these hstoric photos of Chicago, how it looked like more than 40 years ago.
Also covered in the slideshow video, are a few photos of the preserved examples of Chicago's electric trolleybuses today, at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago's famous Lake Shore Drive. Chicago Illinois. September 2006.

I took this photo, back in early September of 2006.

Seen here heading northbound on Chicago's famous Lakeshore Drive, is one of many local school buses that serve the greater Chicagoland area.

This photo was taken looking north, from the overhead pedestrian bridge that leads to Chicago's North Avenue Beach.

The CTA Forest Glen garage. Chicago Illinois. January 2007.

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

Seen here along North Elston Avenue near the intersection at Bryn Mawr, is the very large Chicago Transit Authority, Forest Glen maintenance garage facility.

Eastbound Pace bus on Central Avenue. Wilmette Illinois. Wednsday evening, August 4th, 2010.

I took this photo one evening last Summer, just before sunset.

An eastbound suburban Pace bus, has just passed us by on Central Avenue, in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. It was a peaceful and quiet time when I took this photo. Many of the stores and businesses in this portion of Wilmette Illinois, were actually closing for the night.

A peaceful and serene ending of a Summer day in the greater Chicagoland area, as night wil soon be approaching.

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

The former Kiddieland Amusement Park Site. Melrose Park Illinois USA. Sunday night, March 27th, 2011.

I took this photo this past Sunday night, in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois.

This large Costco wholesale warehouse club store, located on the northwest corner of First and North Avenues, from 1928 until the park had closed for good in September of 2009, this was the sight of the Kiddieland Amusement Park.

On Saturday, May 14th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM...I will be hosting a photo slideshow at the Franklin Park Public Library honoring the memory of Kiddieland Amusement Park.

The library is located at 10311 west Grand Avenue in Franklin Park Illinois. If You were a former Kiddieland employee, or just someone who enjoyed visiting Kiddieland with family or friends...then You will enjoy this presentation.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model railroad Club.Oak Park Illinois USA. Wednsday, March 23rd, 2011.

A once common everyday sight I enjoyed while I had attended Curie High School in Chicago Illinois from 1977 to 1981, were these red Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe boxcars with the large logo, and the "Shock Control" advertising on the sides.

Curie high School, located at the corner of South Archer and Pulaski Road in Chicago's Archer Heights neighborhood near Midway Airport, was just 5 blocks west of the former Santa Fe Corwith Yard at South Archer Avenue and West 47th Street.

Transfer trains from the Santa Fe that either arrived or departed from Corwith Yard, traveled behind Curie High School over a heavilly balasted single track branchline, that was owned by the Belt Railway of Chicago.

I witnessed these boxcars everyday back then, and always enjoyed this unique color scheme. I miss it all now, as the A,T & S,F merged with the Burlington Northern RR in 1995, and became todays BNSF Railway.

Thanks to orginizations like the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, I can once again see these cars coupled to freight trains, even if they are in 1/87th H.O Scale. It is just great to see these cars again from My high school days.

Niles Public Services GMC box van truck. Niles Illinois USA. March 2011.

A popular and economical vechicle utilized by many metropolitan public works agencies, utility companys and electrical contractors...are these GMC box van trucks.

This one from the north suburban Niles Public Services in northwest suburban Niles Illinois, is viewed heading northbound on Harlem Avenue near the intersection at Touhy.

Eastbound CTA Skokie Swift train. Skokie IL. Mar 2009.



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

We are on location in north suburban Skokie Illinois, at the Chicago Transit Authority's yellow line railroad crossing. A fast moving eastbound CTA Skokie Swift train, is viewed passing the railroad crossing at speed.

Coming soon to the Elmwood Park Public Library! Sat May 21st from 1-3 PM. The Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow! Hosted by Eddie K from Eddie's Railfan Page! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

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

On Saturday afternoon, May 21st , 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM...I wil be hosting an event entitled "The Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow" at the Elmwood Park Public Library.

The Library is located at 1 Conti Parkway Circle, next to the Elmwood Park Fire Station. This will be a fun opportunity for fellow Chicago area railfans to get together, and have a good time.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago's "New" parking "Pay Boxes" wich have replaced traditional parking meters on Chicago's city streets. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011.

I took this photo recently on West Taylor Street, in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood.

It's a new era in Chicago these days.
In areas where one has to actually pay to park, such as in commercial shopping districts along main streets...Parking Meters are now "Out", and these new Payboxes wich dispense reciepts with the time limit on them are "In".

Once You place the money in the machine, a ticket reciept is dispensed. You then place the ticket in plain view on Your cars dashboard. It's a new technology for Chicago's parking enforcement.

Double stack intermodal container train entering the BNSF Railway Corwith Yard. ( South entrance.) Chicago Illinois. June 2007.

I took this photo during a hazy and humid Summer day, back in June of 2007.

Seen here just east of South Lawndale Avenue near what would approximately be West 49th Street, is an intermodal container train entering the BNSF Railway ex A,T & S,F Corwith Yard in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

This train is entering Corwith Yard via the South Hump.

The Rock Island lives! Tinley Park Illinois. June 2008.

I took this photo one summer afternoon, back in June of 2008.

True, the former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad went out of business after several bankruptcies on March 31st, 1980. However...a few remnants of the former Rock Island can still be found on display if one looks carefully enough.

This former Rock Island steel cupola caboose, is on display along the east side of 80th Avenue between 167th and 171st Streets, in south suburban Tinley Park Illinois.

Monday, March 28, 2011

Welcome aboard Edie's Railfan Page! Coming to You from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale model railroad club.Oak Park Illinois USA. March 2011.

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

Seen here crossing an imaginary river, is My Santa Fe transfer freight train. This image conjured up memories I had, of the Santa Fe's Illinois Northern Branchline / I.N Local...departing northbound out of Corwith Yard, and crossing the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal prior to entering My old neighborhood with a small cut of cars in tow.

Coming this Spring to the Eisenhower Public Library. 4316 N Oketo Ave in Harwood Heights Illinois. "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars!" Sat, April 23rd. 1-3 PM.

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

On Saturday, April 23rd 2011 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, I will be hosting an event entitled "The Chicago Railfan Photo Sldeshow" at the Eisenhower Public Library, in Harwood Heights Illinois.

I will be showing a special musical photo slideshow feature entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars"!

If You grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in 1958, or know someone who did, then You wil enjoy seeing these historic photos of Chicago set to authentic, historic period music.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound CP freight with Soo engines. River Grove IL. May 2009.

Coming this Spring to the Franklin Park Public Library. 10311 West Grand Ave in Franklin Park Illinois. Kiddieland Memories! Sat, May 14th from 11:00 AM -1:00 PM.

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 railfan photo slideshow at the Franklin Park Public Library, located at 10311 West Grand Avenue in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

The main theme of My show, will be a nostalgic tribute to Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park, wich operated from 1928 until the park had closed for good in September of 2009, in nearby Melrose Park Illinois.

If You have an old home movie of Kiddieland transfered to DVD, some old photos, or even a few stories to share, then You will enjoy this presentation.

If You were a former Kiddieland employee, or someone who just enjoyed going there with Your family or friends, then by all means..."Come out and Join in the fun", at the Franklin Park Public Library!

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

I took this photo at a recent Wednsday night operating session, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

For a railfan like Myself, there is nothing quiete like seeing one of Your favorite and unfortunately "Long Gone -Fallen Flag" railroads from Your Childhood, alive and well operating in miniature.

One of My personal favorites amongst the many railroads that had served Chicago Illinois when I was just a kid back in the 1960's, was the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. I had an Aunt and Uncle who are both now deceased, that lived near West 22nd Street west of South Kedzie Avenue. I used to love seeing the silver streamlined passenger trains, and the freight trains of the C,B & Q that ran near their house back then.

The color scheme seen on this H.O Scale model of a Baldwin diesel locomotive switcher, was introduced in the early 1950's by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, and was refered to as their "Blackbird" color scheme. By the late 1950's and early 1960's, this color scheme was replaced on the C,B & Q's EMD GP and SD Series roadswitchers, with a bright red and gray color scheme.

For a few years after the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, the Great Northern, the Northern Pacific, and the Spokane, Portland & Seatle Railroad merged on March 2nd, 1970 and became the Burlington Northern Railroad, it was still possible to find locomotives, cabooses and freight cars in the color schemes and markings of these predecessor railroads, at the BN Clyde Yard in west suburban Cicero Illinois.

Several pieces of C,B & Q equipment such as steam locomotives, passenger cars, diesel locomotives and the streamlined Nebraska Zephyr 1940's era passenger train, can be seen up close and in person at The Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois.
www.irm.org

Bob O's Hot Dogs on West Irving Park Road. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011.

I took this night time photo just recently after work.

Seen here, is one of My personal favorite northwest side Chicago eateries. Located at 8258 West Irving Park Road in Chicago's Accacia Park neighborhood, east of Cumberland Avenue...is Bob O's Hot Dogs.

One of My favorite menu items aside from their tasty sandwiches, are the "home cut" cheese fries.

Located approximately two blocks east of North Cumberland Avenue, this place is a tasty and well deserved treat.

Southbound BNSF transfer train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. March 2007.

I took this photo back in March of 2007.

A southbound BNSF Railway transfer freight train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago, is viewed passing through Hawthorne Junction at the Chicago city limits, on the border at west suburban Cicero Illinois.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

The Memphis Main Street Trolley. Memphis Tennesee. September 2007.

I took this photo, during My September 2007 visit to Memphis Tennesee.

A popular local attraction worth riding and photographing, is the Memphis Main Street Trolley.

The Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad's Illinois Northern branchline switching local. Chicago Illinois. March 1986.

One railroad operation I litterally grew up with in the city of Chicago Illinois many years ago, was the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe railroad's Illinois Northern / I.N industrial branchline.

I grew up in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood during the 1960's and 70's. This little six mile industrial branchline, served the once many factories in My old neighborhood.

Santa Fe operated the branchline switching local train on this line 5 days a week, from Monday thru Friday. Today, this line is up for abandonement under succesor railroad BNSF Railway, as there is too little on line traffic to support railroad operations.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

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

I took this photo on a Sunday afternoon, back in April of 2010.

The west suburban Village of Riverside Illinois was actually very quiet and quiete dormant on this very sunny Springtime afternoon. There was not much automobile traffic passing by the Riverside Metra commuter rail station, and few if any people were out taking a walk around town.

Soon, a headlight would appear out of the east, and a westbound BNSF Railway intermodal double stack container train would pass though the station. The distinctive sound of a heavy freight train being pulled by two modern heavy duty General Electric diesel locomotives, would soon rattle the silent afternoon at the station.

Coming soon to the Eisenhower Public Library. 4613 N Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois. "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars!" Hosted by Eddie K from Eddie's Railfan Page! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com Saturday, April 23rd, 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM!

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 at the Eisenhower Public Library called "The Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow"!

Aside from the hoistoric photos and personal railfan home movies I had taken many years ago, I will be showing a feature presentation entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars. This is a short musical photo slideshow, set to authentic historic period music.

If You or someone You know grew up in Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar service in 1958, then You will enjoy seeing these historic images of Chicago the way it once looked.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Union Pacific Railroad empty unit coal train crossing West Lake Avenue. Glenview Illinois. August 2010.

The 75th Avenue railroad crossing. Elmwood Park illinois. Late May 2010.

A nice location in the greater Chicagoland area to spot trains with Your camera, is the 75th Avenue railroad crossing in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

Located immediately adjacent to the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station, this busy mainline location sees many Metra commuter trains, as well as many freight trains from the Canadian Pacific, Norfolk Southern and Canadian National railroads.

This is on the former Milwaukee Road west comuter mainline to Elgin Illinois.

Coming this Spring to the Eisenhower Public Library. 4613 N Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois. The Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow! Saturday, April 23rd, 2011. 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

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

On Saturday afternoon, April 23rd, 2011 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM...I will be hosting the Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow at the Eisenhower Public Library. The library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood eights Illinois.

If You enjoy historic trains or transportation subjects, then You will enjoy this presentation in the upstairs meeting room.

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

All - A-Boooaaard!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale model railroad club.Oak Park Illinois USA. March 2011.

I took this photo, during a recent operating session at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

One of My favorite southside Chicago railroads I enjoyed seeing whenever I had the opportunity to do so, was the Norfolk & Western Railroad.

When I was growing up in Chicago during the 1960's and 70's, My Aunt Tereasa, Uncle Rudy and My Cousins Terry, Joey and Richard Horvath lived on West 80th Place east of South St. Louis Avenue, in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood.

Just south of where they lived running alongside Southwest Highway, was the Norfolk & Western Railroad. Prior to October of 1964, this N & W line, was the Wabash Railroad originally. In 1964, the Norfolk & Western absorbed the Nickle Plate Road and the Wabash Railroad through merger, making them all N & W.

This H.O Scale freight car, is an Athearn 50 foot double door boxcar wearing the post 1964 N & W markings, wich were used until replaced by a large and simple NW in 1971.

The N & W logo to the left side of the car doors, was refered to as the Norfolk & Western "Hamburger" logo by many railfans.

The Patio Restaurant. Bridgeview Illinois. Sunday evening, October 10th, 2010.

I took this photo back in October of 2010.

Seen here, is one of a few menus in the drive thru lane, at The Patio Restaurant in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.

This roadside restaurant alongside South Harlem Avenue and West 93rd Street, specializes in Barbequed Ribs, Sandwiches, and other tasty dinnertime delights.

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page! Coming to You from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

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

I took this photo, during a recent operating session at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

My Athearn EMD GP 35 roadswitcher wearing the 1960's era Santa Fe color scheme, is viewed pulling a short transfer train of wooden Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad reefer cars.

I imagined that this was a ficticious Atchinson, Topeka & santa Fe Railroad transfer train, traveling from the Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad's Proviso Yard in Bellwood Illinois, to the Atchinson Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad's Corwith Yard in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, traveling southbound to Mc Cook Junction over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, where it will interchange back on to Santa Fe home rails and travel eastbound to Corwith Yard.

Chicago Fire Department Chevrolet Stepvan support services canteen truck. Glenview Illinois. March 2009.

I took this photo back in March of 2009, in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

Seen here parked along Johns Court near a service repair garage, is a Chicago Fire Department Chevrolet Stepvan truck. This particular fire department vechicle, is a support services "Canteen" truck, wich distributes food and beverages for fire fighters at fire and disaster sites, where sometimes long working hours are spent on location.

Out of view on the right side of the truck, is a side window, much like You would see on an ice cream vendors truck.

Silent Digital Video: Westbound Metra express commuter train passing through Cragin Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2007.

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

We are on location at Cragin Junction, just east of the Metra Grand /Cicero Avenue commuter rail station, in Chicago's Cragin neighborhood.

A Norfolk Southern transfer freight train waits for clearance on the Belt Railway of Chicago interchange lead connection track, while a westbound Metra evening express commuter train, passes by on the former Milwaukee Road west commuter line to Elgin Illinois.

Chicago winter railroading. Chicago Illinois. January 2007.

I took this photo, back in January of 2007.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific transfer train, is viewed passing underneath the North Central Avenue overpass bridge in Chicago's Hanson Park neighborhood, on a snowy afternoon.

Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe hump yard switching. Corwith Yard. Chicago Illinois. April 1984.

I took this photo, way back in April of 1984.

A rebuilt EMD model GP 9 roadswitcher, is viewed working the south hump at the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad's Corwith Yard in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

Hobby City. 6910 West Cermak Road. Berwyn Illinois USA. In business at this location from 1982 - 2011. Goodbye.

A n era is coming to a close in Chicago's western suburbs.

Hobby City located at 6910 West Cermak Road in west suburban Berwyn Illinois, is going out of business after 29 years, and will be closing their store for good at the end of March 2011.

Be sure to stop in and check out the close out bargains, before it's too late. I have been shopping here on and off since the mid 1980's, and I will certainly miss visiting Hobby City.

EMD switchers from the Central Illnois Railroad. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011.

I took this photo recently, at what had been the locomotive storage yard and Chicago headquarters, of the shortline railroad Central Illinois Railroad.

The Central Illinois Railroad was suffering from low and very disappointing on line revenue, and decided to vacate their Chicago operation in July of 2010, wich was leasing an industrial railroad branchline from the BNSF Railway in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

The on line switching operations, were returned to the BNSF Railway, but somehow....the two Central Illinois Railroad locomotives remained inside the former storage yard at 918 West Cermak Road in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

The BNSF Railway is presumed to be operating the line with these two locomotives. The plastic 5 gallon hardware store buckets on top of the locomotive smokestacks, are there to help keep the rain, snow and wet weather Chicago is known for, out of the engine block.

A former New Orleans Public Service Company electric streetcar at the station. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Hotel. Chattanooga Tennesee. May 1990.

I took this photo during a May 1990 Family vacation to the states of Tennesee and North Carolina.

Our motorbus tour spent two nights at the famous Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Hotel in downtown Chattanooga Tennesee.
This is the former Chattanooga Union Station, wich has long since been redeveloped in to a hotel and railroad museum.

Southbound Canadian National transfer train passing over the former Illinois Central crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2008.

I took this photo on a hot Summer afternoon, back in June of 2008.

Heading southbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago, We see a Canadian National transfer train passing through the former Illinois Central crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction. This train is enroute to the very large Belt Railway of Chicago, Clearing Yard in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois.

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

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

Metra departs at sunset. Franklin Park Illinois. June 2009.



I photographed this digital live sound video around sunset, in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois back in June of 2009.

A westbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois, is viewed departing from Franklin Park Illinois at the end of a busy Summer day.

Indiana Harbor Belt RR maintenance of way department truck. Argo Yard parking lot. Summit Illinois USA. September 2008.

I took this photo back in early September of 2008.

Seen here parked at the location where West 63rd Street ends, just west of the intersection of South Archer Road / Illinois U.S Route # 171, are a few maintenance of way service trucks from the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad.

These trucks wich are used to help maintain the infrastructure and all around physical operating plant of the railroad company, are parked directly across the street from the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Argo Yard facility in Summit Illinois.

Eastbound Canadian National freight train. North Riverside Illinois. April 2007.

I love seeing those colorful seasonal photographs of Springtime in the greater Chicagoland area.

I took this photo in west suburban North Riverside Illinois one afternoon, back in April of 2007.

It may be an overcast day outside with plenty of gray clouds above, but there is no mistaking the bright green hue of Springtime grass on the ground inside adjacent Commons Park.

Coming soon to the Franklin Park Public Library. 10311 West Grand Avenue in Franklin Park Illinois. Kiddieland Memories! Hosted by Eddie K from Eddie's Railfan Page! Saturday, May 14th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM!!

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

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

One of the main features that I will be showing, are My photos and videos of Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park, that existed in nearby Melrose Park Illionois from 1928 until the park had closed in 2009.

I am encouraging anyone who also may have sold old photos of Kiddieland, an old home movie of Kiddieland transfered to DVD, perhaps a game prize from the park's midway, or even some stories to share about Kiddieland to come out and enjoy the fun.

If You were a former Kiddieland employee, or someone who visited Kiddieland with Your family or friends when You were growing up...then We most definately want to hear from You.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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 in northwest Indiana.

Railroad museums, are great places to photograph details on vintage locomotives and railroad equipment for reference purposes.
This is the Lima Locomotive Works builders plate on the museum's 3 foot guage Shay logging locomotive from the New Mexico Lumber Company.

This powerful and very practical industrial steam locomotive, was built by the Lima Locomotive Works of Lima Ohio, in November of 1929. This was also the "Last" narrow guage steam Shay type locomotive that was built by Lima.

For more information about The Hesston Steam Museum, Log
on to www.hesston.org