The Hillside Public Library located at 405 Hillside Avenue in west suburban Hillside Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian and photographer Edward Kwiatkowski to the library on Saturday, February 25th, 2012, from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

Eddie will be hosting a musical photo slideshow / multi media lecture event entitled
"When Chicago Rode The Streetcars and other rail subjects", in the library's downstairs meeting room. Admission is free.

If You or someone You know, had grown up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in June of 1958, then You won't want to miss this historic presentation, wich is set to authentic historic period music ranging from Ragtime Piano, Dixieland Jazz, and 1940's era Big Band Standards.

See Chicago how it was prior to 1958.

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

I found this historic photograph from the Grand Trunk Western Railroad at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad was one of the last railroads in North America, to operate steam locomotives in daily revenue service, operating their last ones in 1961.
This GTW U.S.R.A (United States Railway Administration / World War 1 era) light 2-8-2 Mikado type steam locomotive, was photographed by Dennis Schmidt on July 19th, 1956 at Pontiac Michigan. These were standard freight service locomotives that would occasionally pull passenger trains on the GTW when needed.

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

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

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

An Athearn Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad wide vision caboose, brings up the rear of My freight train on the club layout.

A Belt Railway of Chicago shoving platform. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2012.

A Belt Railway of Chicago shoving platform. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This photo was E Mailed to Me by My good friend and fellow Chicago railfan Anthony C.

Cabooses with observation cupolas, have long since fallen out of favor with daily railroad operations begining during the early 1980's.

Cabooses however, still do see some use on some of todays railroads in a different capacity or two. The Belt Railway of Chicago, still uses cabooses on some transfer and switching local trains around Chicago, however they are now refered to as "Shoving Platforms", and make excelent idler cars on switching locals.

This example, was photographed near the Belt Railway of Chicago's West 68th Street wye junction .

Thanks Anthony.
Eddie K.

Southbound Metra kicking up snowdust. Northbrook IL.

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

A southbound Metra commuter train enroute to Chicago from Fox Lake Illinois, kicks up snowdust just north of the Willow Road overpass bridge, in north suburban Northbrook Illinois USA.

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 one evening at sunset, back in February of 2008.

We are looking westbound on South Archer Avenue, at the intersection of South Western Avenue in Chicago's Mc Kinley Park neighborhood.

An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority orange line train enroute to downtown Chicago, is viewed passing over the high curved bridge that passes over Brighton Junction.

Westbound Metra commuter local departing the Western Avenue station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

Westbound Metra commuter local departing the Western Avenue station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a lovely Autum morning, back in October of 2006.

A westbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois, departs from the former Milwaukee Road train station at Western Avenue, on a beautiful Indian Summer morning.

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

Aside from My interests in trains, buses, and various transportation subjects...
I have been a lifelong fan of classic American roadside drive in restaurants from the 1950's and 60's era.

I was born in Chicago Illinois in 1962, and I remember seeing the last of these classic American roadside icons in the greater Chicagoland area. Most were gone by 1975. I seem to recall, that west suburban Berwyn Illinois once had a good number of these on Illinois U.S Route # 34 / Ogden Avenue aka Old U.S Rt # 66.

I found this photo on the internet today.

Seen here is a place that was known as Sandy's Drive In, wich no longer exists, but was located in the city of Peoria Illinois.

Until it closed in 2007, I can fondly remember hanging out at The Frosted Mug Drive In, wich was located at 11601 South Pulaski Road in Alsip Illinois.

TV shows like Happy Days and movies like American Grafitti, help to revive this era.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a September 2010 visit to The Hesston Steam Museum, located in northwest Indiana, near the Michigan state line at neighboring New Buffalo Michigan.

A 14 inch guage miniature live steam passenger train to the left, shares depot space with a larger 2 foot narrow guage steam train to the right, at the museum's Hesston Junction depot.

The Hesston Steam Museum, is a fun and very family oriented attraction, located just east of Michigan City Indiana.

For more information, log on to
www.hesston.org

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

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

I photographed this digital live sound video back in September of 2010, at a popular local Chicago area atrraction known as The Chicago Botanic Garden, wich is located in north suburban Glencoe Illinois.

During the warm weather months from approximately May to October, the Chicago Botanic Garden operates a series of outdoor G Scale model railroads through some of their gardens.

I captured this Milwaukee Road freight train passing through at the time of My visit.

Tiger Rag - Midlife Dixieland Jazzband

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

Call Me old fashioned if You feel a need to do so, but I have always enjoyed
listening to traditional American Dixieland Jazz music.

Dixieland Jazz band proboubly dates back to the early 1900's era, circa the "Teens",
and evolved from the once popular Ragtime Music of the turn of the century. This
up tempo and fun style of jazz music, originated in the "Crescent City" known as New Orleans Louisianna, and is a "Must" every year at Mardi Gras time.

I vacationed in New Orleans Louisianna during Mardi Gras in 1977 and 1978 when I was a teenager, and absolutely loved dixieland jazz music. Especiually when it was performed live!

Here is an ensemble I discovered today on the You Tube channel, known as the Midlife Dixieland Jazz Band. Here they perform a Dixieland Jazz classic entitled
"The Tiger Rag."

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Morton Grove Department of Public Works Elgin street sweeper vehicle. Morton Grove Illinois USA. November 2011.

Morton Grove Department of Public Works Elgin street sweeper vehicle. Morton Grove Illinois USA. November 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo in traffic one day last November during My morning lunch break.

We are facing south on North Harlem Avenue, at the intersection of West Dempster Street in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois.

An Elgin Pelican model street sweeper vehicle from the Morton Grove Department of Public Works, is waiting for the left turning signal in the eastbound turning lane.

There were plenty of Autum leaves to be swept op on the residential side streets of Morton Grove on this overcast Autum day.

An Athearn Santa Fe freight train.

An Athearn Santa Fe freight train., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

I grew up on the near southwest side of the city of Chicago Illinois, during the 1960's and 70's era, and I enjoy modeling the trains from My youth during this period.

One of My all time favorite railroads from this part of Chicago that I fondly remember, was the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe.

My Athearn EMD GP 35 shown here, is decorated in the 1960's era Santa Fe blue with the yellow ends and letting color scheme, wich was used by the A,T & S,F from 1960 until 1972.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this classic late 1950's era black and white photo at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

The photo wich is dated for March 31st, 1958.

Photographer Dennis Schmidt, captured this classic and proboubly recently dieselized Grand Trunk Western Railroad passenger train, at the South Bend Indiana train station.

During this period, the GTW was in the process of a late dieselization of their motive power fleet. The GTW was one of the last railroads in North America, to operate steam locomotives in daily revenue service until 1961. The GTW EMD GP 9 roadswitcher locomotives viewed on the head end of this passenger train, were painted in the olive green, black and gold colors of the parent railroad company Canadian National.

The Grand Trunk Western, was a United States subsidiary of the Canadian National Railroad.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

Be sure to come out to the Hillside Public Library on Saturday, February 25th
from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, as I will be hosting a nostalgic railfan multi media
photo slideshow event in the library's downstairs meeting room.
The Hillside Public Library, is located at 405 Hillside Avenue in west -
suburban Hillside Illinois.

The main theme of My presentation, will feature a homemade musical photo
slideshow entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars"! If You or someone
You know had grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of
CTA electric streetcar operations in 1958, then You won't want to miss this
nostalgic transit ride down memory lane.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Metra switcher running light. Franklin Park Illinois.

Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad track maintenance crew. Union Illinois. September 1985.

Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad track maintenance crew. Union Illinois. September 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during My September 1985 members weekend visit, to the Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois.

An added bonus of My visit, was capturing this image of a Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad M.O.W crew, performing spot repairs at the adjacent Olson Road railroad crossing, on the C & N,W branchline in pre Union Pacific days.

Notice the stationary railroad crossing crossbucks, with no yield signs on the posts.

Eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad freight train approaching the Edgington Street railroad crossing. Franklin Park Illinois. October 2008.

Eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad freight train approaching the Edgington Street railroad crossing. Franklin Park Illinois. October 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2008.

An eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad freight train, is viewed departing from northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

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 one day, back in December of 2007.

The Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin Illinois, was officially closed for the season. I was passing by the museum on Illinois U.s Rt # 31, and briefly stopped to snap a few photos of the museum equipment in a Winter setting.

Coming this Saturday to the Brookfield Public Library! 3609 Grand Boulevard In Brookfield Illinois. Remembering Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks Of The Past ! 1:00 until 3:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from Eddie's Railfan Page ! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

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

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

Be sure to come out to the Brookfield Public Library this Saturday from 1 until 3 PM. I will be hosting a musical photo slideshow / Multi Media event entitled "Remembering Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks of The Past"!

If You could remember growing up in the greater Chicagoland area, and visiting such fun Summer places like Riverview Park in Chicago Illinois, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, Playland Park in Justice Illinois, or even the recently closed and greatly missed Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois...then You absolutely will not want to miss this fun presentation in the library's downstairs meeting room.

So please...mark Your calendar for Saturday, January 28th at the Brookfield Public Library, located at 3609 Grand Boulevard in west suburban Brookfield Illinois. 1 to 3 PM.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A City Of Chicago Department Of Streets And Sanitation Autocar garbage truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Early January 2012.

A City Of Chicago Department Of Streets And Sanitation Autocar garbage truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Early January 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one morning recently during My lunch break.

A trash collection crew from the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation, apparently was also enjoying their much deserved lunch break as well at a nearby Mc Donald's Restaurant.

The truck is a new Autocar cabover, with a Loadmaster disposal body.

This photo was taken looking north on North Harlem Avenue, at West Addison Street on the northside of Chicago Illinois.

The Heritage Series: Illinois Central Gulf

Eddie K's new ICG side door caboose on it's first run.

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

I had just purchased this orange Centrailia Car Shops H.O Scale model of a 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad side door caboose. My caboose was making it's debut on the model railroad club layout that night.

This train, reminds Me of the Illinois Central Gulf trains I grew up with on the near southwest side of Chicago, just after the August 10th 1972 merger of the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio, and the Illinois Central railroads.

MTH 1941 New York Central Railroad streamlined J 3 4-6-4 Hudson steam locomotive.

MTH 1941 New York Central Railroad streamlined J 3 4-6-4 Hudson steam locomotive., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at a Wednsday night operating session at the Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Model train manufacturer MTH (Mike's Train House) ,has recently produced this historic early 1940's era model of a New York Central Railroad streamlined J 3 Hudson type passenger steam locomotive.

This model is sound equipped, and is quiete a sight to see in action, just like the prototype must have been like back in the day.

Eastbound Norfolk Southern /BNSF transfer train entering the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Eastbound Norfolk Southern /BNSF transfer train entering the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one morning, back in October of 2011.

An eastbound Norfolk Southern / BNSF Railway transfer train, is viewed heading eastbound and entering the Chicago side of the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard, after interchanging off of the BRC 's West 68th Street wye junction.

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

A Chicago Transit Authority 2006 New Flyer bus, modified as a clean air hybrid bus. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this unique and very historic photo from Southern California at My Link page "Northern California Bus Fans", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com

The Pacific Electric, was a major electric powered interurban / commuter railroad that operated out of the city of Los Angeles California, from the early 1900's until 1961.

Aside from their already famous and popular electric interurban trains, the Pacific Electric also augmented their operations with a fleet of transit buses. These buses provided local service around the Los Angeles area, and served the Pacific Electric quiete well.

Seen here in the foreground, is a late 1940's era propane powered transit bus, manufactured by the Twin Coach Company of Kent Ohio. Many citties in North America, utilized these propane powered buses during the 1950's and 60's era. The buses inthe background, are standard General Motors 40 foot TDH Series "Old Look" (Pre 1959) transit buses. Many transit agencies in North America, operated the old look GM's until the early to mid 1970's.

This photo is from the Jim Husing collection.

Mechanical failure. A disabled handicapped bus is being towed back tothe garage. Glenview Illinois. September 2008.

Mechanical failure. A disabled handicapped bus is being towed back to the garage. Glenview Illinois. September 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Nothing like the sight of a disabled handicapped bus.

I took this photo during My first year of employment at First Transit. The old 2001 vintage Chevrolet paratransit mini buses, were definately on their last leg mechanically, and were breaking down on the road quiete a bit.

2001 Chevrolet bus # 5038, is viewed being towed to the Glenview Illinois garage.

These buses were finally retired by 2010, and replaced by newer Ford models.

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

The General Motors TDH Series "Old Look" transit buses, were a very popular and versatile standard transit bus model. Introduced during the mid 1940's, the 40 foot model was manufactured from 1945 until 1959, when the "New Look" Fishbowl Windshield models were introduced.

General Motors actually manufactured smaller 30 foot GM old look style buses, until approximately 1967. The later model GM old look TDH Series buses like the one shown here, had twin sealed beam headlights.

This photo was taken in the city of Modesto California, in February of 1979.

Photo courtessy of the Melvin Bemero collection.

The Greyhound Bus Company's large Chicago maintenance facility. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

The Greyhound Bus Company's large Chicago maintenance facility. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Seen here along the north bank of the north branch of the Chicago River at North Halsted Street near West Chicago Avenue, is the large Greyhound Bus Company Chicago maintetnace facility.

Silent digital video: Chicago Transit Authority buses on North Clark Street. Chicago Illinois. July 2007.

Silent digital video: Chicago Transit Authority buses on North Clark Street. Chicago Illinois. July 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Several Chicago Transit Authority Route # 22 / Clark Street buses, are viewed passing by on North Clark Street near West North Avenue, in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood on a hot Summer day.

The last passenger drop off of the work day. Wheeling Illinois USA. January 2012.

The last passenger drop off of the work day. Wheeling Illinois USA. January 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I tok this photo at work two weeks ago.

A long workday with short Wintertime daylight hours is coming to a close.

My last passenger of the day, wich was a kind lady in a wheelchair with a companion rider, have just been let off at an apartment complex in northwest suburban Wheeling Illinois. With no other passengers needing a pick up on My route, dispatch gave Me the go ahead to fuel the bus and return to the garage.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A freshly washed Metra commuter train. Glenview Illinois USA. June 2011.

A freshly washed Metra commuter train. Glenview Illinois USA. June 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on My way to work one morning, back in June of 2011.

A freshly washed and nicely maintained EMD model F 40PH locomotive, pushes a southbound local commuter train to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois.

This train was photographed in the early morning sunshine, at The Glen Of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station.

I found this old vintage tinted postcard of Chicago on the internet.

This picture, shows the very crowded (And still is today.) intersection of State and Madison Streets in downtown Chicago Illinois, circa the early 1900's.

From 1882 until 1906 when they were eventually phased out for good, some of
Chicago's then competing public transit companies utilized cable cars on surface transportation routes. Chicago once had the world's largest cable car system during the late 1800's. The introduction of the electric powered city streetcar in 1893, proved to be far more reliable than the old cable cars.

San Francisco Californai introduced their cable cars in the year of 1871, and they are still running today. After seeing the success firsthand on a late 1800's era business trip to San Francisco California, several local Chicago politicians, businessmen and transit company executives declared that Chicago had to have a cable car system.

During that time, slow moving horse drawn streetcars and omnibuses, were the industry standard on early public transit company systems in North America.
Cable cars were actually the "State of the art" in public transportation technology back then.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Coming soon to the Brookfield Public Library! "Kiddieland Memories!" Saturday, January 28th from 1 to 3 PM! Hosted by Eddie K From Eddie's Railfan Page http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

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

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

Next week Saturday afternoon, January 28th from 1 until 3 PM, I will be hosting an historic photo slideshow / multi media presentation in the downstairs meeting room of the Brookfield Public Library. The library is located at 3609 Grand Boulevard, in west suburban Brookfield Illinois.

I will be hosting a show, spotlighting "Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks Of The Past."

Aside from photos that were taken many years ago at Riverview Park in Chicago, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, and Playland Park in unincorporated Justice Illinois...I will be showing My own homemade musical photo slideshow I produced entitled "Kiddieland Memories!"

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Vintage Film of Brooklyn Trolleys Circa 1930s

I spotted these old 1930's era vintage home movies that were taken in New York City
on You Tube this morning.

Seen here are the electric city streetcars, of the Brooklyn And Queens Railway.

1960's era B & O EMD 2nd Generation roadswitcher locomotives.

1960's era B & O EMD 2nd Generation roadswitcher locomotives., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

A common sight I can recall when I was growing up on the southside of Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era, was the beautiful dark blue and yellow EMD 2nd generation roadswitcher locomotives, of the former Baltimore & Ohio Railroad.

This color scheme was introduced around the late 1950's and early 60's era, to replace the original blue, gray and yellow color scheme, wich was expensive and difficult to maintain. The original color scheme was attractive and quiete striking, but the economics of maintenance would soon introduce this much simplified solid "Dip Job" paint scheme for the B & O, and several other North American Railroads by the 1960's.

In 1972, the Baltimore & Ohio, the Chesapeke & Ohio, and the Western Maryland railroads merged and became the Chessie System Railroad.

A good number of former B & O and C & O EMD locomotives would operate in this 1960's era solid color scheme, until the current CSX Transportation Company railroad began operations in 1986.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Niles Fire Department International ambulance truck responding to an emergency call. Niles Illinois USA. March 2011.

Niles Fire Department International ambulance truck responding to an emergency call. Niles Illinois USA. March 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo in traffic one day last year.

With the siren wailing and the emergency flashing strobe lights activated, a fast moving International fire amubulance from the Niles Fire Department, races northbound at the intersection of North Harlem and West Touhy Avenue, in north suburban Nilles Illinois USA.

View looking west from the Daley College pedestrian overpass. ChicagoIllinois. Late September 1982.

View looking west from the Richard J. Daley College pedestrian overpass. Chicago Illinois. Late September 1982., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, way back in September of 1982.

We are facing west toward the late day sun, on the Richard J.Daley College pedestrian overpass bridge wich spans West 76th Street near South Pulaski Road, at an area known as Ford City East, on the southwest side of Chicago Illinois..

The tall apartment building to the left, is the Ford City Apartments.

I was attending an evening adult education photography course here at the time of this photograph.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Southbound Union Pacific freight train. Alsip Illinois. November 1989.

Southbound Union Pacific freight train. Alsip Illinois. November 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in November of 1989.

A Union Pacific Railroad fast moving freight train, is viewed heading southeast over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, in south suburban Alsip illinois USA.

Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation garbage trucks. Chicago Illinois. November 2006.

Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation garbage trucks. Chicago Illinois. November 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in November of 2006.

A small convoy of City Of Chicago Department Of Streets And Sanitation garbage trucks, are viewed heading southbound on North Cicero Avenue. These trucks are more than likely enroute to the large waste transfer station on North Kilbourn Avenue, in Chicago's nearby Northwest Industrial Park to dump their loads.

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

The Memphis Main Street Trolley. Memphis Tennesee. September 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during My September 2007 vacation to the city of Memphis Tennesee.

Seen here heading southbound on Main Street in downtown Memphis, is a popular local attraction known as the Memphis Main Street Trolley.

For people like Myself and a few others out there who were born too late to experience electric city streetcars operating in a downtown urban setting, this alone is a great reason to visit Memphis.

My Wife and I had a wonderful time visitinf Memphis Tennesee USA.

Elmwood Park Department Of Public Works International snowplow equipped dump truck plowing and salting North 74th Court. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Thursday, January 12th, 2012.

Elmwood Park Department Of Public Works International snowplow equipped dump truck plowing and salting North 74th Court. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Thursday, January 12th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo last week Thursday during My lunch break.

After an unseasonabally mild December and early January...the greater Chicagoland area got hit with a heavy snowstorm on Thursday, January 12th, 2012.

An International snowplow equipped dump truck from the Village of Elmwood Park Department of Public Works, is viewed plowing snow and spreading rock salt on North 74th Court in Elmwood Park Illinois.

The Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA.

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

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

I grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois, on the near southwest side of town.

The real life day to day trains of My own youth here in the Windy City, is what I really enjoy modeling in H.O scale.

Seen here is y Athearn H.O scale freight train from the former Atchinson, Topeka & santa Fe Railroad. With the Athearn EMD GP 35 wearing the Santa Fe's 1960's era blue and yellow color scheme and some 1970's era box cars in tow...I can sit back and watch an A,T & S,F freight train from this period roll past Me on the club layout.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

5:00 AM snowplowing. Elmwood Park Illinois.Feb 2011.

San Francisco California isn't the only city in the United States of America to
operate Cable Cars in daily transit route service. Chicago once had them too.

The city of Chicago Illinois, had a network of cable car lines from approximately 1882, until they were phased out for good in 1906.

After seeing the San Francisco cable cars first hand on a business trip during the late 1800's, several Chicago politicians, businessmen and transit executives decided
that "Chicago must have a cable car system"! This was the "state of the art" in public transportation technology prior to the introduction of the electric powered streetcar in 1893.

At one point in time during this era, Chicago once had the worlds largest cable car system.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Metra express. Elmwood Park IL. Dec 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video recently, back in late December of 2011.

A westbound Metra express commuter train, approaches and crosses the diagonal railroad crossing on Grand Avenue, in northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

Trains operate on a speed restriction through here, due to many railroad grade crossing accidents on Grand avenue in recent years past. Some quiete spectacular or unfortunately fatal.

A Grand Trunk western Railroad transfer caboose parked just north of adjacent west 51st Street near South St. Louis Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983.

A Grand Trunk western Railroad transfer caboose parked just north of adjacent west 51st Street near South St. Louis Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in October of 1983.

A pair of Grand Trunk Western Railroad transfer cabooses, are sitting parked immediately north of West 51st Street near South St. Louis Avenue, at the very soon to be closed GTW Elsdon Yard.

This was taken during the final week of operation at the GTW Elsdon Yard on the southwest side of Chicago Illinois USA.

No white Christmas for Chicago in 2011. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late December 2011.

No white Christmas for Chicago in 2011. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late December 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo a few weeks ago, back in late December of 2011.

The entire Chicago area, experienced unseasonabally mild temperatures in the 50 degrees Frenheight range through out the month of December in 2011.

There was no sign of a white Christmas in the greater Chicagoland area for 2011.

Why complain? Heck! No ice to slip on either.

The Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Corwith Yard engine terminal. Chicago Illinois. March 1985.

The Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Corwith Yard engine terminal. Chicago Illinois. March 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in March of 1985.

Seen here at approximately West 41st Street about 4 city blocks east of South Pulaski Road, is the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Corwith Yard locomotive servicing facility.

Coming soon to the Brookfield Public Library! "Kiddieland Memories"! Saturday, January 28th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from the internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page"! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

The Kiddieland Limited boarding passengers. July 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Brookfield Public Library located at 3609 Grand Boulevard in west suburban Brookfield Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian Edward Kwiatkowski to the library's downstairs meeting room on Saturday, January 28th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

Eddie will be hosting a multi media musical photo slideshow program about Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks Of The Past.

Eddie will be showing His homemade musical photo slideshow entitled "Kiddieland Memories", wich features several photos and video clips that Eddie had photographed at the recently closed Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois from 2006 to 2009.

This will be a fun event and We hope to see You there! Admission is free.

Thank You.

Southbound CTA Skokie Swift train. Skokie IL. Feb 2009.

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

A southbound Chicago Transit Authority yelow line train, is photographed
at the Main Street CTA railroad crossing in downtown north suburban Skokie
Illinois on a sunny but cold Winter afternoon.

Northbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern transfer train at Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. January 2007.

Northbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern transfer train at Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

A northbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad transfer freight train, is viewed traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks, and approaching the crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction along the Chicago city limits border at Cicero Illinois.

There was plenty of brilliant sunshine, but the outside temperatures were in the single digits with a sharp wind blowing out of the west. Brrrrrrr!

Eastbound Metra morning commuter local passing through Elmwood Park Illinois. January 2007.

Eastbound Metra morning commuter local passing through Elmwood Park Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on My way to work one morning around sunrise, back in January of 2007.

An eastbound Metra morning rush hour local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station, passes the 73rd Avenue railroad crossing in Elmwood Park Illinois USA.

Railroad Crew member.

Railroad Crew member., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back around 1984.

A crew member of the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad I.N branchline local ( Illinois Northern), poses in the cab of Santa Fe rebuilt EMD GP 9 # 1310 between switching movements.

This photo was taken just east of South Kedzie Avenue near West 28th Street, in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood.

Succesor railroad BNSF Railway, recently abandoned the former I.N branchline due to a major lack of online businesses to be switched. During the Santa Fe days, this line was actually switched Monday thru Friday.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A City Of Chicago Department Of Streets And Sanitation Volvo garbage truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Early January 2012.

A City Of Chicago Department Of Streets And Sanitation Volvo garbage truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Early January 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, in early January of 2012.

A City of Chicago Department Of Streets And Sanitation Volvo garbage truck, is viewed heading southbound on North Harlem Avenue, just south of the intersections of Northwest Highway and West Devon Avenue near Chicago's Edison Park neighborhood.

H.O steam train on a tall steel trestle.

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

My recently acquired used Athearn U.S.R.A light 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive equipped with an MRC sound decoder, is viewed pulling a freight train made up of club owned box cars, over a tall steel trestle.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

WGCI FM Radio billboard at East 99th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

WGCI FM Radio billboard at East 99th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during an October 2011 photographers outing with My good friend and fellow Chicago railfan Anthony C.

Seen here just west of the intersection of East 99th Street and South Cottage Grove Avenue, is a tall billboard advertising Chicago's local WGCI 107.5 FM radio station.

This local Chicago FM station, specializes in R & B, Rap and Hip Hop music selections.

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 one morning during My lunch break, back in November of 2011.

A Union Pacific Railroad local freight, is viewed idling just west of the Wolf Road railroad crossing, in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois.

Coming soon to the Hillside Public Library! "When Chicago Rode TheStreetcars, And Other Rail Subjects!" Saturday, February 25th from 1 to3 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from the internet site Eddie's Railfan Page!http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Chicago Surface Lines trolley cars on West Lake Street near North Mayfield Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. Circa early 1950's., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Hillside Public Library located at 405 Hillside Avenue in west suburban Hillside Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian Edward Kwiatkowski to the library's downstairs meeting room on Saturday, February 25th, 2012.

Eddie is also known as the host and photographer of the local Chicago based internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page", http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

If You grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in June of 1958 or know someone who did, then You won't wan't to miss seeing these many vintage photographs taken in Chicago during the electric streetcar era. This homemade musical photo slideshow, is set to authentic historic period music ranging from Ragtime piano, Dixieland Jazz, and 1940's era Big Band Standards to help set the mood for this nostalgic transit ride down memory lane.

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

Eastbound CN freight at Mont Clare. Chicago IL. 7-16-2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video, on a hot Summer day back in July of 2011.

An eastbound Canadian National transfer freight train, is viewed passing through the Metra Mont Clare commuter train depot east of North Harlem Avenue, at the Chicago City limits, a few blocks east of Elmwood Park Illinois USA.

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 but yet cold and windy Saturday afternoon, back in January of 1988.

A southbound three unit set of Conrail locomotives running light, are viewed passing through Chicago's historic Brighton Junction near South Archer and Western Avenues in Chicago Illinois.

The old manual steam era Semaphore signals, the operator's little shanty and even Conrail itself, are all long gone now.

The Brady Bunch - Its a Sunshine Day

This video is going out to any poor individual who has had a song "Stuck" constantly playing in their head all day.

Just for laughs, here is one of those tunes.

From the early 1970's era TV show "The Brady Bunch", here is "It's s sunshine day".

Riding onboard the yellow PCC electric streetcar. Kenosha Wisconsin USA. October 2003.

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

I took this photo back in October of 2003.

We are riding aboard the "Yellow" Kenosha Wisconsin ex Toronto Transit Commision 1951 vintage electric streetcar # 4616, in downtown Kenosha Wisconsin USA.