The Dempster Street railroad crossing. Des Plaines Illinois USA. April 2012.

The Dempster Street railroad crossing. Des Plaines Illinois USA. April 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Oak Park IL Society of Model Engineers

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

One of several favorites amongst the many Chicago railroad's I had followed when I was growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1970's, was the Illinois Central and their post 1972 succesor Illinois Central Gulf.

Fellow club member Mitch, was operating His early 1970's era Illinois Central freight train across the club's old Missisippi River bridge during this particular Wednsday night session.

His train complete with an orange and white post 1967 color scheme Illinois Central EMD roadswitcher, brought back some happy memories for Myself, as I lived just north of the Illinois Central Iowa Division mainline in My old neighborhood many years ago.

Coming soon to the Eisenhower Public Library! 4613 North Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois! "Kiddieland Memories!" Saturday, May 12th 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 passing into the night. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Be sure to come down to the Eisenhower Public Library in Harwood Heights Illinois on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM!

Eddie K from the internet site Eddie's Railfan Page, will be hosting a multi media photo slideshow, video and lecture presentation about Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois ( 1928 - 2009) as well as other now long gone amusement parks from Chicago's historic past.

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

Admission is free.

Eastbound Metra local departs from River Grove Illinois. April 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video one afternoon, back in April of 2011.

An eastbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station, is viewed departing from the River Grove Illinois, Metra commuter rail station at Thatcher Avenue.

The station sign on the east side of the Metra Western Avenue commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

The station sign on the east side of the Metra Western Avenue commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Seen here in the bright morning sunshine, is the station sign of the Metra ex Milwaukee Road station at Western Avenue. This is a nice place to go railfanning if You can find a parking space, as there are two Metra coach yards nearby with plenty of switching movements.

SILENT DIGITAL VIDEO: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train to Milwaukee Wisconsin speeding through the Metra Edgebrook commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. September 2007.

SILENT DIGITAL VIDEO: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train to Milwaukee Wisconsin speeding through the Metra Edgebrook commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. September 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

The northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, is viewed crossing West Devon Avenue in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood near Niles Illinois.

A Belt Railway of Chicago EMD switcher spotting cars at Clearing Yard. Bedford Park Illinois. March 2008.

A Belt Railway of Chicago EMD switcher spotting cars at Clearing Yard. Bedford Park Illinois. March 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph after work one evening, back in March of 2008.

Belt Railway of Chicago EMD yard switcher locomotive # 538, is viewed spotting cars on an industrial branchline along the north side of the BRC Clearing Yard property, in Bedford Park Illinois.

The large brick building to the left, is the Belt Railway of Chicago locomotive shop.

Taylor soft serve ice cream machine.

Taylor soft serve ice cream machine., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Well folks, another Summer will hopefuly soon be upon us here in the greater Chicagoland area.

One machine that certainly gets a workout that time of the year at many local fast food restaurants, is the Taylor soft serve ice cream dispensing machine. Everybody from little Mom and Pop owned neighborhood hot dog stands, to fast food giants like Burger King and Arby's, put these machines to good use.

While some people associate these food industry machines as being a seasonal thing, die hards like Myself and a few others who enjoy an occasional ice cream cone or shake, enjoy them all year long.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Santa Fe freight train on high trestle.

I photographed this digital liove sound video at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in west suburban Oak Park Illinois.

My 1960's era Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad freight train, is viewed crossing the high steel bridge on the club layout.

Santa Fe I-N Branchline Local at work.

Santa Fe I-N Branchline Local at work., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A local railroad branchline that served the industries in My old neighborhood on the near southwest side of Chicago that I had grown up with, was the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe's I.N line, wich prior to 1972 was the Illinois Northern Railroad.

The Santa Fe's I.N branchline, operated from the A,T & S,F Corwith Yard, headed north and crossed the Illinois Rt I 55 Stevenson Expressway, crossed the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal, and curved northeast as it passed through Cicago's Little Village neighborhood. The line continued past the Cook County Jail on West 26th Street between South California and South Sacramento Avenues (Where there was a run around siding track ) and headed east up an embankent, where it terminated and interchanged with the Burlington Northern at South Western and Blue Island Avenues, at the western edge of Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood.

Through ut the 1970's and 80's, the Santa Fe served this line with a switching local from Monday thru Friday.

I recent years, traffic declined so badly to the point, that succesor railroad BNSF Railway, leased the line to DRS Rail Services in 2000, and switched the line only as needed.

In the past two years or so, the BNSF Railway abandoned the old I.N branchline due to an almost total lack of online business.

The old Santa Fe I.N branchline, was indeed My old neighborhood railroad. If I use My imagination I can still hear the distant sound of the arriving outbound I.N local around 10:00 AM, crossing South Kedzie Avenue at West 28th Street with a cut of box cars in tow.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Burlington Northern commuter train approaching the La Grange Road commuter rail station. La Grange Illinois. February 1985.

Burlington Northern commuter train approaching the La Grange Road commuter rail station. La Grange Illinois. February 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, way back in February of 1985.

A westbound Burlington Northern Railroad / Early Metra commuter rail train enroute to Aurora Illinois, is viewed arriving at the La Grange Road station in downtown west suburban La Grange Illinois.

An old 1950's and 60's era ice cream truck in Chicago's Pulmanneighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. June 1985.

An old 1950's and 60's era ice cream truck in Chicago's Pulman neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. June 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

A happy seasonal memory for many people who grew up in Chicago many years ago, was the sound of the musical ice cream vendor's truck heading up Your block in the old neighborhood.

I took this photo during a June 1985 visit to Chicago's Pulman Village neighborhood on the far southeast side of Chicago.

An old 1950's era stepvan ice cream truck, recreates a neighborhood scene I had grown up with in Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era in My own old neighborhood.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

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

An eastbound BNSF Railway intermodal train, passes the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing, in west suburban Brookfield Illinois.

For many years, a popular railroad that operated on the far southeast side of Chicago and points east, was the Chicago & Eastern Illinois Railroad. This railroad wich became a fallen flag railroad many years ago, featured locomotives like this EMD model GP 30 roadswitcher locomotive, in a simple but tasteful black and white color scheme.

This photograph was found at My Link page Fallen Flags.org, located to the right of Your computer screen at http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/

This photograph was taken at Danville Illinois in May of 1969 by a photographer who uses the initials GPE.

Johnny Cash (fet Charlie McCoy) - Orange Blossom Special

Although Eddie's Railfan Page is noted for the many photographs of trains and transportation subjects, it is also a fun and entertaining website.

I felt that it was time that a good railroad song was incorporated in todays posting.

From the late great country music singer Johnny Cash, heres His big hit recording about a famous passenger train in the southern United States known as the Oarange Blossum Special.

H.O Scale Bachman Spectrum Series U.S.R.A Baldwin light 2-10-2 steam locomotive.

H.O Scale Bachman Spectrum Series U.S.R.A Baldwin light 2-10-2 steam locomotive., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Fellow club memeber Rich, owns and operates this recently released Bachman Spectrum Series H.O Scale Model, of a 1918 vintage Baldwin light 2-10-2 freight service locomotive from the Seaboard Air Line Railroad.

These locomotives were built in 1918, under the supervision of the United States Railway Administration during World War 1, under the leadership of U.S President Woodrow Wilson.

American railroads were greatly underpowered to meet the exhausting task of moving wartime traffic during this time, as many railroads were using locomotives that were smaller, outdated and not suited for the task at hand. The U.S.R.A created by President Woodrow Wilson, created several standard and dependable modern steam locomotives, that would change the face of American mainline railroading.

The 2-10-2 type shown here with small driving wheels, were used on heavy drag freight trains and transfer runs.

The Bachman model shown here, comes equipped with DCC and sound. This is a powerful and efficient model just like the prototype U.S.R.A 2-10-2's were in daily service. This model can pull a lenghty cut of cars on the club layout with ease.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Silent digital video: A westbound two unit Indiana Harbor Belt RR light engine movement entering Argo Yard in Summit Illinois. June 2007.

Silent digital video: A westbound two unit Indiana Harbor Belt RR light engine movement entering Argo Yard in Summit Illinois. June 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old camera one hot Summer morning, back in June of 2007.

A westbound 2 unit Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad light engine movement, is viewed entering the IHB's Argo Yard facility in Summit Illinois.

Southbound Metra passing through Northbrook Illinois. June 2008.

Southbound Metra passing through Northbrook Illinois. June 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one hot Summer day 4 years ago, back in June of 2008.

A southbound Metra local traveling over the Metra / Milwaukee District northline, (Ex Milwaukee Road.) is viewed passing underneath the Union Pacific Railroad's former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad freight only cut off line at Northbrook Illinois near Techny.

The Dempster Street railroad crossing. Des Plaines Illinois USA. April 2012.

The Dempster Street railroad crossing. Des Plaines Illinois USA. April 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photograph a few days ago, in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois.

Seen here, is the Dempster Street railroad crossing. This crossing guards the many transfer freight train movements, that operate over the Union Pacific Railroad's former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad freight only cut off line.

This line passes through the Techny Illinois area near Northbrook Illinois, and is sometimes refered to by local Chicago area railfans, as the"U.P Techny Line".

This freight only railroad artery, keeps freight trains off of the Metra / Milwaukee District (Ex Milwaukee Road) northline to Fox Lake Illinois south of Northbrook Illinois, and the Union Pacific's former Chicago & Northwestern Railroad northline as well.

Unit coal trains from the Union Pacific and the BNSF Railway enroute to the Wisconsin Electric Power Company plant at Pleasant Prairie Wisconsin, are a common daily sight traveling over this rail line, as are unit grain trains from the Canadian Pacific Railroad.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Oak Park IL Society of Model Engineers.

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 the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

I enjoy being a member here for several reasons. One of those reasons being the unique taste, interests and variety of equipment operating on the club layout on behalf of My fellow members.

On any given operating session, this Broadway Limited Imports model of a streamlined 1940's era New York Central Railroad J 3 Class 4-6-4 Hudson passenger service steam locomotive, will operate side by side with modern double stack container trains.

Model railroad clubs are fun and unique places to see yesterday's and today's equipment operating side by side.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Sperry extra. Glenview IL. Monday, April 23rd, 2012.

I photographed this digital live sound video a few days ago during My morning lunchbreak.

A southbound extra movement of a Speery Rail Services Ttrack Geometry Ford truck with Hi Rail wheels, is viewed slowly passing through the Glen of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station.

I found this photograph of an Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Class C 3 steel caboose on the internet.

This particular caboose, was photographed at El Paso Texas in the year of 1968. The Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe embarked on a major steel caboose rebuilding program between 1966 and 1968. Originally painted in a very plain primer like Mineral Brown or Box Car Red color schem with very minimal markings in the form of reporting marks initials that read A,T,S,F...these caboose were rebuilt with fewer windows, a bright red color scheme with a big yellow Santa Fe logo below the cupola and cushioned underframes.

The Santa Fe Class C 3 caboose that is shown here, were modified from the older standard steel cupola cabooses from the steam era, but did not recieve the refinements that the Class C 1, C 2 and C 4 Class cabooses recieved during the rebuilding.

The C 3 car shown here with the yellow painted cupola, retains it's original steam era sliding side windows.
The C 3 Class cabooses, were not used on road freights, and were restricted to slow moving transfer freight trains. These cars did not recieve the cushion underframes during their rebuilding.

This is a basic and relatively un modified Santa Fe steam era caboose with a new paint job and little else.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfiled Illinois USA. Sunday, September 4th, 2011.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfiled Illinois USA. Sunday, September 4th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this lovely end of the day photograph last September, during a visit to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo.

My Wife Cheryl, My Brother In Law Chris and Myself...were enjoying a pleasant visit to the Brookfield Zoo, and we were ending up the day's activities with a walk along the Zoo's Indian Trail along the western edge of the zoo near Salt Creek.

The zoo was preparing to close at this time, as park rangers began to escort patrons to the appropriate exits.

This lovely sunset was captured on the lake along the Indian Trail as We were preparing to leave for the evening. Wolves from the nearby Wolf Woods exhibit enclosure, were actually begining to howl at the approaching nightfall.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

DART trains, Dallas Area Rapid Transit

I spotted this video on You Tube today.

The city of Dallas Texas down in the Lone Star State, has a modern light rail commuter rail system that was started in recent years known as D.A.R.T

The letters D.A.R.T stand for Dallas Area Rapid Transit.

This is basically a modern interurban railway with modern light rail equipment, that connects towns in the immediate Dallas area.

Just like yesterdays electric interurban trains, the Dallas cars utilize a chimed air whistle.

Cherry Hill Junction shanty. The Strasburg Railroad. Strasburg Pennsylvania USA. August 1990.

Cherry Hill Junction shanty. The Strasburg Railroad. Strasburg Pennsylvania USA. August 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this unique 35mm black and white photograph, during an August 1990 vacation to Strasburg Pennsylvania USA.

This rather fancy little shanty at a place known as Cherry Hill Junction on the tourist hauling Strasburg Railroad, is located just across Cherry Hill Road from the Groffs Grove picnic stop depot.

At Groffs Grove, scheduled two train meets occur between the outbound train enroute to nearby Paradise Pennsylvania, and the inbound train returning to the East Strasburg station.

I was lucky to shoot this black and white photograph under hazy, hot and humid Summertime conditions, as this gave My photograph a very "Steam Era" look from at least 60 years ago or so.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

Horseshoe Casino Ford mini shuttle bus. Hammond Indiana USA. Sunday, March 4th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Eastbound Ford paratransit mini bus. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2012.

Eastbound Ford paratransit mini bus. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

BusFan TV: Vintage New York City Bus Fleet Rolls Down Beach Channel Driv...

In the eastern United States, the De Camp Bus Lines provided suburban bus service in New York City and in New Jersey.

The ubiquitous General Motors TDH Series Fishbowl windshield "New Look" buses that were introduced by GM in 1959, made a lasting impact here in the United States and in Canada. For many years it was the standard transit bus of choice for many transit agencies across the nation.

This particular version of the GM TDH Series New Look bus, is a suburban version with only front doors and no rear side doors like on a standard city transit bus. These buses were also equipped by some transit agencies, with reclying seats, foot rests and luggage racks much like on a long distance Greyhound bus.

This photograph was taken at the Lincoln Tunnel by photographer Joe Testagrosse in June of 1981.

Southbound CTA Route # 52 Kedzie / California Avenue bus approaching the bus stop at the intersection of South Archer and Kedzie Avenues. Chicago Illinois. November 1989.

Southbound CTA Route # 52 Kedzie / California Avenue bus approaching the bus stop at the intersection of South Archer and Kedzie Avenues. Chicago Illinois. November 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, way back in November of 1989.

A southbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 52 Kedzie / California Avenue bus, is viewed arriving at the northwest corner of South Archer and Kedzie Avenues in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

The bus is a now long gone 1985 M.A.N 40 foot transit bus, that was manufactured in the former European Nation of West Germany.

CTA bus mechanical failure. Chicago Illinois. September 2008.

CTA bus mechanical failure. Chicago Illinois. September 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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.

1960's era CTA bus stop sign. Chicago Illinois. August 1990.

1960's era CTA bus stop sign. Chicago Illinois. August 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in August of 1990.

Seen here along the south side of West 111th Street near South Springfield Avenue in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood , is a then disappearing 1960's era Chicago Transit Authority metal bus stop sign.

These signs were in the process of being replaced by "New" blue and white ones that are seen today all over the city of Chicago Illinois.

N B CTA Rt # 22 Clark Street bus. Chicago Illinois. April 2007.

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

A northbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 22 Clark Street bus, is viewed making a stop on North Clark Street, in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood.

The transit bus, is a 1990's era CTA GMC RTS model transit bus.

I found this mid 1970's era photograph of a Dayton Ohio electric trolleybus at My Link page
Tom's Trolleybus Pictures, located to the right of Your computer screen at http://www.trolleybuses.net/

The city of Dayton Ohio, has long been a place where electric powered trolleybuses are still reigning strong after all these years. While Chicago and many other citties in the United States and Canada eventually phased out electric trolleybuses for various mechanical or economic concerns in regards to the maintenance and costs involved in daily operation, the electric trolleybuses have stood the test of time in Dayton.

Dayton Ohio, operated a large fleet of coaches from the Marmon Harrington Corporation during the 1950's and 60's and well in to the 1970's. The Dayton RTA and later Miami Valley Transit Authority, painted their buses for many years in this attractive yellow and cream colorscheme with blue trim.

Although the Marmons were eventually replaced by more modern Flyers and later Skodas from Europe, a small handful of the Dayton Marmon Harrington electric trolleybuses survive today.

Transit Buses at LA Union Station

Southbound CTA 151 Belmont bus east of West Diversey Avenue. Chicago Illinois. September 2006.

Southbound CTA 151 Belmont bus east of West Diversey Avenue. Chicago Illinois. September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Pace Chicago Bears wrapped advertising bus. Chicago Illinois. April 2007.

Pace Chicago Bears wrapped advertising bus. Chicago Illinois. April 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in April of 2007.

An eastbound suburban Pace transit bus wearing Chicago Bears NFL shrink wrapped decals, is photographed on West Touhy Avenue, just a few blocks east of the intersection of North Western Avenue on the far north side of the city of Chicago IL.

Coming soon to the Eisenhower Public Library in Harwood Heights Illinois! Kiddieland Memories! Saturday, May 12th 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 rounding the north curve on a night time run. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois. July 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Eisenhower Public Library located at 4613 N Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian and photographer Edward Kwiatkowski to the library's upstairs meeting room on Saturday, May 12th from 1 until 3 PM.

Eddie will be hosting a fun and memory filled multi media slideshow, video and lecture presentation about the now long gone Kiddieland Amusement Park that existed in Melrose Park Illinois until 2009, as well as several other Chicago are amusement parks from the past.

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

Admisiion is free!

N B Amtrak Hiawatha. Northbrook IL. Feb 2009.

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

The northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, is viewed passing through the Northbrook Illinois Metra commuter rail station, with a locomotive at each end.

The day after I photographed this video on a pleasant dry Winter afternoon, it snowed heavy the next day in the greater Chicagoland area.

Thanks.

Eddie K.,

An old advertisement for Prince Castles Ice Cream. Summit Illinois USA.(Circa 1970's ?)

An old advertisement for Prince Castles Ice Cream. Summit Illinois USA. (Circa 1970's ?), a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago Illinois during the 1960's, 70's and 80's...and I fondly remember a little ice cream stand that also sold hamburgers on South Harlem Avenue near West 57th Street known as Prince Castles.

Prince Castles was a quaint local little establishment that was located along the west side of South Harlem Avenue, just north of West 57th Street in southwest suburbn Summit Illinois. My family and I used to stop there occasionally for ice cream during the summertime of any given year.

I believe that this place was in buisness here, until it had closed possibly during the early 1990's.

Prince Castles was located just immediately south of the long gone Candlelight Dinner Theatre Playhouse, wich was demolished by the mid 1990's.

The entire property was redeveloped during the mid to late 1990's with a Portillo's Hot Dogs replacing the demolished Candlelight Dinner Theatre Playhouse, and a short lived and very "GREASY TASTING" place known as Krispy Kreme donuts at the former Prince Castles ice cream store site.

The old Krispy Kremem donuts building is long abandoned and standing today as an Eyesore along South Harlem Avenue.

This old advertisement, was sent to Me by a friend named Terry who writes to Me all the time.

Thank You Terry!
This old advertisement brought back some happy memories for Me today.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Two trains meet at Stocton.

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

Two H.O Scale model trains are shown here meeting at the temporary town location of Stocton  on the club layout on the mainline past the station.

Metra-BN local arriving at the Harlem Avenue station. Berwyn Illinois. April 1988.

Metra-BN local arriving at the Harlem Avenue station. Berwyn Illinois. April 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, way back in April of 1988.

A westbound Burlington Northern / Early Metra commuter rail train enroute to Aurora Illinois, is viewed making the station stop at Harlem Avenue in west suburban Berwyn Illinois on a lovely Springtime afternoon.

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

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

I took this photograph back in October of 2007.

The old Cock Robin ice cream shop store in west suburban Brookfield Illinois, across the street from the Metra commuter rail station, had just recently closed for good when I had taken this photograph.

Although I did not reside in Brookfield Illinois, I made many trips by car with My family here during the 1970's. I came here many times on My own during the 1980's and 90's until the place eventually closed for good in 2007.

It was a tasty ice cream shop that also served Hamburgers as well. I seem to recall, that they had this unique ice cream scoop that made cube shaped ice cream layers on their cones.

I miss this place today, and the happy memories I had come to know here.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Entering the NorthWestern Station concourse building. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois. January 1984.

Entering the NorthWestern Station concourse building. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois. January 1984., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, way back in January of 1984.

Time was running out for the historic and soon to be demolished 1911 built NorthWestern Station in downtown Chicago Illinois when I had taken this photo.

Seen here is a pedestrian bridge that spanned I believe North Canal Street near West Madison Street. This was an entry way in to the NorthWestern Station concourse building.

Lay's Potato Chips delivery truck. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2012.

Lay's Potato Chips delivery truck. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photo recently one morning, on West Irving Park Road near the intersection of North Oriole Avenue in Chicago.

A local stepvan delivery truck from Lay's Potato Chips, is viewed making a delivery to some of the local stores in the area.

Eddie K taking railfan photos . Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Eddie K taking railfan photos . Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

One of My favorite activities I enjoy doing when I actually have the time to do so, is getting together with a fellow railfan or two, and take photos on location.

I am an avid photographer Myself, and fellow railfan and good friend Anthony C seen to it that some of that railfan spirit of mine was captured on camera.

This photograph was taken last October, at the Belt Railway of Chicago's East 100th Street coal yard on the far southeast side of Chicago near Hammond Indiana.

NYCTA 7926-27 R-28s first day run in a few years.

I found this video on You Tube this afternoon.

Two retired New York City Transit Authority "Red Bird" rapid transit cars that were acquired by the Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois, are seen recently making their first runs at the museum, after being re equipped with a trolley pole.

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

For many years, the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, was one of My all time favorite Chicago railroads, going back to My childhood days.

This photograph was taken at the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe's Corwith Yard facility in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, back in May of 1980.

I was attending My Junior year semester at nearby Curie High School when this photograph was taken. Who knows? I just may have started My morning that day, with a little lineside observation railfanning at nearby West 49th Street and South Lawndale Avenue before school started that morning, wich I sometimes did as I enjoyed taking morning walks in that area back then.

Unfortunately...I did not own a camera of My own back then, let alone any money to buy film.

A happy memory nonetheless for Myself.

Thanks.

Eddie K.

The Oak Park Daylight passing through Stocton.

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

Myself and a few other members of the club, are also fans of the former Southern Pacific Railroad. The famous red, orange and black "Daylight" passenger trains of the old S.P, were lengendary in their days in the west coast states of Arizona, California and Oregon.

With a little immagination, the former S.P could have operated a train out of Chicago known as "The Oak Park Daylight". May Chicago railfan's would have appreciated that. So here it is passing by on the club layout.

Adventureland Amusement Park. (Gone.) Addison Illinois USA. 1961 -1977.

Adventureland Amusement Park. (Gone.) Addison Illinois USA. 1961 -1977., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

Be sure to visit the Elmwood Park Illinois Public Library on Saturday, May 19th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM. I will be hosting a multi media -photo slideshow and lecture presentation about Chicago's historic and now unfortunately "Long Gone" amusement parks of the past.

If You can remember going to fun summertime places like Riverview Park in Chicago Illinois, Adventure Land in Addison Illinois, Playland Park in Justice Illinois. Kiddieland in Melrose Park Illinois..or any number of these now long gone places You may have visited with Your families when You were growing up in Chicago many years ago...then You won't wan't to miss this fun ,family oriented presentation at the Elmwood Park Public Library.

The Library is located at 1 Conti Parkway Circle in Elmwood Park Illinois. Admission is free.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

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

I tok this photograph last November, at the Scott Street railroad crossing in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

An everyday occurance here at this location, are constant and sometimes lenghty train delays, caused by the many inbound and outbound transfer trains from the nearby Canadian Pacific Bensenville Yard facility. This very slow moving westbound Auto Rack train, was in the process of entering Bensenville Yard near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

Rustic twin street lamps from the past on West Diversey Avenue. ElmwoodPark Illinois USA. April 2012.

Rustic twin street lamps from the past on West Diversey Avenue. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. April 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photograph after work one evening last week, in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois USA.

It was a lovely Springtime evening, and I could not resist the temptation to enjoy a refreshing evening excercise walk after driving a bus all day.

Seen here around sunset, is the beautiful and tree lined West Diversey Avenue at the corner of North 75th Avenue. Those vintage and quiete rustic twin street lamps on the tall lamp posts that line Diversey Avenue, add a nice tasty touch of class to the neighborhood community.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eddie K's Athearn H.O Scale Santa Fe freight train replicating the late1960's and early 1970's era.

Eddie K's Athearn H.O Scale Santa Fe freight train replicating the late 1960's and early 1970's era., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I was born in the city of Chicago Illinois, during the year of 1962, and had grown up on the near southwest side of the city.

A lifelong favorite railroad that had served the city of Chicago in this area of the city, was the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe.

I fondly remember their blue and yellow color scheme that the A,T & S,F began to paint their locomotives in begining in 1960. This color scheme was replaced in 1972, by what was known as their "Yellow Bonnet" color scheme.

I could still recall Santa Fe freight trains entering or departing from Corwith Yard in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, wearing the 1960's era blue and yellow color scheme during the early to mid 1970's.  Being a member of the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club, I model and operate trains I had grown up with in Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era.

Thanks.

Eddie K.

Ed Halstead's Chicago & Utopia

I spotted this video on You Tube.

Part of the attraction of being a railfan for Myself, is that there was at one time a great variety of railroad styles of operation in Chicago many years ago.

I was born too late to experience it Myself firsthand here in Chicago, but nonetheless...I have always had a fascination with the once many electric interurban railroads and electric streetcar lines, that once had served the greater Chicagoland area,

Seen here is Chicago railfan Ed Halstead's O Scale Chicago & Utopia railroad.

This O scale model railroad, features electric interurban style railroading, with many Chicago area and midwest prototypes operating side by side.

I found this photograph from the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad at My Link page Yesteryear Depot.Com, wich is located to the right of Your computer screen at http://www.yesteryeardepot.com/

When I was growing up in the city of Chicago Illinois during the 1960's, 70's and 80's eras, I fondly remember the Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad.

I could remember their spartan and utilitarian yellow and green color scheme on their diesel locomotives and cabooses. Originally, they used a darker shade of yellow, but at some point in the early 1980's...began experimenting with a highly visible but rather ugly Lime of yellow /green color scheme. Eventually before the Union Pacific bought them out through merger during the 1990's, they began utilizing the older darker shade of yellow, as it had weathered much better and was more attractive.

This photograph of Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad EMD model GP 38-2 roadswitcher locomotive # 4707, was taken by fellow railfan photographer  Rick Bames on location at Council Bluffs Iowa, on the date of September 3rd, 1993.

Northbound U P freight at Mc Cook JCT. Mc Cook IL. 2007.

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

A northbound Union Pacific freight train meets a southbound freight, at Mc Cook Junction near west suburban Lyons Illinois.

The trains are traveling over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, and are passing through the BNSF Railway crosstracks at the junction.

Union Pacific EMD model GP-15 light roadswitchers and tank cars at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. May 1987.

Union Pacific EMD model GP-15 light roadswitchers and tank cars at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. May 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1987.

We are on location at Hayford Junction on the southwest side of Chicago at West 75th Street and South Central Park Avenue.

Two Union Pacific Railroad EMD model GP 15 light roadswitcher locomotives, are viewed performing a back up switching move at Hayford Junction on the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train departing Franklin Park Illinois. December 2008.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train departing Franklin Park Illinois. December 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph on an overcast Winter afternoon, back in December of 2008.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train being pulled by a former Soo Line EMD roadswitcher locomotive acquired through merger in 1990, is viewed departing from northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

Belt Railway of Chicago caboose # 126. Bedford Park Illinois. August 2007.

Belt Railway of Chicago caboose # 126. Bedford Park Illinois. August 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, back in August of 2007.

Seen here parked just east of the north entrance to the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard facility in Bedford Park Illinois, is Belt Railway of Chicago red and yellow wide vision caboose # 126.

Mealmakers Delicatessen. (Gone.) Berwyn Illinois. March 1987.

Mealmakers Delicatessen. (Gone.) Berwyn Illinois. March 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

Over the course of time, businesses have come and gone through out the greater Chicagoland area.

One place that did not last in west suburban Berwyn Illinois, was a place located along the northside of West Cermak Road near South Oak Park Avenue that was known as the Mealmakers Delicatessen.

My parents used to bring Me home tasty and very homestyle Polish and Czech cuisine during the 1980's era from this unique and very flavorful establishment..

This photograph was taken way back in March of 1987.

Mealmakers had a very unique and quiete artistic storefront sign.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

(I miss their big and crispy Potato Pancakes.)

Westbound Metra commuter local. La Grange Illinois. Early April 2007.

Westbound Metra commuter local. La Grange Illinois. Early April 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph after work, on a cold and very rainy Springtime evening back in April of 2007.

With a cold, wet and very torential rain falling, a westbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train enroute to Aurora Illinois, departs from the La Grange Road Metra commuter rail station, in downtown west suburban La Grange Illinois.

I got soaked just taking this photograph in a cold rain.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

First Class Service.

First Class Service., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during an August 2008 family sightseeing brunch cruise, aboard the Spirit of Chicago Oddysey # 2 sightseeing boat.

This wonderful sightseeing boat cruise, departs from Chicago's Navy Pier. A very savory brunch and live band performing on the lower enclosed deck, make for a very pleasant sightseeing experience along Chicago's lakefront.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train. Riverside Illinois. April 2007.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train. Riverside Illinois. April 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one lovely Springtime morning, back in April of 2007.

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train, is viewed passing through the Riverside Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

Digital live sound video: Eastbound rush hour CTA Blue line train speeding past the Canfield Road overpass bridge. Chicago Illinois. June 2008.

Digital live sound video: Eastbound rush hour CTA Blue line train speeding past the Canfield Road overpass bridge. Chicago Illinois. June 2008. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Coming soon to the Eisenhower Public Library in Harwood Heights Illinois! Kiddieland Memories! Saturday, May 12th from 1 to 3 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from the internet site Eddie's Railfan Page! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

A summer evening on the Midway at the Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois. June 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Eisenhower Public Library located at 4613 N Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian and photographer Edward Kwiatkowski to the library's upstairs meeting room on Saturday, May 12th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

Eddie will be hosting a multi media photo slideshow and lecture event entitled "Kiddieland Memories", wich honors the recently closed Kiddieland Amusement Park that existed at North and First Avenues in Melrose Park Illinois from 1928 until 2009.

If You are a fan of Amusement Park Subjects, then You definately will wan't to stop in and see the show at the Eisenhower Public Library.

Aside from the photos and video clips of Kiddieland that were taken during the park's last few seasons of operation, Eddie will also be showing photos of some of Chicago's other now long gone and forgotten amusement parks from the past as well.

If You could remember fun Summertime places like Riverview Park in Chicago Illinois, Adventure land in Addison Illinois or even Playland Park in Justice Illinois...then please come and see this fun family oriented event at the Eisenhower Public Library on Saturday, May 12th.

If You have any photos or home movies of any of these places transfered to a DVD disc, You are encouraged to please bring them down and share Your memories.

Admission is free!

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

Bachman HO Santa Fe Alco S 4 with DCC and Sound.

The trains from the 1950's and 60's era Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad are alive and well, and operate at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

This recently released Bachman model of an Alco S 4 yard switcher diesel electric locomotive painted in the 1950's era Santa Fe zebra stripe color scheme, captures some of the magic from that era.

Orange 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad side door caboose.

Orange 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad side door caboose., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

During the 1970's, there were still many railroad junctions across America and the greater Chicagoland area that were still using interlocking towers at the crosstracks and interchanges.

My H.O Scale model of an orange 1970's era side door caboose from the former Illinois Central Gulf, helps to recreate that era on the club layout, at a location known as East Dubuque tower and junction.

The caboose is manufactured by a company known as Centrailia Car Shops.

5:40 AM Metra local departs Glenview Illinois. August 2009.

Northbound BNSF Railway transfer train entering the IHB Argo Yard. Summit Illinois USA. June 2007.

Northbound BNSF Railway transfer train entering the IHB Argo Yard. Summit Illinois USA. June 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a hot Summer morning, back in June of 2007.

A northbound BNSF Railway transfer train made up of empty intermodal cars, is viewed entering the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's Argo Yard at Summit Illinois USA.

An Elgin Pelican model street sweeper vehicle from the Niles Public Services Company. Niles Illinois USA. March 2012.

An Elgin Pelican model street sweeper vehicle from the Niles Public Services Company. Niles Illinois USA. March 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Many of the people who enjoy viewing Eddie's Railfan Page, are actually fans of public service vehicles.

I took this photo recently, in late March of 2012.

An Elgin Pelican street sweeper vehicle from the Niles Public Service Company, is viewed heading eastbound on Touhy Avenue at the intersection of Milwaukee Avenue.

The driver of the street sweeper vehicle, is viewed heading back to the Niles Public Service Company garage.