Rand Red Hots. Des Plaines Illinois. September 2012.

Rand Red Hots. Des Plaines Illinois. September 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A pleasant surprise for me in 2012, was the reopening of this former 1950's era roadside drive in restaurant in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois.

Last used a few months ago as a used car dealership in an ugly yellow paint job, Rand Red Hots opened this summer, and brought this 1950's era drive in building back to it's former glory and original purpose as a roadside drive in restaurant.

Rand Red Hots is located on U.S Rt # 12 / Rand Road, just northwest of the intersection at Rt # 45 / River Road in Des Plaines Illinois.

Thos business is owned by the man who owns " Bob O's Hot Dogs" in Chicago on West Irving Park Road.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Kiddieland Amusement Park train at night. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. September 2006.

The Kiddieland Amusement Park train at night. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in September of 2006.

A small and very popular train that even railfans like myself took the time to photograph, was the gasoline powered "Kiddieland Limited' replica diesel streamliner passenger train, which operated at the former Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois.

I knew that Kiddieland was on borrowed time when I took this photograph. The park had closed for good in September of 2009.

A fun experience shared by many families, was a night time ride aboard the Kiddieland Limited before closing time. Here the train is viewed traveling through the east parking lot.

Southbound Metra. Glenview IL. Aug 2012.

Santa Fe switching local crosses the Missisippi River lift bridge.

Santa Fe switching local crosses the Missisippi River lift bridge., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph this past Wednsday night, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.o Scale Model Railroad Club.

I have always enjoyed seeing photographs of the 1950's and 60's era Atchonson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

Seen here is my Santa Fe switching local train from that era. Heading ip the train is a Bachman Alco S 4 yard switcher in the 1950's er A,T & S,F vlacj and silver "Zebra" stripe color scheme, with a correct for the period plain brown Santa Fe caboose.

Railroad block signals against the twilight sky. Glenview Illinois. September 2012.

Railroad block signals against the twilight sky. Glenview Illinois. September 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph after work one evening this past week.

As a photographer, I have always been fascinated with sunset and twilight scenes.

These railroad signals were photographed against the approaching night time sky, at the Glen of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station in Glenview Illinois.

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

First Transit 2009 Ford small paratransit bus # 5706. Glenview Illinois. August 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Westbound Pace bus on Central Avenue. Wilmette IL. 5-11-2012.

I photographed this digital live sound video one lovely springtime morning back in May of this year.

A westbound Pace bus, passes along the very lovely and tree lined Central Avenue in north suburban Wilmette Illinois.

West Towns Bus Company # 776. A 1950 General motors transit bus. The Midwest transit Bus museum. Cresthill Illinois. September 2000.

West Towns Bus Company # 776. A 1950 General motors transit bus. The Midwest transit Bus museum. Cresthill Illinois. September 2000., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

From 2000 to 2002, I used to be a meber of a group known as "The Midwest Transit Bus Museum", which was located on a private industrial storage rental lot at Route # 53 and Caton Farm Road in Cresthill Illinois near the city of Joliet.

This was a group of men, who owned a collection of retired antique city transit buses. Some like 1950 GM bus # 776 from the former West Towns Bus Company shown here were operable, but several others that were rescued from junk yards weren't, as they were missing engines and parts.

West Towns Bus Company # 776, provided many years of dependable transit bus service in the towns of Cicero, Berwyn, North Riverside, Brookfield, and Oak Park Illinois. This bus was also used occasionally after acquisition by the Midwest Transit Bus Museum for parades and civic events.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The 5 AM school bus. Elmwood Park IL. Sept 2012.

I photographed this very short digital live sound video on my way to work recently.

It is now 5:00 AM in north suburban Elmwood Park Illinois, as a northbound early morning school bus, has just departed from a nearby passenger pick up on North 74th Court in Elmwood Park Illinois under night time skies.

Southbound school bus on North western Avenue during the late afternoon rush hour. Chicago Illinois. October 2007.

Southbound school bus on North western Avenue during the late afternoon rush hour. Chicago Illinois. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in November of 2007.

The northside of the city of Chicago, is notorious for heavy traffic congestion during any given weekday rush hour commuting period. Believe me...the afternoon and evening rush hours are the worst in this part of the city.

I was stuck in heavy traffic grid lock on North Western Avenue heading southbound. The school bus and everyone else had no choice, but to make the best of it for the time being.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The CTA Route # 77 Belmont Avenue west terminal at Belmont andCumberland Avenues. River Grove Illinois. June 2007.

The CTA Route # 77 Belmont Avenue west terminal at Belmont and Cumberland Avenues. River Grove Illinois. June 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph  back in June of 2007.

Seen here along the south side of West Belmont Avenue just east of the intersection at North Cumberland Avenue, is the west terminal for the Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 77 Belmont Avenue bus line at River Grove Illinois.  Prior to January of 1973, this was an electric trolleybus turn around loop terminal. The overhead lineside poles that supported the trolleybus wires, are still in place here today.

Pop Cop

I spotted this video on You Tube.

A fun childrens TV show I enjoyed viewing when I was growing up in Chicago back in the late 1960's and early 1970's era, was the Hannah Barbera produced live action and cartoons show entitled "The Banana Splits."This program aired on NBC from 1968 to 1970.

Notice the vintage cars, trucks and buses from back in those days, that you don't see anymore on the roads today. I myself am a bus driver, and I can see that traffic jams are nothing new out there.  Notice the cop isn't wearing a reflective "Safety Vest" like I do, because they weren't invented yet. L.O.L

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Performing that mandatory pre trip vehicle inspection in the morning.Glenview Illinois. July 2008.

Performing that mandatory pre trip vechicle inspection in the morning. Glenview Illinois. July 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one hot summer morning, back in July of 2008.

Several 2001 vintage Ford paratransit mini buses from First Transit, are parked on Johns Court in north suburban Glenview Illinois, awaiting their mandatory pre trip inspections, before the drivers can begin their various bus route assignments that morniong.

The buses in this photograph, have all since been retired and replaced by newer Ford models.

Northbound GTW intermodal train approaching Chicago's Marquette Park at west 71st Street. Chicago Illinois. May 1987.

Northbound GTW intermodal train approaching Chicago's Marquette Park at west 71st Street. Chicago Illinois. May 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Southbound CP container train with former Soo Line engines.

I photographed this digital live sound video in late June of this year.

A southbound Canadian Pacific Railroad intermodal train with 2 former Soo Line engines up front, cross the West Lake Avenue railroad crossing in north suburban Glenview Illinois on a hot summer morning.

Northbound Chicago & NorthWestern RR freight train passing Argo Tower. (gone) December 1990.

Northbound Chicago & NorthWestern RR freight train passing Argo Tower. (gone) December 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in December of 1990.

A northbound Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad transfer freight train traveling over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, passes the site of the now long since demolished Argo Tower in southwest suburban Summit Illinois.

1960's era Santa Fe caboose hop.

1960's era Santa Fe caboose hop., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph a couple of weeks ago, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era, and this is pretty much the era I prefer to model for the most part in H.O Scale.

The former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, has been a lifelong favorite of mine. I lived approximately two miles north of their Corwith Yard facility, the Santa Fe served the industries in my old neighborhood 5 days a week on the former Illinois Northern Railroad industrial branchline, plus I always enjoyed seeing their equipment and color schemes.

Seen here in the foreground at the rear staging yard of the club layout, are My Bachman Alco S 4 yard switcher wearing the 1950's era Santa Fe "Zebra" color scheme, and my red Athearn Santa Fe caboose. This caboose represents the many that Santa Fe began rebuilding at their Cleburne Texas railroad shops in 1966.

My engine and caboose represent a late 1960's era Santa Fe caboose hop circa 1967, while the green and black Burlington Northern EMD locomotives in the backgraound, represent post 1970 era railroading.

Time travel is fun in H.O Scale.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound CSX Transportation intermodal train. Western Springs Illinois. September 2006.

Eastbound CSX Transportation intermodal train. Western Springs Illinois. September 2006., 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 around sunset, back in September of 2006.

An eastbound CSX intermodal train traveling over the BNSF Railway's 3 track mainline, approaches the Western Springs Metra commuter rail station at days end.

S P Daylight 4-8-4 pulls an excursion on the Oak River Lines.

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

My fellow club member Martin, decided to couple up His Broadway limited Imports model of a Southern Pacific GS 4 Class Daylight 4-8-4 passenger steam locomotive, to the head end of the club's Oak River Lines streamlined passenger cars, and operate a unique mainline fantrip excursion on the club layout mainline.

Kiddieland Amusement Park. (Gone.) Melrose Park Illinois. Circa 1960's.

Kiddieland Amusement Park. (Gone.) Melrose Park Illinois. Circa 1960's., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This vintage 1960's era photograph from Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois, was sent to me recently by Mr Mark Yurkiw.

For many years through out the 1950's and 60's era, Pony rides were a popular attraction at some of the local Chicago area amusement parks,marketed at parents with little children. Kiddieland and the Playland Park amusement park in unincorporated southwest suburban Justice Illinois, were two of those parks that had featured this animal attraction back in the day.

pony rides were out lawed in many places in later years, for various reasons such as sanitation, allergict reactions or animal rights activists protesting on site.

Here is Kiddieland's pony ride attrraction photographed at what could have been the late 1960's in Melrose Park Illinois.

Kiddieland Amusement Park was in operation from 1928, until the park had closed for good in 2009. Today, this is the site of a large Costco wholesale warehouse club store.

Thanks for the photo Mark.

Eddie K.

Eastbound Metra local commuter train stops at the Fairview Avenue train station. Westmont Illinois. November 1989.

Eastbound Metra local commuter train stops at the Fairview Avenue train station. Westmont Illinois. November 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in November of 1989.

An eastbound Metra local commuter train, makes the Fairview Avenue station stop in the village of Westmont Illinois on a quiet Sunday afternoon.

Eastbound CP night freight. Elmwood Park IL. March 2012.

Purple Australian streetcar heading south on Main Street at the intersection of Madison Avenue. Memphis Tennesee. September 2007.

Purple Australian streetcar heading south on Main Street at the intersection of Madison Avenue. Memphis Tennesee. September 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a September 2007 vacation to the city of Memphis Tennesee.

A refurbished vintage W 2 class Tram car from Melbourne Australia, is viewed operating on the Memphis Main Street Trolley line in downtown Memphis.

This purple painted car, is traveling southbound on Main Street, at the intersection of Madison Avenue.

Eastbound Metra commuter local stopped at the Franklin Park commuter rail station. October 2007.

Eastbound Metra commuter local stopped at the Franklin Park commuter rail station. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one lovely Autum morning, back in October of 2007.

An eastbound Metra morning rush hour local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Elgin Illinois, is viewed making the station stop at Franklin Park Illinois.

Grand Trunk Western, 8mm Movie, Steam 1958-59, Grand Rapids, MI

I found this vintage railfan 8 Mm home movie on You Tube.

The Grand Trunk Western was always one of my personal all time favorite railroads that had served the city of Chicago Illinois. I loved the GTW for several reasons. One of those reasons...is that the GTW was one of the last North American railroads to utilize coal burning steam locomotives in daily railroad operations until the early 1960's.

This vintage 8 mm home movie, shows the final years of GTW steam locomotive operation in and around Grand Rapids Michigan in 1958 and 1959.

A am also a fan of traditional American Dixieland Jazz music as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Burlington Northern Railroad Clyde Yard locomotive terminal. Cicero Illinois. November 1989.

The Burlington Northern Railroad Clyde Yard locomotive terminal. Cicero Illinois. November 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

looking across a small field of tall grass alongside West 31st Street, We spot several green and black locomotives from the former Burlington Northern Railroad, at the BN Clyde Yard locomotive terminal in the village of Cicero Illinois.

Coming this Saturday to the Melrose Park Public Library! "Chicago's Amusement Parks of the Past!" 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from the internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page!" http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

A preserved remnant of the Kiddieland Amusement Park sign on display at the Melrose Park Illinois Public Library building. July 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Melrose Park Public Library located at 801 Broadway Street in Melrose Park Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian, photographer and internet host Edward Kwiatkowski to the library on Saturday, September 19th from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM.

Eddie will be hosting a multi media photo slideshow and lecture presentation, about Chicago's Amusement Parks of the past.

If you have happy memories of Riverview Park in Chicago, Playland Park in Justice Illinois, Fairyland in Lyons Illinois, Old Chicago in Bolingbrook Illinois, Adventure Land in Addison Illinois, Dispensa's Kiddie Kingdom in Oak Brook Terrace Illinois...or any number of the now long gone and once numerous family owned and seasonal outdoor amusement parks that once had surrounded the greater Chicagoland area prior to the late 1970's and early 1980's....then you won't want to miss this fun and very family oriented presentation filled with many happy memories and stories to share.

Admisiion is free!

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

Northbound Canadian National local. Franklin Park IL. Dec 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video on an overcast morning, back in early December of 2009.

A northbound Canadian National Railroad switching local freight train, crosses Belmont Avenue in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

Athearn 40 foot Milwaukee Road rib side box car.

Athearn 40 foot Milwaukee Road rib side box car., 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.

Seen here is My Athearn model of a Milwaukee Road 40 foot Rib Side box car.

The former Milwaukee Road, began experimenting with 40 foot horizontal Rib Side box cars during the steam era in the 1940's, and became known for having them. This unique 40 foot box car design had served the cash strapped Milwaukee Road for many years, and many were rebuilt serving to the end of the Milwaukee Road after the merger and acquisition by the Soo Line Railroad in 1985.

Some of these have made it to eventual museum preservation as well across America.

Hallway advertisement for Eddie K's presentation at the Downers Grove Illinois public library. Saturday, September 15th, 2012.

Hallway advertisement for Eddie K's presentation at the Downers Grove Illinois public library. Saturday, September 15th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, in the hallway at the Downers Grove Public Library.

On Saturday, September 15th, I hosted a public speaking / multi media photo slideshow presentation entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars". This program which covers the history of public transportation in the city of Chicago Illinois, was very well recieved and had a record 50 people in attendance that lovely afternoon.

I may be appearing there again in 2013 by request. Please stay tuned for upcoming developments.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Downtown Westmont Illinois. November 1989.

Downtown Westmont Illinois. November 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph on a quiet Sunday afternoon, back in November of 1989.

Looking north on Cass Avenue at the now former Burlington Northern railroad crossing, we experience a nice view of downtown west suburban Westmont Illinois.

Alco RSD-15 "Alligator" doing what Alcos do best

I found this video on You Tube.

Aside from their fine and diverse collection of steam locomotives, electric streetcars, vintage freight and passenger train equipment, as well as vintage city transit buses...the Illinois Railway Museum is also home to some unique American diesel electric locomotives from railroading's past.

The museum's former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad EMD SW 7 yard switcher, pulls their recently restored Green Bay & Western Alco RSD 15 roadswitcher locomotive out for a test run after restoration in 2011.

For more information, contact the Illinois Railway Museum at www.irm.org

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad caboose hop. December 2011.

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad caboose hop. December 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Seen here are my Life Like Proto 2000 EMD SW 9 yard switcher painted in pre 1967 Illinois Central Railroad colors and markings, and my Centrailia Car Shops model of a former Illinois Central steam era side door steel caboose, wearing the post 1972 markings of the succesor company Illinois Central Gulf.

I was born and raised on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's, 70's and 80's eras. I can fondly recall seeing ICG switcher and caboose combinations like this, one mile south of where I lived, working the former Illinois Central's Iowa Division Mainline, or the former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio mainline south of the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal.

Thanks to model railroading, you can recreate those long gone railfan memories of your youth in miniature.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Amtrak 40th anniversary locomotive # 156. Glenview Illinois USA. Tuesday, May 8th, 2012.

Amtrak 40th anniversary locomotive # 156. Glenview Illinois USA. Tuesday, May 8th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph after work back in May of this year.

Specially painted Amtrak locomotive # 156 honoring Amtrak's 40th anniversary in 2011, is viewed on the rear or "Pushing" end of the southbound Hiawatha enroute to Chicago Union Station, at the Glenview Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

Eddie K to make a public access cable television appearance!

Hi everyone!

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

Bug news is taking place here lately, as I am entertaining an offer to appear on the Larry and Mike Show on Comcast Public Access Television.

I have met many wonderful people through my blogsite hosting on the internet, and through my public speaking endeavers at various public libraries and community centers in the greater Chicagoland area. One of those people I had the honor of meeting, was Mr Mike Mirkrut, who has been a big supporter of Eddie's Railfan Page, and my photography interests.

Mike Mirkrut had recently retired after 30 years as the audio visual director at Northeastern University in Chicago Illinois, but has decided to stay onboard and continue producing the Larry and Mike Show with his good friend and business partner Larry Conklin.

Here I am inside the Comcast Cable Televison studios in Elmhurst Illinois on Tuesday, September 18th, were I was interviewed on camera for the Larry and Mike Show.

This program is in the editing process now, and should air sometime in October of 2012.

Please check your local Chicago area cable television listings for more information.

Thanks.

Eddie K.

An open air neighborhood laundromat on Des Plaines Avenue. Forest ParkIllinois. July 2012.

An open air neighborhood laundromat on Des Plaines Avenue. Forest Park  Illinois. July 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr

1960's A,T & S,F local slowly passing through a yard.

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

An Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad switching local from the late 1960's era, is viewed slowly passing through a small freight yard with the horn blowing and the bell ringing.

This train consists of my recently purchased Bachman Alco S 4 yard switcher equipped with DCC and sound, and a few Athearn freight cars in tow.

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.

Two Union Pacific Railroad EMD model GP 15 light roadswitchers, are viewed backing a cut of tank cars in to the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard facility at Hayford Junction.

Canadian National EMD roadswitcher at work. Schiller Park Illinois. Late September 2009.

Canadian National EMD roadswitcher at work. Schiller Park Illinois. Late September 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in late September of 2009, in northwest suburban Schiller Park Illinois.

Canadian National EMD roadswitcher # 9651, is viewed working the yard near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport on a lovely autum morning.

The initials I C on the side of the cab, indicates that this locomotive was acquired through merger in 1999 from the former Illinois Central Railroad.

Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois. Thursday,October 8th 2009 after the park had closed.

Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois. Thursday, October 8th 2009 after the park had closed., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this now historic photograph on the very cold and rainy morning of Thursday, October 8th, 2009.

Seen here facing north from the east parking lot alongside First Avenue, are the rides and midway of Chicago's recently closed Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois.

This was one of My last looks at the park as it was, before the remaining amusement park rides were auctioned off and the park buildings eventually demolished.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Canadian National EMD roadswitcher pulling a cut of freight cars. Schiller Park Illinois. Late September 2009.

Digital Live Sound Video: Canadian National EMD roadswitcher pulling a cut of freight cars. Schiller Park Illinois. Late September 2009. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Chicago Surface Lines electric streetcars # 1374 ( Left) and # 144 (Right) The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. August 2006.

Chicago Surface Lines electric streetcars # 1374 ( Left) and # 144 (Right) The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. August 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a August 2006 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Chicago Surface Lines electric streetcars # 1374 ( left.) and # 144 ( Right.), are photographed on the museum's trolley loop near the Central Avenue trolley loop station.

Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad EMD GP-7 road switcher. SterlingIllinois. September 1985.

Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad EMD GP-7 road switcher. Sterling Illinois. September 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in Sepyember of 1985.

Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad rebuilt EMD GP 7 diesel roadswitcher # 4470, is viewed parked between local switching assignments in downtown Sterling Illinois.

The West 71 St Street underpass viaduct construction project. Bridgeview Illinois. Sunday, September 16th, 2012.

The West 71 St Street underpass viaduct construction project. Bridgeview Illinois. Sunday, September 16th, 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 this past Sunday, in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.

Big changes are coming to West 71 st Street near the Toyota Park Stadium, as a railroad underpass viaduct is currently under construction at the site of the former West 71st Street railroad crossing at the Indiana Harbor Belt railroad tracks.

Many years of long train delays at this railroad interchange junction location with the Belt Railway of Chicago, will soon be a thing of the past. They still have a long way to go on this project, but it will be a much welcomed improvement in Bridgeview.

Metra m.o.w Burro crane and boom tender car. Glenview Illinois. Early November 2009.

Metra m.o.w Burro crane and boom tender car. Glenview Illinois. Early November 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, back in early November of 2009.

A Metra maintenance of way department Burro crane and boom tender car, are viewed parked on a siding north of the East Lake Avenue viaduct, in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

Metra light engine movement traveling in reverse to Chicago Union Station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

Metra light engine movement traveling in reverse to Chicago Union Station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

An MPI MP 36 PH hi tech diesel electric locomotive from Chicago's Metra commuter rail system, has just backed out of the maintenance facility, and is now passing through the former Milwaukee Road station at Western Avenue.

This locomotive is traveling in reverse, to the nearby Chicago Union Station on an extra movement.

The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad logo on the side of a Maintenance of way dept vechicle. Argo Yard. Summit Illinois. January 2007.

The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad logo on the side of a Maintenance of way dept vechicle. Argo Yard. Summit Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in January of 2007.

Seen here on the passenger side door of an Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Ford utility truck, is the IHB's corporate logo.

Chicagoland Hobby. 6017 Northwest Highway. Chicago Illinois. January 2010.

Chicagoland Hobby. 6017 Northwest Highway. Chicago Illinois. January 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a January 2010 visit to the Chicagoland Hobby store, located at 6017 Northwest Highway in Chicago Illinois.

An O Guage model of a 1950's era Chicago Transit Authority 6000's series rapid transit train, travels above the store on an elevated O guage operating demonstration railroad.

C,B & Q and NKP two train meet.

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

Model railroad clubs are sometimes a magical place, where one could turn back the hands of time with miniature models of once popular and now long gone railroads of the past.

A 1950's era diesel powered freight train from the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, meets a late 1950's era freight train from the former New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad, which was known as the Nickel Plate Road.

The Nickle Plate Road was acquired through merger along with the Wabash Railroad by the Norfolk & Western in 1964. The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy disappeared in a March 1970 mega merger of the C,B & Q, the Northern Pacific, The Great Northern, and the Spokane, Portland & Seatle Railroads...which became the Burlington Northern Railroad.

Southbound Canadian Pacific unit grain train passing through Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. February 2010.

Southbound Canadian Pacific unit grain train passing through Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. February 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photrograph on a dry but cold winter morning, back in February of 2010.

A southbound Canadian Pacific unit grain train, is viewed passing through the former Illinois Central crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction along the Chicago city limits border at Cicero Ilinois.

This train is traveling southbound, over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks.

Westbound Metra local stopping at the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station at sunset. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late March 2012.

Westbound Metra local stopping at the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station at sunset. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late March 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

It is a lovely evening in the early Springtime of 2012, as a westbound Metra evening local commuter train, makes the station stop in Elmwood Park Illinois at sunset.

Belt Railway of Chicago Alco Century series roadswitchers idling at Clearing Yard. Bedford Park Illinois. March 1985.

Belt Railway of Chicago Alco Century series roadswitchers idling at Clearing Yard. Bedford Park Illinois. March 1985., 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 way back in early March of 1985.

Seen here idling along the south side of the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard facility, are two late 1960's era Alco C 424 heavy roadswitcher locomotives. These engines were photographed, just west of the South Cicero Avenue overpass bridge, in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois.

City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanition Autocar heavy duty garbage truck. River Grove Illinois. June 2010.

City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanition Autocar heavy duty garbage truck. River Grove Illinois. June 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during my morning lunch break, back in June of 2010.

The crew of this then brand new Autocar heavy duty garbage truck from the City of Chicago Department of Streets and sanitation, are now taking the time to enjoy their lunch break in neighborhing River Grove Illinois, at a local hot dog stand.

This truck is photographed facing east, on West Belmont Avenue.

Westbound Amtrak train approaching Brighton junction. Chicago Illinois. April 1984.

Westbound Amtrak train approaching Brighton junction. Chicago Illinois. April 1984., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This is one of my early 35 mm railfan photos I had taken during the Springtime of 1984.

I was hanging out at a popular local southside Chicago railroad junction with my camera in hand, when I snapped this now historic photograph.

A westbound Amtrak passenger train, approaches and makes the mandatory stop at Chicago's Brighton Junction. This old fashioned manual steam era crosstrack railroad junction using mechanical semaphore signals, is located on a railroad embankment along South Archer Avenue, just west of the intersection at South Western Avenue. This area is where Chicago's Brighton Park and Mc kinley Park neighborhoods border each other.

In 2007, the Illinois Central Railroad succesor Canadian National, closed Brighton Junction, re equipped it with new crosstracks, and replaced the old manual semaphore signals with new automated block target signals.

The Chicago Transit Authority's orange line rapid transit to Chicagho's Midway Airport, also passes over this junction today.

Back in 1984, it was very country like here, as well as very "Steam era like" as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Union Pacific Railroad empty unit coal train crossing West Lake Avenue. Glenview Illinois. August 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one hot summer evening, back in August of 2010.

A southbound Union Pacific Railroad unit coal train, passes the West Lake Avenue railroad crossing in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

This Union Pacific owned trackage, is the former Chicago & NorthWestern freight only cut off line acquired through merger in the 1990's.

Autum on Chicago's Lakeshore Drive. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

Autum on Chicago's Lakeshore Drive. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one lovely autum day, back in October of 2006.

We are heading northbound on Chicago's famous Lakeshore Drive. The seasonal colors of autum have made their annual prescence known alongside this popular Chicago motorway along the west side of Lake Michigan.

S B Amtrak Hiawatha. Morton Grove IL. Feb 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning during my lunch break, back in early February of 2009.

Seen here on a cold, dry and partly cloudy winter morning, is the fast moving southbound Amtrak Hiawatha regional passenger train. This train is enroute to Chicago Union Station from Milwaukee Wisconsin.

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

The Oak Park Society Of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. Wednsday, March 23rd, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in March of 2011, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

For many years dating back to the steam era, the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad was known for it's very plain and hardly noticed cabooses, with plain railroad stencil ATSF reporting marks on the sides.

Begining during the year of 1966, the Santa Fe began rebuilding their steel cupola caboose fleet at the company's Cleburne Texas railroad shops facility. Many refinements such as cushion underframes, fewer windiws which were now smaller and sealed, air conditioning as well as the familiar bright vermillion red color scheme wth the large yellow circular "Santa Fe" logo were introduced on these rebuilt cabooses.

Some Santa Fe cabooses lasted in to the mid 1970's in the plain brown color scheme, and were used on transfer and maintenance trains. Some of these were later retired and preserved at a few museums in the plain brown pre 1966 ATSF color scheme.

Most Santa Fe cupola cabooses were retired in the later vermillion red and yellow color scheme.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad covered hopper car in transit. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2011.

A former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad covered hopper car in transit. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in July of 2011.

A westbound Canadian Pacific freight train passing the North Neva Avenue railroad crossing in Chicago Illinois, had a nice little surprise or two coupled on for all of the fans of the now fallen flag railroads of the past.

Although this 54 ft covered grain hopper car features Soo Line reporting marks which is now also a fallen flag railroad, the large and now faded logo from the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad, is still showing after all of these years in service.

Eddie K hosting at the Downers Grove Illinois public library. Saturday, September 15th, 2012.

Eddie K hosting at the Downers Grove Illinois public library. Saturday, September 15th, 2012., 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, things have been very active for Me lately, as I have been hosting photo slideshows and lecture events.

This photograph was taken last week Saturday afternoon, at the Downers grove Public Library, located at 1050 Curtis Street in Downers Grove Illinois.

I was hosting a nostalgic event about the history of public transportation in the city of Chicago Illinois entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars". There were 50 people in attendance, which translated in to a "Full House" in the meeting room I was hosting in that afternoon.

The event was well recieved by all, and there was even a man in the audience who was a "Transit Expert". Oops! O k, so I made a few mistakes in my presentation. Thats how I learn these things, and entertain more offers to host.

The Downers Grove library's adult program director, informed me that they may consider having me again next year possibly, as the show was very popular that day.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A,T & S,F 1960's era switching local runs caboose first.

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

Crossing a model of a tall steel trestle and passing through scenery representative of the state of Iowa, my Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad switching local operating caboose first,passes by in the distance.

My Bachman Alco S 4 yard switcher locomotive painted in the 1950's era Santa Fe black and silver "Zebra" color scheme combined with my Athearn model of a red post 1966 rebuilt Santa Fe caboose, help to recreate a late 1960's era day to day scene that could have been on the former A,T & S,F.

The Santa Fe actually had a number of switchers that were not repainted in to the 1960 era blue and yellow colors before the decade was over.

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad EMD FT cab unit diesels on a 1950's era freight train.

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad EMD FT cab unit diesels on a 1950's era freight train., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

One of my favorite Chicago railroad's I had grown up with as a kid prior to 1970, was the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy.

I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era. The tasteful and unique color schemes that the C,B & Q utilized on their locomotives, always fascinated Me early on. Even after the C,B & Q had become the Burlington Northern through merger in 1970. one could still find some yet to be repainted former Burlington engines at the BN Clyde Yard facility in Cicero Illinois for a few more years to come.

A common sight on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy during the late 1940's and through out the 1960's, were freight trains being pulled across Ilinois, Iowa, Nebraska, Colrado and Texas, by the C,B & Q's own light gray (Almost white) EMD cab unit diesel electric locomotives, like these early EMD model FT locomotives shown here.

Jim Reeves - Railroad Bum

Hi everyone!

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

I thought that it would be fun to incorporate a railroad song right about here in todays posting.

This song comes to us from the late great country music singer Jim Reeves. Here is a hit song
of his that I first heard as a kid via my Mother's record collection in the living room near the stereo.

Here is Jim Reeve's recording of a song entitled "Railroad Bum".

Thanks.
Eddie k.

The West 71st Street underpass viaduct construction project. Bridgeview Illinois. Sunday, September 16th, 2012.

The West 71st Street underpass viaduct construction project. Bridgeview Illinois. Sunday, September 16th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph this past Sunday afternoon, in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.

After many years of long traffic delays at the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's West 71st Street railroad crossing, the village of Bridgeview Illinois and the IHB, have began work on building the West 71st Street underpass viaduct, just west of the Toyota Park Stadium.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Metra switcher and coach. River Grove Il. May 2009.

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

A fast moving Metra EMD switcher locomotive, tows a disabled Metra gallery commuter coach through the River Grove Metra commuter rail station, enroute to a local coach yard / maintenance facility.

The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010.

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

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

A popular exhibit at the Chicago Botanic Garden, is the seasonal outdoor G Scale model railroad exhibit.

This is what I believe to be a G scale equipment maintenance and storage building.

Metra M.O.W equipment. Morton Grove Illinois USA. October 2011.

Metra M.O.W equipment. Morton Grove Illinois USA. October 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in early October of 2011.

Two Metra owned pieces of track maintenance vehicles, are parked on a siding near the Morton Grove Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

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

New Buses in the garage. Sreptember 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.