Monday, December 31, 2012

The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. July 1988.

I took this photograph, during a July 1988 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee electric interurban coach # 160, is viewed heading westbound on the museum mainline somewhere east of Olson Road.

Premo's Drive In on West 95th Street. Oak Lawn Illinois. October 2012.

I took this photograph back in October of 2012.

A popular roadside drive in along the north side of West 95th Street in Oak Lawn Illinois for many years, is Premo's .

This drive in features delicious and refreshing soft serve ice cream, and inexpensives fast food items on their menu.

An MTH model of a New York Central Railroad Alco / Lima 4-8-2 Mohawk class steam locomotive.

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

My good friend and fellow club member Martin, owns and operates this beautiful DCC and sound equipped model, of a New York Central Railroad "Mohawk" class 4-8-2 steam locomotive.

Martin is a big fan of the old New York Central, and really knows his history and equipment of the railroad that billed itself as "The Water Leval Route" back in the day.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound CTA purple line train departing from the Linden Avenue terminal. Wilmette Illinois. February 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video during a crystal clear but very bitterly cold winter morning, back in February of 2010.

A southbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line train enroute to downtown Chicago via Evanston Illinois, is viewed departing from the north terminal at Linden Avenue in Wilmette Illinois.

Southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train. Alsip Illinois. October 1990.

I took this photograph way back in October of 1990.

An Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer freight train being led by vintage EMD NW 2 yard switchers, is viewed crossing the West 127th Street viaduct in south suburban Alsip Illinois.

Northbound Metra. Bannockburn IL. Feb 2011.

Southbound Burlington Northern transfer train near West 67th Street. Chicago Illinois. January 1990.

I took this photograph way back in January of 1990.

A southbound Burlington Northern Railroad transfer train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks, is photographed just north of the West 67th Street railroad crossing.

This train is heading to the Chicago side of the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard, east of South Cicero Avenue.

Vintage White jet fuel tanker trucks at Chicago's Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. April 1990.

I took this photograph way back in April of 1990.

A popular brand of everyday commercial truck that was once very common on the city streets of Chicago for many years, were the ones manufactured by the White truck company.

I recall that during the 1960's. 70's and early 1980's...I used to see these classic trucks in Chicago almost on a daily basis.

I photographed these two classic White trucks, along the south Fence of Chicago's Midway Airport along West 63rd Street.

To the left is a White Compact Cabover, which I believe made their debut during the 1960's and were manufactured through most of the 1970's. The truck to the right, is a White 3000 Cabover, which were popular during the 1950's and possibly early 1960's era.

Although I originally took this photograph in color, it also looks very nice as a black and white scan, giving it a classic vintage look.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Sunset on the Little Calumet River channel. Hammond Indiana. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I thought that it would be nice to end 2012 here at Eddie's Railfan Page, with a pleasant and peaceful sunset photograph.

I took this photograph during a group photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago and neighboring near northwest Indiana, back in late November of 2012.

Another day is preparing to close, as the sun heads to the western sky, along the Little Calumet River in Hammond Indiana. The evening silhouttes add beauty to an otherwise gritty and very industrial part of Hammond Indiana.

Many positive things happened here at Eddie's Railfan Page in 2012. One of the most positive and uplifting experiences for myself, were the many opportunities to host public speaking events at the many public libraries in the greater Chicagoland area.

As 2012 now comes to a close, I wish to thank everyone for their kindness and support here at my blogsite. May 2013 be even better. Many of my older photographs, will be added to My Flickr photo page for all to enjoy, and new photographs and public speaking appearances are definately in the works.

Thank You everyone!

Eddie K.

Saturday, December 29, 2012

Coming in January of 2013 to the Chicago Public Library's Clearing Branch, 6423 West 63rd Place in Chicago Illinois! Chicago's Amusement Parks Of The Pat! Saturday, January 19th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from Eddie's Railfan Page! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound early morning Metra local arriving in Glenview Illinois during a snowstorm. February 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video one snowy winter morning, back in February of 2010.

The southbound Metra local enroute to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois, arrives at the Glenview Illinois Metra commuter rail station at 5:40 AM, during an early morning snowstorm.

Construction of the CTA orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. May 1990.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1990.

An eastbound slow moving Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad switching local, passes through the construction site of the future Chicago Transit Authority's orange line rapid transit project to Midway Airport.

The train is viewed approaching the railroad crossing at South Lawndale Avenue at approximately West 49th Street, in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood on a lovely springtime evening around sunset. This IHB local, is traveling over the single tracked and very heavilly ballasted branchline owned by the Belt Railway of Chicago.

ATHEARN GENESIS FP7 A-UNIT HO DCC TSUNAMI SOUND DEMO

Savage Quality Rail Services. Hammond Indiana. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I took this photograph back in late November of 2012.

Seen here is a rebuilt former Canadian National Railroad EMD yard switcher, now working for a local contract shortline switching railroad known as Savage Quality Rail Services in Hammond Indiana. www.qualityrailservices.com

Friday, December 28, 2012

The intersection of South Ridgeland Avenue and Southwest Highway. Oak Lawn Illinois. May 1990.

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

I took this photograph one lovely Saturday afternoon while bicycle riding, way back in May of 1990.

We are facing east at the intersection of South Ridgeland Avenue and Southwest Highway, in southwest suburban Oak Lawn Illinois.

The sign on the old Clark gasoline station indicates, that the price of gasoline was $ 1.05 a gallon back then. Wow! Where did we go wrong?
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Late 1960's era Santa Fe switching local passing through a freight yard.

Construction of the CTA orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. January 1990.

CSX Transportation Company diesel locomotives idling. Hammond Indiana. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

JINGLE CATS Let It Snow Cat SCREEN TEST 006 HD



Well folks, another Christmas has come and gone again.

Still, I thought that it would be fun to have one last little seasonal laugh.

Here is a novelty record by the Jingle Cats performing "Let it snow".

Happy Holidays from Eddie's Railfan Page everyone.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Remembering the steam era on the former Boston & Maine Railroad. Boston Massachusettes. September 3rd, 1954.

 
I found this classic black and white late steam era photograph from 1954 at my link page Fallen Flags.Org, which is located to the right of your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org
 
This photograph posting, is going out to all the fans of classic northeastern United States railroad subjects here at Eddie's Railfan Page today. I hope everyone enjoys viewing this one here today.
 
The year is 1954, and steam locomotives are breathing their last gasp before heading off to the scrap yard on the Boston & Maine Railroad during the early to mid 1950's. Diesel locomotives are rapidly taking over the assignments that these coal burning and steam hissing engines had once handled daily.
 
Railfan photographer Gary Stuebben, photographed this medium sized Boston & Maine Railroad 2-8-0 "Consolidation" type steam locomotive used on short freight trains, recieving coal and water at a B & M  Railroad locomotive terminal, in the city of Boston Massachusettes near the end of the steam.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train. Riverside IL. Nov 2011.


Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. May 1990.

During the 1980's, I had spent quite a bit of time with my 35 MM camera in hand at a southside railfan location in Chicago known as Hayford Junction.

Hayford Junction is located at West 75th Street and South Central Park Avenue, in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood. Hayford was and still is, a very busy railroad freight train junction. During the 1980's and earlier, the Belt Railway of Chicago's multiple east and west tracks, crossed the north and south Grand Trunk Western Railroad crosstracks here. Most of the trains were slow heavy transfer trains entering or leaving from the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard, which was located west of the South Pulaski Road overpass bridge.

When I took this photograph on a lovely springtime afternoon way back in May of 1990, train traffic at Hayford Junction was still manually controlled by this single story "Tower" building with dispatchers on duty. The GTW mainline, was reduced to a single track in 1989.

In the background, we see a transfer train from the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, slowly departing from the BRC Clearing Yard facility.

The single story tower structure, was closed by 1993 and demolished not long after that.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Construction of the CTA orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. May 1990.

I took this photograph one evening around sunset, way back in May of 1990.

We are facing west from South Lawndale Avenue at approximately West 49th Street, in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

The construction of the Chicago Transit Authority's orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport, is well underway.

An eastbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad switching local traveling over the single track Belt Railway of Chicago owned branchline, is viewed slowly passing through the construction site.

Unfortunately...those light little streaks and spots in the photograph, are from the scanner / printer at a local Osco Drug Store camera counter.

(They really need to clean those things on the inside once in a while.)

Thursday, December 27, 2012

Southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train approaching Chicago Ridge Junction. Chicago Ridge Illinois. May 1990.

Exclusive model train video: Bachmann Trains HO scale Mogul 2-6-0 steam ...

Western Pacific # 3009 at Stockton California in 1974.

I found this photograph on the internet a few years ago, but somehow forgot the website URL I found this one at. Once I eventually find it (Hopefully soon), I will definately give the proper credit to the photographer who took this wonderful photograph.

One of my all time favorite railroad color schemes of the past, was the 1960's era orange and silver color scheme of the former western Pacific Railroad.

Although quite striking and attractive when introduced in the 1950's, this color scheme unfortunately did not weather well. It was replaced begining with a solid orange color scheme by the late 1960's, and later a dark solid green with orange lettering color scheme by the early 1970's.

The East 95th Street drawbridge opened. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I took this photograph during a recent group photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago, back in November of 2012.

The East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River, is viewed opened to clear an approaching Canadian great lakes freighter ship just before sunset.

Wednesday, December 26, 2012

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

Hi everyone!

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

Here I am in this photograph, which was taken at Hammond Indiana, during a group photo outing back in late November of 2012.

Sen here is a large Freightliner limosuine conversion bus, parked at the locally popular Horseshoe Casino in Hammond Indiana. Being a bus operator myself, I couldn't resist the opportunity to pose by this beautiful machine of the road.
This will be the final "Bus Day" posting here at Eddie's Railfan Page for 2012.

I wan't to extend a special "Thank You", to all of the many wonderful readers who have supported Eddie's Railfan Page, and helped to make it the fun photograph page that it is today.

Stay tuned for more train, bus and special photography editions of Eddie's Railfan Page in 2013. I will also be making a few public speaking appearances along the way as well in the greater Chicagoland area in 2013.

Thank You.
Eddie K.

Berwyn School District 100 International school bus. Berwyn Illinois USA. November 2007.

I took this photograph back in November of 2007.

Seen here in the parking lot of the Berwyn Public Library, is a short International school bus from the Berwyn Public School District 100.

This bus is equipped with a wheelchair lift for handicapped passengers.

Twin Coach Fageol Old Bus Syracuse



I found this historic and wonderful silent home movie on You Tube.

Seen here, are the old late 1940's and early 1950's era Twin Coach Company "Propane" powered buses, that had served the city of Syracuse New York for many years.

I was born in Chicago during 1962, and fondly recall riding the Chicago Transit Authority's own Twin Coach Company propane powered transit buses, during their final decade of service. I believe that the CTA began retiring these during the early 1970's. It is my understanding that the CTA  also had several propane powered Mack buses during this time. Chicago's final remaining propane buses were retired for good in 1974.

It was good to see these classic buses agin, as this video brought back happy memories for me today.

thanks.
Eddie K.

Pace bus in uptown Park Ridge Illinois. February 2009.


Commuting by CTA buses during Chicago's notorious Blizzard of 1979.

 
One local weather event many Chicagoans like myself who grew up during the 1960's and 70's era remember and still talk about today, was the infamous January 22nd blizzard that struck the greater Chicagoland area way back in 1979.
 
I was attending my Sophmore year at Chicago's Curie High School back then, and can still recall having to climb tall snowbanks, just to catch the Chicago Transit Authority buses at any given corner.
 
Chicago was hit with a record 22 inches of snowfall, and O'Hare and Midway Airports were both closed for awhile. There were also several snow showers in the wake of the blizzard, and many instances of blowing and drifting snow, making travel difficult along Chicago's many streets and roadways. Many older Chicagoans would share their stories about Chicago's blizzard of 1967 a decade earlier, and make several comparisons about the two huge snowstorms in Chicago.
 
This photograph was found at my link page Northern California Bus Fans, located to the right of your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com (   A really wonderful photo website to explore!)
 
In this photograph, photographer Jim Husing, captures a Chicago Transit Authority Route # 36 / Broadway, State bus, traveling through some of the worst winter weather in Chicago, during January of 1979. It was a very difficult time for local Chicagoans back in 1979. many schools were closed due to the extreme weather conditions, and many airlines had cancelled flights at Chicago's airports.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

LAMTA SCRTD Flxible New Look buses 1961-1993



I found this really cool retro transit bus photo slideshow video from Los Angeles California on You Tube.

I visited Los Angeles California on a vacation, way back in July of 1978, and I vividly recall seeing those gold, silver and copper colored Flxible transit buses seen in this video, as well as several still in service 1950's era GM old look buses, and 1960's era GM fishbowl windshield buses rolling around the greater Los Angeles area.

This video brought back some happy memories, from my trip to Southern California back in 1978.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Foreward interior view of First Transit 2008 Ford paratransit bus # 5157. Glenview Illinois. November 2009.

I took this photograph at work, one morning back in November of 2009.

I am employed as a Paratransit driver for First Transit. Seen here is an interior view o my assigned regular bus # 5157 facing forward.

Everyday I work assisting the elderly, handicapped and special needs adults, providing dependable transportation for those in need of this shared ride program.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A Chicago Transit Authority bus approaching the East 92nd Street drawbridge. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I took this photograph during a recent group photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago, back in late November of 2012.

A Chicago Transit Authority Route 30 / South Chicago bus, is viewed approaching the East 92nd Street drawbridge over the Calumet River.

Saturday, December 22, 2012

Morning sunrise. Mount Prospect Illinois. December 2012.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photograph at work one morning last week, while I was waiting on a passenger to come out and board my bus in Mount Prospect Illinois.

This beautiful winter sunrise, was photographed around 7:05 AM, looking east / southeast on Jeffery Lane in Mount Prospect Illinois.

Two trains meet at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. May 1990.

I took this photograph, way back in May of 1990.

Two trains traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago, are shown meeting at Hayford Junction.

Digital Live Sound Video: A fast steam powered freight train crosses the Missisippi River.

Chicago Shortline Railroad caboose. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I took this photograph, during a recent group photo outung to the far southeast side of Chicago, back in late November of 2009.

Seen here, is am old and very well used steel caboose from the Chicago Skortline Railroad.

That tall bridge in the background, is the Chicago Skyway Tollway bridge that connects Chicago with neighboring Hammond Indiana and points east.

Sperry Rail Services self propelled track detection car at Chicago Ridge Junction. Chicago Ridge Illinois. May 1990.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1990.

A visiting self propelled track dtection car from Sperry Rail Services, is viewed on the Norfolk Southern Railroad's interchange connection to the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, at Chicago Ridge Junction near Oak Lawn Illinois.

Friday, December 21, 2012

The Frosted Mug Drive In at West 116th Street and South Pulaski Road.(Closed) Alsip Illinois. January 1990.

Happy Holidays everyone!

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

From 1985 until the place was sold and had closed in 2007, the old Frosted Mug Drive In Restaurant in south suburban Alsip Illinois, was always a favorite must go to place for me. This od 1950's era roadside drive in restaurant which was originally a local Dog N Suds Drive In, operated year round car hop service. Old car shows were popular featured attractions on Tuesday and Saturday nights during nice weather periods.

The place had closed in 2007, surprisingly at the time that the cable televison Food Network aired a rerun of it's appearance on Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.

I had many happy memories here at South Pulaski Road and West 116th Street.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Winter Steam on the NH&I

Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad wide vision caboose entering the Burlington Northern Railroad's Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois. November 1988.

Grand Trunk Western freight entering the southbound interchange at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. December 1988.

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

A Grand Trunk Western Railroad freight train, has just departed from the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard facility near Midway Airport.

This train is viewed entering on to the southbound GTW interchange connection at Hayford Junction, departing Belt Railway of Chicago tracks.

Model Trains smoking and going around a Christmas tree

The GTW interchange track at the former Grand Trunk Western Elsdon Yard site. Chicago Illinois. January 2007.

I took this photograph one morning, during a January 2007 visit to some of my old stomping grounds from my former Curie High School days.

We are at the former Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard site, where I actually spent many hours after school when I attended nearby Curie High School from 1977 to 1981.

This view is facing south, just a few blocks north of West 51st Street, east of South Lawndale Avenue. Seen here looking in to the hazy morning sunshine to the south, is the interchange track that connected the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad's Corwith Yard to the north (Behind Me), and the GTW Elsdon Yard to the south in the direction I am facing.

The GTW Elsdon Yard had closed in October of 1983, and part of the former yard site, was redeveloped as a railroad material storage depot. Other parts of the former GTW Elsdon Yard site, are gradually being redeveloped for commercial and residential real estate sites.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train at Prarie Avenue. Brookfield Illinois. November 2007.

I took this photograph on a cold and raiy morning, back in November of 2007.

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train with cars from the former Burlington Northern Railroad in the consist, are viewed passing the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing in west suburban Brookfield Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: Early morning snow plowing operations in north suburban Glenview Illinois, January 2010.

Canadian National Railroad 4-8-2 steam locomotive and passenger train at an unknown location circa early 1940's era.


This photograph is going out to all of the Canadian railfans to the north of Chicago, that also enjoy viewing Eddie's Railfan Page. I occasionally recieve E Mails and comments from railfans north of the border, "Eh"?

I found this really nice photograph from the Canadian National Railroad at my Link Page Yesteryear Depot.Com, which is located to the right of your computer screen at www.yesteryeardepot.com

This photograph comes to us from the Fred C. Stoes collection.

Canadian National Railroad 4-8-2 Mountain type steam locomotive # 6031 and passenger train, is viewed preparing to depart from a train station somewhere in Canada at an unspecified location during the early 1940's. The Canadian National and neighboring rival Canadian Pacific, were both late users of steam locomotives in regular service, and operated their steam locomotives until 1959 and 1960.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Dr Demento- The Singing Dogs Jingle Bells


Since it is Christmas time once again here in the greater Chicagoland area, I thought that it would be nice to share a little holiday cheer, and play this classic Christmas novelty song from past years.

Merry Christmas everyone!
Happy holidays to all the fans who have supported Eddie's Railfan Page.

Peace.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad jet snow blowing machine. Hammond Indiana. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

Anthony C having fun mugging for a photo with a pair of novelty sunglasses that he found. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I took this photograph, during a recent November 2012 group photo outing, to the far southeast side of Chicago near the Indiana border.

Seen here is my good friend and fellow Chicago railfan Anthony C, clowing around with a pair of novelty sunglasses that he had found at Calumet Park.

It was a fun outing, and may there be many more. It is fun getting together with fellow photographers. Railfans and non railfans alike.

Thanks Anthony.

Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Chicago Transit Authority Skokie Swift train. Evanston Illinois USA. Tuesday, December 21st, 2010.

The old Arby's Roast Beef fast food restaurant on North Harlem Avenue near West Irving Park Road Demolished!

The old Arby's Roast Beef fast food restaurant on North Harlem Avenue near West Irving Park Road in Chicago's Portage Park neighborhood, has been demolished.

Wrecking crews levaled this classic roadside fast food restaurant, in December of 2012. This may have been one of the last Arby's in the greater Chicagoland area, that featured the original tall 1960's era neon "Cowboy Hat" sign.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: A late 1960's era Santa Fe switching local enters the tunnel.

I photographed this digital Live Sound Video recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Seen here, is my representation of a late 1960's era switching local from the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, as it may have looked like circa 1968.

The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad had painted several of their yard switcher diesel locomotives in this black and silver zebra striped color scheme from 1950 to 1960. However...even though this was replaced by a spiffy blue and yellow color scheme in 1960, several of their switcher locomotives based at various terminals through out the A,T & S,F system, wore this color scheme in to the later part of the 1960's decade. It would take awhile before all of the engines in this color scheme would be repainted or retired.

The caboose which is an Athearn model, represents a rebuilt Santa Fe caboose from post 1966 times, as the Santa Fe began rebuilding and repainting their cabooses at their Cleburne Texas railroad shops in 1966, wearing this bright vermillion red color scheme with yellow markings.

The locomotive is a Bachman Alco S 4 yard switcher equipped with DCC and Sound.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

1914 builders plaque on the East 92nd Street drawbridge. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I took this photograph, during a recent group photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago, back in late November of 2012.

You may never know how much you can learn about your local history, until you physically go out on location with a camera in hand, and take the time to explore.

Seen here, is the 1914 builders plaque, on the East 92nd Street drawbridge over the Calumet River, in the South Chicago neighborhood. This bridge is almost 100 years old and still operating in fine mechanical condition today! Wow!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago RTA locomotives backing in to La Salle Street Station. Chicago Illinois. Nov 1983.

I took this photograph way back in November of 1983.

Seen here facing north from the top of the West Roosevelt Road overpass bridge, are two Chicago RTA (Pre Metra) EMD F 40 PH diesel electric locomotives, backing in to Chicago's La Salle Street station.

This particular area, has been redeveloped with new buildings since I took this photograph.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Metra early morning local arriving in Glenview Illinois. December 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video on my way to work one morning, back in December of 2010.

It is approximately 5:40 AM. A southbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois over the former Milwaukee Road Railroad. is viewed arriving at the Glenview Metra commuter rail station on a cold winter morning.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Canadian National unit tank train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Saturday, April 2nd, 2011.

Coming in January of 2013 to the Clearing Branch of the Chicago Public Library! 6423 West 63rd Place in Chicago Illinois! "Chicago's Amusement Parks Of The Past!" Saturday, January 19th from !:00 until 3:00PM!

The Chicago Public Library's Clearing Branch, and the Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago, welcome local Chicago area historian, photographer and internet host Edward Kwiatkowski to the CPL Clearing Branch on Saturday, January 19th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

Eddie , who is also the host of the internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page - http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com, will be hosting a multi media video, slideshow and lecture event, about Chicago's Amusement Parks of the past.

If You could remember such fun seasonal outdoor family fun establishments like Playland Park in Justice Illinois, Adventure Land in Addison Illinois, Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois, Riverview Park in Chicago, Dispensa's Kiddie Kingdom in Oakbrook Terrace Illinois, Old Chicago in Bolingbrook Illinois or any of the once numerous and now forgotten seasonal family entertainment venues from Chicago's past, then you won't want to miss this fun and very family oriented presentation.

Admission is free!

Night time at the Grand Trunk Western Elsdon depot on West 51st Street. ( Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. April 1983.

I took this photograph, way back in April of 1983. I had just recently purchased my first 35mm camera, a Pentex M.E Super in March of 1983, and took this photograph with it.

I was hanging out one night at the site of the Grand Trunk Western Railroad's Elsdon Yard on West 51st Street in Chicago, with an old Curie High School buddy named Jeff, who was also an avid photographer.

We are facing west along the south side of West 51st Street, just east of South Lawndale Avenue in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

Seen here as it was during it's final years of operation as a railroad crew change depot and yard office, is the wooden two story GTW Elsdon train station built in 1881 at night.

The GTW closed Elsdon Yard in October of 1983, and demolished the old Elsdon depot shown here, in November of that year.

I am so glad that I took this experirimental night time photo during my early days of photography when I did back in 1983.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Wednesday, December 19, 2012

Chicago Police cars at the Chicago Skyway Dog House. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

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

Hot Dog Stands, have always been a popular form of local neighborhood eatery establishments in the city of Chicago Illinois. The southside of Chicago, has always had a great abundance of these local mom and pop owned neighborhood fast food establishments.

I took this photograph during a recent group photo outing, in late November of 2012.

Seen here near East 95th Street and South Chicago Avenue near the Indiana border, is a local neighborhood hot dog stand in the South Chicago neighborhood, known as the Chicago Skyway Dog House.

Two Chicago Police cars, are viewed parked along the east side of the building in the parking lot during a lunch break period. This hot dog stand, is located close to the Chicago Skyway overhead tollway bridge, near Hammond Indiana on the far southeast side of Chicago Illinois.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha. Northbrook IL. Dec 2009.


Union Pacific Railroad EMD NW 2 yard switcher diesel electric locomotive. Spokane Washington. May 1969.

 
I found this classic photograph from the Union Pacific Railroad at my Link page Fallen Flags.Org, which is located to the right of your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org
 
The 1960's were a great time in America to see and photograph contemporary diesel railroading. Many of the early "First Generation" diesel locomotives that had originally replaced the remaining steam locomotives a decade or so earlier, were still rolling around in daily service. However..age and mechanical issues were begining to catch up with them, and soon many would be traded to EMD for newer locomotives, or sold to various shortline and industrial railroads.
 
This early EMD model NW 2 yard switcher locomotive from the 1940's era, was still hard at work for the Union Pacific Railroad by the late 1960's. This photograph which was taken by an unknown photographer, is viewed working at Spokane Washington in May of 1969.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Plowing Niles Center Road. Skokie Illinois. Jan 2010.


Westbound Amtrak passing through Brighton Junction. Chicago Illinois. January 1988.

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

A short westbound Amtrak passenger train, is viewed passing through Brighton Junction near South Archer and Western Avenues in Chicago.

Wintertime in Garden Homes Illinois. January 1990.

I took this photograph, way back in January of 1990.

During the mid to late 1980's, I made many trips to south suburban Alsip Illinois, and the very tiny neighboring comunity of Garden Homes Illinois. I did not own my first car yet, but I either arrived there via the Chicago ransit Authority Route # 52A / South Kedzie Avenue bus, or would ride my bicycle here during nice weather times.

This photograph was taken facing east on West 116th Street, just east of the intersection of South Pulaski Road near the Frosted Mug Drive In Restaurant. I always enjoyed walking and exploring Alsip and Garden Homes Illinois. It was a pleasant place to visit in Chicago's south suburbs back in the day.

January of 1990, was actually quite sunny and mild with temperatures ranging in the low 40's. There was little if any snow that January.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: An H.O Scale Southern Pacific Railroad Class GS 4 Daylight 4-8-4 steam locomotive, pulls a freight train.

A City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation snowplow truck heading southbound on North Clark Street. Chicago Illinois. December 2006.

I took this severe morning weather photograph back in December of 2006.

A City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation International snowplow equipped dump truck, is viewed heading southbound on North Clark Street, at the three way intersection of North Clark Street, West Diversey Avenue, and North Broadway Avenue in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood.

This city snowplow truck operator, has his work cut out for him during this heavy lake effect morning snowstorm.

A large Canadian freighter ship passing beneath the Chicago Skyway Tollway bridge. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I took this photograph during a recent group photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago, back in late November of 2012.

I took this photograph late in the day near sunset.

We are facing north from the East 100th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River, in the South Chicago neighborhood near the Indiana border.

A huge Canadian freighter ship with a tug boat on each end, passes underneath the Chicago Skyway Tollway bridge near Hammond Indiana. In the background can be seen, is a yet to be raised railroad lift bridge.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Monday, December 17, 2012

Improved lighting on Chicago's city streets. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I took this photograph during a recent group photo outing, to the far southeast side of Chicago.

A program that had began during the last ten years under former Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley, was the addition of extra streetlamps on existing city overhead lamp posts.

This improved lighting, has helped to make Chicago's city streets a little bit safer at night for driving, and pedestrian safety.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: A short Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad freight train exits the tunnel.

Construction of the CTA orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. January 1990.

The October 1988 Berwyn houby Day Parade. Berwyn Illinois.

I took this photograph way back in October of 1988.

Heading slowly westbound on West Cermak Road, is an old 1960's era Mack fire truck from the nearby Forest View Illinois Fire Department.

This classic Mack fire engine and several other police and fire department vehicles, were participating in the October 1988 Berwyn Houby Day Parade in west suburban Berwyn Illinois. This photo was taken at the start of the parade.

Thanks.
Eddie K.