Chicago's yellow street signs of the past in an industrial park. Chicago Illinois. October 1989.

Chicago's yellow street signs of the past in an industrial park. Chicago Illinois. October 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

East 95th Street drawbridge rising. Chicago IL. Mar 2012.

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

Two trains meet at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. May 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1990.

I was enjoying a pleasant springtime afternoon under sunny skies and mild temperatures at Hayford Junction in Chicago's shburn neighborhood. It was perfect weather that day, to go out on location to enjoy some lineside railfanning with my camera in hand.

A westbound empty container train heading to the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard, meets an eastbound Soo Line freight train departing from the same yard.

Evergreen Park Illinois. December 1989.

Evergreen Park Illinois. December 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in December of 1989.

During the late 1980's, I would occasionally enjoy visiting south suburban Evergreen Park
Illinois. I always enjoyed walking down busy
est 95th Street, but also would take a pleasant
walk or bicycle ride through the many very pleasant residential side street areas.

I do not recall what street this was, but I remember that it was south of West 95th Street, and possibly facing east toward South Kedzie Avenue.

Evergreen Park was a place that I enjoyed visiting any time of the year during the 1980's.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Vintage Grand Trunk Western Trains In Chicago 1989

Southbound Grand Trunk Western Railroad light engine movement departing the Elsdon Yard site south of West 51st Street. Chicago Illinois. October 1983.

Southbound Grand Trunk Western Railroad light engine movement departing the Elsdon Yard site south of West 51st Street. Chicago Illinois. October 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in October of 1983.

It unfortunately was the end of the line for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad's old steam era Elsdon Yard on West 51st Street in Chicago, as the train yard facility was actually in it's final week of operation. The GTW recently had decided to close Elsdon Yard, and move their former Elsdon operations to the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard near Midway Airport.

The yard tracks were being cleared of any remaining rail cars at the time of my visit. I
spotted this consist of GTW locomotives heading southbound and running light, south
of West 51st Street.

An era was ending in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood, withthe closing of the GTW
Elsdon Yard, and 1914 built railroad roundhouse on South Kedzie Avenue at approximately West 49th Street.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Metra express commuter train heads off in to the winter sunset. Berwyn Illinois. January 2007.

Westbound Metra express commuter train heads off in to the winter sunset. Berwyn Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one evening after work around twilighjt, back in January of 2007.

A fast moving westbound Metra express commuter train enroute to Aurora Illinois,
speeds through west suburban Berwyn Illinois.

Coming Soon To The Eisenhower Public Library in Harwood Heights Illinois! "The Early Years Of The Chicago Transit Authrority!" Saturday, March 16th From 1:00 until 3:00 PM ! Hosted by Eddie K, From the internet site Eddie's Railfan Page! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

 

The Eisenhower Public Library located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois

welcomes local Chicago Historian, Photographer and Internet site host Edward Kwiatkowski to the library's upstairs meeting room on Saturday, March 16th  2013 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

 

Eddie will be hosting a multi media musical photo slideshow, video and lecture presentation about the early years of the Chicago Transit Authority, from their begining in 1947.

 

See electric streetcars, vintage rapid transit cars, old gasoline, propane, diesel and electric trolleybuses on Chicago's city streets as they were many years ago.

 

Admission is free!

Amtrak Hiawatha kicking up snowdust.

Chicago Ridge Tower. (Gone-Demolished) Chicago Ridge Illinois. October 1989.

Chicago Ridge Tower. (Gone-Demolished) Chicago Ridge Illinois. October 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in October of 1989.

One of my favorite places that I would occasionally go on location to do some railfanning with my camera in hand during the 1980's, was a place in Chicago's southwest suburbs known as Chicago Ridge Junction.

Chicago Ridge Junction was located just east of South Ridgeland Avenue near West 103rd Street, in the town of Chicago Ridge Illinois just west of Oak Lawn.

Here the north and south Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad mainline, crossed the Norfolk Southern -Metra ex Wabash Railroad mainline.

The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad closed Chicago Ridge Tower in 1993, and eventually demolished it in 1995 after several arson fires were set inside the abandoned structure.

Most of the trains traveling through the junction, were on the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad trackage.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

"Weird Al" Yankovic - Taco Grande

Well folks, it's about time for a bite to eat right about now for Me.

Here is an appetizing song parody from Wierd Al Yankovic, for those who
just may be craving some very tasty Mexican food right about now. Yum!

The Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. Early September 1990.

The Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. Early September 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, during an early September visit to the Fox River Trolley Museum way back in 1990.

Seen here parked next to a vintage station Semaphore signal from the former Chicago, Aurora And Elgin interurban railroad, is a retired 1945 vintage experimental 3 unit articulated rapid transit car, from the Chicago Rapid Transit Company.

This was one of four of these 3 unit lightweight articulated rapid transit cars bult for the Chicago Rapid Transit Company by the St. Louis Car Company in 1945. After 1947, these experimental lightweight cars wen't to work for the Chicago Transit Authority. The CTA retired these cars from Skokie Swift line service in 1986.

This preserved example, is painted in the original 1945 silver and vermillion color scheme from the Chicago Rapid Transit Comapny, and operates at the museum on occasion during the operating season.

Three of these unique trainsets, have been preserved today. The other two include one at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois, www.irm.org. and one at the Indiana Transportation Museum in Noblesville Indiana.

An early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad switching local passes through the yard.

An early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad switching local passes through the yard., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

My early 1970's "Merger Era" local freight train from the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, passes through one of the yards on the club layout.

My train represents an early ICG train from the 1972-1973 era, after the Illinois Central and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio merged in August of 1972.

Digital Live Sound Video: Double headed Metra evening rush hour local arriving at the Lake Cook Road station. Deerfield Illinois. Tuesday, March 30th 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: Double headed Metra evening rush hour local arriving at the Lake Cook Road station. Deerfield Illinois. Tuesday, March 30th 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video one evening after work, during the early Spring season in 2010.

A double headed northbound Metra / Milwaukee District north line train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois over the former Milwaukee Road mainline, makes the station stop at Lake Cook Road in north suburban Deerfield Illinois.

The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. July 1988.

The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. July 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

It just wouldn't be a railroad museum, without a collection of cabooses that were once a part of everyday freight railroading in America.

Cabooses from the Former Elgin, Joliet & Eastern, the Illinois Central and the Illinois Central Gulf, are viewed parked in one of the museum yards on an overcast and humid summer day.

Jack & Pat's 50's Drive In. (Gone-Demolished) Chicago Ridge Illinois. October 1989.

Jack & Pat's 50's Drive In. (Gone-Demolished) Chicago Ridge Illinois. October 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in October of 1989.

This was one of those "Random" snapshots that I would occasionally take just for the heck of it all.

Seen here at the southeast corner of South Ridgeland Avenue and West 107th Street in southwest suburban Chicago Ridge Illinois, was an inexpensive little street coarner neighborhood fast food eatery, that was known as "Jack & Pat's 50's Drive In.

I ate here a handful of times during the late 1980's and early 1990's. This establishment, was owned by the neighboring Jack & Pat's Old Fashioned Butcher Shop just immediately south of the eatery.

I am glad that I took this now historic reference photograph when I did, as this place was eventually demolished I believe during the late 1990's.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Kiddieland Amusement Park. ( Gone.) Melrose Park Illinois USA. June 2007.

Kiddieland Amusement Park. ( Gone.) Melrose Park Illinois USA. June 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in June of 2007.

We are at the now sadly long gone Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois.

The Kiddieland Limited gasoline powered streamlined passenger train, prepares for another run around the perimeter of the amusement park from the boarding station.

Kiddieland closed for good in late September of 2009. Today this is the site of a Costco wholesale warehouse club store.

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

An old Chicago Shortline Railroad steel caboose. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

An old steel cupola caboose from the Chicago Short Line Railroad, is photographed in an industrial part of the South Chicago neighborhood, near the Indiana state line border.

In the background can be seen the Chicago Skyway Tollway bridge.

S B CN transfer train with a former E,J & E locomotive. Summit IL. Aug ...

Winter sunset approaches. Evergreen Park Illinois. Early January 1988.

Winter sunset approaches. Evergreen Park Illinois. Early January 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

I took this late day winter photograph, way back in early January of 1988.

Another winter afternoon is now coming to a close, as the shadows created from a fading late day sun indicate that sunset will soon be upon south suburban Evergreen Park Illinois.

An early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf local freight crossing the Missisippi River lift bridge.

An early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf local freight crossing the Missisippi River lift bridge., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

My early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad local freight train, is viewed crossing and exiting the model representing a lift bridge over the Missisippi River on the club layout.

The locomotive, is a Life Like Proto 2000 model, of an Illinois Central Railroad EMD SW 9 yard switcher painted in the pre 1967 Illinois Central black and white color scheme, with the green diamond logo on the side of the cab. Behind the locomotive is a mix of cars from the 1950's, and 60's era. The caboose on the rear, is a solid orange model of an Illinois Central Gulf side door cupola caboose from a company known as the Centrailia Car Works.

Although the Illinois Central began painting some of their diesel locomotives in an orange and white color scheme begining in 1967, several locomotives would rol around in the black and white color scheme through out the 1970's and in to the early 1980's.

My train represents an early ICG train from the 1972-1973 era, after the merger with the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio in August of 1972.

Athearn Santa Fe EMD GP 35 pulling a freight train.

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

My late 1960's era freight train from the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, is viewed
crossing the swing bridge on the club layout. The locomotive is an Athearn model of an EMD GP 35
roadswitcher, and most of the cars are also Athearn models as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

The Patio Restarant, Bridgeview Illinois. Sunday evening, October 10th, 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A popular place for aaabar B Q Ribs and other tasty meal fare in Chicago's southwest suburbs, is a place known as The Patio in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.

Located in a strip mall along the west side of South Harlem Avenue / Illinois Rt # 43 at approximately West 93rd Street, this is a tasty place to visit with family or friends.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Vintage electric streetcars from the city of Chicago Illinois. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Friday, July 3rd 2009.

Vintage electric streetcars from the city of Chicago Illinois. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Friday, July 3rd 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a July 2009 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Seen here in one of the museum's display barns, is a collection of electric powered city streetcars from the Chicago Surface lines Company (Left ) and the 1947 succesor company we know today as the Chicago Transit Authority.

A Chicago Short Line Railroad switching local at work. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

A Chicago Short Line Railroad switching local at work. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

A Chicago Shortline Railroad switching local, is viewed at work somewhere near East 95th Street, in Chicago's own South Chicago neighborhood near the Indiana state line border.

The tall Les Brother's Restaurant neon sign. Oak Lawn Illinois. February 2013.

The tall Les Brother's Restaurant neon sign. Oak Lawn Illinois. February 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph last week Wednsday night, in southwest suburban Oak Lawn Illinois.

Standing tall and shining brightly in a strip mall parking lot at the southeast corner of West 87th Street and South Ridgeland Avenue, is the neon Les Brother's Restaurant sign.

This restaurant serves delicious and relatively inexpensive meals.

Eddie K's January 2013 Chicago's Amusement Parks program at the Clearing branch of the Chicago Public Library.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train passing through Franklin Park Illinois. December 2006.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train passing through Franklin Park Illinois. December 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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 35mm black and white photograph, during my August 1990 vacation to Strasburg Pennsylvania.

Seen here alongside Cherry Hill Road, just across the road from the Strasburg Railroad's Groffs Grove picnic grove station stop, is the Cherry Hill junction shanty.

Eddie K celebrates 5 years of service as a paratransit driver!

Eddie K in training as a Paratransit Driver. Niles Illinois. March 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

cupational careerHello everyone!

This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page. Welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of my blogsite today.

Yesterday, February 22nd 2013, was my actual 5th anniversry date, as the begining start up of my current ocupational career as a paratransit driver.

Wow! It seems like those first 5 years at First Transit, litterally just passed me by in traffic.

This photograph was taken of me by one of my fellow paratransit drivers, back in February of 2008 while I was in my training class. Here I am behind the wheel, of one of my company's now long since retired 2001 Ford paratransit mini buses.

My experience at First Transit, has been a very good one. Although the working hours behind the wheel are sometimes long, this job has a lot going for it. I am very happy working as a paratransit driver.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The wheelchair lift is lowered at a wheelchair passengers residence. Skokie Illinois. Early March 2008.

The wheelchair lift is lowered at a wheelchair passengers residence. Skokie Illinois. Early March 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during my first year of employment at First Transit, back in 2008.

We are in north suburban Skokie Illinois on a cold late winter season morning.

Long since retired First Transit 2001 Ford rear wheelchair loading paratransit mini bus # 5859, is viewed with the wheelchair lift down.
Our old Ford paratransit buses, featured both forward and sideways facing interior seats.

Digital Live Sound Video: First Transit new 2008 Ford Paratransit bus leaving the Glenview garage. Glenview Illinois. January 2009.

Digital Live Sound Video: First Transit new 2008 Ford Paratransit bus leaving the Glenview garage. Glenview Illinois. January 2009. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

One of our then "New" Ford E 450 Super Duty paratransit mini buses, is viewed exiting the First Transit "North Cook" garage in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

The bus operator, is taking his assigned bus outside, to perform the mandatory pre trip inspection at the begining of the afternoon split route shift on a cold winter day.

Paratransit bus driver trainees. Glenview Illinois. Febuary 2008.

Paratransit bus driver trainees. Glenview Illinois. Febuary 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph shortly after I had been hired by First Transit in Glenview Illinois, back in February of 2008.

We are inside now retired and long gone First Transit 2001 Ford paratransit mini bus # 5886.

A company instructor, is viewed behind the wheel teaching members of my training class.

Central Ohio Transit Authority - 1975 GMC Model T6H-5307A "New Look"

A Chicago Transit Authority 1985 M.A.N 40 foot transit bus. Chicago Illinois. Early January 1988.

A Chicago Transit Authority 1985 M.A.N 40 foot transit bus. Chicago Illinois. Early January 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Having just arrived at the Chicago Transit Authority bus terminal loop at South Kedzie Avenue and West 63rd Place in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood a few minutes ago, this CTA 1985 M.A.N 40 foot transit bus, is viewed idling between runs on a very bright and sunny winter afternoon.

This bus was assigned to the CTA RT # 52 / Kedzie -California Avenue bus route on this day.

Westbound CTA bus on West Taylor Street. Chicago Illinois USA. Wednsday, March 16th, 2011.

Westbound CTA bus on West Taylor Street. Chicago Illinois USA. Wednsday, March 16th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in March of 2011.

A Chicago Transit Authority 2006 New Flyer low floor transit bus, is viewed heading westbound on West Taylor Street in Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood on a sunnymorning during the late part of the winter season.

Roy Clark "Thank God And Greyhound"

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

I thought that it would be fun to toss in a good laugh or two on today's posting right
about now. Why Not? L.O.L.

I grew up in Chicago during the 1970's era, and I used to enjoy listening to a local
country music radio station back then, that was known as WJJD Radio AM 1160.

One of the songs I used to enjoy listening to back in those days, was this classic song
from Roy Clark entitled "Thank God and Greyhound Your gone"!

This pretty much sounds like a "StereoTypical" sad country song, but winds up having
an unexpected and very unusual comical twist to it all.

Later on, the Greyhound Bus Company actually made a television commercial using part
of this Roy Clark song to promote their services.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Windy City Limosuine motorcoach limo bus. Franklin Park Illinois. September 2012.

Windy City Limosuine motorcoach limo bus. Franklin Park Illinois. September 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one beautiful afternoon last September.

We are heading eastbound on Grand Avenue, in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

A modern and very stylish motorcoach from the Windy City Limosuine Company, approaches the intersection at 25th Avenue.

Digital Live Sound Video: Preserved 1986 M.A.N electric trolleybus from Seatle Washington. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Friday, July 3rd 2009.

Digital Live Sound Video: Preserved 1986 M.A.N electric trolleybus from Seatle Washington. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Friday, July 3rd 2009. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The intersection of 79th Street and Roberts Road. Justice Illinois. May 2009.

The intersection of 79th Street and Roberts Road. Justice Illinois. May 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in May of 2009.

A westbound Pace Rt # 379 / 79th Street bus, is viewed at the intersection of West 79th Street and South Roberts Road, in southwest suburban Justice Illinois.

NYMT 2008 Holly Trolley Rides

 

I found this wonderful wintertime trolley video on You Tube.

 

Seen here, is a special December 2008 event at the New York Museum of Transportation located

in Rochester New York USA, that was operated and advertised as "The Holly Trolley".

Early CSX train with former Chessie System locomotives. Alsip Illinois. May 1988.

Early CSX train with former Chessie System locomotives. Alsip Illinois. May 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1988.

A northbound early CSX Transportation Company freight train with former Chessie System locomotives acquired through merger, are viewed heading north / northwest over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, through the south suburban village of Alsip Illinois.

D&H RF-16 Sharks 1976

Chicago Union Station. Chicago Illinois. November 1989.

Chicago Union Station. Chicago Illinois. November 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The East 83rd Street Metra commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

The East 83rd Street Metra commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

The East 83rd Street Metra commuter rail station seen here, serves commuters living along the former Illinois Central electric powered commuter line in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood.

The Chicago Custom Auto Show at Mc Cormick Place. Chicago Illinois. February 1988.

The Chicago Custom Auto Show at Mc Cormick Place. Chicago Illinois. February 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in February of 1988.

We are at the Chicago Custom Auto Show at Chicago's Mc Cormick Place Convention Center.

A popular display at the auto show event amongst the many classic custom, sports cars and restored 1960's and 70's era muscle cars, was this well dtailed 1/25th Scale model of a classic American roadside drive in restaurant from the 1950's and 60's era.

Even this miniature model diarama display, features a large car show event as well.

The Nabisco factory at South Kedzie Avenue and West 73rd Street. Chicago Illinois. May 1989.

The Nabisco factory at South Kedzie Avenue and West 73rd Street. Chicago Illinois. May 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1989.

Seen here facing east on West 73rd Street near South Kedzie Avenue, is the Nabisco factory. This building has been a very popular and distinctive landmark on the southwest side of Chicago for many decades.

At any given time day or night, this factory fills the air with the smell of fresh baked cookies.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train departing from Glenview Illinois. February 2011.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train departing from Glenview Illinois. February 2011. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train on a rainy autum afternoon. River Grove Illinois. October 2012.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train on a rainy autum afternoon. River Grove Illinois. October 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a rainy autum afternoon, back in October of 2012.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific Railroad freight train, is viewed just east of the Thatcher Avenue railroad crossing in River Grove Illinois.

Kojak Drive In. Burbank Illinois. February 2013.

Kojak Drive In. Burbank Illinois. February 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph last night, in southwest suburban Burbank Illinois.

Seen here at the intersection of West 79th Street and South Central Avenue, is the popular Kojak Drive In.

This local Greek owned fast food restaurant establishment, specializes in Gyros, Cheeseburgers, Bar B Q Ribs, and other inexpensive but very tasty cuisine.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Happy 7th anniversary here at Eddie's Railfan Page!

 

My how the time does fly!  It seems like it was just yesterday, that I began Eddie's Railfan Page with this photograph, way back on February 8th, 2006. Eddie's Railfan Page has been a really wonderful experience for me, that has led to bigger and better things. Meeting many wonderful people along the way, has helped me to make Eddie's railfan Page, the very fun and family oriented blogsite that it is.

 

Thanks Everyone!

 

Eddie k.

A Coca Cola Chevrolet utility truck. Chicago Illinois. September 2012.

A Coca Cola Chevrolet utility truck. Chicago Illinois. September 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in September of 2012.

Seen here in a local strip mall at the southwest corner of North Harlem and West touhy Avenues at the Chicago city limits across the street from neighboring Niles Illinois, is a Chevrolet utility truck owned and operated by the Coca Cola Bottling Comapny.

I believe that this utility style delivery truck, is used primarilly for soda fountain / vending service operations.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound early morning Metra express commuter train pasing through Wilmette Illinois. Early April 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound early morning Metra express commuter train pasing through Wilmette Illinois. Early April 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A special thank you message from Eddie K!

Historic Photo! Playland Park. ( Gone.) Justice Illinois USA. Circa 1950's., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

My show last night at the Prairie Trails Public Library in southwest suburban Burbank Illinois, was a big success! Many people showed up to see my presentation about Chicago's Amusement Parks of The Past, and had a really wonderful time. many happy memories and first hand accounts of Riverview Park, Playland Park, and Green Oaks kiddieland from Oak Lawn Illinois were shared. Many smiles prevailed through the presentation.

I may possibly be returning for another engagement here sometime this summer.

Thanks everyone!
Eddie k.

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

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

A Bachman G Scale Big Hauler train set, passes through one of the many lovely outdoor garden model railroad displays, at the Chicago Botanic Garden in north suburban Glencoe Illinois.

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

Southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train approaching Chicago Ridge Junction. Chicago Ridge Illinois. May 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a weekend bicycle ride to Chicago Ridge Illinois, way back in May of 1990.

A southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train, approaches Chicago Ridge Junction on a lovely springtime afternoon.

Chicago Ridge Tower in the background, was cosed in 1993, and demolished after several arson fires were set inside during 1995.

The Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. Early September 1990.

The Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. Early September 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A 1920's era Chicago Transit Authority 4000 Series rapid transit car built by the Cincinnati Car Company in the foreground, and a 1945 experimaental lightweight 3 unit articulated rapid transit car built by the St. louis Car Company operate at the Fox River Trolley Museum, located in the town of South Elgin Illinois.

The abandoned Playland Park amusement park site after the park had closed. Justice Illinois. Circa December 1979.

 

I found this photograph at the Playland Park Amusement Park site from Justice Illinois on Facebook.Com, which is located to the right of your computer screen at my links page listings.

 

Photographer Bruce Cossi took this abandoned and forlorn photo of the former Playland Park amsusement park site, after the park had closed and was sold to the adjacent trailer park.

 

It is December of 1979 or even possibly January of 1980, and the Playland Park Amusement Park that was located in unincorporated southwest suburban Justice Illinois, had closed down for good at the end of the 1979 season. The rides have already been auctioned off, and the many little park buildings have been demolished rather quickly, to make way for today's Sterling Estates Manufactured Home Park / Trailer Park establishment.

 

Playland Park had opened approximately sometime in the year of 1949, and served a very undeveloped growing suburban community of Justice Illinois with seasonal family entertainment.

 

In the background can be seen the Illinois Rt # 294 / Tri State Tollway bridge.

 

I could remember seeing this very same sight from the backseat of my familie's 1971 Plymouth Scamp, when we were taking a Sunday drive past the place back in January of 1980.

 

Who knows?   Maybe Bruce Cossi and myself were both out there on the same day.

 

Playland Park was a small amusement park, in an outlying "County Fair" style of setting in

Chicago's southwest suburtbs near Wilow Springs Illinois.

 

Thanks.

Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video, during a September 2010 visit to the Hesston Steam Museum in northwest Indiana near Michigan City. www.hesston.org

A streamlined 4-6-4 Hudson type steam locomotive formerly from Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois, pulls a train load of patrons in to the Hesston Junction station for disembarking.

Coming Soon To The Eisenhower Public Library in Harwood Heights Illinois! "The Early Years Of The Chicago Transit Authority!" Saturday, March 16th From 1:00 until 3:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K, From The Internet Site "Eddie's Railfan Page!" http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

The original 1947 Chicago Transit Authority logo. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Eisenhower Public Library located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian, photographer and internet site host Edward Kwiatkowski to the library's upstairs meeting room on Saturday, March 16th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

Eddie will be hosting a multi media musical photo slideshow, video and lecture presentation, about the early years of the Chicago Transit Authority.

From their begining on October 1st, 1947, the CTA inherited a very "Hodge Pidge/ Mixed Bag" of public transportation vehicles on their roster ranging from rapid transit cars that dated back to the 1920's and earlier, electric streetcars, old gasoline powered transit buses and electric trolleybuses.

Replacement equipment such as new trolleybuses, propane and diesel buses, as well as lightweight rapid transit cars recycled from scrapped streamlined streetcars, would soon bring the CTA in to the modern era.

Relive this unique postwar era of commuting by public transportation in Chicago the way it was, through vintage photographs, silent vintage movies on video from the 1950's and 60's era, plus many happy memories to share and stories to tell.

Admission is free!

Starting a heavy C P freight train,

I photographed this digital live sound video in September of 2012.

We are on location at the Scott Street railroad crossing in northwest suburban Franklin Park
Illinois on a beautiful sunny afternoon.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific heavy transfer freight train, has just recieved clearance from
the railroad dispatcher, and is now getting it's long freight train underway from a dead stop.
Listen to the sounds of the engines reving, as this train gets moving under very heavy load
conditions.

Two Union Pacific Railroad locomotives running light, also pass by our camera location.

A Basic black Illinois Central EMD GP 40 roadswitcher wearing the pre 1967 Illinois Central Railroad color scheme. Champaign Illinois. October 1967.

 

I found this 1960's era photograph from the former Illinois Central Railroad at my link page Fallen Flags.Org, which is located to the right of your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

 

Many of the later day Illinois Central fans remember the late 1980's -1990's era black and white color scheme with the circular A,T & T style corporate logo, while 1970's era railfans often remember the orange and white Illinois Central color scheme that was introduced in 1967 / and Illinois Central Gulf (After 1972)  color scheme. A handful of early 1980's era railfans can remember the ugly and short lived orange and gray Illinois Central Gulf.

 

Plain black and white color schemes were nothing new to the former Illinois Central, as this was the original color scheme used on their freight and switching service locomotives prior to 1967. The original pre 1967 I.C color scheme complete with the I.C's corporate "Green Diamond" logo on the side of the cab, is viewed here on this Illinois Central EMD model GP 40 diesel electric roadswitcher idling at Champaign Illinois back in October of 1967. This original color scheme was very practical and weathered well in service, but was replaced by a modern image orange and white color scheme in 1967 with Black block style lettering, that unfirtunately did not weather well and was prone to fading.

 

Several Illinois Central diesel locomotives wearing the pre 1967 color scheme, lasted in service into the mid  and late 1980's before repainting or retirement from the roster.

 

Thanks.

Eddie K.

The Frosted Mug Drive In. ( Closed.) Alsip Illinois. Early September 2006.

The Frosted Mug Drive In. ( Closed.) Alsip Illinois. Early September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in early September of 2006.

One of my all time favorite suburban eateries I enjoyed visiting during the 1980's, 90's and in to the mid 2000's, was the classic roadside Frosted Mug Drive In Restaurant in south suburban Alsip Illinois.

This 1950's era roadside drive in restaurant with year round car hop service, was originally an old Dog N Suds Drive In located on South Pulaski Road at West 116th Street.

This photograph was taken during one of their many popular Tuesday night car shows in early September of 2006. Unfortunately, the Frosted Mug was already up for sale for quite some time, and would be closed and sold the following year. Some preliminary remodeling work was done at first including a new coat of exterior paint, but that was about as far as it got.

Today the former Frosted Mug sits abandoned at the northeast corner of South Pulaski Road and West 116th Street today.

I hope that it will reopen again eventually as a drive in restaurant like it was.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A maintenance truck from the Illinois Railway Museum's Building andGrounds Department.

A maintenance truck from the Illinois Railway Museum's Building and Grounds Department., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a July 2009 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Although the many displays of vintage railroad equipment at the museum, both operating and on static display get most of the attention from visiting patrons....it's the dedicated volunteers and their support equipment that really make the museum, the pleasant and safe place that it is to visit.

Seen here temporarilly parked on Central Avenue on the museum grounds near the office, is a GMC  utility truck from the museum's maintenance department. With the tools to do the job at hand and the expertise of the hard working and very dedicated maintenance department staff, these individuals do it all from wire maintenance, track maintenance, grounds keeping, plumbing and electrical engineering projects, and many other sometimes not noticed chores done with pride.

A special thank you is long overdue to the support operations staff at the Illinois Railway Museum, for their hard work, dedication and commitment for everything they do behind the scenes.

Thank You IRM staff for a job well done! Your work does not go unoticed here at Eddie's Railfan Page. You make the IRM an absolutely wonderful place to visit anytime.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Chicago Transit Authority Skokie Swift train. Evanston Illinois USA. Tuesday, December 21st, 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Eastbound BNSF Railway trailer train speeding through Mc Cook Junction. Mc Cook Illinois. January 2007.

Eastbound BNSF Railway trailer train speeding through Mc Cook Junction. Mc Cook Illinois. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph on a very sunny but bitterly cold winter morning, back in January of 2007.

With a sharp wind blowing out of the west, an eastbound BNSF Railway intermodal train is viewed approaching the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad crosstracks at Mc Cook Junction.

Construction of the Chicago Transit Authority orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. May 1989.

Construction of the Chicago Transit Authority orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. May 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1989.

Looking west from South Kostner Avenue, we see the concrete supports for the then under construction, Chicago Transit Authority orange line rapid transit, being built on site near adjacent 55th Street Junction along the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks.

This is one of those behind the scenes random reference photographs I had taken, for future generations to enjoy.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Metra Hi Rail maintenance truck. Elmwood Park Illinois. January 2009.

Metra Hi Rail maintenance truck. Elmwood Park Illinois. January 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Milk Depot on West 16th Street. Berwyn Illinois. April 1989.

The Milk Depot on West 16th Street. Berwyn Illinois. April 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Vintage gasoline stations from the past, have always been a favorite photo subject of mine.

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

Seen here alongside West 16th Street in west suburban Berwyn Illinois, is the Milk Depot convenience gasoline station. This gasoline station, was typical of American gasoline stations dating from the 1950's and 60's era.