Welcome to my rail fan page! Here you'll find information and pictures of railroad related items from the Chicagoland area, Wisconsin and Indiana. Enjoy your stay. All Aboard!
Thursday, May 30, 2013
The former Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad Bridge # 631. Hammond Indiana. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.
Wabash freight train enters the swing bridge.
A classic free standing roadside neon sign from the past at the Berwyn Eagles Lodge on West 26th Street. Berwyn Illinois. October 2007.
Eastbound CSX Transportation Company 2 unit light engine movement. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, April 21st, 2013.
A former Milwaukee Road Ford Bronco S.U.V Hi Rail maintenance truck. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.
A westbound BNSF Railway freight passes a Metra local. La Grange Illinois. May 2012.
A 1990's era C & N,W freight train crosses the Missisippi River.
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
ICG local overtakes a U.P steam freight.
New York Central 2-8-2 steam locomotive # 2712 pulling a freight train past the depot. Belfontaine Ohio. 1946.
Greater Winnipeg Water District Railroad work train.
Northbound Metra local arrives at the Edgebrook station. Chicago Illinois. May 2007.
Chicago, Aurora And Elgin Railroad interurban coach # 409. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.
NYC and C & N,W two train meet. November 2012.
Sunday, May 26, 2013
1970's era Santa Fe freight train crossing the tall steel trestle.
Preserved Porter 0-4-0T fireless steam locomotive. Tinley Park Illinois. August 2006.
Southbound Amtrak Hiawatha passing through the Forest Glen Metra commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. August 2007.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
Eddie's recently acquired H.O scale freight cars.
You don't take your showers anymore. Wierd Al live on the Dr. Demento radio show.
Southbound Grand Trunk Western freight train passing through Hayford Junction at twilight. Chicago Illinois. May 1989.
The orange and white 1970's era Illinois Central color scheme. Introduced by the Illinois Central in 1967, to help modernize their image.
Belt Railway Of Chicago short transfer caboose. Chicago Illinois. May 1987.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad EMD E 7 passenger locomotives # 103A and # 103. Unknown photographer and location. 1968.
A Canadian National freight train waiting on the Hawthorne Junction interchange. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. July 2007.
Abandoned railroad lift bridges south of East 95th Street. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, April 21st, 2013.
Monday, May 20, 2013
A two car electric interurban train from the Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee Railroad. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.
A westbound Amtrak arriving at the Whiting Indiana train station. Sunday, April 21st, 2013.
World War 2 Days at the Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.
A Bachman H.O Scale Alco S 4 yard switcher, leads an Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad switching local from the 1950's and 60's era.
Thursday, May 16, 2013
H.O steam excursion crossing the swing bridge.
Nicky's at South Archer and Austin Avenues. ( Aka "Nicky's Gyyros") Chicago Illinois. March 2013.
Nicky's at South Archer and Austin Avenues. ( Aka "Nicky's Gyyros") Chicago Illinois. March 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.
Growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago many years ago, occasionally brings back happy memories of some tasty and inexpensive local neighborhood eateries.
One of my personal favorites from back then that I am glad to see is still in business today, is this quaint little Greek owned neighborhood take out fast food stand known as "Nicky's".
With more than a few locations on the southwest side of Chicago, Nicky's is a place many people from the southside remember.
During my young days when I was unfortunately "Stuck" working for minimum wage, this place was a tasty and inexpensive option for me to enjoy on a tight budget on any given lunchtime visit.
Nicky's was always famous for their Grecian Gyros, as well as their "Big Baby" double cheeseburgers. I still enjoy an occasiona "Tamale Boat (Chilli and a tamale) here today whenever possible.
Thanks.
Eddie K.
Eastbound Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train approaching Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. April 1987.
Eastbound Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train approaching Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. April 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
I took this photograph way back in April of 1987.
An eastbound Belt Railway of Chicago transfer train being pulled by an old EMD model TR 4 Cow and Calf switcher set, are viewed passing through Hayford Junction after departing from the nearby BRC Clearing Yard facility near Midway Airport.
Eastbound CTA green line rapid transit train alongside South Boulevard. Oak Park Illinois. August 2007.
Eastbound CTA green line rapid transit train alongside South Boulevard. Oak Park Illinois. August 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
I took this photograph in west suburban Oak Park Illinois, back in August of 2007.
An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority green line rapid transit train, has just departed from the Harlem Avenue station at the west terminal, and is now heading for downtown Chicago and points south, via Chicago's west side neighborhoods along West Lake Street.
Joe Dolce. Shaddap your face!
Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2011.
Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
Family atractions like Chicago's Brookfield Zoo and other popular places, would not be the nice places they are, without the all too important behind the scenes maintenance crews and the equipment that they use.
The small green Ford dump truck shown here, helps the groundskeeping and maintenance crews at Chicago's Brookfield Zoo to keep the place tidy , safe and functional for all the visiting patrons to enjoy.
This little dump truck can easilly patrol the zoo's many walkways, perform infrastructure repairs, landscaping, and light hauling dutties.
Thanks.
Eddie k.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
A preserved Chicago Transit Authority 1920's era 4000 series rapid transit car passing Spaulding Tower. The Illinois Railway Museum. June 1993.
A preserved Chicago Transit Authority 1920's era 4000 series rapid transit car passing Spaulding Tower. The Illinois Railway Museum. June 1993., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
I took this 35 mm black and white photograph during a June 1993 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org
This retired 1920's era 4000 Series rapid transit car from the Chicago Transit Authority, is viewed passing preserved Spaulding Tower and a vintage Wig Wag crossing signal, enroute to the museum's own CTA 50th Avenue rapid transit station from west suburban Cicero Illinois to disembark the passengers.
BNSF Railway intermodal switching movement passing underneath a westbound Canadian National freight train. Berwyn Illinois. February 2010.
BNSF Railway intermodal switching movement passing underneath a westbound Canadian National freight train. Berwyn Illinois. February 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
I took this photograph on a dry and somewhat mild winter morning, back in February of 2010.
Looking east from the Ridgeland Avenue railroad crossing in west suburban Berwyn Illinois, we see a BNSF Railway switching movement heading westbound and pulling out of the nearby BNSF Railway Clyde Yard in neighboring Cicero Illinois with a cut of cars in tow, and now passing underneath a Canadian National freight train on the former Illinois Central mainline above.
Night time CTA Skokie Swift train. Skokie Illinois. September 2009.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RR # 4978 at it's original display location. Ottawa Illinois. August 1986.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy RR # 4978 at it's original display location. Ottawa Illinois. August 1986., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
I took this photograph way back in August of 1986.
Seen here in it's original display location in a local city park at Ottawa Illinois, is preserved Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad 1920's era Baldwin 2-8-2 freight service steam locomotive # 4978 and a wooden caboose.
Many years later, these two artifacts from railroading's historic past, are now the centerpiece at the Mendota Railroad Museum, located in the western Illinois town of Mendota Illinois, alongside the BNSF Railway's former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad mainline.
G, M & O Alco R S 1 at the Elmhurst Model Railroad Club.
A Union Pacific EMD GP 15 idling at the Metra California Avenue coach yard. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.
A Union Pacific EMD GP 15 idling at the Metra California Avenue coach yard. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
I took this photograph on a beautiful Indian Summer -Autum morning back in October of 2006.
This Union Pacific Railroad late 1970's era EMD GP 15 light roadswitcher used for local freights and terminal switching operations today by the Union Pacific Railroad, is viewed idling just east of the Metra's former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad commuter coach yard facility at North California Avenue in Chicago.
This photograph was taken from the adjacent Metra Western Avenue commuter rail station on the former Milwaukee Road line near North Grand Avenue.
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
The Oak Lawn Roller Rink on South Cicero Avenue. (Gone-Demolished.) OakLawn Illinois. May 1983.
The Oak Lawn Roller Rink o South Cicero Avenue. (Gone-Demolished.) Oak Lawn Illinois. May 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
Hello everyone!
This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Edie's Railfan Page.
Just recently, I located several of my old early 35 mm photographs I had began taking during the 1980's here in the greater Chicagoland area.
I have been an avid roller skater for many years, and a place that I used to skate at on Sunday nights occasionally, was the Oak Lawn Roller Rink on South Cicero Avenue near West 93rd Street in southwest suburban Oak Lawn Illinois.
The roller rink and a small printing company had shared the same building. Unfortunately...the place was sold by the mid 1990's, and the Oak Lawn Roller Rink was demolished, and would become a Saturn auto dealership. Darn! Sigh..oh well.
Thanks.
Eddie K.
Westbound BNSF Railway unit grain train passing through Hayford Junction near sunset. Chicago Illinois. March 2007.
Westbound BNSF Railway unit grain train passing through Hayford Junction near sunset. Chicago Illinois. March 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
I took this photograph after work one evening, back in March of 2007.
A partly sunny and somewhat chilly early springtime day is now coming to a close in Chicago Illinois, as a westbound BNSF Railway unit grain train, passes through Hayford Junction just before sunset, and heads to the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard near Midway Airport.
Digital Live Sound Video: An H.O Scale C & N,W freight train crossing the Missisippi River.
Digital Live Sound Video: An H.O Scale C & N,W freight train crossing the Missisippi River. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
This video was photographed at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Located in Oak Park Illinois.
The intersection of South Kedzie Avenue and west 95th Street. Evergreen Park Illinois. May 1989.
The intersection of South Kedzie Avenue and west 95th Street. Evergreen Park Illinois. May 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
I took this photograph one lovely springtime evening, way back in May of 1989.
The times were much simpler in south suburban Evergreen Park Illinois back then.
Seen here is the southeast corner of West 95th Street and South Kedzie Avenue.
Pano's package goods lounge with it's classic light colored brick and stone architecture with an iconic neon sign from America's roadside past, stood at this corner for many years.
Today, Pano's has been replaced by a Chase Bank building, while the Shell convenience gasoline station across the street at the northeast corner, has been replaced with a strip mall.
Thanks.
Eddie K.
Monday, May 13, 2013
Northbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 52A / South Kedzie bus approaching the intersection at West 111th Street. Chicago Illinois. April 2007.
Northbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 52A / South Kedzie bus approaching the intersection at West 111th Street. Chicago Illinois. April 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood at South Kedzie Avenue and West 111th Street was always a favorite bus hopping destination for me during the 1980's before I bought my first car.
I still love to visit the place today whenever I am able to do so. I always enjoyed this part of the southside of Chicago for many years.
I took this photograph one evening back in early April of 2007.
A northbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 52A / South Kedzie bus, is viewed approaching the intersection of West 111th Street and South Kedzie Avenue on a quiet springtime evening.
Midway Rental Car Shuttle Gillig 35 ft transit bus. Glenview Illinois. March 2013.
Midway Rental Car Shuttle Gillig 35 ft transit bus. Glenview Illinois. March 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
I took this photograph at work, back in March of 2013.
The Midway Rental Car Shuttle bus operation based at Chicagi;s Midway Airport, was a new operation began by First Transit in 2013.
This 35 foot Gillig transit bus for the new service, was viewed parked in the wash bay at the First Transit north cook garage in Glenview Illinois.
The front half of the bus is luggage racks, while the portion from the center to the rear, features sideways facing passenger seating accomodations.
These buses are assigned to Chicago's Midway Airport.
The Midwest Transit Bus Museum. Cresthill Illinois. September 2001.
The Midwest Transit Bus Museum. Cresthill Illinois. September 2001., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
From 2000 to 2002, I was a member of The Midwest Transit Bus Museum, which was located on a private industrial storage rental yard at Rt # 53 and Caton Farm Road in Cresthill Illinois near the city of Joliet.
I used to be employed in the area, and would sometimes come here after work, and hang out with a group of transit bus collectors. It was like an unofficial antique auto club for people who were in to vintage transit buses. Some were actually operable, and would be driven on the property for fun occasionally. Others were rescued from junk yards, and were missing engines or various other parts and did not operate...but made for some nice storage sheds.
I eventually found work on the northside of Chicago, met a wonderful woman who I eventually married, moved north, and was now never in the area anymore to visit the mueum.
Although a series of important life events dictated that I leave this museum group, I still have happy memories of those fun two years that I was a member. Since that time, some of the other members also disbanded, while new ones came aboard.
Thanks.
Eddie K.
A Gomaco replica trolley bus. Chicago Illinois. July 2007.
A Gomaco replica trolley bus. Chicago Illinois. July 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.
This is a popular rental limosuine option for large parties, parades, weddings and charters.