Tasty desserts and pastries at the Sheraton Hotel. San Diego California. June 2013.

One of the nice things we experienced on our vacation to San Diego California, were "Free" breakfast buffet voucher tickets, for every day of our visit at the Sheraton Towers Hotel in San Diego California. The selections included scrambled eggs, egg whites with spinach, potatoes with peppers, sausage links, bacon, fresh fruit, and some really awesome waffles. Seen here, are some of the selections from the sweet table. Very tasty.

San Diego's amphibious "Seal" sightseeing harbor cruise vehicle.

Amphibious, sometimes former military combat vehicles, for many years have proven to be popular attractions to ride on at tourist, resort locations across America.For many years the Wisconsin Dells have operated the world war 2 era amphibious "Ducks", the people in San Diego California have the amphibious "Seal". This dual mode land and water vehicle, tales passengers on a unique Seal and Sea Lion spotting trip through San Diego's harbors.

The Pacific Southwest Railroad Museum in Campo California. The one place we were not able to visit. Darn!

One place that I was hoping to visit on our vacation to San Diego California, was the Pacific Southwest Railroad Museum, which is located 50 miles east of San Diego California in the desert country, in the town of Campo California. We were originally going to go there on our 2nd day, but Cheryl and Myself came down with a pretty bad sunburn condition the day before at the San Diego Zoo. The weather at the zoo, was a sunny and very pleasant 70 to 73 degrees Farenheight outside with a nice cool breeze. Unfortunately, we weren't thinking about using sunblock, and came back quiete red and irratated that evening. With so many other things to see and do, Campo was a "No Can Do" situation. I hope to eventually return to San Diego, and visit this museum the next time around. Sorry.

Ralph's. A pleasant neighborhood grocery store to shop at in Point Loma California.

During my recent vacation last week in San Diego California, My wife Cheryl and I met many friendly people. Early on our vacation, we discovered a nice little neighborhood grocery store located on Nimmitz Boulevard in neighboring Point Loma California, that is known as "Ralph's". We were able to stock up on a few inexpensive items like bottled drinking water, snacks, and various other items that we may have needed. A really pleasant surprise, was that Ralph's is owned by the same company that owns Dominick's Finer Foods grocery stores here in the greater Chicagoland area, and that we were able to use our Dominick's Fresh Values card. The workers were pleasant, and asked us a little about Chicago as well. Thanks. Eddie K.

Eddie K having fun on vacation in San Diego California. June 2013.

Lunchtime at the Las Olas Mexican Restaurant. Point Loma California. June 2013.

After a nearly 4 hour flight from Chicago to San Diego, picking up our little Toyota Yaris rental car and finally checking in to the Sheraton Hotel, we were starving and dying for a good and tasty bite to eat somewhere. Being from Chicago, we both were craving good Mexican food, and after getting lost fr the first time, we dined at the Las Olas Restaurant in nearby point Loma.

San Diego's popular and yet pleasantly quaint Birch Aqarium. La Jolla California. June 2013.

A fun and popular family atrraction worth visiting near San Diego California, is the Birch Aqarium, located along the Pacific coast on top of a hill in La Jolla California. ( Pronounced La Hoy Ah) The people who work here are quiete friendly, and expressed some very complimentary words about Chicago's John G. Shedd Aqarium. My wife Cheryl and I did likewise, as we both enjoyed the Birch Aqarium.

The San Diego Trolley prepares for departure somewhere near downtown. San Diego California. June 2013.

Being an avid railfan that I am, no trip to the city of San Diego California, woud be complete without a sighting of the popular San Diego Trolley. The San Diego Trolley which is operated by the San Diego MTS / Metropolitan Transit System, has been in operation since the early 1980's, and serves the inner city neighborhood areas of San Diego, as well as some of the outlying near suburban locations. This picture was unplanned, as we had made a wrong turn somewhere, and were now officially "Lost" near downtown San Diego. After traveling through a rough looking neighborhood with homeless transients congregated underneath a viaduct, we soon arrived at a red traffic signal, and caught this view of the San Diego Trolley preparing for departure at an unknown location during rush hour.

Hornblower Cruises. A great way to go sightseeing through San Diego's harbors. San Diego California. June 2013.

One of the many fun activities my wife Cheryl and I had the pleasure of doing during our recent vacation to San Diego California, was taking a two hour sightseeing cruise around San Diego Harbor. Hornblower Cruises offers a very pleasant sightseeing voyage that often includes "Sea Lion and Dolphin sightings", as well as the San Diego U.S Navy base, Coronado Island and many other sights to see. Nearby the boat docks, is the San Diego Marintime Museum as well.

Flamingo birds basking in the afternoon sun at the San Diego Zoo. San Diego California. June 2013.

I took this photograph last week while on vacation in San Diego California. A flock of colorful Flamingo birds, are out enjoying an afternoon basking in the warm California sunshine, at the popular and quite "Huge" San Diego Zoo. The San Diego Zoo is approximately 3 to 4 times the size of Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Wear comfortable shoes and use plenty of sun screen if you plan to visit there. Thanks. Eddie K.

Eddie's Railfan Page is going away on vacation!

Chicago's Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. April 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I will be taking a vacation break next week from posting, as a much needed time off is long overdue for some fun and travel.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Central Illinois Railroad EMD Sw 1200 yard switcher # 1206. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011.

Central Illinois Railroad EMD Sw 1200 yard switcher # 1206. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Eastbound Metra rush hour local commuter train departing from the Hollywood (Zoo Stop) depot. Brookfield Illinois. June 2007.

Eastbound Metra rush hour local commuter train departing from the Hollywood (Zoo Stop) depot. Brookfield Illinois. June 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Nu Shooz. The point of no return. 1980's music video.

Hi everyone! This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page. One of my favorite at home activities I came to enjoy during the 1980's, was watching the then very popular music video shows on television. Cable television was a late comer to Chicago, and there were a handful of music video shows on regular televison. Some of the shows I watched were "Friday Night Videos", which I believe was on NBC, "The Record Guide" which I seem to recall was on ABC, and my all time after work favorite "MV 50, which aired on channel 50 in Chicago. I believe that this video that I recalled seeing on MV 50, was popular around 1984 or so. It was definately one of my personal favorites I enjoyed viewing and listening to.

Rand Red Hots. Des Plaines Illinois. Early January 2013.

Rand Red Hots. Des Plaines Illinois. Early January 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Those classic American roadside drive in eatery fast food restaurants of the past, just might be making a comeback in the greater Chicagoland area. Rand Red Hots located on Rand Road, just northwest of the intersection of River Road in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois, was until recently, an independent used car dealership with an ugly mustard yellow and white exterior paint job. There was absolutely no mistaking the building's architecture, as it indicated that this was once one of those roadside drive in establishments from the 1950's and 60's era that was still standing, but serving an altogether different purpose. Rand Red Hots opened in 2012, after the owner of Bob O's Hot Dogs on West Irving Park Road in Chicago purchased this former drive in restaurant building that was believed to be a former Cock Robin Ice Cream store location, and restored it to it's original purpose as a roadside drive in restaurant. The food is good here and the prices re within reason. The fresh cut french fries alone is another good reason to dine here. Thanks. Eddie K.

Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee Railroad stencil markings up close on wooden cupola caboose # 1003. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. saturday, May 18th, 2013.

Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee Railroad stencil markings up close on wooden cupola caboose # 1003. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. saturday, May 18th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a recent outing to the Illinois Railway Museum, which is located in the town of Union Illinois. www.irm.org

The long gone Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee electric interurban railroad, hauled both passenger and freight trains beween Chicago Illinois an Milwaukee Wisconsin prior to the roads abandonment due to bankruptcy in January of 1963.

During that era, cabooses were pretty much a standard everyday sight coupled on to the rear of America's freight trains, and sometimes behind the locomotive due to switching movement requirments.

Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee Railroad woooden cupola caboose # 1003, is preserved today and operated on special events at the Illinois Railway Museum.

This up close detailed reference photograph taken inside one of the museum's display barns, shows the cabooses tongue and groove woodwork, and stenciled white paint markings.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A fast Santa Fe manifest freight train crossing the Missisippi River.

This video was photographed at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois. 2013.

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.

Summer is now upon us once again here in the greater Chicagoland area, and memories of outings to Chicago's once numerous and now sadly long gone amusement parks come to mind occasionally.

I took this photograph one evening after work, back in June of 2007. From the late 1920's until the place had closed in late September of 2009, Kiddieland Amusement Park was actually the last of those once popular seasonal outdoor family entertainment venues that Chicago once knew.

Kiddieland was located at the northwest corner of North and First Avenues, in Melrose Park Illinois. Not much larger than a carnival in size, Kiddieland was a fun place to visit and ride the carnival style rides on the park's midway.

This photograph was taken around sunset, in the east parking lot along the west side of First Avenue. Kidieland was on borrowed time, and would close in September of 2009.

Today, this is the site of a Costco wholesale warehouse club store.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Metra late afternoon rush hour local. Elmwood Park Illinois. May 2013.

Westbound Metra late afternoon rush hour local. Elmwood Park Illinois. May 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Oregon Coast Scenic Railroad, Santa train 2011. Mc Cloud # 25.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois. Saturday, June 8th, 2013.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois. Saturday, June 8th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph last week Saturday, at Chicago's Brookfield Zoo.

Several people are gathered inside the viewing area, at the Great Bear Wilderness exhibit area, as a polar Bear enjoys a swim on this warm afternoon.

Northbound Canadian National freight train waiting on a hold order. Schiller Park Illinois. September 2006.

Northbound Canadian National freight train waiting on a hold order. Schiller Park Illinois. September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in September of 2006.

A northbound Canadian National freight train is viewed waiting on a hold order, on top of the West Irving Park Road viaduct in Schiller Park Illinois, during a beautiful sunny and warm day.

Westbound Union Pacific transfer train approaching Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. April 1987.

Westbound Union Pacific transfer train approaching Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. April 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Doors. Roadhouse Blues. Dediacted in loving memory of The Doors keyboardist Ray Manzarek. 1939 -2013.

Hi everyone! This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page. I was born in Chicago Illinois in the year of 1962, and grew up with several astounding rock and roll music acts in mainstream music on the radio and live television variety shows during the 1960's and 70's when I was growing up. One of my favorites from my own childhood, was a rock and roll band from Los angeles California known as "The Doors". The Doors had a short but yet powerful reign on the charts from 1967 to 1970, which came to an end when lead voacalist Jim Morrison died from a massive heart attack at age 27 on July 3rd, 1971. Just recently,The Doors keyboard player and music arranger Ray Manzarek passed away last month at the age of 74, after losing his 20 year battle with cancer. This video I discovered on You Tube, is in loving memory of Ray Manzarek and his musical genious. He will be greatly missed. Thanks. Eddie K.

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

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

I took this photograph a few years ago, during a visit to the Chicago Botanic Garden attraction located in north suburban Glencoe Illinois.

Ladies? Even if your boyfriend, husband or fiance isn't in to plants and gardening, this outdoor display of several operating G scale model railroads traveling through scenicked garden settings, will make it well worth his while.

Especially if he just happens to be a fellow railfan. Adults and children alike enjoy this outdoor miniature seasonal operating exhibit.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard locomotive terminal. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard locomotive terminal. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

North Osceola Avenue getting fresh black top. Chicago Illinois. Thursday, June 29th, 2012.

North Osceola Avenue getting fresh black top. Chicago Illinois. Thursday, June 29th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one hot day last summer.

We are facing north at the intersection of North Osceola and West Belmont Avenues on the northwest side of Chicago Illinois.

Major road repairs were long overdue and now underway on North Osceola Avenue, as fresh black top was being applied and smoothed out by road roller paving machines.

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

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

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra local departing. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Tuesday, April 12th, 2011.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra local departing. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Tuesday, April 12th, 2011. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A modern Union Pacific Railroad transfer train crossing a city viaduct. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. June 2013.

A modern Union Pacific Railroad transfer train crossing a city viaduct. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. June 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Although most model railroaders have a tendency to model and operate vintage historic equipment from the steam era or from the early years of dieselization, today's modern contemporary trains are not ignored or forgotten here either.

A modern Union Pacific Railroad transfer freight train, passes over a city viaduct scene.

The Illinois Railway Museum's lighted roadside billboard sign along Olson Road. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

The Illinois Railway Museum's lighted roadside billboard sign along Olson Road. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

In recent years, the museum added this 1920's and 30's style roadside billboard alongside Olson Road, at the parking lot exit gate.

Seen on the billboard, are renderings of three of the museum's own star attractions in the collection.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound CTA Skokie Swift train speeding past the Crawford Avenue CTA railroad crossing. Skokie Illinois. Early March 2009.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound CTA Skokie Swift train speeding past the Crawford Avenue CTA railroad crossing. Skokie Illinois. Early March 2009. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Our Chihauhau Jasmine relaxing with a favorite dog toy.

Our Chihauhau Jasmine relaxing with a favorite dog toy., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

It must have been a long day for my little friend Jasmine, as this Chihauhau is apparently "Dog Tired" and taking a much needed rest break.

Here is Jasmine enjoying a little quiet time with one of her personal favorite dog toys.

An Illinois Central Railroad steam powered freight train in H.O Scale.

I photographed this video last week Wednsday evening, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois. The prototype Illinois Central Railroad, was a late user of it's remaining steam locomotives. Even though the Illinois Central began to dieselize it's freight trains gradually during the 1950's, steam was used on some parts of their system until 1960. Unfortunately...only a small handful of Illinois Central steam locomotives actually made it to preservation. Seen here is a Bachman Spectrum Series model of a Baldwin U.S.R.A light 4-8-2 "Mountain" type steam locomotive wearing Illinois Central colors and markings, pulling a long freight train like the prototype I.C 4-8-2's did many years ago.

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

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

I took this photograph one evening back in late March of 2012.

It is now sunset on this lovely but rather chilly early springtime evening. A westbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois, i viewed arriving at the Elmwood Park station.

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

Southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train. Alsip Illinois. Late October 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in late October of 1990.

Surrounded by tall lineside vegetation, this Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train, is viewed heading south / southeast through south suburban Alsip Illinois.

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.

A steam powered Illinois Central Railroad freight train crossing the tall steel trestle. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. July 2013.

A steam powered Illinois Central Railroad freight train crossing the tall steel trestle. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. July 2013., 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 in Oak Park Illinois.

A steam powered Illinois Central Railroad freight train, is viewed crossing the tall steel trestle, on a section of the club layout representing the state of Iowa.

Although the Illinois Central slowly began to dieselize their freight and passenger trains during the 1940's and 50's era, the old I.C squeezed every last mile out of their steamers, and operated them in daily operation in some places until 1960.

The locomotive in this photograph, is a Bachman, model of a Baldwin U.S.R.A (United States Railway Administration / 1918 era light 4-8-2 "Mountain" type steam locomotive wearing Illinois Central colors and markings.

The Beatles. I should have known better. (1964 demonstration video.)

Hi everyone! This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page. I was born in the city of Chicago Illinois in the year of 1962. One of my personal happy memories from my own childhood, wa growing up during a period of contemporary pop / rock and roll music history, that was known as "The Brittish Invasion". From approximately 1963 until today, several rock and roll music bands from England and other parts of the United Kingdom, permanenetly shaped and re invented mainstream popular music in to a new art form. With the four young lads from liverpool England known as "The Beatles" leading the way, soon other acts like Dusty Springfield, The Dave Clark Five, The Herman's Hermits, Cream, Lu Lu, The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton,Petula Clark, Deep Purple and many others, would all soon be "Rocking the world of music".

Westbound Norfolk Southern freight train entering the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard facility. Chicago Illinois. April 1989.

Westbound Norfolk Southern freight train entering the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard facility. Chicago Illinois. April 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a lovely springtime afternoon way back in April of 1989.

We are facing west from on top of the South Pulaski Road overpass bridge, as a slow moving westbound Norfolk Southern Railroad transfer train complete with a 1970's era former Norfolk & Western Railroad red wide vision caboose on the rear, heads in to the huge Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard near Chicago's Midway Airport area.

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

Digital Live Sound Video: Late 1960's era Santa Fe switching local passing through a freight yard. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

My Bachman model of an early 1950's era American Locomotive Comapny (Alco) model S 4 yard switcher from the Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, is viewed slowly pulling a switching local caboose first through a small freight yard.

The locomotive is wearing Santa Fe's 1950's era black and silver "Zebra Stripe" color scheme, while the Athearn caboose is wearing Santa Fe's post 1966 caboose rebuild paint scheme.

This represents how some of the Santa Fe's freight trains may have looked like during the mid to late 1960's, as a number of yard switcher's did not get repainted right away in to the 1960 blue and yellow color scheme.

Interior of Chicago Transit Authority P.C.C electric streetcar # 4391. Built by the Saint Louis Car Company in 1948. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

Interior of Chicago Transit Authority P.C.C electric streetcar # 4391. Built by the Saint Louis Car Company in 1948. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a recent visit to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois.

Chicago Transit Authority PCC streamlined electric streetcar # 4391, was built by the St. Louis Car Company in 1948, and was from the last order for "New" electric streetcars in Chicago, delivered after World War 2 had ended in 1945.

The Chicago Transit Authority began operations on October 1st, 1947, after acquiring the funding to purchase the former Chicago Surface Lines Company (Streetcars and buses), and the Chicago Rapid Transit Company. New streetcars and buses were ordered both during and after World War 2 had ended, and were eventually delivered under contract.

Streetcars were falling out of favor, and the CTA was determined to replace streetcars with buses. Car # 4391, is the only surviving postwar Chicago PCC streetcar in existance today, as the remainder of the fleet were removed from service during the 1950's, cut up for scrap, with the usable components used to build new lightweight 6000 series rapid transit cars for the CTA, built by the St. louis Car Company.

This view shows how it was like riding aboard a CTA postwar streamlined streetcar, with their light tan interiors, incadescent lighting, and brown seats.

For more information, log on to the Illinois Railway Museum's website at www.irm.org

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

Recemtly acquired 2009 Chevrolet paratransit mini bus. Glenview Illinois. September 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority 1950's era G M old look bus. Los Angeles California. November 1962.

I found this photograph at my link page Northern California Bus Fans, which is located to the right of your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com. Bus fan and photographer Jim Hussing, photographed this classic 1950's era General Motors bus, in the city of Los Angeles California way back in November of 1962. The Los Angeles Metropolitan Transit Authority, began painting their buses and remaining electric city streetcars, in this unique two tone green color scheme during the late 1950's.

N J Historic Buses!

Here is a video I found on You Tube, featuring a collection of preserved vintage buses in the state of New Jersey USA.

Eastbound CTA Flxible Metro transit bus on Cermak Road. Berwyn Illinois. Early October 2007.

Eastbound CTA Flxible Metro transit bus on Cermak Road. Berwyn Illinois. Early October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph in west suburban Berwyn Illinois, back in early October of 2007.

An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority 40 foot Flxible Metro transit bus from the 1990's era, passes by on West Cermak Road ( 22nd Street) on a lovely sunshine filled autum day.

The Chicago Transit Authority has since retired this model of transit bus, and removed them from the fleet.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound small Pace bus on Dempster Street. Morton Grove Illinois. August 2009.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound small Pace bus on Dempster Street. Morton Grove Illinois. August 2009. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one evening, back in August of 2009.

The evening rush hour is in full swing, as a westbound Pace bus passes by on Dempster Street at Lehigh Avenue, in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois.

Chicago Transit Authority recently acquired secondhand M.A.N articulated transit buses from Seatle Washington. Bridgeview Illinois. October 2002.

Chicago Transit Authority recently acquired secondhand M.A.N articulated transit buses from Seatle Washington. Bridgeview Illinois. October 2002., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Midway Rental Car Shuttle 35 foot transit bus. Glenview Illinois. March 2013.

I took this photograph at work back in March of this year. First Transit was just begining to start up their "New" operation, an airport car rental shuttle bus operation at Chicago's Midway Airport. Just a few days away from the official start up of operations, this 35 foot Gillig transit bus complete with the official Chicago city seal on the front, gets a thorough cleaning at the North Cook garage wash bay.

The old trailer park on South Cicero Avenue at West 90th Street. Oak Lawn Illinois. October 1990.

The old trailer park on South Cicero Avenue at West 90th Street. Oak Lawn Illinois. October 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A New York Central Railroad steam powered passenger train passing through the Missisippi River lift bridge.

A New York Central Railroad steam powered passenger train passing through the Missisippi River lift bridge., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

The legacy of the former New York Central Railroad, which advertised itself as "The Water Leval Route", is alive and well here today in H.O Scale on the club layout.

An MTH model of a 1940's era New York Central 4-8-2 "Mohawk" class steam locomotive, pulls a passenger train through the large Missisippi River lift bridge model, recreating a scene from America's railroad steam era.

Canadian National diesels idling at the former Illinois Central Crawford Yard , during Chicago's infamous "Deep Freeze of February 2007". Chicago Illinois.

February of 2007, was one of the worst and coldest months in Chicago's winter weather history. With single digit daily outdoor temperatures, fierce biting winds blowing in out of the west, night time temperatures of ten below zero or lower, water main pipes bursting daily under Chicago's city streets, and the Chicago Transit Authority utilizing extra buses as makeshift warming centers..it was a tough time for everybody in the windy city that particular winter. Brrr!

An old True Value Hardware metal exterior store sign. Elmwood Park Illinois. May 2013.

Advertisements, have always been a popular form of roadside Americana. Although this particular True Value Hardware chain store location on Grand Avenue in Elmwood Park Illinois had closed several years ago and the empty building is up for lease, this old True Value sign is still attatched to the rear of the building in the alley today.

Preserved Southern Pacific Railroad 1951 vintage EMD model SD 7 heavy roadswitcher freight service locomotive # 1518. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

For fans of vintage diesel electric locomotive from America's past, there is nothng like the sight and sound of a mechanically working early 1950's era EMD heavy roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive used on freight trains. Southern Pacific # 1518 shown here, was built by the Electro Motive Corporation of General Motors (EMD) as a traveling demonstrator locomotive, promoting their "New" model SD 7 roadswitcher line of engines. Now retired, Southern Pacific # 1518 has made it in to preservation, and is occasionally operated on museum passenger trains and photo freights at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Eastbound CTA Skokie Swift train. (Yellow Line.) Skokie Illinois. August 2008.

This video was photographed at the Kostner Avenue Chicago Transit Authority yellow line railroad crossing, in north suburban Skokie Illinois. The CTA yellow line known since 1964 as "The Skokie Swift", operates over a salvaged and rebuilt section of the former Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee interurban railroad's Skokie Valley Mainline opened as a high speed bypass route in 1926.

Ashmont Mattapan line high speed PCC trolleys in Boston MA.

A 1970's era Santa Fe freight train crosses a city viaduct.

This video was photographed at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois. An Athearn model of An Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad EMD GP 35 wearing the 1960's era Santa Fe blue and yellow color scheme( 1960 to 1972), pulls a train of 1960's and 70's era freight cars across a city viaduct on the club layout.

Indiana Harbor Belt Kensington local. Burnham Illinois. October 20th, 2010.

Swimming past the window at Chicago's John G. Shedd Aqairium.

An ariel view of a 1970's era Santa Fe freight train crossing the big bridge.

This video was photographed at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.

The Helicopters ride at the Adventureland Amusement Park. (Gone) Addison Illinois circa 1970's. In business from 1961 to 1977.

Many years ago prior to the late 1970's and early 1980's era, there were once many seasonal family owned and operated amusement parks in the greater Chicagoland area. Adventureland which was located in northwest suburban Addison Illinois was one of those places. After the huge Marriott's Great America theme park opened in Gurnee Illinois in 1976, Adventureland could not compete, and closed for good at the end of the 1977 season. This mid 1970's era photograph, is from the Bloomingdale Illinois Public Library collection, which can be viewed on the internet.

Electric Light Orchestra. Standing in the rain, and Night in the city. 1978.

Hi folks, this is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page. I grew up in Chicago Illinois during the 1960's, 70's and 80's era, which was also known as a period in music history as "The Classic Rock Era". A popular smash hit recording group from England known as Electric Light Orchestra or "E.L.O" as some people refered to them, released their huge double album "Out of the blue" in 1977, which featured several album songs released as hit singles. Here is E.L.O performing two of those album hit songs from the Out of the blue album, at a 1978 concert. Thanks. Eddie K.

A preserved heavyweight interurban coach from the Chicago, South Shore And South Bend Railroad. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

Several heavyweight interurban coaches from the Chicago, South Shore And South Bend Railroad have made it in to preservation at several railroad museums, including a small batch at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org. Interurban coach # 19, is viewed here inside one of the museum's display barns.

Southbound evening Canadian Pacific freight train. Northbrook IL. Oct 2011.

Night time will soon be falling upon the greater Chicagoland area, as a southbound Canadian Pacific Railroad freight train passes through the Northbrook Metra commuter rail station during the last fading rays of daylight.

A Southern Pacific Railroad GS 4 Daylight 4-8-4 steam locomotive pulling a freight train. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois, 2012.

I took this photograph last year, during a Wednsday night operating session at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. An MTH model of a classic 1940's era Southern Pacific Railroad GS 4 class Daylight 4-8-4 streamlined steam locomotive, is viewed puling a freight train on the club layout. Although the Southern Pacific GS 4 Daylight class were originally assigned to passenger train service, many finished their careers hauling freight trains as diesel locomotives began replacing them on passenger trains during the 1950's.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific auto rack train departing from Franklin Park Illinois at night. August 2012.

Twenty four seven describes the constant activity and parade of trains over the former Milwaukee Road railroad line, that passes through northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois on any given day or night cycle. I photographed this eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train passing through the Franklin Park Illinois Metra commuter rail station, as it was departing from the nearby Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road Bensenville Yard.