Wednesday, July 31, 2013

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

Southbound CTA Red line train at Waveland Avenue. Chicago Illinois. November 2007.

I took this photograph back in early November of 2007.

A southbound Chicago Transit Authority red line rapid transit train, is viewed passing over West Waveland Avenue.

North Shore Line - Past & Present


Another sightseeing cruise boat in the distance. San Diego California. June 2013.

I took this photograph during my recent June 2013 vacation to San Diego California.

I photographed this local harbor sightseeing cruise boat, while I was aboard the local Hornblower cruises, sightseeing harbor cruise tour. It was nice being on the Pacific ocean in the San Diego harbor area.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

I photographed this digital live sound video a few years ago, at the Chicago Botanic Garden in north suburban Glencoe Illinois.

An attraction worth seeing at the Chicago botanic Garden, is their seasonal outdoor G Scale model rairoad exhibit, which features many model railroads passing through lovely garden settings.

A double headed Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad steam freight train crossing the Missisippi River.

The North American steam era is alive and well, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.

Two Broadway Limited Imports models of Baldwin U.S.R.A heavy 2-8-2 Mikado typefreight service steam locomotives, pull a long and heavy freight train over the Missisippi River section of the club layout.

The locomotives are decorated for the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad.

Niles Fire Department ariel ladder Q unit # 2 truck. Niles Illinois USA. September 2011.

I took this photograph back i September of 2011.

Aside from my obvious interest in rail subjects, I am also a big fan of public service vehicles such as police, fire and public works vehicles.

Niles Fire Department Q Unit ariel ladder truck # 2, is viewed turning west from northbound Harlem Avenue, at the intersection of Dempster Street, at the border of Morton Grove Illinois.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Tuesday, July 30, 2013

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra express commuter train. River Grove Illinois USA. Tuesday, April 12th, 2011.

Saint Richard's Catholic Church Parish annual summer carnival. Chicago Illinois. July 1987.

During the 1980's, one of my all time favorite personal "Can't Miss" events of the summer season, was the annual summer carnival at the Saint Richard's Catholic Parish Church in Chicago's Archer Heights neighborhood near Midway Airport.

I loved going here, and quite often took my 35 mm camera along with me back in those days.

Saint Richard's no longer has the carnival today, but I still have plenty of photographs from back inthe day.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago, South Shore And South Bend Railroad freight train. Hegwish Illinois. (Chicago) Sunday, April 21st, 2013.

I took this photograph back in April of this year.

3 locomotives from a four unit set of Chicago, South Shore And South Bend Railroad EMD GP 38-2 diesel electric locomotives, are seen performing a few back and forth switching movements just east of the Hegwish Illinois commuter rail station.

Pacing a G Scale LGB train. Volo Illinois. June 2013.

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

Traveling high above one of the gift shop stores at the Volo Antique Auto Museum in Volo Illinois, is a classic G scale LGB model train from Germany.

Belmont Harbor. Chicago Illinois. September 2006.

I took this photograph, back in early September of 2006.

The summer boating season was begining to wind down in Chicago when I took this photograph, however Belmont Harbor was still quiete an active place for the die hard boaters. Many boats were still moored here at this time, but would soon be placed in to winter storage at local yacht yards one by one during the upcoming weeks.

A former U.S Army General Electric 45 ton side rod center cab diesel switcher. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

I took this photograph during a May 2013 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Believe it or not, this little General Electric 45 ton side rod centercab light diesel switcher locomotive, is actually a retired military veteran!

This locomotive originally worked for the U.S Army, and switched freight cars at a military base or two. Now in retirement, it is pursuing a new career as the IRM's own shop and yard switcher, working behind the scenes at the museum today.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Monday, July 29, 2013

Athearn EMD GP 35 wearing the 1960's era Santa Fe blue and yellow color scheme.

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

Growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's, 70's and 80's, I have to say that the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe is proboubly my all time favorite railroad.

My Athearn model of an Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad EMD model GP 35 roadswitcher, is decorated in the 1960's era Santa Fe blue with yellow ends color scheme, that was used by the Santa Fe from 1960 to 1972.

I model the 1960's and 70's era freight trains from when I was growing up in Chicago.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad EMD SW 7 yard switcher diesel locomotive # 9255. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

The classic 1950's era black and gray "Blackbird" color scheme used on the EMD yard switcher and roadswitcher diesel electric locomotives of the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, was always a favorite of mine growing up in Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era.

Today, former C,B & Q EMD SW 7 yard switcher # 9255, wears it's original pre 1970 color scheme today at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

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

I took this photograph during a June 2013 visit to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo.

I was sitting in the first passenger compartment of the zoo's Motor Safari Tram ride, and took this picture looking in to the driver's cab.

The female operator of this particular motor safari tram, happened to be a cat fancier. Seen here on the dashboard, is a stuffed toy Calico cat, which helped add a little personality to the tram ride itself.

Steam freight train crossing the bridge.

Cupid Candies on West 95th Street. Evergreen Park Illinois. Early January 1988.

Between 1988 and 1990, I took several photographs in the vicinity of West 95th Street and South Kedzie Avenue, in south suburban Evergreen Park Illinois.

I just drove through here recently, and found that several businesses like the Cupid Candies store along the north side of West 95th Street shown here, have since disappeared. Many of these quaint business establishment buildings from the past, have been replaced by businesses in little mini strip malls.

I plan on driving through here again sometime soon. This time I will have my camera with me to document the many changes here in Evergreen Park Illinois.

I am so glad that I took those photographs when I did back in the late 1980's and early 1990's era.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Gulf, Mobile & Ohio passenger train.

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

The glorious and sometimes "Not So Glorious" era of pre Amtrak American passenger trains is alive and well at this model railroad club.

A Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad streamlined passenger train from pre 1971 times, passes by.

Notice the added Missouri Pacific Railroad "Eagle" passenger car in the consist. During pre Amtrak times, railroads would often borrow or "Lease" cars from other railroads, during upturns in passenger train ridership. Usually seasonal.

I have seen several DVD videos, that show Pennsyvania Railroad passenger cars on Santa Fe, and Northern Pacific Railroad passenger trains. Sometimes cars from the B & O or several other railroads were all mixed up together on these passenger trains.

Westbound Canadian National transfer train waiting on a hold order. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, April 21st, 2013.

I photographed this Canadian National Railroad transfer train waiting on a hold order, just east of the Belt Railway of Chicago's West 68th Street wye junction near Midway Airport.

Once clearance is given by the railroad dispatcher, the train will then enter the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard in Bedford Park Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Kiddieland Limited miniature train departing from the boarding station. Kiddieland Amusement Park. (Gone.) Melrose Park Illinois. June 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video back in 2008.

We are at the now closed Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois.

The Kiddieland Limited gasoline powered streamlined passenger train, departs the boarding station for an evening run around the perimeter of the park,

Kiddieland closed in September of 2009, and the property is now the site of a Costco Wholesale Warehouse Club store.

Eastbound Canadian National freight train waiting on a hold order. Chicago Illinois. September 2008.

I took this photograph one late afternoon, back in September of 2008.

A Canadian National freight train is viewed waiting on a hold order just north of Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood, near the intersection of South Clark Street and West Cermak Road on the near southside of Chicago Illinois near downtown.

A large Canadian freighter ship traveling northbound through the Calumet River channel. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

I took this photograph last November, facing south / southeast fromthe East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River, on the far southeast side of Chicago.

At 700 feet long, this large Canadian freighter ship requires tug boats at each end bow and stern, to navigate through the Calumet River channel near neighboring Hammond Indiana.

Ships used to travel through the Chicago River in downtown Chicago until 1972, and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal until sometime during the mid to late 1950's. The main reason this had stopped, was because the ships had outgrown the waterways, that were originally designed for smaller vessels.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Friday, July 26, 2013

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

First Student school bus with job recruitment advertising banner. Glenview Illinois. July 2012.

Riding the open top deck of a double deck bus. The San Diego Zoo. San Diego California. June 2013.

I took this photograph during my recent June 2013 vacation to San Diego California.

We are riding aboard the open top deck of a San Diego Zoo double decker bus. The ride was quite scenic inside the zoo property, and the accomodations were actually very roomy.

An old 1920's era photograph taken at the San Diego Zoo. San Diego California. June 2013.

I took this photograph of a vintage photograph, during my recent June 2013 vacation to San Diego California.

This photograph dating back to the 1920's era, shows the shuttle sightseeing bus once used at the San Diego Zoo.

This photograph was found hanging on a wall inside one of the zoo buildings near the public rest rooms.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Pace bus on Shermer Road.Northbrook Illinois. February 2009.

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

A Pace bus, is viewed heading southbound on Shermer Road, in north suburban Northbrook Illinois on a typical overcast winter day.

Eastbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 76 Diversey Avenue busdeparting the west terminal. Chicago Illinois. September 2002.

I took this photograph back in early September of 2002.

An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 76 / Diversey Avenue bus, is viewed departing from the west terminal at West Diversey and North Neva Avenues, at the Chicago city limits east of neighboring Elmwood Park Illinois.

Thursday, July 25, 2013

Westbound Union Pacific unit tank car train. Chicago Illinois. July 2007.

I took this photograph on a hot and hazy summer day, back in July of 2007.

A westbound Union Pacific Railroad unit tank train, isviewed approaching the North Kilbourn Avenue railroad crossing inside of Chicago's NorthWest industrial Park.

Notice the covered hopper car cut in behind the locomotives. most likely for protection in case of an explosion in transit.

Outbound Chicago Transit Authority blue line train passing through Chicago's Logan Square neighborhood. Chicago Illinois. July 2007.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound CSX freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Saturday, April 2nd, 2011.

A Union Pacific Railroad EMD yard switcher locomotive at the Union Pacific M-19A Diesel Shop. Chicago Illinois. October 2007.

An old worn out early 1970's era Chrysler taxi cab. Lyons Illinois. May 1989.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1989.

This old and very beat up looking early 1970's era Chrysler taxi cab, was spotted alongside South Ogden Avenue, in west suburban Lyons Illinois.

1972 eraly merger era ICG train passing through Stocton.

The early days of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad are alive and well at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.

It was a colorful time back in 1972, when the Illinois Central and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio railroads had merged, becoming the then "New" Illinois Central Gulf on August 10th of that year.

The early ICG trains were a real mix and match of equipment from both of the former railroads. There were color schemes ranging from G,M & O's maroon color scheme on the first generation Alco and EMD locomotives, to the solid 1960's era red, to the black and white on the 1960's era EMD 2nd generation roadswitchers, and finally the red and white G,M & O color scheme circa the late 1960's and early 1970's.

The Illinois Central still had several locomotives in the pre 1967 black and white color scheme featuring their green diamond logo, as well as several that were repainted in to the orange and white modernized "New Image" color scheme with the split rail logo beginning in 1967.

This train demonstrates how one of the early ICG local freight trains, may have looked like in the wake of the merger.

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

I took this photograph way back in January of 1990.

A southbound Burlington Northern Railroad transfer train, is viewed crossing West 67th Street and negotiating the east leg of the Belt Railway of Chicago's West 68th Street wye junction, and entering in to the east or "Chicago" side of Clearing Yard.

Wednesday, July 24, 2013

A nice night for an ice cream treat. Chicago Illinois. July 1987.

One of my all time favorite seasonal sights and sounds I came to know and love growing up in the city of Chicago Illinois, was that of a local ice cream vendor's truck.

These trucks with their little jingling bells, or repeating and sometimes annoying electronic songs played over an external loud speaker, reminded residents of many Chicago neighborhoods that summer was definitely here.

Kids like me loved the ice cream trucks when I was growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago, but most parents HATED them.

Enjoy these summer memories while they last.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Trains and Trolley/Buses of Philadelphia, USA (FOR SEPTA FANS)


Chicago, South Shore And South Bend Railroad freight train. Hegwish Illinois. (Chicago) Sunday, April 21st, 2013.

Eastbound Soo Line freight train passing through Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. Early September 1989.

I took this photograph, way back in early September of 1989.

An eastbound Soo Line transfer freight train has just departed from the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard facility, and is now crossing the Grand trunk Western Railroad crosstrack at Hayford Junction on the southwest side of Chicago.

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

I took this photograph around twilight, back in June of 2007.

Seen here is the east parking lot alongside 1st Avenue, of the Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois.

Kiddieland was the last of the small seasonal family owned and operated amusement parks left in the greater Chicagoland area, and would sadly close for good on Sunday, September 27th, 2009.

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

Eddie K posing by the retired Star 3 mini submarine. La Jolla California. June 2013.

My lovely wife Cheryl took this photograph, during our recent June 2013 vacation to San Diego California.

Here I am posing next to the now retired Star 3 mini submarine, in the parking lot of the Birch Aqarium in La Jolla California.

No longer making underwater scientific explorations, this submarine makes a nice photographic prop today.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Santa Fe freight train crossing the bridge.

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

My Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad freight train from the late 1960's and early 1970's era, is viewed crossing the model of a lift bridge over the Missisippi River, at the state line borders of Illinois and Iowa on the club layout.

The locomotive is an Athearn model of an EMD GP 35 Roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive, painted in the 1960's era Santa Fe blue and yellow color scheme, which was used by the Santa Fe from 1960 to 1972.

The Hegwish Illinois (Chicago) commuter rail station. Sunday, April 21st, 2013.

I took this photograph during a springtime group photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago, and neighboring northwest Indiana.

The last station stop in Illinois for all eastbound Chicago, South Shore And South Bend Railroad electric interurban / commuter trains, is the stop at Hegwish Illinois, which is actually an outlying Chicago neighborhood at the state line, immediately west of neighboring Hammond Indiana.

Here the station is photographed during a very quiet period between train times on an early Sunday afternoon.

Tuesday, July 23, 2013

Eddie and Steve racing on the Go Kart track. Funtime Square. Alsip Illinois. May 1988.

Hi everyone!

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

This photograph was taken way back in May of 1988. We are at a local family amusement establishment in south suburban Alsip Illinois, that was known as "Fun Time Square".

Believe it or not, that skinny guy in the black T shirt with the blue sweatband, is actually "Me"!
Here I am racing the Go Karts with my old Washburne Trade School buddy "Steve" at Fun Time Square on a gorgeous late springtime afternoon.

It has been a long time since I went here, and I don't even know if Fun Time Square is still in existence today. Still I had many happy memories here during the late 1980's and early 1990's.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

Saint Richard's Catholic Parish annual summer carnival. Chicago Illinois. July 1983.

I took this photograph, way back in July of 1983.

One of my all time favorite summer activities I enjoyed doing back in the 1980's, was visiting the annual summer carnival held at the Saint Richard's Catholic Parish Church at West 50th Street and South Kostner Avenue, near Chicago's Midway Airport.

Although much has changed in recent years, and there is no longer a summer carnival at the Saint Richard's church today for various economic reasons...I took many photographs at their fest during the 1980's, and have many happy memories to share from this nostalgic and fun period of time on the southwest side of Chicago.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Metra maintenance extra. Northbrook Illinois. Early August 2009.

Eastbound BNSF Railway unit coal train entering a lift bridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, April 21st, 2013.

I took this photograph during a recent springtime group photo outing, to the far southeast side of Chicago and neighboring northwest Indiana back in ate April of this year.

An eastbound BNSF Railway unit coal train, is viewed approaching the lift bridge over the Calumet River, near the border of neighboring Hammond Indiana. In the background behind the train, can be seen the Chicago Skyway Tollway bridge.

The Birch Aqarium. La Jolla California. June 2013.

My lovely wife Cheryl took this photograph during our recent June 2013 vacation to San Diego California.

One attraction definitely worth visiting in the San Diego area, is the Birch Aqarium in the coastal town of La Jolla California.

While nowhere quite as big as Chicago's John G. Shedd Aqarium, the Birch Aqarium is very pleasant, and overlooks the Pacific Ocean on top of a hill.

One of the aqarium's own sharks, takes the time to swim past our viewing window.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Metra express commuter train. Riverside Illinois. June 2009.

The Belt Railway of Chicago locomotive shop at Clearing Yard. Bedford Park Illinois. July 2007.

I took this photograph, back in July of 2007.

Two Canadian National owned locomotives, are viewed being "Hostled" (Moved) from the Belt Railway of Chicago locomotive shop in Bedford Park Illinois, to the nearby "Ready Tracks" at the BRC Clearing Yard facility near Midway Airport.

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

I took this photograph way back in April of 1989.

Construction of the Chicago Transit Authority's orange line rapid transit to Chicago's Midway Airport is well under way. This photograph was taken at the South Kostner Avenue railroad crossing on the single track branchline owned by the Belt Railway of Chicago at approximately West 52nd Street.

To the right of the tall pile of construction debris, can be seen the remaining and soon to be removed railroad tracks, from the recently abandoned Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's own Stockyards branch.

The CTA orange line utilizes part of the former IHB Stockyards branchline right of way, which the IHB had closed for good in December of 1988. It was in terrible shape with rotted ties, kinked rails, and an occasional slow speed derailment or two during later years.

This view is facing west at the South Kostner Avenue railroad crossing near Midway Airport, and the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago 55th Street Junction

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Monday, July 22, 2013

The American Airlines terminal at Chicago's O'Hare InternationalAirport. June 2013.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photograph on the morning of "Day One", of my recent vacation to San Diego California, back in June of this year.

We are looking out of the big picture window, at the American Airlines terminal gate at Chicago's O'Hare International Airport. Several jet planes are being serviced prior to their respected departure times. Soon my wife Cheryl and I would be boarding, and taking off on a 3 hour and 45 minute flight to San Diego California.

It was a very nice vacation.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Southbound Canadian Pacific freight. Northbrook IL. Aug 2009.


GTW and former D,T & I diesel locomotives idling at the former Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard site. Chicago Illinois. June 1984.

I took this photograph one hot summer day, way back in June of 1984.

Diesel locomotives from the former Grand Trunk Western Railroad, are viewed idling just immediately north of adjacent West 51st Street, at the recently closed GTW Elsdon Yard facility.

This small section of the yard, was used as a temporary crew change and locomotive terminal, until September of 1986.

Bee Gees - Fanny Be Tender With My Love (Full Version)


Hi everyone! This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page. I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's, 70's and 80's. One of my favorite songs that I fondly remember from the mid 1970's, was The Bee Gee's big hit song from 1975 entitled "Fanny Be Tender With My Love." I was 13 years old when this song hit the charts. Other songs like Elton John's "Philadelphia Freedom", Jigsaw's "Sky High", and Sonny John's "Chevy Van", rocked my summer back then. Thanks. Eddie K.

Nicky's Hamburgers and Chilli at South Archer and Austin Avenues. ( Aka Nicky's Gyros) Chicago Illinois. March 2013.

I took this photograph one night, back in March of this year.

A popular little street corner eatery in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood that I have known and enjoyed for many years, is the local "Nicky's" on the northeast corner of South Archer and Austin Avenues near Chicago's Midway Airport.

Because of it's Greek ownership, myself and several friends of mine from the southside of Chicago, refer to this place as "Nicky's Gyros".
While not a fancy place, it is still very tasty and cost effective.

After many years, their established favorites like the "Big Baby Double Cheesburger" are still served here today and very much are in demand, as is the "Tamale Boat" (Chilli and a Tamale.)

I may be visiting the southwest side of Chicago again hopefully sometime soon, and I definately feel a need or craving to stop at Nicky's.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: A 1960's era Santa Fe local crossing the high steel trestle.

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 Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad Alco model S 4 yard switcher wearing the 1950's "Zebra Stripe" color scheme of the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, pulls a train of 1950's and 60's era box cars across the tall steel trestle on the club layout.

A concession stand menu at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. San Pasqual Valley California. (Near Escondido.) June 2013.

I took this photograph during my recent June 2013 vacation to San Diego California.

Seen here is a menu sign board, at one of the concession stands at the San Diego Zoo Safari Park, which is located in the town of San Pasqual Valley California near Escondido.

Although this menu board does not list the prices, it gives you the idea of what food items are available at this particular concession stand. The prices were actually quiete reasonable as well.

A westbound Metra local commter train arrive at Park Ridge Illinois. March 2008.

I took this photograph back in March of 2008.

The greater Chicagoland area is making the transition from late winter to early springtime on this sunny but slightly chilly afternoon.

A westbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Harvard Illinois traveling over the Metra Union Pacific norwest line, makes the station stop at nortwest suburban Park Ridge Illinois.

Saturday, July 20, 2013

A local "Jack In The Box" fast food restaurant in downtown San DiegoCalifornia. June 2013.

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

My lovely wife Cheryl took this photograph during our recent June 2013 vacation to San Diego California.

Prior to the late 1970's, circa 1978 or 1979, the greater Chicagoland area was the home of several "Jack In The Box" fast food hamburger restaurants. They all moved west of the Missisippi River during this time. Why?
Chicagoans and other midwesterners enjoyed Jack In The Box food.

Jack in the Box was either the first, or one of the first fast food restaurant chains to introduce Drive Thru window service, wich was a new inovation during the 1960's.

This Jack In The Box , was located along the Pacific Highway in downtown San Diego California.

No longer featuring the clown drive thru speaker and colorful markings, Jack In The Box restaurants now have a toned down conservative image and a new logo,

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

I photographed this digital live sound video a few years ago, at the Hesston Steam Museum in northwest Indiana near Michigan City. www.hesston.org

Aside from the larger narrow guage steam and diesel powered trains, these miniature 7 and 1/2" track guage trains can be ridden on here as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Kojak Drive In. Burbank Illinois. February 2013.

For many years, a popular and inexpensive little fast food eatery in the greater Chicagoland area, is the Kojak Drive In, located on the northwest corner of West 79th Street and South Central Avenue , in the southwest suburban village of Burbank Illinois.

The food is very good, and the prices are cost effective as well.

A 1960's era Santa Fe local way freight.

I grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois many years ago, and scenes like this Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad local freight train passing over an urban viaduct, were common sights in Chicago's Bridgeport and Brighton Park neighborhoods during the 1960's and 70's era.

A retired helicopter on display at the San Diego Zoo. San Diego California. June 2013.

My lovvely wife Cheryl took this photograph during our recent June 2013 vacation to San Diego California.

Aside from the many animal exhibits, the San Diego Zoo also has this retired helicopter on display. It is a big hit with small children and a few adults here and there as well.

1972 merger era ICG local freigth with 2 cabooses

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

I was just ten years old when the Illinois Central and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroads had merged on August 10th, 1972, and became the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

My train shown here entering the tunnel, captures the flavor of the early 1972 merger era ICG freight trains. The locomotive is a Life Like Proto 2000 Series EMD SW 900 switcher wearing the Illinois Central pre 1967 black and white color scheme with the I.C's own "Green Diamond" logo on the cab sides. The freight cars are from the 1950's and 60's era, and two cabooses bringing up the rear of this short local freight train.

The lead orange caboose, is an old steam era steel side door caboose from the Illinois Central wearing the post 1967 orange color scheme, with post 1972 Illinois Central Gulf markings. The rear caboose is a modern 1960's era wide vision caboose from the former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad aquired through merger, but not repainted yet.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Thursday, July 18, 2013

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

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photograph during my recent June 2013 vacation to the city of San Diego California.

We are riding aboard a local shuttle bus operation in downtown San Diego California, known as "The Big Bay Shuttle". The bus we are riding on, is a Ford E 450 Super Duty Econoline series mini bus.

This bus featured L.E.D interior lighting, soft vinyl sideways facing seats and forward facig rear seats. Also featured were interior advertisements much like those seen on city transit buses, air conditioning and luggage racks. Special wheelchair securement devices are handy if needed, as is a folding wheelchair lift ramp.

The ride is a little "Bouncy" much like the Ford paratransit mini buses that I drive for a living, but the experience was quite pleasant, as was our female driver who hailed from Washington D.C originally.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound CTA Route # 49 western Avenue bus. Chicago Illinois. May 2007.