Monday, September 30, 2013

Downtown Downers Grove Illinois. November 1989.

Northbound Conrail auto rack train passing Chicago Ridge Tower. (Gone-Demolished) Chicago Ridge Illinois. October 1989.

I took this photograph way back in 1989.

A northbound Conrail auto rack train traveling over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, crosses the Metra / Norfolk Southern ex Wabash Railroad crosstracks at Chicago Ridge Junction near Oak Lawn Illinois.

Chicago Ridge Tower shown here, was closed in 1993, and demolished in 1995 after a series of suspicious arson fires were set to this structure.

A late 1960's era Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad freight train crossing the Missisippi River.

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.

The spirit of the fallen flag American railroads Gulf, Mobile & Ohio - Illinois Central - and the 1972 merger Illinois Central Gulf, are alive and well in H.O scale and operating on the club layout at any given operating session.

My recently acquired Life Like Proto 2000 Series G,M & O EMD GP 38-2 diesel electric roadswitcher locomotive, pulls a cut of 1960's era freight cars over the Missisippi River lift bridge on the club layout.

A classic American mid 1960's era Ford Mustang convertible. HindsdaleIllinois. November 1989.

I was out enjoying a Sunday long distance bicycle ride on a mild day in early November of 1989, and stopped to take this really nice photograph in west suburban Hindsdale Illinois.

A vintage 1960's era Ford Mustang convertible, is viewed receiving some mechanical attention at a local Amoco gasoline service station.

Chicago's Amusement Parks of the past, featuring special guest Eddie K from Eddie's Railfan Page to air this coming weekend on The Larry and Mike Show. Comcast Public Access Channel 19 in the greater Chicagoland area. Saturday 8:30PM, and Sunday 7:00PM!

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

For all of the local cable television viewers in the Chicago area, I will be appearing on The Larry and Mike Show this October, which airs on Comcast public Access Channel 19 at 8:30 PM Saturday, and 7:00PM on Sunday night.

The shows host and co producer Larry Conklin and I, will be having a talk session complete with photos, of "Chicago's Amusement Parks of the past".

If you could remember Riverview Park in Chicago, Kiddieland in Melrose Park Illinois, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, Playland Park in Justice Illinois, or any of these once numerous and now long gone seasonal family fun places of Chicago's past, then you won't wan't to miss this fun and historic presentation.

So please be sure to set your cable television channel, to the Comcast Public Access Channel this weekend. Channel 19.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound CTA purple line train crossing Isabella Street. Wilmette Illinois. Tuesday, December 1st 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one sunny and dry morning, back in early December of 2009.

A southbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line train enroute to downtown Chicago, is viewed crossing Isabella Street in north suburban Wilmette Illinois, after departing from the nearby Linden Avenue terminal.

A westbound Metra express commuter train passig through the River Forest station. River Forest Illinois. November 2006.

I took this photograph on a foggy morning back in November of 2006.

With much overcast and a late autum chill in the damp morning air, a westbound Metra express commuter train enroute to Elburn Illinois, approaches and passes through the River Forest Metra commuter rail station.

Remebering steam on the E.S

http://www.bing.com/videos/search?q=You+Tube.++Eureka+Springs+%26+North+Arkansas+Railroad&FORM=VIRE4#view=detail&mid=E5233BF3E18E992A6F6FE5233BF3E18E992A6F6F

I spotted this video on You Tube today, from the popular American tourist railroad known as the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railroad.

I hope that you enjoy this as much as I did.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The old Tastee Freeze that used to be at South Pulaski Road and West 58th Street in Chicago Illinois. May 1984.

I took this night time photograph, way back in May of 1984.

It is now springtime in Chicago's Westlawn neighborhood near Midway Airport, and the seasonal roadside Tastee Freeze on South Pulaski Road and West 58th Street is open for business.

This Tastee Freeze building was sold at some point in time during the late 1980's, and is now a privately owned "Seasonal" soft serve ice cream stand today.

Twilight at the Franklin Park Metra commuter rail station. FranklinPark Illinois. June 2008.

I took this photograph one very quiet evening after work around twilight, back in June of 2008.

The sun has gone down already in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois, and the approaching night time sky is making it's prescence known. The outdoor lights on the Metra, Franklin Park commuter rail station have turned on for the long night ahead, and the town of Franklin Park is settling down for the night.

The silence will soon be interupted within the next hour, as a number of transfer freight trains heading to and from nearby Bensenville Yard, will temporarilly break the evening silence.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Sunday, September 29, 2013

Northbound Metra crossing Dundee Road at sunset. Northbrook Illinois. October 2011.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train departing Franklin Park Illinois. December 2008.

Dan Hartman. Instant Replay. ( Circa late 1970's ?)



I found this forgotten dance music hit from the late great Dan Hartman on You Tube.

One of my favorite cheerful and very uptempo dance hits from the late 1970's era, was this
hit song from former Edgar Winter Band member Dan Hartman entitled "Instant Replay".

I used to dance to this one during the 1990's, when I was attending Chicago area singles dances.
It is still a fun song I enjoy listening to today.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago's Amusement Parks of the past! to be featured in October on theLarry and Mike Show! Comcast Public Access Cable Channel 19 in thegreater Chicagoland area. Featuring special gust Eddie K from Eddie'sRailfan Page! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com 8:30 PM Saturday and 7:00 PM Sunday.

Hi everyone!
This is your old buddy Eddie K.

For the local cable television viewers in the Chicago area, I will be making a return appearance to the popular local public access program known as "The Larry and Mike Show", which airs twice weekly on Comcast Public Access Channel 19, Saturday and Sunday.

The shows producers Larry Conklin and Mike Mikrut, will be airing my 30 minute talk show presentation about "Chicago's Amusement Parks of the past" during the entire month of October.

If you have happy memories of Riverview Park in Chicago, Hollywood Kiddieland near Lincolnwood Illinois, Playland Park in Justice Illinois, Adventure Land in Addison Illinois, or any of the once numerous and now long gone Chicago area amusement parks of the past, then you won't wan't to miss this fun and very family oriented historic presentation.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Show times are 8:30 PM Saturday, and 7:00 PM Sunday.

The steam train being towed back to the shop after a mechanical failure. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. September 1982.

I took this photograph way back in September of 1982.

Mechanical failures are nothing new to operating railroad museums, and the Illinois Railway Museum experienced this one during the September 1982 Member's Weekend celebration.

Recently acquired Milwaukee Road Fairbanks Morse diesel switcher # 765, is viewed towing Tuskegee Railroad Baldwin 2-6-2 steam locomotive # 101 and train back to the shop, after a very sticky brake failure.

This could be the Illinois Railway Museum's equivalent, of the AAA Chicago Motor Club.

The Carol Burnett Show. Star Trek Parody.



I thought that it would be fun right about now, to take a break from the usual train
and transportation subjects normally found here at Eddie's Railfan Page, and toss
in a good laugh or two for all of my fellow "Trekies" or Star Trek Fans today.

Here is a Star Trek "Spoof" sketch, that was once aired  on the CBS Television
Carol Burnett Show.

Live long and prosper.

Eddie K.

The Busy Burger on West Taylor Street. Chicago Illinois USA. Wednsday, March 16th, 2011.

For people like myself who grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois, or those who grew up in most any other city in the United States, neighborhood eateries have always been a popular topic.

With tasty and often savory home style menu selections, or prices that are very cost effective as well....these places can sometimes have a local cult following of their own.

Seen here on West Taylor Street in Chicago's "Little Italy" neighborhood, is the locally popular Busy Burger establishment.
If I have a chance to stop in this neighborhood hopefully sometime soon, I think that I will pay this place a visit.
It looks very tasty and cost effective.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Conrail's first year on Horse Shoe curve.



I found this video circa 1976 on You Tube today.

This video was photographed on Horse Shoe curve near Altoona Pennsylvania
way back in 1976, after the start up of Conrail.

I enjoyed viewing this historic home movie.

Thanks.
Eddie K. 

A 1960's era American freight train in H.O scale passes by.

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

I grew up in Chicago during the 1960's and 70's, and I enjoy modeling the everyday American freight trains from that era I had once seen almost daily in Chicago.

These cars from the former New York Central and the Baltimore & Ohio, and were typical of the cars found on 1960's era American freight trains.

Busy evening switching activity at Canadian National's former Illinois Central RR Crawford Yard. Chicago Illinois. Early November 2007.

I took this photograph one evening after work, back in early November of 2007.

A former Grand Trunk Western Railroad EMD roadswitcher acquired through merger by the Cabadian National Railroad, is viewed switching the former Illinois Central / Chicago & Illinois Western Railroad's "Crawford Yard at the Chicago city limits immediately east of Cicero Illinois.

The Canadian National closed Crawford Yard in 2011, and have removed the tracks.

Friday, September 27, 2013

A Life Like Proto 2000 Series EMD G P 38-2 roadswitcher decorated for the former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad.

I purchased this older model Life Like Proto 2000 Series G,M & O Railroad EMD GP 38-2 roadswitcher this past August.

After several weeks of working overtime and frequently missing out on my model railroad club operating sessions, I was finally able to try my locomotive out on the club layout mainline.

The prototype Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad had introduced this very striking red and white color scheme on their "New" EMD locomotives, beginning around 1968. Several of their locomotives rolled around in this color scheme for many years, after the August 10th 1972 merger with the Illinois Central, that created the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

The engine runs nice, but the front coupler opening and frame need modification, as they currently do not match.

I coupled several 1960's era American freight cars, to make it look like a late 1960's era pre ICG freight train, from the former G,M & O.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad.

Freshly made Caramel, Apple, Walnut pies. Dell Rhea Chicken Basket. Willowbrook Illinois. September 2013.

The Isabella Street CTA Purple line railroad crossing. Wilmette Illinois. July 2010.

A very scenic location for railfans of "Rapid Transit" subjects to visit with their cameras in hand, is the Chicago Transit Authority's Isabella Street railroad crossing in north suburban Wilmette Illinois.

This railroad crossing is located a few city blocks south from the Linden Avenue terminal, of the CTA's purple line rapid transit route.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific switchinhg local. Franklin Park Illinois. October 2007.

Northbound BNSF Railway light engine movement. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2008.

Great Central Railway (England - U.K ) October 6th Autum steam Gala 2012.

Southbound early morning Metra local commuter train departing from Glenview Illinois. August 2013.

I took this photograph one morning around 7:00 AM this past August, in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

A southbound Metra morning rush hour local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois, has just departed from the Glenview station, and is now passing by on the embankment along the west side of Railroad Avenue.

A Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad wide vision caboose brings up the rear of the train.

I took this photograph this past Wednsday night, 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 and 70's...I was a big fan of the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad, the Illinois Central, and the Illinois Central Gulf after the two railroads merged in August of 1972.

I was in a G,M & O sort of mood, and decided to operate my recently acquired second hand Life Like Proto 2000 Series G,M & O Railroad EMD G P 38-2 diesel locomotive, and some period 1960's era freight cars that night.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Wednesday, September 25, 2013

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

Chicago, Aurora And Elgin Railroad interurban coach # 409. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

A Route 66 neon sign in the lounge. Dell Rhea Chicken Basket. Willowbrook Illinois. September 2013.

I took this photograph this past Saturday, at a popular roadside eatery in southwest suburban Willowbrook Illinois known as Dell Rhea Chicken Basket.

This neon sign inside the restaurant's coctail lounge, recalls the restaurant's location along an original section of old Illinois U.S Route # 66, which is now a frontage road along the north side of the I-55 Stevenson Expressway, just east of Illinois Route # 83 / kingery Highway.

Spotting cars on insustrial factory spur sidings. Bensenville Illinois. September 2007.

I took this photograph back in September of 2007.

A former Soo Line EMD roadswitcher, is viewed working a local industrial branchline freight train in Bensenville Illinois near the Wolf Road railroad crossing.

Westbound Canadian National freight train approaching the Riverside Drive railroad crossing. Berwyn Illinois. October 2007.

I took this photograph around sunset one lovely autum evening, back in October of 2007.

A slow moving westbound Canadian National freight train traveling over the former Illinois Central Railroad's Iowa Division Mainline, approaches the Riverside Drive railroad crossing in west suburban Berwyn Illinois.

Chicago's Amusement Parks of the past to be featured in October 2013 on the Larry and Mike show! Comcast Public Access 19 in the greater Chicagoland area. Show schedule to be announced.

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

Here is a special announcement for all the local Chicago area cable television viewers.

I will be appearing in October 2013 on the Comcast public Access Television channel 19 station, for an interviewed appearance on the ever popular program, "The Larry and Mike Show".

"Chicago's Amusement Parks of the past" will be the featured topic on this televised presentation hosted by Larry Conklin.

If you can remember fun seasonal outdoor amusement park attractions from Chicago's past like Riverview Park in Chicago, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, Dispensa's Kiddie Kingdom in Oak Brook Terrace Illinois, Hollywood Kiddieland near Lincolnwood Illinois, Kiddy Town in Norridge Illinois, Kiddieland in Melrose Park Illinois, or any of these once numerous but now long gone family fun attractions, then you won't want to miss this photo and memory filled presentation.

The time slot is yet to be announced.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Johnny Cash. Orange Blossum Special.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=EavMMwjq9pI

I felt that a railroad song would be nice right about now.

Here is Johnny Cash with country music harmonica player
Charlie Mc Coy performing the "Orange Blossum Special".

Changing ends at the East Troy station. The East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum. East Troy Wisconsin USA. September 2006.

My friend Mike's dog "Tracy". September 2013.

Friends come in all shapes and sizes.

I visited my friend Mike Mikrut this past Sunday afternoon, and soon was greeted at the door by his female dog "Tracy".

Tracy smelled my own chihauhau dog "Jasmine" on my clothes, and soon wanted to hang out close to me, and become buddies that afternoon.

Tracy is a kind and loveable dog with a gentle mannerism, and pleasant personality. It was a pleasure meeting her.

I love dogs.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Santa Fe and I.C at Corwith Junction. 1991.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=UTastes0TRY

I found this video on You Tube this morning.

This video is very dear to my heart, as I had grown up on the near
southwest side of Chicago near Corwith Yard during the 1960's,
70's and 80's.

I could remember the constant action at this location. Happy memories.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Smokey Nountain Railroad # 23 on display. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Hotel. Chattanooga Tennesee. May 1990.

I took this photograph during a May 1990 motorcoach tour vacation, to the great Smokey Mountains in the states of Tennesee and North Carolina.

This old 2-6-0 "Mogul" type steam locomotive which was guadilly backdated to look like a western movie locomotive, is on display at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Hotel in downtown Chattanooga Tennesee.

Tuesday, September 24, 2013

A Zebra getting some attention from one of the staff animal handlers at the San Diego Zoo. June 2013.

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

One of the zebras at the San Diego Zoo, is enjoying a friendly visit from one of the kind and caring animal handlers at the zoo.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A shower of sparks at night on the Burlington Northern Railroad. Berwyn Illinois. March 1983.

I took this photograph way back in late March of 1983.

I had just recently purchased my first 35 mm camera, a Pentex M.E Super, and this was one of my first attempts at taking a night time railfan photograph.

A Burlington Northern Railroad EMD SW series yard switcher running light, passes my photo location at South Oak Park Avenue and West Windsor Street heading westbound, in west suburban Berwyn Illinois.

Notice the sparks flying from the smokestacks on this old 1950's era EMD diesel switcher.

Central Illinois Railroad. Chicago Illinois. Oct 2008.

The Frosted Mug Drive In Restaurant. Alsip Illinois. October 1990.

An absolutely fun place I used to enjoy hanging out at , was the Frosted Mug Drive In Restaurant in south suburban Alsip Illinois.

Between their tasty and inexpensive food selections, and those phenominal weekend car shows, this was the place to be. The Frosted Mug unfortunately closed in 2007.

Southbound motor boat approaching the East 100th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Summer is over, and now the boating season is gradually coming to a close in the greater Chicagoland area as it does every autum.

Taking advantage of one of those few too little pleasant late boating season autum days, a boater is viewed approaching the East 100th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River, on the far southeast side of Chicago.

Steam in Spain. 141F 2345 in Parajes Pass.



I thought that it would be nice to include a You Tube railfan video from Spain today.

Westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train passing underneath the Congress Park overhead block signal bridge at the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing. Brookfield Illinois. December 2006.

Monday, September 23, 2013

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

Eastbound suburban Pace bus. Highland Park Illinois. January 2009.

Paratransit buses in the rear parking lot at 5:40 AM. Glenview Illinois. September 2012.

I took this photograph at work last year.

Several paratransit buses on my company's fleet, were receiving overnight maintenance at my company bus garage the previous evening.

The intersection of West 87th Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Evergreen Park Illinois. March 1989.

Eastbound CTA Nova transit bus on West North Avenue. Chicago Illinois. April 2006.

First Transit Ford E 450 Econoline Series paratransit mini bus.Glenview Illinois. August 2013.

I took this photograph at work one morning this past August, in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

I was enroute to my first scheduled pck up and had time to stop and photograph my assigned bus for the day # 5208 on Railroad Avenue in Glenview Illinois during the 6:00 AM hour.

Friday, September 20, 2013

The Kiddy Town Amusement Park. ( 1953 - 1966.) Norridge Illinois.

 
Hi Everyone! This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.
 
During the immediate post World War 2 years, the greater Chicagoland area was once the home of several roadside, seasonal family owned and operated amusement parks. Many of these were "Tiny" establishments not much larger in size than a traveling carnival midway, and often featured portable carnival style rides that could be easily disassembled for the wintertime off season.
 
One of those local little amusement parks, was a small neighborhood place located at the southwest corner of North Harlem and West Cullom Avenues in neighboring Norridge Illinois, known as the "Kiddy Town Amusement Park".
 
A popular trend during the 1950's and 60's at these little carnival like amusement parks, were children's birthday parties, that featured their own in house fire truck, that would pick up the families at their houses, and take them to and from the amusement park.
 
Today, this is the site of the Harlem Irving Plaza Shopping Center's north mall extension, which is scheduled to open soon in the  fall of 2013.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Southbound Canadian Pacific transfer train passing through Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2007.

Northbound CTA Purple line train. Wilmette Illinois. July 2010.

I took this quick and very unusual angle photograph, during a July 2010 visit to north suburban Wilmette Illinois.

Holding my camera above the chain link fence, a northbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line train enters the Isabella Street railroad crossing. This train is on the final leg of it's journey from downtown Chicago via Evanston Illinois., and will be approaching the Linden Avenue terminal a few city blocks north of here.

Dispensa's Kiddie Kingdom commercial # 2. 1981.



The greater Chicagoland area once featured many seasonal family owned amusement parks in the suburban outlying areas.

Dispensa's Kiddie Kingdom in west suburban Oak Brook Terrace Illinois was one of them, and was in business from 1975 until the property was sold for redevelopment in 1984.

Here is one of their later local Chicago area television commercials from 1981.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Dukes of Hazzard TV show "General Lee 1969 Dodge Charger. The Volo Auto Museum. Volo Illinois. June 2013.

I took this photograph during a Jne 2013 visit to the Volo uto Museum, located in the town of Volo Illinois.

Several famous television and movie cars are in the museum collection. The Dukes of Hazzard CBS television show "General Lee" 1969 Dodge Charger, is one of those cars on display at the museum.

Southbound early morning Metra local commuter train departing from GlenviewIllinois. August 2013.

I took this photograph one early morning, back in August of 2013.

A southbound Metra early morning local commuter train, is viewed departing from Glenview Illinois.

California Western Railroad. The Skunk Train.

Today's big modern Hi Tech Union Pacific Railroad EMD locomotives in H.O Scale. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. June 2013.

Railroad advertising slogans are sometimes thought as being "Nostalgic things from the past", however they are alive and well in todays world. Well, at least on the Union Pacific Railroad anyway.

This H.O Scale model of a Union Pacific EMD SD 70 M.A.C modern hi tech diesel electric locomotive, shows these contemporary markings in miniature.

A United States Navy helicopter and a sightseeing cruise boat. San Diego California. June 2013.

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

We were both enjoying one of the local sightseeing harbor cruises, when Cheryl spotted this unique photo opportunity.

A U.S Navy helicopter, is viewed flying over another sightseeing excursion boat to our immediate right in the San Diego bay.

Thursday, September 19, 2013

Delicious chilli cheese fries! Nick's Drive In. 7216 North Harlem Avenue. Chicago Illinois. September 2013.

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

Last night, the entire Chicago area was having a huge thunderstorm. I was stuck in traffic that just wasn't moving much near Niles Illinois on my way home from work.

I was hungry, and stopped at Nick's Drive In at 7216 North Harlem Avenue, and dined on these delicious chilli cheese fries. They were awesome!

The food here is tasty and very cost effective.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Lets eat!

The Lake Avenue railroad crossing in Wilmette Illinois. August 2013.

I took this photograph at work one morning, back in August of this year.

Seen here is the Metra / Union Pacific north line railroad crossing at Lake Avenue and Green Bay Road in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. This line is 100 percent Metra commuter train operated between Chicago Illinois and Kenosha Wisconsin.

This is a former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad mainline.

Thanks.
Eddie K.