Thursday, October 31, 2013

An inflatable Halloween front lawn display. Elmwood Park Illinois.October 2013.

Happy Halloween from Eddie's Railfan Page!

Union Pacific switching local backing on an industrial spur siiding. Chicago Illinois. January 2007.

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

The sky above is crystal clear, but the outside temperature is a bone chilling 5 degrees above zero farenheight with a sharp and stinging windchill factor blowing in out of the west.

It's all business as usual for the Union Pacific Railroad, as the switching local serving the NorthWest Industrial Park in Chicago on North Kilbourn Avenue, is viewed backing down an industrial spur siding, dropping off a freight car for a local industrial firm.

The crew is covered from head to toe, and hopefully there is a thermos of hot coffee waiting in the locomotive cab. Brrrrrrrrr!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Demolition of the Jakter Hotel in Chicago Illinois. February 1983.

I took this now historic southside Chicago photograph, way back in February of 1983.

After many years of being a local skid row transient hotel of questionable repute that once featured a strip club operating in the basement lounge, the decaying local neighborhood eyesore located at the southeast corner of South Kedzie Avenue and West 47th Street known as the Jakter Hotel, is now meeting the wrecking ball.

Soon this local piece of urban blight in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood, will be replaced by a small outdoor retail strip mall within a few months.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: A power short Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad uses a borrowed Illinois Central EMD GP 9 on one of their locals.

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

Fellow club member and good friend "Rich", has created an occasional everyday "What If" situation on a working railroad.

Although most American railroads pretty much have a large fleet of locomotives available most of the time, those occasional times when several locomotives are out of service being down for repair, or working other assignments on any given railroad, locomotives from other railroads are sometimes leased or borrowed to help fill the demands caused by a shortage or two.

In this video, a power short Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, has borrowed an Illinois Central EMD GP 9, to help assist working on a switching local on this day.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. Late October 2013.

Even when I am enjoying an outdoor exercise workout session on my inline roller blade skates on chilly 40 degrees + days, it is all too important to stay hydrated.

Here I am enjoying a nice refreshing drink, after skating a few laps around the perimeter of the park. Keep those liquids flowing.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Greenfield Village Railroad. Detroit, Lima & Northern # 7.



I spotted this video on You Tube.

A big event that happened in railfan circles during 2013, was the restoration and return
to service of 1897 Baldwin 4-4-0 steam locomotive # 7, from the Detroit, Lima & Northern
Railroad on the Greenfield Village Railroad, at the Henry Ford Museum in Dearborn Michigan.

This locomotive was once owned by Henry Ford, and was his personal locomotive. Today,
it has been lovingly restored both mechanically and cosmetically to it's original appearance.

Chicago, South Shore And South Bend interurban coach # 19. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

A former Gulf,mobile & Ohio locomotive leads a 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf train across the river. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. October 2013.

There is nothing like recreating a lost scene from the 1970's era in H.O scale.

I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago during this time, and I fondly remember the now fallen flag Illinois Central Gulf Railroad as it was back then.

This railroad was created from the August 10th, 1972 merger of the Illinois Central, and the former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroads. Although the Illinois Central had the obvious controlling interest in the whole thing, as new paint jobs found locomotives painted in the I.C's orange and white color scheme with Illinois Central Gulf markings and the I.C split rail 1967 logo, and cars were painted in a solid I.C orange color scheme with ICG markings and also the split rail logo.

However...several former G,M & O locomotives and cars rolled around for several years in original 1960's era and earlier factory paint schemes in to the mid to late 1980's.

My train seen here, represents a mid 1970's era ICG train with a former and yet unrepainted G,M & O EMD GP 38-2 roadswitcher in late 1960's era colors up front.

That 70's Railroad indeed.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Bobby Picket. Monster Mash.



Happy Halloweeen everyone, from Eddie's Railfan Page.

Count Floyd from SCTV:  "Ooooh! Scary Kids'!  L.O.L

Tuesday, October 29, 2013

Chicago Gravel Company # 18 at sunset. Bensenville Illinois. July 2008.

A former Illinois Central EMD roadswitcher shovig a cut of tank cars, atthe CN Glen Yard. Chicago Illinois. May 007.

I took this photograph after work one afternoon, back in May of 2007.

A former Illinois Central locomotive acquired through merger by the Canadian National Railroad in 1999, is viewed shoving a cut of tank cars in to the former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad "Glen Yard" near west suburban Stickney Illinois.

This photograph was taken facing east from on top of the South Central Avenue overpass bridge, near the I-55 Stevenson Expressway.

CTA Skokie Swift train sparking. Skokie IL. Sept 2009.



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

A southbound Chicago Transit Authority yellow line train / aka "Skokie Swift", speeds past the Oakton Street railroad crossing in downtown north suburban Skokie Illinois at dusk, and sends
a few sparks to light up the scene.

Notice that the Oakton Street station did not exist back then. Today all CTA yellow line trains now stop here at this location.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound CSX Transportation Company light engine movement. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, April 21st, 2013.

The Moody Blues. Tuesday Afternoon. 1969.



I spotted this vintage late 1960's era music video on You Tube.

I was born in the year of 1962, and I had grown up listening to many of the classic rock,
soul, blues, country, top 40, and jazz artists of the day back then.

One of my personal favorites, was a Brittish rock and roll music group band known as
"The Moody Blues". This particular song entitled "Tuesday Afternoon", was one of the most
imaginative, spooky, eerie and quite haunting melodies I remember hearing way back when.
It was definitely very original, and bound to set you on some sort of daydream mood.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. Late October 2013.

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

Aside from my interests in trains, transportation subjects and photography...I am also a bit of an avid fan of outdoor inline roller blade skating when ever I have the opportunity to do so.

It has been quite chilly here in the greater Chicagoland area for the last two weeks, with daytime temperatures in the mid to upper 40's
with plenty of overcast or hazy sunshine typical of the autum season.

Luckilly, my pull over warm up jacket has a hood, that can be easily tucked inside my safety helmet, and double as ear protection from the sometimes cold winds that blow through when I am skating outdoors.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

1970's era C & N,W R R freight train crossing the river.



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

My 1970's era Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad grain extra, is viewed crossing
the Missisippi River lift bridge on the club layout, with a cut of period covered
grain hoppers in tow.

The locomotive is a Walter's Trainline Series model of a Chicago & NorthWestern
Railroad EMD GP 15 light roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive. The bay window
caboose on the rear is a Walter's Mainline Series model.

Amtrak terminal switchig activity at South Wye unction near Chicago Union Station. Chicago Illinois. November 1983.

I took this photograph on a typical overcast morning way back in November of 1983.

There is much busy Amtrak terminal switching operations taking place just south of Chicago Union Station, at a location known as South Wye Junction near the Union Interlocking Tower. (Gone-Demolished.)

Monday, October 28, 2013

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

The Greyhound Bus Company's large Chicago maintenance facility. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

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

Eastbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 80 / Irving Park Road bus. Norridge Illinois. Late October 2013.

RTA bus in La Grange Illinois. January 1987.

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

I took this photograph as I was beginning to enter my 2nd year of employment as a paratransit driver.

A recently acquired 2008 Ford paratransit mini bus, is viewed departing from inside the First Transit / North Cook garage in Glenview Illinois.

The driver will begin the mandatory pre trip inspection once parked outside.

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

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

A Chicago Transit Authority 1985 M.A.N 40 foot transit bus assigned to the Rt # 52 / Kedzie -California bus line, idles at the south terminal on South Kedzie Avenue and West 63rd Place.

Sunday, October 27, 2013

Gates lowered in preparation for drawbridge lifting. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

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

I took this photograph during an October 2011 photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago, and neighboring Hammond Indiana.

The gates on the East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River have just lowered, and soon this bridge will be opened to allow a local masted sailboat to pass through the channel.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train approaching the North Oak Park Avenue railroad crossing. December 2006.

I took this photograph back in December of 2006.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific Railroad freight train, approaches the railroad crossing at North Oak Park Avenue in Chicago Illinois.

Classic trains from Galesburg and Cameron Illinois.

A former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio locomotive acquired through merger in 1972, leads an Illinois Central Gulf transfer train through the swing bridge.

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

I enjoy modeling the everyday American freight trains that I grew up with in Chicago from the 1960's and 70's era.

My 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf freight train being pulled by a former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad locomotive acquired through merger in 1972, enters a swing bridge over an unscenicked river scene on the club layout.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

B & O Museum Steam Days 2012.

The Wagon Ride at Goebert's Farmstand. Barrington Illinois. October 2009.

I took this photograph during an autum visit to Goebert's Pumpkin Farm in Barrington Illinois.

Several passengers are viewed enjoying a slow and bumpy ride, aboard a utility flatbed farm wagon through recently harvested farm fields.

A former Milwaukee Road Ford Bronco S.U.V Hi Rail maintenance truck. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

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

A popular American sport utility vehicle for many years rolling down the many streets and highways, is the Ford Bronco.

The former Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad aka the Milwaukee Road, fitted theirs up with Hi Rail wheels, and used them in railroad maintenance of way / track inspection operations.

This example from the Milwaukee Road survives today at the Illinois Railway Museum, and stil performs it's original job maintaining museum trackage and infrastructure.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Friday, October 25, 2013

Westbound Amtrak train arriving at the Whiting Indiana station. Sunday, April 21st, 2013.

Durango & Silverton Railroad steam locomotive # 481 arriving at Silverton Colorado. July 1981.

Digital Live Sound Video: A 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad freight train crossing the Missisippi River.

The Dino's Pizza sign. Chicago Illinois. Early October 2013.

For those people who grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois like myself and a few others out there...Pizza has got to be one of the top number one comfort foods people just crave.

One of my favorite pizza places on the northwest side of Chicago, is Dino's Pizza located at the northwest corner of West Higgins and North Nordica Avenues.

If you are ever on the north or northwest side of Chicago for a visit, You should treet yourself to some of their pizza or other traditional Italian entrees.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Expos'e. Point of no return.



During the 1980's, I was a big fan of mainstream popular music.

One of my favorite music videos I enjoyed viewing, was this one by a girl vocal group
known as" Expos'e' This hit song from 1987 entitled "Point of no return", was a Techno
Dance Club hit song that I enjoyed skating to during the all skate session at the roller rinks.

A 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf train with a former G,M & O locomotive up front enters the tall steel trestle. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. October 2013,

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.

In a scene right out of the state of Iowa, My 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad freight train being led by a former G,M & O locomotive acquired through merger in 1972, crosses the tall steel trestle over a valley.

Goebert's Farmstand. Barrington Illinois. October 2009.

A fun seasonal autum activity I have come to enjoy in recent past years with my wife's family members, were Octoer visits to Goebert's Farm Stan on Route # 72 / Higgins Road in Barrington Illinois.

Every year, Goebert's celebrates Halloween and the colorful autum harvest season, with several fun family activities and attractions on their property, the place becomes known during this time as "Goebert's Pumpkin Farm."

Some of the added attractions include a tractor pulled hayride, a haunted house, a gift shop, a petting zoo, and of course the Pumpkin Farm patch where you select your own pumpkin for purchase.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Bachman Spectrum PRR K 4.



I spotted this video on You Tube.

Seen here is an H.O Scale model of a Bachman Spectrum Series Pennsylvania Railroad
K 4 Class 4-6-2 Pacific type steam locomotive pulling a vintage PRR 1920's era passenger
train.

I believe that the Pennsylvania Railroad actually used non swinging solonoid operated bells
on their steam locomotives. I believe that this particular steam whistle, was one that the
PRR used on freight service steam locomotives. They were sometimes interchanged during
locomotive servicings.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Maintaining the overhead trolley wire. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Friday, July 3rd 2009.

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

The unfortunate occasional behind the scenes "Mechanical Mishap" has occured, and a museum maintenance crew is viewed making repairs to the overhead trolley wire on the museum mainline, using availbe vintage electric interurban equipment in the form of an overhead line maintenance car, and an electric steeplecab locomotive.

It was a pleasant surprise for myself, to see this unplanned re-enactment of how the electric interurban railroads had repaired and maintained their infrastructure back in the early to mid 1900's era in America.

San Diego sightseeing harbor cruise. San Diego California. June 2013.

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

We are on the top deck aboard one of the locally popular "Horn Blower" sightseeing cruise boats. Several passengers are viewed observing the many United States Navy ships, at the San Diego shipyard in the harbor.

Me and my lovely wife Cheryl had a fun vacation visit here in San Diego, and we may someday return to take in what we missed the first time there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Thursday, October 24, 2013

Early morning sunrise. Niles Illinois. Friday, October 4th, 2013.

"That 70's Railroad." The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. October 2013.

Digital Live Sound Video: Rock Island runby.

The "New" Chicago, South Shore And South Bend Railroad steel bridge at South Torence Avenue and East 130th Street. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, April 21st, 2013.

The Conti Parkway Circle. Elmwood Park Illinois. October 2013.

A former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio locomotive leads a 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf train through Stocton Illinois. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. October 2013.

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

In a 1970's era scene out of America's heartland, an Illinois Central Gulf transfer train being pulled by a yet unrepainted former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio locomotive acquired through merger in 1972, passes through the town of Stocton Illinois.

SILENT DIGITAL VIDEO: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train to Milwaukee Wisconsin speeding through the Metra Edgebrook commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. September 2007.

Twin glass street lamps on Westwood Drive. Elmwood Park Illinois. October 2013.

My Santa Fe freight train returns to the rear staging yard at the end of the session. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. October 2013.

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

It is now 8:55 PM, and the club is getting ready to close it's doors for the night. Seen here is my 1960's and early 1970's era Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad freight train, pulling in to the rear staging yard at the end of the club session. Soon my stuff will be packed up to go home with me.

Goodnight everyone.
It was another fun session here.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Tuesday, October 22, 2013

A Polar bear enjoys a relaxing swim at Chicago's Brookfield zoo. Brookfield Illinois. Saturday, June 8th, 2013.

I took this photograph this past summer, during a June visit to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo.

A happy polar bear, enjoys some relaxing time in the pond on a hot summer afternoon.

Observing a former C,B & Q diesel switcher aboard a moving Chicago, North Shore Milwaukee Railroad electric interurban train. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. May 2013.

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

Passengers riding aboard a now westbound two car Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee Railroad electric interurban train, observe an idling former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad EMD SW 7 yard switcher locomotive out the window as their train passes by.

A restored black and gold 1965 Ford Shelby Mustang. The Volo Auto Museum. Volo Illinois. June 2013.

I took this photograph this past June, at the Volo Auto Museum, located in the town of Volo Illinois.

several classic 1960's and 70's era American muscle cars from when I was growing up, can be seen or even "Purchased" here after restoration.

This beautiful black and gold Ford Shelby Mustang from 1965, is one of many attention getters on display at the museum for all to enjoy.

Digital Live Sound Video: 1970's era C & N,W grain extra crossing the swing bridge.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. October 2013.

This photograph was taken of me last week during my morning lunch break, in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois.

Although Chicago's weather has quickly changed from beautiful 70 degrees + temperatures and sunshine, to cloudy cold and somewhat dismal November like weather...believe me, It's going to take a lot more than that to stop me from enjoying my lunchtime exercise workouts on inline roller blade skates.

After driving for about 4 hours or so on the morning split run as a paratransit driver..roller blading a few laps or so around the park helps me to feel refreshed. Exercising outdoors especially in this chilly weather can be quite fun.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

James Last. Orange Blossum Special.



For those "Die Hard Railfan Viewers" of Eddie's Railfan Page who long to hear
a railroad song right about now...here is the famous German orchestra leader
James Last with his orchestra performing a traditional American railroad country
song entitled "The Orange Blossum Special".

This is a song about a famous passenger train that was operated by the former\Seaboard Airline Railroad in the state of Florida many years ago, that was named the Orange Blossum Special.

All A-Boooaaard!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

An Advanced Disposal Company garbage truck waiting for a Metra commuter train to pass. Glenview Illinois. October 2013.

I took this photograph in traffic one day last week.

We are facing west at the Chestnut Avenue railroad crossing, in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

A local garbage truck from the Advanced Disposal Company, waits for a southbound Metra commuter train to clear the railroad crossing.

Eastbound Metra departs from Elmwood Park Illinois. May 2012.

Two local taxi cabs pass by near the harbor. San Diego California. June 2013.

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

Two colorful Ford Crown Victoria taxi cabs from separate cab companies, are viewed passing near San Diego harbor.

An Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad freight train from the 1960's and early 1970's era exits the tunnel. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. July 2013.

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

My Athearn model of an EMD GP 35 diesel electric roadswitcher locomotive, leads an Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe freight train from the 1960's and early 1970's era through the tunnel.

Monday, October 21, 2013

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

Wisconsin Coach Lines motorcoach at the Kentucky Horse Farm. Lexington Kentucky. May 1990.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Pace bus crossing the Union Pacific railroad tracks on West Lake Avenue. Glenview Illinois. August 2010.

The Kenosha Transit bus garage. Kenosha Wisconsin. April 2000.

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

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

We are riding aboard a Chicago Transit Authority, 1985 M.A.N 40 foot transit bus heading southbound on South Kedzie Avenue near West 41st Street, in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

It was a cold but sunny winter day.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

1964 Flxible Suburban.

2001 Chevrolet Paratransit bus # 5070. Glenview Illinois. October 2008.

I took this photograph during my first year of employment as a paratransit driver.

Seen here is one of the earliest buses I was assigned to drive at the company. 2001 Chevrolet paratransit mini bus # 5070.

A Chicago Transit Authority bus approaching the East 92nd Street drawbridge. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

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

A Chicago Transit Authority 40 foot New Flyer transit bus, is viewed approaching the East 92nd Street drawbridge over the Calumet River, on a sunny November afternoon.

Friday, October 18, 2013

Insatalling a new traffic signal at the intersection of North Harlem Avenue and West Howard Street. Niles Illinois. Monday, October 14th, 2013.

I took this photograph this past Monday.

Improvements are coming to North Harlem Avenue in the north suburban village of Niles Illinois.

A local electrical contracting crew, is viewed positioning a new traffic signal in place, at the intersection of North Harlem Avenue and West Howard Street. Harlem Avenue was just recently repaved through here recently as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.