Wednesday, April 30, 2014

The Harwood Heights village water tank gets a much needed and long overdue make over. Harwood Heights Illinois. Tuesday, April 29th, 2014.

 
After many years of continual exposure to the weather elements, the rusty and badly faded Harwood Heights municipal viallage water tank on North Oketo Avenue, is in the beginning stages of a much needed paint job. The rigging and lifting equipment is already in place and on site.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

A 1970's and 80's era Santa Fe local freight train.


Kansas City Southern Railroad freight train near Sulpher Springs Texas in 1949. R.S Plummer photograph.

 
One of several North American railroads that was definitely in a big hurry to dieselize their operations after World War 2 had ended, was the southwestern regional railroad Kansas City Southern Railroad. Here is one of their early dieselized freight trains being pulled by KCS EMD F 3 # 54 near Sulpher Springs Texas during the year of 1949.

CTA 6000 series test 2


A 1970's and 80's era Santa Fe local freight train, backing in to the rear staging yard at the end of the club's operating session night.

 
I took this photograph last week Wednsday night, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in west suburban Oak Park Illinois.
 
The 9:00 O'clock hour was upon us, and it was time to clear the club layout of our model trains
that myself and several members had brought with them on the Wednsday night operating session.
 
My 1970's and 80's era modern Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad local freight train that was powered by an Athearn model of an early 1970's era Santa Fe EMD C F 7 light roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive, is viewed backing the train in to
the rear staging yard at Galena Junction.
 
I had just recently purchased this Athearn Santa Fe EMD C F 7 model a few months ago, at Des Plaines Hobbies. I had the model modified with a Soundtraxx Tsunami Digital Command Control system decoder.
 
This train reminded me of the Santa Fe's "I.N Branchline" local that served the industries in my old neighborhood 5 days a week.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Tuesday, April 29, 2014

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


A Pace / Niles Free Bus turns north at the intersection of Harlem and Touhy Avenues. Niles Illinois. December 2013.


Philadelphia Trolleybuses (Trackless Trolleys roue 75) SEPTA


A Chicago Transit Authority 1948 Twin Coach Comapny propane bus. Chicago Illinois during the 1960's.

 
One of my happy memories growing up in the city of Chicago Illinois during the 1960's and early 1970's era, was taking many bus commuting trips aboard the Chicago Transit Authority's fleet of older and newer models of transit buses.
 
During the 1960's, many of the older 1948 vintage Twin Coach Company propane powered transit buses from the CTA's early years, were still in daily operation on many bus routes, but their days and immediate service years were numbered. Most were retired during 1973 and 1973.

First Transit Ford paratransit mini buses parked in heavy morning fog. Glenview Illinois. Tuesday, April 29th, 2014.

 
I took this photograph at work this morning, upon my arrival to the garage.
 
Several of our Ford buses, are viewed parked by our "New" or 2nd garage
down the street just west of our main garage, waiting for their assigned -
driver's to arrive, do the mandatory pre trip inspection, and begin their routes.
 
It was a very foggy morning, followed by rain showers, and eventually
heavy springtime thunderstorms.
 
We work in everything on this job.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Friday, April 25, 2014

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

 
ALL  SKATE!

Alder Gulch Train, Virginia City, Montana


An H.O Scale two train meet on the mainline. Photographed at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. April 2014.



Growing up in the city of Chicago Illinois like I did many years ago, back in the days when the windy city was still the railroad capitol of the nation...I guess that it was only natural that I would become a railfan myself.

I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois. Like many other of my fellow Chicago railfan fraternity, I myself for many years was a big fan of the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad.

The club's layout features continuous mainline two track running. Just like the real mainline railroads out there, our busy mainline often finds two train meets on location. My 1970's era Chicago & NorthWestern freight train, is viewed passing another club members freight train on the layout too.

Electric Light Orchestra - So Fine (+playlist)



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

I can proudly say...that your's trully here is a geuine, bonifide  ex 1970's teenager. Yes, I
actually grew up during those times. If the kids of today can't accept me for this...TOO BAD!

One of my favorite music groups I enjoyed listening to on the radio charts back then during
the 1970's and in to the early 1980's, was a Brittish Top 40  Rock and Roll band from England
known as Electric Light Orchestra, or E.L.O as some people refered to them as.

Now that plenty of sunshine and nice springtime weather is here, here is one of my favorite ELO
songs that helps to sum up the feeling.  From their 1976 album "A New World record", here is the uptempo opening album somg "So Fine". This is still a favorite of mine today many years after the fact.

Cars heading northbound on the one way South Christiana Avenue side street in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood. Chicago Illinois. April 1988.

 
One of my favorite activities I enjoyed doing during the 1980's when I was a young man in my twenties, was taking long walks on bright and sunny days. One of my favorite parts of Chicago that I enjoyed visiting and taking many a long and healthy exercise walk in, was non other that the Mount Greenwood neighborhood on the far southside of Chicago, near the city limits border.
 
I was enjoying a lovely and mild sunny springtime afternoon visit way back in April of 1988, when I took out my 35 mm Pentex M.E Super camera, and just for the heck of it all, snapped this residential neighborhood image on one of the many well kept up and scenic side streets in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood.
 
We are facing north on South Christiana Avenue near West 113th Street. A local motorist is viewed heading northbound on this one way street. The individual is either enjoying a lovely cruise on this beautiful day, or perhaps running some local errands.
 
Although it has been awhile...I hope to visit the Mount Greenwood neighborhood sometime in the near future. I just hope that the weather is as nice as it was on this photo outing way back in 1988.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Tuesday, April 22, 2014

Springtime means Roller Blading!

 
Hi everyone! This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.
 
At last....Wintertime is finally over! Alright Yeah!
 
With plenty of warmer weather and sunshine to be had in the greater Chicagoland area, it's "Back To The Parks" for me.  Here I am enjoying a fun lunchtime outdoor roller blading session, at West Park in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois. This park has it all. Theres a playground for the children, a basketball court, a baseball field, the well maintained asphalt exercise path for jogging, bicycling, walking or inline skating...Heck!  Theres even the adjacent Union Pacific Railroad's former Chicago & NorthWestern freight only cut off line, which sometimes finds heavy frequent transfer freight trains passing through for all the railfans out there as well.
 
West Park is located along the east side of Wolf Road, between Dempster Street and Golf Road.
It is a fun family place to visit.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Black River & Western #60 - Spring Steam Excursions


The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe's "Yellow bonnet" freight locomotive color scheme. Introduced in 1972.

 
I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's, 70's and 80's.
 
My all time favorite railroad that I enjoyed since my own childhood, had to be the
former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. (Now BNSF Railway since 1996.)
 
The Santa Fe's blue and yellow freight locomotive color schemes, were a regular
in my old neighborhood, as the Santa Fe's own I.N or former "Illinois Northern"
railroad industrial branchline, served my neighborhood factories, warehouses,
and scrap yards Monday thru Friday.
 
The Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe introduced this highly visible blue and yellow
color scheme in 1972, which became known as the "Yellow bonnet. I always enjoyed this color scheme, which replaced the older blue and yellow "Billboard" or  "Book Ends" color scheme
that was used from 1960 until 1972.
 
My H.O Scale Athearn model of an early 1970's era Santa Fe EMD CF 7 light
diesel electric roadswitcher locomotive, is viewed pulling a freight train over the tall steel trestle, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.


Demolition of the former Marice Lennel cookie factory and Cookie Jar outlet store on North Harlem Avenue. Norridge Illinois. Thursday, April 17th, 2014.

 
Another popular Norridge fun family establishment of the historic past has bit the dust.
 
Closed in late December of 2007, the former Maurice Lennel cookie factory and their adjacent factory outlet store known as "The Cookie Jar" at North Harlem and West Montrose Avenues in near northwest suburban Norridge Illinois, have finally met the wrecking backhoe cranes.
 
I am very sad to see this place go, as I used to come here with my family during the 1970's when we would go skating next door at the Axel Roller Rink.We always went here to taste a few samples, and purchase a few boxes of assorted cookies to take home. It was a fun family place filled with many tasty smells in the air, friendly workers, and happy memories of family outings here.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

A Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad grain extra, passes over the quarry pit. Photographed at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.


I took this photograph two weeks ago, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O 
Scale Model Railroad Club, located in west suburban Oak Park Illinois.

My Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad grain extra freigt train that I was operating, is viewed passing above the large quarry mining pit scene on the club layout. This mining area, is a real attention getter for both model train enthusiast, and fans of heavy equipment alike.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, is located in the basement of the Oak Park Public
Libray's Dole Learning Center building at 255 Augusta Street in Oak Park. The club operates on
Wednsday nights from 7 to 9 PM. Public visitors are welcome to stop in and say hello.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Metra local arrives at the Elmwood Park station. Elmwood Park Illinois. Late March 2014.

 
It was a lovely and delightfully sunny day with mild 60 degree temperatures outside.
 
A westbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois, is viewed arriving at the northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois Metra commuter rail station, just a few city blocks west of the Chicago city limits border.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.


Monday, April 21, 2014

The old Woolworth's Department Store at the northeast corner of West 111th Street and South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood. Chicago Illinois. April 1988. (Gone - demolished.)

 
Hi everyone!  This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.
 
I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago, and spent much time shopping, dining and -
walking through Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood during the 1980's.
 
The intersection of South Kedzie Avenue and West 111th Street, was almost a 2nd home
to me, as I enjoyed hopping the Chicago Transit Authority's Route # 52A /  South Kedzie
bus here in the days before I owned my first car, or occasionally riding my trusty 12
speed mountain bike here as well. Mount Greenwood was a neighborhood of several
happy memories for me. I used to dine at the "kings Row Restaurant" located at the
northwest corner of West 111th Street and South Kedzie Avenue, which unfortunately
was demolished by the mid 1980's, and replaced by a Walgreens drug Store. I also used
to dine at the popular Wonderburger at 11011 South Kedzie Avenue which had closed
recently, and also the Unicorn Restaurant on West 111th Street near South Christiana Ave.
 
One of my favorite places I used to love shopping at, was the classic old neighborhood
Woolworth's department Store at the northeast corner of South Kedzie Avenue and West
111th Street. This was usually the first place I visited after disembarking from the CTA bus.
 
I recall that this Woolworth's like many before it, featured a nice and inexpensive sit down
lunch counter. This unfortunately, was phased out around 1983. Woolworth's continued
as a local discount store, until the chain went defunct in 1997, and was liquidated.
 
I believe that this neighborhood landmark, was demolished shortly after the Woolworth's
chain of stores had officially gone out of business. Today this is the site of a diagonal
mini mall, with a Rosatti's Pizza and a convenience store.
 
I took this photograph way back in April of 1988, and boy was I ever glad that I did!
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Trainspotting at Prague Main Station ( Praha hlavní nádraží )



Here is a modern passenger train video from the Czech Republic over in Europe.

A 1990's era Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad freight train passes through Stocton.

 
I took this photograph a few weeks ago, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.
 
My good friend and fellow club member Kyle, was operating his 1990's era modern freight train,from the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad. This locomotive shown here, is a model of a General Electric A.C 4400 CW heavy roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive. These were the final locootives ordered by the former C & N,W, and this was also their final color scheme prior to the merger and acquisition by the Union Pacific Railroad during the mid 1990's.

Eddie K enjoying a fun springtime outdoor roller blading session. Bedford Park Illinois. April 2014.

 
Al -Riiiiight!  The nice weather "Finally" returns to the greater Chicagoland area!
 
Man! I absolutely love springtime!
 
With the return of warm and very pleasant weather, here I am enjoying a much deserved outdoor inline roller blading skate session, in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois.
 
They have this really cool local city park on South Archer Road, across the street from the
Landmark banquet hall, with a very nicely maintained path for jogging, bicycling, or
in my case these days, roller blading. It's a nice family place.

Demolition officially begins at the former Maurice Lennel cookie factory and outlet store site on North Harlem Avenue. Norridge Illinois. Thursday, April 17th, 2014.

 
 
Another era is officially coming to an end in northwest suburban Norridge Illinois, as
the once locally popular Maurice Lennel cookie factory and their "Cookie Jar" outlet
store on North Harlem near West Montrose Avenue, has officially met the demolition crew and their heavy equipment.
 
Closed since late December of 2008, this local landmark is now officially lost to history.
Seen here is a photograph from the first day of demolition at the site.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.
 
Sorry for the bad news Maurice Lennel cookie fans.

A 1970's era Santa Fe freight train crossing the tall steel trestle.

 
I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. My 1970's era freight train from the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, is viewed crossing the tall steel trestle , on a section of the club layout representing the state of Iowa.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Thursday, April 17, 2014

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


A Freightliner / Thomas Built school bus. Summit Illinois. March 2014.


The amphibious "Seal"sightseeing vehicle. San Diego California. June 2013.


New Orleans Public Service Company GM bus heading west on Canal Street. New Orleans Louisiana. Late 1970's?.



I spotted this photograph from the city of New Orleans Louisiana USA, at my link page
Northern California Bus Fans.Com located to the right of your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com

A typical scene out of any North American city during the 1960's and 70's era, usually
featured a General Motors TDH Series fishbowl windshield "New Look" transit bus.

This photograph was taken in downtown New Orleans, facing east toward the Missisippi River on Canal Street. I visited New Orleans twice during the late 1970's, on vacation during Mardi Gras.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

First Transit's old Ford paratransit training bus. Glenview Illinois. November 2013.

 
This bus originally worked for Laidlaw Transportation Company.

Monday, April 14, 2014

A 1970's era Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad local freight train exits the tunnel.

 
I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers
H,O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.
 
A 1970's era Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad local freight train being
led by an Athearn model of a Santa Fe EMD  (Rebuilt.) Model C F 7
roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive, is viewed exiting the tunnel on
the club layout at the town of Stocton.
 
The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, meets on Wednsday nights in
the basement of the Oak Park Public Library's Dole Learning Center
building located at 255 Augusta Street, from 7 to 9 PM. This is a fun
and very family friendly model railroad club in Chicago's western suburbs.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

A classic 1960's era Chevrolet Belair parked on West George Street. Elmwood Park Illinois. April 2014.


Lunchtime roller blading fun at West Park. Des Plaines Illinois. Monday, April 7th, 2014.

 
Hi everyone!
 
This is Eddie K, your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.
 
A fun outdoor activity I sometimes enjoy doing during my morning lunch break, is
outdoor inline skating on my roller blades at a local Chicago area city park or two.
 
A great place to enjoy roller blading, is a place in northwest suburban Des Plaines
Illinois known as West Park. This lovely and very family friendly park, is located
along the east side of Wolf Road between Golf Road (IL Rt # 58) and West
Dempster Street in the town of Des Plaines.
 
Here I am having a great time, skating along the park's well maintained asphalt track.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.
 

A 1970's era Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad freight train exits the tunnel.



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

A 1970's era Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad freight train powered by a Walter's
Trainline Series EMD GP 15 light diesel electric roadswitcher locomotive, exits the
tunnel at the town of Stocton on the club layout.

An eastbound Metra local commuter train arrives at Elmwood Park Illinois. Late March 2014.

 
I took this photograph while I was out enjoying an afternoon walk recently.
 
An eastbound Metra commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from
Elgin Illinois, is viewed arriving at the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail
station on a lovely and mild day during the early Springtime season of 2014.

Friday, April 11, 2014

An extremely unlikely two train meet from different eras in H.O Scale.

 
Hi everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.
 
One of the coolest things that you will ever see at any given session of a model railroad club's operating night sessions, are the chance that you will see an impossible by today's standards, two train meets with equipment from current or long since lost railroads, that were in use several decades apart. Wow!
 
My good friend and fellow club member Martin Faland of the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club, was operating his 1940's era New York Central Railroad "S' Class 4-8-4 Niagra steam locomotive manufactured by MTH. His train is viewed meeting my 1970's era Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad grain extra freight train, at the Missisippi River lift bridge, at the modeled Illinois /  Iowa state line border.
 
Unfortunately...the huge and powerful New York Central Niagra steam locomotives, were all cut up for scrap by the mid 1950's. The Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad was acquired through merger by the Union Pacific during the mid 1990's as well.
 
This is a nice photo of a "What If" situation that you won't see on any railroad today.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Two freight trains meet on the urban viaduct. Photographed at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. March 2014.

 
Two modern 1970's and 80's era freight trains from the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad (Left) and the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, meet and pass each other on top of the urban viaduct scene, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A 1950's and 60's era Illinois Central Railroad caboose hop. Photographed at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. March 2014.

 
A sight many local Chicago area railfan's had grown up with on the south and near southwest side of Chicago during the 1950's and 60's era, were the many switching locals operated by the Illinois Central Railroad.
 
My train shown here, is made up of an older 1990's era Life Like Proto 2000 Series model
of an Illinois Central Railroad EMD SW 900 yard switcher diesel electric locomotive, painted
in the Illinois Central's pre 1967 black and white color scheme with the green diamond logo on the sides of the locomotive cab. The caboose is a 1940's era steel Illinois Central side door cupola caboose, also painted in the Illinois Central's pre 1967 solid red caboose color scheme.
 
During 1967, the Illinois Central had switched to a modernized and very striking at first orange
and white color scheme on their locomotives, with black lettering and a "New" I.C "Split Rail" corporate logo. Their cabooses also received a new modernized solid orange color scheme, split rail corporate logo, and the slogan "Mainline of Mid America."
 
My train represents an Illinois Central Railroad caboose hop or switching local, as they looked prior to 1967.
 
Thanks.
Eddie k.

Eddie's freight train arrives in the rear staging yard at the end of the Wednsday night session.

 
I took this photograph Wednsday night this week, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.
 
It's just after 9:00 PM, and the groups Wednsday night operating session has once again come to a close. I was operating a 1970's era Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad grain extra freight train, consisting of mostly covered hopper cars. I had just pulled my train in to the rear staging yard, and took this photograph of my Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad bay window caboose, prior to me removing my equipment, packing it back in to their proper individual boxes, and heading for home at the end of it all.
 
It was a fun session once again.
 
Goodnight everyone. See you soon again.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Thursday, April 10, 2014

A Kansas City Southern Railroad diesel locomotive aboard a Union Pacific freight train. Des Plaines Illinois. Monday, April 7th, 2014.

 
Hi everyone! Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page, from the city of
Chicago Illinois USA.
 
I took this photograph Monday morning this week, during my lunch break.
 
I was enjoying a good outdoor roller blading inline skate session at West Park
in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois, when I stopped to photograph
this eastbound Union Pacific Railroad transfer train crossing Wolf Road.
 
A borrowed Kansas City Southern Railroad locomotive, is viewed assisting the
assigned Union Pacific motive power on this heavy freight train passing through.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

A local sewer maintenance contractor visits the First Transit North Cook garage facility. Glenview Illinois. Early April 2014.

 
I took this photograph at work one day last week.  A Peterbilt sewer maintenance vacuim suction truck, is viewed parked by the rear mechanic's garage.
 
It's easy to tell when contractors like these visit our garage, as the air becomes very "Pungent"
with the odor of heavy sewage build up being cleared from our drainage system. Yuck! P-U!

MONTY PYTHON AND THE HOLY GRAIL - The Knights Who Say Ni Clip



One of my all time favorite Brittish comedy motion pictures I enjoy viewing to this day,
was the 1975 epic classic" Monty Python and the Holy Grail", which starred the cast
from the Brittish television comedy show "Monty Python's Flying Circus.

My family and I went to see this at the Ford City movie theatres in Chicago when it was
released in 1975, when I was 13 years old.  Unfortunately...My folks "HATED" it, and
did nothing but complain about it on the entire car ride home that evening. They thought
that the movie was entirely silly and stupid.   (Too bad. It's their loss.)

I actually liked "Monty Python and the Holy Grail". My favorite scene in the movie, has
definitely got to be "The Knights who say "NI" segment". This part still makes me laugh
today, as it did back in 1975.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

An Athearn H.O Scale model of a Canadian Pacific Railroad 40 fot grain service box car.

 
A recent addition to my personal collection of H.O Scale model railroad rolling stock, is
this recently purchased inexpensive Athearn model of a 1970's era grain service 40 foot
box car, decorated in the Canadian Pacific Railroad's bright red 1970's era color scheme
with the CP "Multi Mark" logo, that somewhat resembles the popular 1980's Atari video
game character "Pac Man." Some railfans often refer to this popular CP Rail corporate
logo...as the "Pac Man logo."
 
I was in a sort of a Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad mood last night, and brought a
Chicago & NorthWestern H.O Scale grain train consisting of mostly covered hoper cars,
and my Walter's trainline Series Chicago & Northwestern Railroad EMD GP 15 up front,
and a classic C & N,W bay window caboose bringing up the rear of it all as it was on the
old Chicago & NorthWestern during the 1970's and 80's.
 
My Canadian Pacific 40 foot grain service box car, is photographed on the tall steel trestle,
coupled next to my Athearn Union Pacific Railroad version of the same model.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

UK mainline steam charter trains during June and July 2013


The Elmwood Park Illinois Metra commuter rail station. Late March 2014.

 
I took this photograph while out enjoying an afternoon walk recently.
 
Seen here near West Grand and North 75th Avenues in near northwest
suburban Elmwood Park Illinois, is the Metra Elmwood Park station.
 
For all of my fellow Chicago area railfan photographers, this can  be
a very busy location at times, with three mainline tracks. The
traffic varies with numerous transfer trains from the host railroad
Canadian Pacific, Norfolk Southern, Canadian National, as well
as a number of local and express Metra commuter trains here
operating over the Metra Milwaukee District mainline to Elgin
Illinois, on this former Milwaukee Road mainline.

An MTH H.O Scale model of a New York Central Railroad 4-8-4 Niagra class steam locomotive at speed on the mainline.

 
I took this unique steam locomotive pacing photograph last night, at the Oak Park
Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.
 
My good friend and fellow club member Martin Faland, was recreating some of
the mainline glory of North American steam locomotive railroading, as it was at
least a good 60 to 70 years ago before the big railroads were bit by the modern
dieselization bug after World War 2 had ended in the United States and Canada.
 
A unique northeastern United States region "Icon" from the late steam era, were
the trusty and powerful coal burning "S" Class 4-8-4 Niagra steam locomotives
that were owned and operated by the New York Central Railroad.
 
Although "New" diesel electric locomotives were taking a good foothold in everyday
railroading, the early models were prone to breakdowns on the road, and sometimes
had to be assisted by the soon to be quickly outdated steam locomotives.
 
The New York Central office management was "Bent" on dieselization by the mid 1940's, and wanted nothing more than to retire their remaining steam locomotives. The NYC 4-8-4 -
Niagras were excellent and very powerful machines, and in some cases were actually
better than some of the newer models of diesel electric locomotives from this era. These
big engines were dual service machines, that were comfortable mechanically hauling heavy
freight trains, or fast long distance passenger trains.
 
Although the New York Central actually preserved very little of their steam locomotives
for display or historic preservation, sadly...none of the NYC Niagras were spared
the scrap yard cutting torch at the end of the steam era.
 
MTH has done a very nice job of preserving the large "S' Clas NYC Niagra steam
locomotives from the 1940's era, and this photograph can give one an idea of how
these majestic and powerful machines must have been like to witness working at
speed on the mainline with a fast train in tow.
 
Thanks Martin.
Eddie K.

Tuesday, April 08, 2014

Your host and photographer Eddie K enjoying a lunchtime outdoor roller blading session at West Park. Des Plaines Illinois. Monday, April 7th, 014.

 
Yaaa-aaaay! Woo Hoo!  The snow and ice of Chicago's extended Polar Vortex winter of 2014
have finally melted. Springtime is once again upon the greater Chicagoland area, and now
it's time for some long overdue (and healthy) outdoor exercise fun activities.
 
One of my favorite activities I enjoy doing, is visiting some of the local Chicago area city parks,
and spending time roller blading on most any available skate or exercise path. It is a good heart
healthy workout, and I often feel like a "Million Bucks" after I do this. Most of my working time
is spent behind the steering wheel of the bus I drive in traffic.
 
Exercise does make a difference!
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

An eastbound Union Pacific transfer train crossing Wolf Road adjacent to West Park. Des Plaines Illinois. Monday, April 7th, 2014.

 
I spent part of my morning lunch break yesterday roller blading at West Park in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois. I had a good 5 lap workout on the park's well maintained asphalt exercise path, and actually had the opportunity to do a little lineside railfaning with my digital camera in hand.
 
I had just finished my outdoor exercise roller blading workout, and had just put my roller blades and safety skating gear away in my car's trunk, when I heard the approaching sound of reving diesel locomotive engines working under load conditions, a locomotive air horn and bell, ad the ringing of the crossing signals at adjacent Wolf Road.
 
This heavy Union Pacific Railroad unit grain train, is viewed traveling over the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad freight only cut off line.
 

A Santa Fe auto parts train enter the tunnel.



An Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad auto parts train made up of a Athearn Santa Fe EMD GP 35 roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive wearing Santa Fe's blue and yellow "Billboard" or
"Book Ends" color scheme used from 1960 to 1972 and six Pulman Standard 60 foot box cars, heads
In to the tunnel at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in
Oak Park Illinois.  March 2014.

A compact 3 wheel tight manuevering snowplow tractor with a enclosed cab. Chicago Illinois. April 2014.

 
Well folks, Chicago's notorious extended polar vortex winter of 2014 has finally
come to a close. Chicago is now finally entering the much welcomed springtime
season once again. A few pieces of the equipment used during the recent winter
struggle, are now parked for the season at various locations around the windy city.
 
I spotted this well used ad unique compact 3 wheeled snow plow tractor with a much
appreciated enclosed cab, along North Harlem Avenue near West Addison Street, In the 
driveway of a local muffler and auto repair shop.
 
When I was attending Chicago's Curie High School on the southwest side of the city
from 1977 to 1981, I seem to recall that the school's maintenance crew had a similar
red enclosed cab compact three wheel snowplow tractor like this, and I remember
that it got a real "Work Out" during Chicago's infamous blizzard of 1979.
 
Thanks.
Eddie K.

Saturday, April 05, 2014

Maintenance workers turning off the water at the end of the season, at the man made waterfall on North River Road. Rosemont Illinois. November 2013.

A northbound Norfolk Southern / Canadian Pacific transfer train passing through the Morton Grove Illinois Metra commuter rail station on a bitterly cold winter day. December 2013.

A local construction contractor heads to a work site on a rainy autum day. Niles Illinois. November 2013.

Central Illinois Railroad. Chicago IL. Oct 2008.

An Athearn model of a 1970's era Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad EMD CF 7 roadswitcher, pulls a freight train across the tall steel trestle. Photographed at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. March 2014.

Mt. Rainier Scenic Railroad. 2-8-2 Baldwin 70-ton Steam Locomotive, rail...

A Glenview Illinois Department of Public Works tractor operator blowing snow off a walking path after a heavy snowstorm. Glenview Illinois. February 2014.

Southbound Union Pacific Railroad transfer train. Bridgeview Illinois. February 2014.

Thursday, April 03, 2014

Seaboard Air Line Railroad EMD NW 2 yard switcher # 1409. Baldwin Florida, September 6th, 1967. Frank Brunot photograph.



I found this photograph at my Link page Fallen Flags.Org, which is located to the right of your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

Railfan photographer Frank Brunot photographed Seaboard Air Line Railroad EMD NW 2 yard switcher diesel electric locomotive # 1409 on location at Baldwin Florida in September of 1967.
Although the S.A.L had already switched to an olive green and yellow paint scheme, locomotive # 1409 shown here, is still wearing it's original as delivered black and red color scheme.

During 1967, the Seaboard Air Line and the Atlantic Coast Line railroads had merged, and would become the Seaboard Coast Line Railroad. Today after many years and many mergers later, this railroad is part of today's huge CSX Transportation Company railroad.

A 1970's era ICG auto parts train crossing the high steel trestle.



I photographed this digital video recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale
Model Railroad Club, located at 255 Augusta Street in Oak Park Illinois. This friendly club meets in the basement of the Oak Park Public Library's Dole Learning Center building for their weekly operating session from 7 to 9 pm on Wednsday nights. Visitors are welcome to stop in to look.

The early days of the 1972 merger of the Illinois Central and the former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio railroads, are being recreated here in this video shot on the club layout. In a scene out of the early 1970's era, a former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad diesel locomotive acquired through merger, pulls an early merger era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad auto parts train across the tall steel trestle.

Cuyahoga Valley Railroad EMD SW 1200 yard switcher # 200 in American Bi Centenial colors. Cleveland Ohio.

 
I found this photograph at my Link page Fallen Flags.Org, which is located to the right of your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org.
 
I was 14 years old during the year of 1976 when America was heavily celebrating the 200th anniversary of the official signing of the Declaration of Independence (From England) on July 4th, 1776 in the city of Philadelphia Pennsylvania, during the American Revolutionary War.
 
To celebrate the 200th anniversary of what many consider the United States becoming an independent democracy nation, many transportation companies across the nation from railroads, trucking companies, and public transportation entities, painted equipment in many unique one of a kind commemorative paint jobs celebrating America's freedom from the beginning of it all.
 
Switching a steel mill somewhere in Cleveland Ohio, is Cuyahoga Valley Railroad EMD SW 1200 yard switcher diesel electric locomotive # 200, wearing one of those many unique one of a kind commemorative patriotic American paint jobs from the mid 1970's era.
 
I grew up in Chicago during the 1970's, and I fondly remember the American Bicentenial period from 1976 times, and the preparations leading up to it as early as 1974 in some places.


Thanks.
Eddie K.

C.W. McCall - The Silverton



This little musical interlude, is going out to all the fans of Colorado narrow gauge
railroading. The song here entitled "The Silverton" is about the former Denver & Rio
Grande Western Railroad's 3 foot narrow gauge steam powered Silverton Train, which travels between Durango and Silverton Colorado through the scenic Rocky mountains, through the
Animas River canyon. I rode the Silverton train with my family during a 1981 vacation to
Colorado and New Mexico.

The Silverton train today, is operated by the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad.

Retired Grand Trunk Western Railroad 2-6-0 steam locomotive # 1008 on display at Morrisburg Ontario Canada. November 1962. Frank Smeltzer photograph.

 
I found this photograph at my Link page Fallen Flags.Org, which is located
to the right of your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org
 

The year is 1962, and the steam era had recently ended on the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, and
the Canadian parent company Canadian National Railroad. Diesel electric locomotives have already replaced these classic coal burning steam locomotives in daily service, beginning during the 1950's.

Although many railroads had scrapped many if not all of their steam locomotives, the Canadian National and the U.S affiliate Grand Trunk Western Railroad, had actually set aside many for -display and preservation at various local city parks, and at operating railroad museums.  GTW
steam locomotive # 1008 shown here, was photographed shortly after being placed on display in the town of Morrisburg Ontario Canada.

Thanks.
Eddie K.