Anthony C by some abandoned EMD GP 9 locomotive on the far southeastside of Chicago. Saturday, Octrober 15th, 2011.

Anthony C by some abandoned EMD GP 9 locomotive on the far southeast side of Chicago. Saturday, Octrober 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a recent October 15th, 2011 photo outing, with My good friend and fellow railfan buddy Anthony C.

Seen here on the far southeast side of Chicago, I believe to be somewhere around East 103rd Street, is Anthony posing by some boarded up and abandoned used 1950's era
EMD model GP 9 roadswitchers, from the Chicago Rail Link shortline railroad.

I found this photo at My Link pagefor the Illinois Railway Museum, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.irm.org

This photo, is from the members photo album page entitled "Electric Car Department".

Seen here, is a recently repainted Chicago Transit Authority 1950's era 550 Series lightweight rapid transit car. These single unit cars and the nearly identical 6000 series cars, were built by the St. Louis Car ompany, utilizing several components from recently retired and scrapped CTA pre and postwar PCC (Green Hornet) electric streetcars.

The CTA was able to upgrade the very outdated and worn out rapid transit system during the 1950's, with new cars at a considerable cost savings. This car is wearing the original color scheme used on these cars.

This car was a regular on what is todays CTA yellow line, back when it was known as the "Skokie Swift" line.

I found this Union Pacific Railroad freight car photo at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

If You feel that maybe You have "Too Many Box Cars" on Your own miniature model railroad layout, a nice diversion to all that box car overkill...would be to incorporate cars like these everyday bottom dumping hopper cars. These cars haul everything from coal to gravel.

This Union Pacific example, was photographed on August 2nd 1991 in Pocatello Idaho, by railfan photographer Dave Krunmenacker.

Two Metra trains meet at Dundee Road. Northbrook Illinois. Oct 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video one evening after work, back in early October of 2011.

It is the evening rush hour commuting period on the Metra / Milwaukee District north line at north suburban Northbrook Illinois, as two Metra commuter rail trains meet at the Illinois U.S Rt # 68 / Dundee Road railroad crossing around sunset.

Adventureland Amusement Park. (Gone.) Addison Illinois USA. 1961 - 1977.

Adventureland Amusement Park. (Gone.) Addison Illinois USA. 1961 - 1977., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The greater Chicagoland area, once had many little Mom and Pop owned amusement parks.

From 1961 until the park had closed for good in 1977, there was a little amusement park located at the intersection of Illinois U.S Rt # 20 / Lake Street and Medinah Road in northwest suburban Addison Illinois, known as Adventureland.

Adventureland was a seasonal operation , and was advertised on local Chicago radio, television and newspaper advertisements.
It was a small amusement park, that resembled basically..."A carnival in a little picnic grove".

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

Durango & Silverton Railroad steam locomotive # 481 arriving at Silverton Colorado. July 1981., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in July of 1981.

One of the most memorable steam powered tourist railroads I have ever ridden on, was the 3 foot narrow guage Durango & Silverton Railroad in the state of Colorado.

This photo was taken at the end of the line, in the former mining town of Silverton Colorado.

Blaaah! I am Count Dogula!

Blaaah! I am Count Dogula!, a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in 2008.

My lovely wife Cheryl and I, own this cute little Chihauhau dog We named Jasmine.

Jasmine was settling down for a nap when I took this photo. I just couldn't help it...but I thought that the way Her blanket was positioned, was like a scene out of one of those old Dracula horror movies that the late great Bella Lugossi played in.

Mad Man Sven's Used Cars

I found this very funny early 1970's era local Chicago area TV comedy show clip on You Tube this morning.

When many local Chicagoans today hear the name "Svengoolie", immediately thoughts come to their minds about Rubber Chickens, Jokes about west suburban Berwyn Illinois ( Ber-Wyn!?)
old poorly made horror and sci fi movies from the past, and of course local Chicago TV comedy show host Rich Koz.

Rich Koz, was not Chicago's original "Svengoolie" TV horror show host, but rather Jerry G. Bishop was.

From 1972 until 1974, Jerry G. Bishop hosted a local Saturday night TV horror show on WFLD TV Channel 32 in Chicago entitled "Screaming Yellow Theatre". For the two year run, He hosted the show as a "Hippie / Cool Ghoul" horror show host named "Svengoolie".
Betweeen the old movies and commercial breaks, Jerry G. Bishop would do this live, stand up improv style of comedy sketches on TV, and ad lib all the way through them as things would sometimes get very silly in the Channel 32 TV studio.

From the early 1970's...here is Chicago's original Svengoolie Jerry G. Bishop, spoofing local Chicago area tv car dealership commercials. Here is "Mad Man Sven's used cars"!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Southbound BNSF Railway transfer train. Bridgeview Illinois. August 2007.

Southbound BNSF Railway transfer train. Bridgeview Illinois. August 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a hazy Summer evening, back in August of 2007.

A southbound BNSF Railway transfer freight train, is viewed approaching the West 71st Street railroad crossing on the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad line, in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.

Big changes are currently taking place at this location, as the railroad crossing has been phased out, and a "New" underpass viaduct is currently under construction here.

Eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern freight train passing through Elmwood Park Illinois. Early October 2007.

Eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern freight train passing through Elmwood Park Illinois. Early October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one afternoon, back in early October of 2007.

An eastbound Iowa, Chicago & Eastern Railroad unit grain train, is viewed passing through near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

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

Eastbound Pace Rt # 307 bus at Grand and 73rd Avenues. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. October 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this photo at My Link page Northern California Bus Fans.Com, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com

For many years begining in the mid 1940's, the General Motors TDH Series transit bus with their small windows and upper row of standee windows, were the industry standard on many public transit bus company fleets throughout North America.

The city of Akron Ohio was no exception to this either.
Seen here is a GM TDH Series "Old Look" 1950's era transit bus from Akron Ohio.

Chevrolet van school bus turning north on Crawford Ave. Skokie IL.

I photographed this digital live sound video this past Summer,back in August.

A Chevrolet van school bus from the Positive Connections Company, turns a corner and heads northbound on Crawford Avenue, in north suburban Skokie Illinois USA.

I found this photo at My Link page Tom's Trolleybus Pictures, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.trolleybuses.net.

One of My happy memories growing up in Chicago during the 1960's and early 1970's, was riding and observing the electric trolleybuses operated by the Chicago Transit Authority.

This photo , that was taken on a July 28th, 1963 fantrip excursion, shows a CTA electric trolleybus that was built in 1948 by the St. Louis Car Company, at the west terminal loop for the CTA Rt # 12 / Roosevelt Road bus line at Roosevelt and Monitor.
This is just east of the Chicago city limits near the west suburban towns of Oak Park and Berwyn Illinois.

CTA Route # 12 Roosevelt Road bus in the west terminal at Roosevelt and Monitor. Chicago Illinois. July 2003.

CTA Route # 12 Roosevelt Road bus in the west terminal at Roosevelt and Monitor. Chicago Illinois. July 2003., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in July of 203.

Seen here surrounding the three story brick storefront restaurant building, is the west terminal loop for the Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 12 / Roosevelt Road bus line, located along the north side of West Roosevelt Road and South Monitor Avenue.

Prior to 1973, this was an electric trolleybus turn around loop for the Chicago Transit Authority.

Westbound Addison Street CTA bus at Harlem Avenue. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

Westbound Addison Street CTA bus at Harlem Avenue. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a beautiful Autum morning, back in October of 2006.

A westbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 152 Addison Street bus, is viewed waiting for the traffic signal to change at the corner of North Harlem Avenue and West Addison Street.

Autum in Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011.

Autum in Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

I took this lovely Autum photograph this past Saturday afternoon, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois USA.

We are facing east on Pacific Avenue in Franklin Park Illinois, on a lovely and very sunny afternoon in early November of 2011.

I found this photo at My Link page "Dave's Electric Railroads", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.davesrailpix.com

Photographer Gerald Widemark, took this photo of a northbound electric interurban train of the Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee Railroad at Lake Bluff Illinois, way back in December of 1962.

Time was running out for the much fabled and very bankrupt Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee Railroad when this photo was taken, and the line would shut down entirely for good on January 21st, 1963.

Luckilly, several of their electric interurban cars that traveled daily betwen Chicago Illinois and Milwaukee Wisconsin, have been preserved at various railroad museums around North America.

The Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois, ( www.irm.org) actually has a sizeable collection of North Shore equipment either operating or on display.

Southbound Canadian Pacific grain train. Jan 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video, back in January of 2010.

A southbound Canadian Pacific unit grain train, is viewed passing through far north suburban Bannockburn Illinois in a snowy Winter landscape.

Former Illinois Central locomotive. CN transfer train. La Grange Park Illinois. November 2007.

Former Illinois Central locomotive. CN transfer train. La Grange Park Illinois. November 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a cold and very wet morning back in November of 2007.

We are at the 31st Street railroad crossing, in west suburban La Grange Park Illinois USA.

Several "Flavors" of railroad motive power and color schemes, are heading up this southbound Canadian National transfer freight train traveling over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad.

H.O ICG local overtakes a U.P steam freight.

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

The club members, are mostly a pleasant, loose and informal group, that does not mind operating periods and prototypes side by side during an operating session.

My early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf switching local, is viewed passing a Union Pacific Railroad steam powered freight waiting in the hole.

I spotted this photo at My Link page Yesteryeardepot.com, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.yesteryeardepot.com

The Belt Railway of Chicago, has always been focussed on moving long and very heavy transfer freight trains to and from their humongous Clearing Yard facility in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois, near Chicago's Midway Airport.

During the steam era, huge 2 -10 -2 steam locomotives like the example shown here in this 1948 photo courtesy of the Paul Elinberger collection, provided the much needed muscle to move those long and heavy freight drags across the city of Chicago Illinois.

Can You imagine the sound that this big coal burning "Brute" must have made starting a heavy freight train moving? How about the smoke and cinders?

The Belt Railway of Chicago retired and scrapped all remaining steam power by 1952.

BNSF Railway logo on an Auto Rack freight car. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011.

BNSF Railway logo on an Auto Rack freight car. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo just this past Saturday afternoon, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois USA.

This is a detailed photo of the ends of Auto Rack cars, and the BNSF Railway corporate logo.

Eastbound CSX Transportation Co West 16th street switching local returning to the Belt Railway of Chicago interchange. Cicero Illinois. April 2007.

Eastbound CSX Transportation Co West 16th street switching local returning to the Belt Railway of Chicago interchange. Cicero Illinois. April 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on an overcast early Springtime afternoon, back in April of 2007.

The sometimes rarely seen CSX Transportation Company local freight train that serves the industries along West 16th Street in west suburban Cicero Illinois, is viewed heading east and returning to the Belt Railway of Chicago interchange at the Chicago city limits border.

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

My railfan photo slideshow that I was hosting this past Saturday at the Franklin Park Public Library, was a big success. Many people had turned out for the event, and much enthusiasm was definately in the air in the library's community room.

The video entitled "The CTA EL and other electrics", was a big hit at the event, and much input was drawn from a visiting patron named Frank Bruno, who just happened to be a retired former CTA employee from the early years beging around the late 1940's.
Mr Bruno's memoirs about the early CTA days, begining with working on electric streetcars, later buses and finally becoming an instructor...really shed some light about the Chicago Transit Authority from an insiders point of view.

The show turned out to be absolutely wonderful, and I would like to extend a special "Thank You", to all of the visiting patrons, and to the new Library adult program director Michelle Mitchel, for giving Me the opportunity to host this historic Chicago area transportation photo slideshow.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this photo at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallen flags.org

One of the most "Unique" railroad color schemes I had came to know growing up in Chicago during the 1970's, was that of the former pre CSX Chessie System Railroad.

Photographer Dennis Schmidt captured these two Chessie System EMD model GP 15 light roadswitchers and a bay window caboose, near St. Louis Missouri on March 16th, 1983.

Southbound Canadian Pacific freight. Glenview IL. Feb 2009.

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

A Canadian Pacific heavy transfer freight train, is viewed heading southwest through north suburban Glenview Illinois at the West Lake Avenue railroad crossing.

This train is traveling over the Union Pacific ( ex C & N W ) freight only cut off line.

Canadian National freight train wreck at Spaulding Illinois near Bartlet. Thursday, November 3rd, 2011.

Canadian National freight train wreck at Spaulding Illinois near Bartlet. Thursday, November 3rd, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This photo was E mailed to Me last week Thursday.

A Canadian National Railroad freight train, was involved in a very fiery and spectacular derailment at Spaulding Illinois near the town of Bartlet.

Luckilly, no injuries were reported.

However...all Metra Milwaukee District west line commuter trains west of Bartlet Illinois were temporarilly discontinued for the day.

Train delay at the Dodge Avenue railroad crossing. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011.

Train delay at the Dodge Avenue railroad crossing. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo this past Saturday afternoon, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois USA.

A slow moving westbound Auto Rack train, is blocking the Scott Street railroad crossing, enroute to the nearby Canadian Paxcific Bensenville Yard near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

E B early morning CTA Skokie Swift train. Skokie IL. Nov 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video on My way to work this morning, in north suburban Skokie Illinois USA.

It is approximately 5:40 AM, as an eastbound Chicago Transit Authority yellow line train, passes the Kostner Avenue railroad crossing under the cover of very early morning darkness.

Two BNSF Railway locomotives heading eastbound and running light departing Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois. September 2007.

Two BNSF Railway locomotives heading eastbound and running light departing Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois. September 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in September of 2007.

Two EMD locomotives from the BNSF Railway, are viewed slowly heading eastbound and running light, past the Cicero Illinois Metra commuter rail station at South Cicero Avenue.

These two diesel electric roadswitchers, are viewed upon departure from the neaby BNSF Railway Clyde Yard facility, in west suburban Cicero Illinois USA.

Milwaukee Road EMD FP 45 # 3. Bensenville Illinois. January 18th, 1975.

Milwaukee Road EMD FP 45 # 3. Bensenville Illinois. January 18th, 1975., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this photo at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

The Milwaukee Road, was one of many now fallen flag railroads of the past, that served the greater Chicagoland area.

When the Milwaukee Road discontinued company sponsored passenger trains in 1971 and joined Amtrak, their former EMD FP 45 passenger diesl locomotives, were placed in to freight train operation.

EMD FP 45 # 3 was no longer pulling the Hiawatha passenger trains by the time of this 1975 photo taken in Bensenville Illinois.

Old high school buddies reunite at the Franklin Park Public Library. Saturday, November 5th, 2011.

Old high school buddies reunite at the Franklin Park Public Library. Saturday, November 5th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

This photo was taken yesterday, at My railfan photo slideshow I was hosting, at the Franklin Park Public Library.

The show was a hit, as many people showed up and asked about any upcoming shows I will be hosting in the near future.

The biggest surprise of all, was an unexpected visit from an old high school buddy of mine, that I had not seen in at least 23 years or so!

My friend Jeff Ruhnke to the right of the photo, attended Curie High School with Me, during the late 1970's and early 80's. Jeff and Myself, were proboubly the only two "Railfans" attending Curie High School, and hung around throughout our high school days, until approximately 7 years later when We sort of went our own seperate ways somehow.

We had tons of stories to swap, and it was a very happy reunion!

See? Thats the great thing about doing these public speaking presentations. You never know who will show up.

Thanks for coming Jeff! It was great seeing You again after all of these years.

Eddie K.

The bridge tender's tower on the East 103rd Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

The bridge tender's tower on the East 103rd Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, during a recent October photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago with My good friend and fellow railfan buddy Anthony C.

Seen here, is the northeast bridge tenders tower on the East 193rd Street drawbridge, over the Calumet River.

A plaque read that this bridge was built in 1927, during the administration of then Chicago mayor William Hale Thompson.

If You look north from the brdge, You can get a really nice photo of the very tall Chicago Skyway toll bridge.

H.O steam freight train crossing a big trestle.

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

My recently purchased used Athearn U.S.R.A light 2-8-2 steam locomotive, is viewed pulling a freight train over the recently completed tall trestle on the club layout.

Westbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad switching local. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2011. Photograph by Anthony C.

Westbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad switching local. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2011. Photograph by Anthony C., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

One of My favorite photos that I have posted here in the recent past at My blogsite, was this one that was E mailed to Me by My good friend and fellow railfan buddy Anthony C.

This photo was taken looking east, from the South Kedzie Avenue CTA orange line rapid transit station. Seen here, is the now westbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad switching local, departing from the Central Steel and Wire plant in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

Southbound Canadian National transfer train slowly rounding the southbound interchange curve. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. October 2008.

Southbound Canadian National transfer train slowly rounding the southbound interchange curve. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. October 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one late afternoon, back in October of 2008.

A Canadian National Railroad transfer freight train is just departing from the CN's former Illinois Central Hawthorne Yard in west suburban Cicero Illinois, and is now slowly rounding the southbound interchange curve connection to the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks at Hawthorne Junction, located at the Chicago city limits.

Polumbo Brother's antique construction machinery display. Hillside Illinois. September 2006.

Polumbo Brother's antique construction machinery display. Hillside Illinois. September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo around twilight one evening, back in September of 2006.

This local roadside icon landmark consisting of antique construction equipment, is located along the west side of Illinois U.S Rts # 12 and # 45, just north of the intersection of West Roosevelt Road / Rt # 38, in west suburban Hillside Illinois USA.

Belt Railway of Chicago radio controlled EMD roadswitcher # 583 at the East 95th Street coal yard. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Belt Railway of Chicago radio controlled EMD roadswitcher # 583 at the East 95th Street coal yard. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

S B Amtrak Hiawatha on a slow order. Morton Grove IL.

Canadian National freight train wreck at Spaulding Illinois near Bartlet. Thursday, November 3rd 2011.

Canadian National freight train wreck at Spaulding Illinois near Bartlet. Thursday, November 3rd 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The 1888 built Grand Trunk Western Elsdon depot. Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983.

The 1888 built Grand Trunk Western Elsdon depot. Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Don't forget!
Tommorow from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, I will be hosting a local railfan photo slideshow at the Franklin Park Public Library, located at 10311 West Grand Avenue in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois. Admission is free.

Due to popular demand, I will be showing "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars" once again.

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

Westbound Canadian National freight train approaching the Riverside Drive railroad crossing. Berwyn Illinois. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2007.

A slow moving westbound Canadian National freight train, is viewed approaching the Riverside Drive railroad crossing around sunset, in west suburban Berwyn Illinois USA.

Danny's Pizza on South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood. Tuesday, September 27th, 2011.

Danny's Pizza on South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood. Tuesday, September 27th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Being born and raised on the near southwest side of Chicago Myself, there is nothing like getting together with friends for some good southside Chicago pizza.

Danny's Pizza shown here, is located at 6021 South Archer Avenue, in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhod near Midway Airport.

Their pizza is delicious and the prices are well within reason.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

E B BNSF Auto Rack train. Brookfield. Oct 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video one night last week, in west suburban Brookfield Illinois USA.

An eastbound BNSF Railway Auto Rack train operating on a slow order, approaches the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing around 10:00 PM.

Hello everyone!
This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page with a friendly community news reminder.

Please mark Your calendar if You havn't done so already.

This Saturday, November 5th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM...I will be hosting a local Railfan Photo Slideshow event at the Franklin Park Public Library. The Franklin Park Public Library, is located at 10311 West Grand Avenue, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois USA. Admission is free.

I will be showing as part of My presentation, a DVD video entitled
"The CTA EL and other electrics", wich features many local Chicago area silent railfan home movies set to Dixieland Jazz music, that were photographed in Chicago durin the 1950's and 60's era.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Indiana Harbor Belt Argo Yard. Summit Illinois. October 2006.

The Indiana Harbor Belt Argo Yard. Summit Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on an overcast Autum morning, back in October of 2006.

An Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad bay window caboose, is viewed at the IHB's own Argo Yard facility, in southwest suburban Summit Illinois USA.

Wanamaker Kempton and Southern Steam Railroad June 7, 2009

I found this really cool steam tourist railfan video on You Tube this morning.

A popular little tourist railroad offering steam train rides in the state of Pennsylvania today, is the Wanamaker, Kempton & Southern Railroad.

This line utilizes a former Reading Railroad branchline, and is known as "The Hawk Mountain Line".

Westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train. Riverside Illinois. October 2007.

Westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train. Riverside Illinois. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a beautiful Autum day, back in October of 2007.

A westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train, slowly gains momentum as it approaches west suburban Riverside Illinois USA.

Southbound Canadian National transfer train. La Grange Park Illinois. November 2007.

Southbound Canadian National transfer train. La Grange Park Illinois. November 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a very cold and wet morning, back in November of 2007.

We are looking north from 31st Street, in west suburban La Grange Park Illinois, near the border of neighboring town Brookfield.

A southbound Canadian National transfer train, has just recieved the green block signal from the railroad dispatcher, and is now begining the next leg of a southbound journey, over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad.

Old late 1970's era GMC dump truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Old late 1970's era GMC dump truck. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a recent photo outing, to the far southeast side of Chicago Illinois, near the Indiana state line border.

You can never tell what might show up when You go out exploring with a camera in hand.

Seen here, is a classic late 1970's era GMC dump truck. This truck was photographed near East 103rd Street, in the South Chicago neighborhood near the border at Hammond Indiana.

NB CTA Skokie Swift at dusk. Skokie IL. Sept 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video, at the Oakton Street CTA yellow line railroad crossing, in north suburban Skokie Illinois USA.

It is an overcast evening in September of 2009, as a northbound Chicago Transit Authority Skokie Swift train, crosses Oakton Street at nightfall.

Switching the Metra / BNSF Railway commuter coach yard at South Canal Street and West Roosevelt Road. Chicago Illinois. August 2007.

Switching the Metra / BNSF Railway commuter coach yard at South Canal Street and West Roosevelt Road. Chicago Illinois. August 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, back in August of 2007.

Looking south from the West Roosevelt Road overpass bridge near Chicago Union Station, We spot an old EMD yard switcher and crew from the BNSF Railway, spotting commuter coach cars at a Metra coach yard and maintenance facility near downtown Chicago.

Westbound Metra express train. Park Ridge IL. Feb 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video, on a bitterly cold Winter evening back in late February of 2009.

A westbound Metra evening rush hour express commuter train enroute to Harvard Illinois, passes the Prospect Avenue railroad crossing, in uptown north suburban Park Ridge Illinois.

Preserved 1907 built Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad steam locomotive # 1385. The West Chicago Illinois Railroad Days Celebration. West Chicago Illinois. July 1983.

Preserved 1907 built Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad steam locomotive # 1385. The West Chicago Illinois Railroad Days Celebration. West Chicago Illinois. July 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo at the annual West Chicago Illinois "Railroad Days" celebration, way back in July of 1983.

A visitor to the fair, was preserved 1907 Alco built 4-6-0 steam locomotive # 1385 from the Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad.

This locomotive was visiting the festival, from the Mid Continent Railroad Museum in North Freedom Wisconsin USA.

Southbound Belt Railway of Chicago switching local at Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. March 1987.

Southbound Belt Railway of Chicago switching local at Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. March 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, way back in March of 1987.

A southbound Belt Railway of Chicago switching local, is viewed crossing the former Illinois Central Gulf tracks at Hawthorne Junction, located immediately on the Chicago city limits border, at west suburban Cicero Illinois USA.

Union Pacific Railroad heavy maintenance of way department truck. Chicago Illinois. September 2006.

Union Pacific Railroad heavy maintenance of way department truck. Chicago Illinois. September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in September of 2006.

M.O.W or "Maintenance Of Way" operations, are important and needed to maintain the track and infrastructure of any given railroad.

This Union Pacific owned GMC heavy maintenance truck with Hi Rail wheels, earns it's keep for the company whenever needed.

The Hollywood Snack Shop Restaurant in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. September 1987.

The Hollywood Snack Shop Restaurant in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. September 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

I took this photo at the intersection of North Western and West Lawrence Avenues in Chicago's Lincoln Square neighborhood, way back in September of 1987.

A once common sight in many of Chicago's neighborhoods with busy commercial shopping districts, were these 1950's and 60's era sit down soda fountain and grill restaurants that featured elaborate neon signs, and incadescant chase lights.

The Hollywood Snack Shop shown here, was more than likely in it's last decade of operation as a local neighborhood restaurant.
Just recently I had passed through this location, and seen that it had become a matress and bedding store.

I seem to somehow recall, that
there used to be a little street corner neighborhood grill with poorly maintained neon signage and incadescant chase lights that had long since quit working, on the southeast corner of West 59th Street and South Kedzie Avenue, in the Chicago Lawn neighborhood until at least the mid to late 1980's.

Few if any of these old restaurants like this, are still in business in the city of Chicago Illinois today.

This photo is an example, of how I would occasionally just take a simple random snap shot photo, just for the heck of it all.

I am so glad that I took this one while I had the chance to do so back in the late 1980's.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eddie K's Athearn steam locomotive gets a voice.

I photographed this digital live sound video last month, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. ( Of wich I am a member of Myself.)

Over the summer months of 2011, I purchased a 2nd hand Athearn U.S.R.A ( United States Railway Administration / World War 1 era ) Baldwin 2-8-2 light Mikado steam locomotive.

By October of 2011, I had an MRC sound decoder installed in My steam locomotive.
Here it is being demonstrated in the rear staging yard on the club layout.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this historic mid 1960's era photo at My Link page
Yesteryear Depot.Com...wich is located to the right of Your computer screen at
www.yesteryeardepot.com

One of My favorite fallen flag Chicago railroads of the past, was the former Wabash Railroad. The Wabash was one of those North American railroads, that was in a big hurry to retire steam locomotives, and begin total dieselization in the years immediately following the end of World War 2 in 1945.

During this period, the former steam locomotive builders attempted to build and market new diesel locomotives. The Wabash just like the former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific....seemed to own just about one or more of many of these new locomotive models from different builders. The Wabash originally had a striking blue, gray and white color scheme on their mainline road diesels, but had began to repaint many in to a simple solid blue paint scheme by the early 1960's to cut costs and ease maintenance.

The Wabash was one of the first North American railroads, to embrace "New" EMD 2nd Generation motive power, begining around 1963 with the EMD model GP 35 roadswitcher model shown here in this 1965 photo.

During October of 1964, the Norfolk & Western Railroad purchased the Wabash, and the New York, Chicago & St. Louis Railroad (The NKP / Nickle Plate Road ) and absorbed them in to their corporate system through merger. This was one of the first large railroad mergers of the 20th century.

Many times, equipment from former railroads acquired through mergers...will roll around for a number of years in the former railroad's color schemes and markings, until eventually sold or repainted. This is just what happened in this photo taken a year after the big merger in 1965.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A two train meet at the Lake Cook Road station.

I photographed this digital live sound video today, at the Lake Cook Road Metra commuter rail station, in north suburban Deerfield Illinois USA.

The fast moving Amtrak Hiawatha enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, overtakes a slow moving Canadian Pacific freight train.

Canadian National yard switching activity with fallen flag predecessorrailroad locomotives. Crawford Yard. Chicago Illinois. April 2007.

Canadian National yard switching activity with fallen flag predecessor railroad locomotives. Hawthorne Yard. Chicago Illinois. April 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo after work one afternoon, back in early April of 2007.

The former Illinois Central / Chicago & Illinois Western ( I.C Subsidiary) owned Crawford Yard on the near southwest side of Chicago, is alive and well with a long tank car train being assembled.

The succesor railroad Canadian National, has closed Crawford Yard in 2011, and has removed the tracks. It was nice while it lasted.

Eastbound BNSF Railway unit coal train with 1991 Burlington Northern paint scheme on locomotives. Brookfield Ilinois. December 2006.

Eastbound BNSF Railway unit coal train with 1991 Burlington Northern paint scheme on locomotives. Brookfield Ilinois. December 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a sunny and yet mild December morning, back in 2006.

An eastbound BNSF Railway unit coal train, is viewed approaching the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing, in west suburban Brookfield Illinois USA.

The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 2010.

The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo after a delightful September 2010 visit to The Hesston Steam Museum, located in northwest Indiana east of Michigan City.

The locomotive pictured on the ticket, originally pulled narrow guage passenger trains at Chicago's Brookfield Zoo.