Southbound Pace /Niles Free Bus on Harlem Avenue during a severe thunderstorm. Niles Illinois USA. Friday, June 19th 2009.

Hi everyone!
welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of Eddie's Railfan Page.

I took this photo on Friday, June 19th 2009 at approximately 11:00 AM. On this day, the greater Chicagoland area was hit hard by a freak storm system. The National Weather Service had issued a severe thunderstorm warning for the entire Chicago area effective until 3:00 PM. There were frequent heavy and very torrential downpours, with many sewers being overwhelmed. many streets and house basements were flooded. Hail and downed tree limbs were a big problem as well as numerous power outages.

We are heading southbound on Harlem Avenue near the intersection at Touhy in north suburban Niles Illinois. I was on My lunchbreak at the time, and captured some spectacular severe weather conditions on My digital camera. My cars windshield wipers were at full speed when I took this photo. It was a very nasty day!

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound CTA Route # 62 Archer / Harlem Avenue bus making a stop at South Normal Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2008

I photographed this digital live sound video one hot summer afternoon, in August of 2008. We are on location at the southwest corner of South Archer and Normal Avenues, in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhoodon the southside of Chicago.

A Chicago Transit Authority 1990's era Nova transit bus assigned to the CTA Route # 62 Archer /Harlem Avenue bus line, makes a rush hour stop at the northeast corner of Archer and Normal Avenues. This bus had just departed from nearby downtown Chicago Illinois a few minutes ago.

Silent Digital Video: Westbound CTA Route # 77 Belmont Avenue bus at the intersection of Bemont and Long Avenues. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old digital camera, in the early Spring of 2007. A westbound Chicago Transit Authority Route # 77 Belmont Avenue bus, is viewed heading westbound at the intersection of West Belmont and North Long Avenues on Chicago's northside. The bus is a 1990's era Flxible transit bus.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound First Transit 2008 Ford paratransit bus returning to the garage. Glenview Illinois USA. Early April 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one day.
I am employed as a Paratransit Driver / Handicapped Bus Operator, and I love My job.

We are on the west side of Lehigh Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois looking south. One of My fellow drivers is viewed returning to My company's nearby garage at the end of the day. This fellow driver is operating a "New" 2008 Ford paratransit bus that was recently acquired last Autum at the First Transit garage.

Suburban Pace buses at the CTA Dempster Street terminal. Skokie Illinois USA. July 2008.

I took this photo on a hot summer morning in July of 2008. Two suburban transit buses from Pace, are viewed waiting at the Chicago Transit Authority's yellow line / Skokie Swift rapid transit terminal on Dempster Street in north suburban Skokie Illinois.

Westbound Pace bus on Grand Avenue. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. September 2006.

I took this photo one evening in September of 2006. A westbound suburban Pace bus in the 2005 blue color scheme, is viewed near 78th Avenue in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

Westbound CTA Route # 78 Montrose Avenue bus. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2006.

I took this photo on Chicago's northside, back in January of 2006. With the Chicago Transit Authority's brown line station over West Montrose Avenue in the background, a CTA 1990's era Flxible transit bus heads westbound.

Saint Clair of Montifalco Catholic Parish annual summer carnival. Chicago Illinois USA. June 1988.

Hi everyone!
welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois.
I took this photo on Chicago's southwest side in June of 1988. We are at Saint Clair of Montifalco Catholic Parish church at West 54th Street and South Washtenaw Avenue in Chicago's Gage Park neighborhood. many local residents have come oufor an evening of family fun on this pleasant summer afternoon in June of 1988.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha passing through a severe thunderstorm. Morton Grove Illinois USA. Friday, June 19th 2009.

I photographed this very unique digital live sound video on location, at the Morton Grove Illinois Metra commuter rail station. I was on My lunchbreak at the time, as severe thunderstorm activity was begining to create havoc. The National Weather service had issued a severe thunderstorm watch for the entire Chicagoland area, effective until 3:00 PM on this day. Arriving at Morton Grove just minutes after the storms arrived, I sought shelter under the station platform canopy. Seen here around 10:37 AM, is the Milwaukee Wisconsin bound Amtrak Hiawatha train rolling through heavy rainstorm conditions.

Many local sewers were overwhelmed by the deluge. Many people suffered from flooded basements and streets. There were many downed tree limbs and branches around too as well as hail. It was indeed a bad day weatherwise in the city of Chicago Illinois.

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

I took this photo one day, in September of 2007. Two EMD roadswitcher locomotives from the BNSF Railway, are viewed running light eastbound. They are in the process of departing the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy / Burlington Northern- Clyde Yard in west suburban Cicero illinois.

Locomotives idling on the ready track at the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard. Bedford Park Illinois USA. March 2007.

I tok this photo after work one afternoon in March of 2007. A set of diesel locomotives are viewed idling on the ready track, just west of the Belt Railway of Chicago locomotive shop and terminal inside Clearing Yard.

Westbound Canadian Pacific freight train. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Early March 2007.

I took this photo one overcast morning, in early March of 2007. A westbound Canadian Pacific freight train, is viewed slowly passing through near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois. It is early in March during the later part of the winter season.

The Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station during a severe thunderstorm. Morton Grove Illinois USA. Friday, June 19th 2009.

I took this photo during My lunchbreak on Friday, June 19th 2009 around 10:30 AM.
On this date, the entire Chicagoland area was under a severe thunderstorm watch until 3:00 PM that day. A freak storm system with torrential rainstorms and hail wreaked havoc upon Chicago, creating flooded streets and basements everywhere.

The storm system began acting up in Morton Grove at about 10: 15 AM. I took this photo looking north under the station platform canopy during a torrential downpour.

The abandoned Frosted Mug Drive In Restaurant. Alsip Illinois USA. June 2009.

The times are changing in south suburban Alsip Illinois.

A once very popular, fun, happy, lively and very happening Frosted Mug Drive In restaurant, located at West 116th Street and South Puaski Road...is viewed in a state of abandonment. Prior to the Autumm of 2007, this was one of the Chicago areas "Last" roadside 1950's and 1960's era Drive In restaurants with genuine "Car Hop Service"that was still in business.

The popular menu entrees like the Texas Burger , Pit Bar B Q Sandwich,and their Homemade Root Beer, are all just a recent memory now. A few years ago this place featured antique car shows and cruise nights. Many local familes and car enthusiasts would dine here. It was a friendly and nostalgic place.

The Frosted Mug was up for sale and on the market for a number of years in recent times. The restaurant closed for remodeling during the Autum of 2007. Some interior remodeling work was actually started, but sadly the abandoned restaurant is up for sale now.

Preserved Chicago & Illinois Midland Railroad caboose. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. June 1981.

I took this photo on a June 1981 family visit, to the Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Seen here is a recently acquired antique railroad caboose from fallen flag railroad Chicago & Illinois Midland. It is utilized occasionaly on the museum's demonstration freight trains during special occasions.

Southwest Airlines jet plane landing at Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois USA. September 1987.

I took this classic southside Chicago photograph, in September of 1987. We are on the northside of West 63rd Street looking west toward the intersection of South Cicero Avenue. An incoming jet plane from Southwest Airlines, is viewed landing at Chicago's Midway Airport. A popular location for "Airplane Fans" in Chicago, is the White Castle Hamburgers fast food restaurant on the northeast corner of West 63rd Street and South Cicero Avenue.

Silent Digital Video: Eastbound CSX container train passing through Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video one hot summer afternoon, in July of 2007.
We are on the northside of the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks, at the very busy Hayford Junction on Chicago's southwest side. An eastbound CSX Transportation Company intermiodal container train, has just departed from the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. The train is passing through the Canadian National ex Grand Trunk Western single crosstrack at Hayford Junction. Hayford Junction is located at West 75th Street and South Central Park Avenue, in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood.

Eastbound CTA blue line train. Oak Park Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo one hot summer morning, in August of 2006. I took this photo near the Oak Park Avenue overpass bridge, at the Illinois U.S Route # 290 Congress Expressway. An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority blue line rapid transit train, makes time heading for downtown Chicago Illinois. The train is enroute to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport from West suburban Forest Park Illinois.

Northbound Canadian National freight train waiting on a hold order. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Thursday, June 18th 2009.

I took this photo after work one evening. A northbound Canadian National heavy transfer freight train, is viewed waiting on a hold order around sunset, adjacent to the Franklin Park / Grand Avenue underpass, wich was completed in 2007.

Southbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train crossing Shermer Road. Northbrook Illinois USA. June 2009.

I took this photo one morning in June of 2009. We are on location in north suburban Northbrook Illinois, at the Shermer Road railroad crossing. A southbound Canadian Pacific Railroad intermodal freight train, is seen slowly making it's way to the nearby interchange connection just south of here, at the Union Pacific ex C&NW Freight only cut off line near Techny Illinois.

Standee's Coffee Shop. Located on West Granville Avenue in Chicago's Roger's Park neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. 2007.

Hi everybody!
werlcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page, from the city of Chicago Illinois.
I took this photo one summer afternoon in the year of 2007. Chicago is a city with many inexpensive neighborhood eateries. Although I have actually never ate here, I have always enjoyed seeing this old coffee shop with the 1950's era neon sign and architecture on West Granville Avenue near North Broadway Avenue. Standees Coffee Shop is located in Chicago's Roger's Park neighborhood, near Loyola University on the far northside of the city near north suburban Evanston Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra commuter local departing Franklin Park Illinois at sunset. Early June 2009.

I photographed this unique digital live sound video, after work one evening in early June of 2009. Another day is coming to a close in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois, as a westbound Metra commuter local enroute to Elgin Ilinois, departs town around sunset. The train is heading off in to the sunset on the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline.

A Burlington Northern EMD yard switcher performing terminal operations. Galesburg Illinois USA. June 1985.

On Saturday June 8th 1985, I travelled aboard a 20th Century Railroad Club of Chicago fantrip excursion to the Galesburg Illinois "Railroad Days" celebration. I took this photo after detraining our chartered fantrip special in Galesburg Illinois. An EMD first generation SW series yard switcher from the Burlington Northern Railroad, has just coupled on to our chartered Amtrak train, and will soon take it to the nearby yard and maintenance facility. This locomotive will also assist in the turning around operation that will point the train east in the direction of Chicago for the return trip that evening.

The lead late 1970's era Amtrak F-40 PH locomotive, wore special decals up front that read "Galesburg Zephyr". It was a fun excursion to the Galesburg Railroad days.

My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow arrives tommow at the Eisenhower Public Library. 4613 North Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois!

Tommorow afternoon ,Saturday June 27th 2009...I will be hostiing My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, at the Eisenhower Public Library.
The library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue, in near north suburban Harwood Heights Illinois. It will be a fun time for local Chicago area railfans to get together. The presentation may include the showing of a short railfan home movie /video of mine depending on time.

All A-boooaaard!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A former Conrail auto rack car in transit. Franklin Park Ilinois USA. Thursday, June 18th 2009.

I absolutely enjoy spotting those working freight cars from fallen flag railroads occasionally. I spotted this former Conrail auto rack car in transit, on a slow moving westbound Canadian Pacific freight train passing through Franklin Park Illinois. It was great seeing this icon from pre 1999 times, still wearing the colors and markings of it's former owner today.

Metra commuter train conductor speaking to the locomotive engineer via two way radio. Northbrook Illinois USA. June 2009.

I took this photo one summer morning recently, in June of 2009. A southbound Metra commuter local enroute to Chicago from Fox Lake Illinois, was ordered on to the "Wrong", or what is normally the "Northbound" station platform track. The regular southbound track was taken out of service on this day for track maintenance.
Here we see one of the onboard Metra conductors, talking to the locomotive engineer via a two way radio on his uniform shirt, much like a law enforcement officer would.
After the train was lined up so that the doors on one of the cars would meet up at the station crossover walkway, this conductor then guided passengers from the normally southbound platform on to the waiting train.

This is a rare behind the scenes view of a working railroad operation, at the Northbrook Metra commuter rail station.

Northbound Trailways Bus Company bus on Michigan Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. June 1986.

I took this photo in downtown Chicago Illinois, one summer morning in June of 1986. A northbound Trailways Bus Company, Eagle motorcoach bus, is viewed on Michigan Avenue near Grant Park.

Silent Digital Video: Eastbound Pace bus on Stanley Avenue. Berwyn Illinois USA. January 2008.

I photographed this silent digital video one winter morning, in early January of 2008, in west suburban Berwyn Illinois. An eastbound Pace Route #302 Ogden / Stanley Avenue bus enroute to Cicero Illinois from La Grange, passes alongside the BNSF Railway on Stanley Avenue.

Northbound CTA Route # 52A South Kedzie Avenue bus. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2007.

I took this photo one evening in April of 2007. We are looking south at the intersection of South Kedzie Avenue and West 111th Street in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood near the Chicago city limits. A northbound Chicago Transit Authority Route # 52A South Kedzie Avenue bus, is approaching the bus stop at West 111th Street. The transit bus seen here, is a 1990's era Nova low floor model.

Village of Harwood Heights free helper bus. Harwood Heights Illinois USA. May 2009.

I took this photo one afternoon on North Oketo Avenue, in May of 2009. This Foed Econoline Series modified paratransit van bus, is utilized by the north suburban village of Harwood Heights Illinois, to assist the local elderly and handicapped population.

CTA Route # 52 Kedzie /California Avenue bus at the north terminal loop. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2007.

I took this photo looking west from alongside adjacent North California Avenue, just north of the intersection at West Roscoe Avenue, in January of 2007. This is the north terminal loop for the Chicago Transit Authority's Route # 52 Kedzie / California Avenue bus line. Prior to March 15th, 1969...This bus turning facility was used by CTA electric trolleybuses. Prior to May of 1954, this area was a terminal for electric streetcars, where passengers had to board and alight in the middle of North California Avenue.

Flowers for My lovely wife Cheryl.

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

Today is a very special date on the calendar for Cheryl and Myself.
Three years ago today on Saturday, June 24th 2006...We offically became a Husband and Wife team.

Today is our three year wedding anniversary, and I thought that it would be nice to start todays photo posting with this nice boguette of colorful flowers in honor of My lovely wife Cheryl.

I love her!

COMING THIS SATURDAY...MY CHICAGOLAND RAILFAN PHOTO SLIDESHOW! Saturday, June 27th 2009. 2:00 to 3:30 PM!

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

I just thought to remind You, that I will be hosting My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow this Saturday from 2:00 to 3:30 PM, at the Eisenhower Public Library.
The Eisenhower Public Library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near north suburban Harwood Heights Illinlois.

It will be a fun afternoon for all local Chicago area Railfans to get together.

All A-booooaaard!!!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Strasburg Railroad 0-6-0 # 31 running light. Strasburg Pennsylvania USA. August 1990.

I took this photo on an August 1990 vacation I went on, to Strasburg Pennsylavania.
Needless to say...I devoted a considerable amount of time railfanning on the Strasburg Railroad.

Locomotive # 31 had recently recieved some repairs at the engine house, and is viewed here returning to the East Strasburg yard running light on a mechanical shake down test run. Right place, right time for Me definately.

The Kiddieland Limited boarding passengers. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. September 2006.

I took this night time photo at Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park located in northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois, back in September of 2006. This is a late season photograph toward the end of September due to the fact that now the park was only open on weekends, and that also , early darkness was gaining on Chicagoland.
The 14" track guage miniature railroad at Kiddieland, prepares to take on some passengers for a nocturnal ride around the amusement park's perimeter.

Former Burlington Northern Railroad covered hopper cars in transit. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Thursday, June 18th 2009.

I took this photo after work last thursday evening, just east of the Edgington Street railroad crossing in Franklin Park Illinois. Remnants from fallen flag former railroad company's can sometimes show up when You least expect them too.
These two covered hopper cars from pre 1995 times, were spotted on a slow moving westbound Canadian Pacific transfer train. They are still wearing the markings and Cascade Green color scheme of the Burlington Northern Railroad, wich today is now the BNSF Railway since 1995.

Digital Live Sound Video: Mechanical safety fence gates closing at the CTA Linden Avenue purple line terminal. Wilmette USA. Early June 2009.

I photographed this unique behind the scenes digital live sound video, at the Maple Avenue CTA railroad crossing. This is the south entrance to the Chicago Transit Authority's Linden Avenue rapid transit terminal.

A northbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line train had just arrived a moment ago enroute from downtown Chicago Illinois via north suburban Evanston. The mechanical safety fence gate shown here, is viewed closing after the train has entered the Linden Avenue terminal in Wilmette Illinois, at the end of the line.
These mechanical safety fence gates, prevent unauthorized people from trespassing on to the electrified third rail right of way. Energized at 600 Volts DC...It has to hurt! A rather shocking revelation. ZAP!

Northbound Canadian National freight train waiting on a hold order. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Thursday, June 18th 2009.

I took this photo one evening after work last week. A northbound Canadian National freight train, is viewed waiting on a hold order. Thlocomotives are idling on top of the Grand Avenue Underpass at the end of the day around sunset.

Northbound CTA red line train stopping at the Loyola station. Chicago Illinois USA. Early September 2006.

I took this photo looking south from a parking lot alongside West Albion Avenue, just west of the intersection at Sheridan Road on Chicago's far northside. A northbound Chicago Transit Authority red line rapid transit train, is seen arriving at the Loyola station in Chicago's Roger's Park neighborhood.

The Dukes of Hazzard General Lee car in Chicago?

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

I took this photo on My way back to work one afternoon after My lunch break, back in April of 2009. I attended Chicago's Curie High School from 1977 to 1981. I could remember spending My Friday nights watching the CBS TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard" from approximately 1978 until 1984. ( On and off the last two years.)

This isn't the actual TV show General Lee car, but rather a believable "Stand In" owned by a local Chicago area resident. The man that owned this one loved the show so much...That He strongly wanted his own General Lee. Here it is at the Belmont Heights Auto Body Shop at the corner of West Belmont and North Osceola Avenue.

The actual TV show Dukes of Hazzard General Lee 1969 Dodge Charger car, is on display at the Volo Auto Museum located in Volo Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Metra evening rush hour express commuter train. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one evening, in June of 2009. We are facing south on Harlem Avenue, just south of the intersection at Northwest Highway. A speeding eastbound Metra express commuter train, heads to downtown Chicago Illinois with two locomotives pushing on the rear. This line is the Metra / Union Pacific Railroad -Northwest line. Prior to 1998...this was the Chicago & Northwestern mainline.

The 1888 built, Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon depot. (Gone) Chicago Illinois USA. October 1983.

One of My all time favorite, but now sadly long gone Chicago railroad landmarks, was the old wooden GTW Elsdon depot on West 51st Street near South Lawndale Avenue. I took this photo in October of 1983, during what turned out to be the final week of operation at Elsdon Yard. The depot, built in 1888...was demolished in November of 1983. This was the last time I would visit this site while it was in operation.

Canadian Pacific hi rail maintenance truck. Franklin Park Illinois USA. May 2006.

I took this photo on an overcast springtime morning three years ago, in May of 2006.
A yellow Canadian Pacfic Railroad GMC maintenance of way truck, is viewed near preserved historic tower B-12 in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

The Frosted Mug Drive In Restaurant. (Closed) Alsip Illinois USA. Early September 2006.

Hi everybody!
Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page.

A favorite and interesting sideline to My transportation interests, were the once popular roadside drive in restaurants from the 1950's and 60's Babyboomer era.

The Frosted Mug Drive In shown here, was located at West 116th Street and South Pulaski Road in south suburban Alsip Illinois. From 1985 until it closed in late 2007, I would occasionally stop in for some good fast food, homemade Root Beer and some memorable good times. On Tuesday and Saturday nights, The Frosted Mug would have car shows like the one shown here. I hope that the Frosted Mug eventually reopens as a roadside drive in restaurant again with car hop service like it was.

The Greater Chicagoland Area once had several of these roadside drive in restaurants.
Unfortunately....most of them were gone by 1975. West suburban Berwyn Illinois once had several on Ogden Avenue.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Metra express commuter train. Glenview Illinois USA. Early April 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one evening, in early April pf 2009. We are looking east alongside adjacent Lehigh Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois. Seen here is a speeding northbound Metra rush hour express commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois over the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline.

Yes. That is My shadow on the ground.

COMING SOON! MY CHICAGOLAND RAILFAN PHOTO SLIDESHOW! Saturday, June 27th 2009.

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

Be sure to come down to the Eisenhower Public Library, located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near north suburban Harwood Heights Illinois next week Saturday afternoon from 2:00 to 3:00 PM. I will be hosting My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow.

It will be a fun afternoon for all local Chicago area Railfans, Transportation enthusiasts and Nostalgics alike.

All A boooaaard!

Thank You.
Eddie K.

Eddie K on a September 1985 20th Century Railroad Club of Chicago excursion.

A fellow railfan snapped this photo of Me on a 20th Century Railroad Club of Chicago mainline steam excursion. It was a very uncomfortably "HOT" Sunday, September 7th 1985 mainline steam excursion. Our group traveled from Chicago to Sterling Illinois, over the Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad "West Line", wich today is now the Union Pacific Railroad since 1998.
It was a very hot 100 degrees Farenheight that day with plenty of humidity. Our locomotive was restored Nickle Plate Road 2-8-4 Berkshire type steam locomotive # 765 from the Fort Wayne Railroad Historical Society. ( Indiana.)

Here I am on the return leg of the trip enroute to Chicago Illinois at around sunset.

Westbound BNSF Railway freight train. Brookfield Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo on a hot summer afternoon in August of 2007. I was visiting a flea market that was being held on the grounds of the historic preserved Grossdale train station on Brookfield Avenue. A westbound BNSF freight train breaks the silence of a quiet Sunday afternoon in Chicago's western suburbs.

Westbound Cabadian Pacific freight train heading in to the sunset. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Thursday, June 18th 2009.

I took this photo after work.
We are on location in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.
A slow moving westbound Canadian Pacific freight train, is viewed heading in to the sunset east of the Edgington Street railroad crossing at the end of the day.

The CTA Maple Avenue railroad crossing at sunset. Wilmette Illinois USA. Early June 2009.

I took this photo after work one evening, in early June of 2009. We are facing west on Maple Avenue, adjacent to the Chicago Transit Authority's Linden Avenue rapid transit terminal on the CTA purple line. Another late Spring day is coming to an end in the Greater Chicagoland Area. The village of north suburban Wilmette Illinois is welcoming the approaching night time sky.

Silent Digital Video: Westbound Metra commuter train on a rainy morning. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late September 2007.

I photographed this unique wet weather silent digital video one morning, in late September of 2007. We are looking east at the 75th Avenue railroad crossing, in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois. A westbound Metra express commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois over the Canadian Pacific / ex Milwaukee Road mainline, is seen traveling through heavy rain conditions on an early Autum morning.

Westbound Metra express commuter train. Berwyn Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo on location at the Ridgeland Avenue railroad crossing, in west suburban Berwyn Illinois. A speeding Metra rush hour commuter train enroute to Aurora Illinois, is photographed passing under the Illinois Central Railroad / Iowa Division Mainline bridge just west of the BNSF Railway Clyde Yard in nearby Cicero Illinois.

Northbound Canadian National freight train waiting on a hold order. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Thursday, June 18th 2009.

I took this photo after work yesterday around sunset, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois. This northbound Canadian National heavy freight train, was temporarily parked on top of the Grand Avenue Underpass waiting for further instructions from the railroad dispatcher.

Gene and Jude's Hot Dogs. River Grove Illinois USA. Early June 2009.

Hello everyone!
Welcome to Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois.

Before I begin todays posting...I would like to personally thank everyone for all those very kind and caring comments I have recieved this last week, in regards to the sudden and untimely passing of My Grandmother in law Josephine Kwit, 1921-2009.
It has been a very sad time for My family, and we extend our deepest gratitude to all

I took this photo after work one evening, in early June of 2009. One of "Grandma" Josephine Kwits all time favorite Chicago area hot dog stands, was Gene and Jude's in nearby northwest suburban River Grove Illinois. Grandma always seemed to enjoy their famous hot dogs and fresh cut french fries occasionally. Gene and Jude's is a popular local Chicagoland roadside drive in restaurant. It is located on River Road, just north of the intersection of Grand Avenue in the suburban village of River Grove Illinois.

Westbound Metra commuter local at sunset. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Early June 2009.

I took this end of the day sunset photo after work one evening, in Franklin Park Illinois during early June of 2009. All the passengers of this Metra commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois, have either boarded or disembarked at the Metra , Franklin Park commuter rail station. The locomotive engineer has just completed the air brake test, and the locomotive's engine block has began to rumble. The train is viewed preparing to head off in to the sunset, over the former Milwaukee Road mainline.

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

I took this photo on a September 2006 to the East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum. A museum trolley motorman / operator, is seen changing the direction of the overhead single trolley pole on this replica of an early 1900's era open car design streetcar.
The car will soon be proceeding eastbound upon departure.

Eastbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train. Alsip Illinois USA. Late October 1990.

I took this photo in south suburban Alsip Illinois, in late October of 1990. An IHB transfer freight train being pulled by elderly rebuilt 1st generation EMD model NW-2 yard switcher locomotives, was photographed just south of the 127th Street viaduct near the border of Blue Island Illinois. These locomotives have since been retired and replaced.

Southbound Metra commuter local departing. Wilmette Illinois USA. Early June 2009.

I took this photo on My lunch break one late morning, in early June of 2009. A southbound Metra commuter local enroute to downtown Chicago Illinois, is viewed here at the Metra commuter rail station in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. The air brakes had just let out a soft "Hiss", and the train will start to roll in just a moment.

Westbound Canadian Pacific freight train. River Grove Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo one hot summer afternoon in August of 2007. A slow moving westbound Canadian Pacific freight train, is seen at the Thatcher Avenue railroad crossing in near northwest suburban River Grove Illinois. Notice the "Soo" reporting marks on the side of the covered hopper car. The Canadian Pacific Railroad acquired the Soo Line in a 1990 merger.

In loving memory of My beloved Grandmother in law Josephine Kwit. 1921 - 2009.

Hello everyone.
A cloud of sadness is hovering over todays edition of Eddie's Railfan Page.
I recieved a phone call at work today from My lovely wife Cheryl.

Cheryl informed Me that her Grandmother Josephine Kwit, had passed away this
morning in Her sleep shortly after I had left for work today. She had just
celebrated Her 88th birthday in April of this year.

Josephine was a very kindhearted lady. She was a lively and fun loving person
who enjoyed Polish polka music, Monday Night Raw TV wrestling, knitting, cooking
gardening, and watching the Steve Wilko's show on daytime television.
Grandma always knew how much I enjoyed a good cup of coffee, and seen to it
that there was usually a hot fresh pot of it waiting for Me before I went to
work....or when I would come home for the night.

My happiest memorys of Her, are the many times that I would bring My accoustic
guitar upstairs, and accompany Her on songs that she loved to sing in Polish.
Her favorite was..."You are My Sunshine" in wich she would perform it in both
English and Polish language.

Grandma Josephine Kwit was our sunshine. May Her memorys shine on forever in our hearts.

Rest in peace Grandma. We love You.

Thank You.
Eddie K.

Railroad crossing gate at sunset. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Early June 2009.

I took this photo after work one evening in early June of 2009. Another day is coming to a close in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois, as a railroad crossing gate signal stands sentinal to the setting sun as night approaches.