A ride aboard an open bench trolley car. The East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum. East Troy Wisconsin USA. September 2006.

I took this photo on a September 2006 visit to the East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum, located in the village of East Troy Wisconsin near Lake Geneva.

We are riding eastbound aboard a scratchbuilt replica of a typical early 1900's era 4 wheel open bench trolley. These open streetcars were typically used in the summertime, and were nicknamed "Breezers".

Former Soo Line caboose. Bensenville Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo one hot summer day in August of 2006 at the Metra, Bensenville Illinois commuter rail station. A westbound Canadian Pacific freight train passes the station with a former Soo Line caboose in tow bringing up the rear.

Chartered CTA 6000 series car fantrip in downtown Chicago Illinois. April 1986.

I took this photo on an April 1986 chartered fantrip over the Chicago Transit Authority's rapid transit system. The chartered excursion was sponsored by the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois, and was billed as "The Snowfalke Special".

The rapid transit cars that are seen here were built during the 1950's by the St. Louis Car Company using components from scrapped CTA PCC electric streetcars. These unique lightweight cars were known as the 6000 series cars. These cars were in their final years of operation over Chicago's CTA rapid transit system. Some retired 6000 series cars began arriving at the Illinois Railway Museum in 1986.

I'm not sure of this photo location. I think that this might be on Wells Street.

Fallen leaves along Maple Avenue. Wilmette Illinois USA. October 2009.

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

I took this photo on location one morning during My lunchbreak, in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. Sunny days were quiete rare for October of 2009 in the greater Chicagoland area, as it has unfortunately rained constantly through out the entire month it seems.

On one of those "Lucky" days blessed with sunshine and mild temperatures, I visited Wilmette Illinois with My digital camera in hand. This is a typical Autum image of Wilmette Illinois. Seen here are the many seasonal fallen leaves that line the curbside of Maple Avenue. Wilmette is quiete picturesque during the Autum of any given year.

The engineer's control stand on an old General Electric steeple cab freight locomotive. The East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum. September 2000.

I took this photo during a bus charter fantrip to The East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum, located in East Troy Wisconsin USA. This is a behind the scenes view of electric powered railroad operations, as We are now inside the cab of a vintage General Electric steeple cab electric freight motor. Notice the rather simple looking Engineer / Motormans controls.

Digital Live Sound Video: Canadian National EMD roadswitcher moving foreward. Schiller Park Illinois USA. Late September 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video during My lunch break one morning, in late September of 2009. There is much activity at the Canadian National Railroad's former Wisconsin Central yard in near northwest suburban Schiller Park Illinois.
A Canadian National EMD roadswitcher with I.C ( Illinois Central) markings on the cab side, moves foreward in preparation for a back up coupling movement.

Side by side comparison at the Hesston Junction depot. The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. September 1993 Labor Day Steam Show weekend.

One of My all time favorite railfan attractions I have enjoyed visiting here in the midwest region of the United States of America, is the Hesston Steam Museum located near Michigan City Indiana, and the nearby border at New Buffalo Michigan.

I took this photo in early September of 1993, at the annual Labor Day Weekend Steam Show event. The miniature 14" guage 4-4-0 type steam locomotive on the right, is seen at the Hesston Junction depot with a European 2 foot gauge ( Meter Guage)
o-4-0 T locomotive from Czechloslovakia.

For more information, I have a links page to the right of Your computer screen, or simply click on to www.hesston.org

Eastbound CTA Pink line train crossing South Kilbourn Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2007.

I took this photo after work one overcast evening, in April of 2007. An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority pink line train, has just departed from the Cicero Avenue station in nearby west suburban Cicero Illinois just a few city blocks west of here.
The train is viewed crossing South Kilbourn Avenue at ground leval.

Prior to the CTA's new system of color coding the rapid transit lines in 1993, this line was originally known as "The Douglas Park Elevated line.

Parking lot reconstruction at the Metra, Lake Forest commuter rail station. Lake Forest Illinois USA. August 2009.

2009 was a major year for road construction as well as many bridge and infrastructure improvements in the greater Chicagoland area. I took this photo in August of 2009. This is the south auxiliary parking lot at the Metra, Lake Forest Illinois commuter rail station. This extra parking section was in the process of getting a makeover at the time, as the original asphalt was already stripped off of the parking lot road surface.

There were mo construction crews on duty the overcast day of My visit, wich gave Me the opportunity to photograph the unique heavy equipment up close. Seen here is one of the heavy duty road rollers. Many decades ago...these were refered to as "Steam Rollers". Internal combustion engines eventually laid that title to rest on these machines.

Westbound Metra evening rush hour commuter local. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo after work one evening around sunset, back in September of 2007.
A westbound Metra rush hour local commuter train is viewed departing from the Metra commuter rail station in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois, and is now entering the long diagonal 3 track railroad crossing on Grand Avenue.

The smoke from the locomotive, indicates that it is working under heavy load conditions.

Builders plaque on the Maple Avenue bridge. Wilmette Illinois USA. October 2009.

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

I took this photo recently, during a short lunchtime visit to nearby north suburban Wilmette Illinois. I couldn't resist taking a relaxing walk amongst seasonal Autum scenery along Maple Avenue. This old deck bridge on Maple Avenue, spans the north branch of the Chicago River. According to the builders plaque displayed on the northeast corner of the bridge, this elderly iron bridge was constructed in the year of 1908. It is till in use today here at the Maple Avenue location, wich says very positive things about the pride, craftsmanship and quality that went in to the design of this bridge 101 years ago. It is well maintained and still serving it's original purpose today.

Burlington Northern industrial switching local on South Paulina Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. November 1983.

I took this photo in Chicago's Pilsen neighborhood one overcast morning, in November of 1983. The Burlington Northern Railroad switching local, is busy servicing customers on South Paulina Avenue. Looking south on South Paulina Avenue, we see that the locomotive engineer is preparing to pull a cut of cars off of this railroad spur track siding.

Today, this little industrial branchline railroad, is now the Central Illinois Railroad.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train departing Glenview Illinois. April 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning during My lunchbreak, in early April of 2009. We are on the east or "Northbound" platform at the joint Amtrak / Metra commuter rail station in north suburban Glenview Illinois. A northbound Amtrak Hiawatha Service regional passenger train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, is viewed departing Glenview Illinois.

Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee interurban railroad logo on a preserved Silverliner M.U car. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. 2009.

I took this photo inside one of the many display barns, at the Illinois Railway Museum. A fair amount of equipment from the defunct Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad, has found it's way to the Illinois Railway Museum for preservation.

Seen here is the North Shore Lines corporate logo, on the side of one of their modernized "Silverliner" electric interurban multiple unit cars. That is not currogated siding You see, but rather a very unique paint job with a shadowing effect. The financially ill Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad, introduced the Silverliner paint scheme in the year of 1950. Several of their original 1920's era round roof interurban coaches recieved this paint scheme, and new interior furnishings as well. It was low budget, but very resourceful and effective.

Yellow instructional sign at the Metra, Western Avenue commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this photo one lovely Autum morning in October of 2006. Seen here on the west end of the center boarding platform, is a reflective yellow sign that instructs Metra commuter train crews how to operate through here. This photo was taken at the Metra, Western Avenue ex Milwaukee Road commuter rail station on North Westen Avenue near West Hubbard Street.

View looking south on Main Street around sunset. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

In September of 2007 My lovely wife Cheryl and I, traveled to the city of Memphis Tennesee for a much needed vacation. I took this photo on the day We both decided to ride aboard a local attraction known as The Memphis Main Street Trolley.

We are at the north end of the Main Street line looking south around sunset. The two electric streetcars that are seen here, are refurbished vintage W 2 class tram cars from the city of Melbourne Australia. Trolleys were refered to as "Trams" in Australia, Europe and other parts of the world.

The Memphis Main Street Trolley cars originally were operated with spring loaded trolley poles, but were later replaced by a single Pantograph instead. It was more practical, and it did not require the motorman to step out in to traffic on the street.

Southbound Canadian Pacific unit grain train crossing South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo after work one summer afternoon in June of 2008.
We are on the west side of the Belt Railway of Chicago railroad crossing on South Archer and Knox Avenues near Chicago's Midway Airport. A slow moving Canadian Pacific unit grain train, is viewed in transit enroute to the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard at Bedford Park Illinois.

Westbound BNSF Railway intermodal train. Hodgkins Illinois USA. January 2007.

I took this photo one overcast winter morning, in January of 2007. I took this photo on what was once the northside of the recently closed 67th Street BNSF Railway railroad crossing that once lead to River Road. Seen here are two westbound intermodal trains running side by side. The train in the background, is a Union Pacific train with many CSX containers on board. The BNSF Railway one in the foreground, is gaining on it enroute to their large intermodal yard facility in nearby Willow Springs Illinois.

Chicagp Park District crews on a trash collection run in Chicago's Lincoln Park. Chicago Illinois USA. November 2006.

I took this photo on an overcast morning in November of 2006. I was walking through Chicago's Lincoln Park, and just happened to be there when the Chicago Park District maintenance crew was collecting the garbage along one of the many walking paths inside the park. This is a GMC truck painted in a dark green color scheme adopted in recent years by the Chicago Park District on some of their trash collection vechicles.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Canadian Pacific local freight train departing Franklin Park Illinois. Late September 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video during My lunch break one day, in late September of 2009. We are at the Edgington Street railroad crossing in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois. An eastbound Canadian Pacific local freight train, is viewed departing town on a sunny morning.

The engineer's side of the cab on Union Pacific EMD GP 15 roadswitcher # 551. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo one late summer afternooon, in September of 2007. Seen here idling on the ready servicing track at the headquarters of the Chicago Terminal Railroad, is Union Pacific late 197era EMD model GP 15 light roadswitcher # 551. This view is taken of the right side of the cab, where the locomotive's Engineer / Operator sits.
Notice the official Union Pacific Railroad corporate web site internet address on the cab side.

UPY stands for Yard service.

A former Toronto Transit Commision 1951 PCC electric streetcar heads east on 56th Street. Kenosha Wisconsin USA. Saturday, June 17th 2000.

I took this photo on the official grand opening day celebration of the "New" Kenosha Wisconsin historic streetcar line, on Saturday June 17th 2000. Seen here preserved in the original colors used in Canada by the Toronto Transit Commision, is Kenosha car # 4610. The car is heading eastbound on 56th Street near the harbor on Lake Michigan.

Interior view of a preserved 1920's era dining car from the Louisville & Nashville Railroad. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. July 2009.

Exhibits about the golden era of passenger train travel can be viewed up close first hand, at the Illinois Railway Museum. Seen here is an old 1920's era passenger dining car from the fallen flag railroad Louisville and Nashville. This car served quality on board home cooked meals in pre Amtrak times.

On the grounds of the Elmwood Park Village Hall building. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Early November 2008.

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

Yes folks...It is Halloween time again here in the Windy City and the surrounding communities. I took this photo last year, in early November of 2008. Halloween had just ended, but these colorful Halloween decorations will linger for a little while yet on the grounds of the near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Village Hall building in the Conti Parkway Circle. Elmwood Park decorates this facility every year.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Metra commuter local arriving in Brookfield Illinois. July 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one summer evening in July of 2008. We are looking southwest from adjacent Brookfield Avenue, toward the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing on the BNSF Railway 3 track Chicago to Aurora mainline around sunset. An eastbound Metra commuter local enroute to Chicago Union Station, slows for the station stop at the Brookfield commuter rail station.

Westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train. Brookfield Illinois USA. December 2006.

I took this photo on a sunny and quiete surprisingly mild December morning in 2006.
A westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train, passes underneath the Congress Park overhead signal bridge at the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing.

Metra coach yard switcher at work near the Western Avenue station. Chicago Illinois USA. October 2006.

I took this photo one sunny Autum morning, in October of 2006. We are looking west from the Metra, ex Milwaukee Road commuter rail station at Western Avenue. A Metra EMD yard switcher, is seen spotting two commuter coaches at the nearby coach yard and maintenance facility near Grand and California Avenues.

Former 1920's era New Orleans electric streetcar shuttling hotel guests. The Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Hotel. Chattanooga Tennesee USA. 1990.

I took this photo during a vacation stay at the Chattanooga Choo Choo Holiday Inn Hotel in the city of Chattanooga Tennesee. Seen here is a restored 1920's era electric streetcar, that originally operated in daily transit service for the New Orleans Public Service Company. Today it is painted bright yellow and shuttles hotel guests around the property of the former Chattanooga Union Station.

Speeding eastbound Metra express commuter train. La Grange Illinois USA. October 2007.

I took this photo at the Brainard Avenue railroad crossing one lovely Autum morning, back in October of 2007. It is the weekday morning rush hour commuting period, with many inbound and outbound express and local commuter trains on the BNSF Railway's 3 track Chicago to Aurora mainline. I photographed this eastbound Metra Chicago bound express commuter train, racing past the Brainard Avenue railroad crossing. Stand back!

An up close front view of preserved Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad # 431. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. July 2009.

I took this photo inside one of the many display barns at the Illinois Railway Museum. This is an up close front view of preserved Chicago, Aurora and Elgin steel coach # 431.

Mechanical safety fence gates at the CTA Isabella Street purple line railroad crossing. Wilmette Illinois USA. Oct 2009.

I took this photo during a short lunchtime visit to north suburban Wilmette Illinois, in October of 2009. This is an up close view of the CTA's mechanical safety fence gates, that keeps people off of the CTA purple line 3rd rail right of way.

Westbound Metra commuter local. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. December 2006.

I took this photo on an overcast Sunday evening in December of 2006. With early darkness and gray skies a given at this time of the year, a westbound Metra commuter local enroute to Elgin Illinois, slows for the station stop in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

Preserved early 1900's era wooden interurban coaches from the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA.

I took this photo during a July 2009 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum. These two early 1900's era wooden interurban coaches, operated for the Chicago, Aurora and Elgin electric interurban railroad for many years until 1957. Today, they have have been lovingly restored and operate at the Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois. These two cars have been restored and painted in the 1940's era Chicago, Aurora and Elgin blue color scheme.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound CTA Skokie Swift train crossing Oakton Street. Skokie Illinois USA. Late September 2009.

I photographed this digial live sound video after work one overcast evening, in late September of 2009. Seen here is a speeding northbound CTA yellow line train, crossing Oakton Street enroute to the nearby north terminal at Dempster Street.

Switching activity at the former Illinois Central RR Crawford Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo after work one summer afternon, in June of 2007. Locomotives acquired through merger from fallen flag railroads Grand Trunk Western and Illinois Central, are seen assembling a tank car train at the Canadian National ex Illinois Central Crawford Yard on Chicago's near southwest side.

The Northern Lines logo on the side of restored Wisconsin Power and Light Company wooden interurban car # 26. East Troy Wisconsin.

I took this up close photo of this logo, on the side of recently restored Wisconsin Power and Light Company early 1900's era wooden interurban coach # 26. This wooden interurban operated for the Wisconsin Power and Light Company out of Sheboygan Wisconsin. Today, it is occasionally operated at the East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum.

Union Pacific EMD GP 15 # 547 with a short freight train. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo one hazy afternoon, in early eptember of 2007. I spotted this Union Pacific EMD model GP 15 light roadswitcher and train, near the headquarters of the Chicago Terminal Railroad near Elston and North Avenues.

Irv's Golf Range on South Cicero Avenue at approximately West 70th Street. ( Gone.) Bedford Park Illinois USA. July 1986.

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

I took this photo in July of 1986. From the early 1970's until the place closed in 1992, an all time favorite Chicago area southside family operated amusement place of mine, was Irv's Golf Range in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois. Located at the southwest corner of the South Cicero Avenue overpass bridge that spanned the massive Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard, this quaint establishment featured a golf driving range, a miniature golf course, batting cages, and a pinball and video arcade room.

I enjoyed coming here with My family on summer evenings around sunset.

Today, this is the site of a Walmart store.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound CTA Orange line train. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one hot summer afternoon, in August of 2008. We are looking north alongside South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. A Chicago Transit Authority Orange line rapid transit train, heads for nearby Downtown Chicago. This video was photographed at the intersection of South Archer and Normal Avenues.

Westbound Canadian National freight train slowly entering on to the former Milwaukee Road west line. Chicago Illinois USA. Late March 2007.

I took this photo after work one evening, in late March of 2007. I took this photo looking southwest, from the adjacent platform of the Metra, Hanson Park commuter flagstop depot at North Central Avenue. This Canadian National transfer freight train began it;s journey at the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard, located in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois. The train had just grecieved clearance from the Dispatcher to proceed through Cragin Junction approximately 1 mile east of here, and is now slowly entering on to the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road westline. This transfer freight train, is more than likely going to Bensenville Yard.

Belt Railway of Chicago wide vision caboose # 126 at Clearing Yard. Bedord Park Illinois USA. July 2007.

I took this photo after work one summer afternoon, back in July of 2007.
I was on My way to a visit at My Parenets house in Bridgeview Illinois, and couldn't resist the opportunity to visit the north entrance of the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard. Seen here near the north entrance not far from the locomotive shops building in the background, is a brightly painted Belt Railway of Chicago caboose # 126.

I had seen this caboose on the rear of a few of the BRC freight trains recently, and finally had the opportunity to view it up close.

Westbound Pace bus at the intersection of 79th Street and Robert's Road. Justice Illinois USA. May 2009.

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

I took this photo on a lovely springtime afternon, back in May of 2009.
We are looking east on West 79th Street, at the intersection of Robert's Road in southwest suburban Justice Illinois. A westbound Pace bus assigned to the 79th Street line, waits for the light to change as it heads for the terminal at Moraine Valley Community College in Palos Hills Illinois.

The Marathon gasoline station sign, shows how much it had cost Chicago area motorists to fuel up back in the year of 2009.

Eastbound CTA 2006 New Flyer transit bus # 1954 on Oakton Street. Skokie Illinois USA. Late September 2009.

I tok this photo after work one overcast evening, in late September of 2009. Seen here heading eastbound on Oakton Street in north suburban Skokie Illinois, is a Chicago Transit Authority 2006 New Flyer 40 ft transit bus # 1954.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound CTA 2006 Optimus Opus 30 ft bus. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video at the intersection of North Harlem and West Bryn Mawr Avenues, in May of 2009. The shortest buses on the Chicago Transit Authority's roster today, are these little 30 foot transit buses obtained in 2006 from bus manufaturer Optimus. This 30 foot Optimus Opus transit bus in the unique white, red, blue and black color scheme, is viewed departing from the Chicago Transit Authority's blue line rapid transit terminal at Harlem Avenue.

First Transit 2001 Ford paratransit bus # 5580 at 6:00 AM. Glenview Illinois USA. October 2009.

I took this photo at work one morning recently a few weeks ago.
At 6:00 AM during the Autum of any given year, it is very dark and resembles midnight conditions outside.

I had just cloked in to begin My early morning shift a a Paratransit Driver out of My company's garage in north suburban Glenview Illinois. After driving the bus out of the garage, I parked it just down the street to begin My mandatory pre trip inspection. On this day, I was assigned to drive 2001 Ford paratransit bus # 5580.

Here is how My bus looks like outside at the begining of My shift at 6:00 AM.
The idling of surrounding buses parked on the street, breaks the late night silence.

Pace route # 307 Harlem Avenue bus rounding the Conti Parkway Circle. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. November 2008.

I took this photo one sunny morning, in November of 2008. A suburban Pace bus in the blue color scheme assigned to the Pace route # 307 Harlem Avenue line, is vioewed rounding the Conti Parkway Circle at the north terminal. The bus will park alongside the nearby Elmwood Park Public Library near Grand Avenue, and wait until it is the scheduled time to begin the southbound journey to the terminal at West 63rd Street and South Archer Road in Summit Illinois.

Autum in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. October 2009.

I took this photo one morning, in October of 2009. Looking east at the intersection of Linden Avenue and 8th Street in north suburban Wilmette Illinois, We see that bright seasonal Autum colors are making their prescence known in town. Autum is a lovely time to visit Wilmette Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound BNSF Railway transfer train approaching South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one rainy evening, in August of 2009. With a large rainbow in the background, a BNSF Railway transfer train heads northbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks at the South Archer Avenue railroad crossing near Chicago's Midway Airport.

Preserved Chicago Surface Lines electric streetcars # 1374 and # 144. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo on an August 2006 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum in the town of Union Illinois. Chicago Surface Lines electric streetcars # 1374 ( Left. built in 1906.) and car # 144 ( Right. Built in 1908.) are seen operating on the museum's circular trolley loop.

Union Pacific EMD GP 15 # 551 idling at the Chicago Terminal RR headquarters. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photo one overcast September afternoon, in 2007. Union Pacific EMD GP 15 light roadswitcher # 551, is seen idling at the Chicago Terminal RR headquarters near Elston and North Avenues.

Autum along the north branch of the Chicago River. Wilmette Illinois USA. October 2009.

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

Yes folks, once again it is Autum here in the greater Chicagoland area, and unfortunately....October has been constantly cold, damp, rainy and overcast so far.

I took this photo yesterday during My lunchbreak on a pleasantly mild and sunny Monday, October 19th 2009. With bright sunshine, Autum colors and an outside temperature of 60 Degrees Farenheight, I took My camera on location to north suburban Wilmette Illinois. We are looking north from the Maple Avenue bridge over the north branch of the Chicago River. The trees along this waterway are begining to turn colors nicely. In the background can be seen the Linden Avenue bridge.
The bridge here on Maple Avenue, has a plaque on it that has a construction year date of 1908. It is well maintained and still in service here many decades after it was constructed.

North suburban Wilmette Illinois, is a throwback to Victorian times with the brick streets, old buildings and vintage streetlamps along the thoroughfares.

Framed in the train station doorway. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. Friday, July 3rd 2009.

It's nice taking those portrait style photos of the antique railroad equipment at railroad museums, but it is even nicer yet when You can take a photo that could be straight out of the historic past. Except for the outfit that the young girl in the doorway is wearing, this image of the two wooden Chicago, Aurora and Elgin Railroad wooden interurban cars....could easily have been taken on the C,A & E Aurora Branch many years ago. The Illinois Railway Museum is more than a museum, it is a working demonstration vintage railroad as well.

Silent Digital Video: Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. July 2007.

I photographed this unique silent digital video with My old digital camera, in July of 2007. We are peaking over the top of the wooden parking lot fence of the Super low Food Market on Grand Avenue in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois, as an eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train passes through on the former Milwaukee Road west line.

Chicago Terminal Railroad EMD yard switcher. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo one hot summer afternoon, in August of 2007. Seen here parked near the company's office building near Elston and North Avenues in Chicago's Goose Island Industrial District, is a dark red rebuilt EMD yard switcher from the Chicago Terminal Railroad.

Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. Thursday, October 8th 2009 after the park had closed.

I took this rare behind the scenes photo at the site of the recently closed Kiddieland Amusement Park in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois. I took this rare photo inside of the park partly due to an open service gate, and a kind maintenance worker who helped Me look for a Manager, so that I could ask permission to take a few last photos of the place.

There wasn't a park manager to be found anywhere on the property, so I offered to keep My visit short with the maintenance woker. He was really cool about it too.

Seen here on the parks midway, is the old Arcade building with it's unique clown face relief art on the front of the building.

Kiddieland was the last of the small family owned amusement parks in the greater Chicagoland area. The land owners would not renew Kiddieland's lease for next year.
After 81 years in operation, Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park closed for good on Sunday, September 27th 2009.

Preserved Burlington Northern Railroad 1974 General Electric U 30C diesel locomotive. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA.

This photo of a recently restored and repainted relic of the former Burlington Northern Railroad, brought back some very happy and special memorys for Me on a Friday, July 3rd 2009 visit.

During the 1980's and early 1990's, I frequently would visit downtown west suburban La Grange Illinois for an afternoon of lineside railfan photography with My trusty 35MM camera in hand. Sometimes I would bring My 2nd hand Kodak 8MM Brownie wind up silent 8MM movie camera too. The many freight trains passing through La Grange Illinois behind these Cascade green and black 2nd generation diesel locomotives from both EMD and GE, were very colorful attention getters back in those days.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra local arriving at Mont Clare station. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one late afternoon, in July of 2009. Seen here at the Sayre Avenue railroad crossing in Chicago's Mont Clare neighborhood, is a westbound Metra commuter local, arriving at the Mont Clare station. This is located at the Chicago city limits, a few city blocks east of near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

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

I took this photo one summer afternoon, in June of 2008. A northbound 4 locomotive BNSF Railway light engine movement, is viewed traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks at Hawthorne Junction on the border of west suburban Cicero Illinois.
The train is returning back to the nearby BNSF Railway Clyde Yard in Cicero Illinois, and is about to pass through the Canadian National ex Illinois Central crosstracks.

The end of the line for the Kiddieland Limited. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. Thursday, October 6th 2009 after closing.

For many years one of My all time favorite unique trains that I enjoyed photographing or even railfanning on occasion, was the miniature 14" track guage Kiddieland Limited at Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois.

The park unfortunately closed for good after 81 years of operation due to the loss of their lease on Sunday, September 27th 2009. I took this photo on a rainy Thursday, October 8th 2009 lunchtime visit to the old amusement park site.

Believe it or not, the midway carnival rides were still assembled yet, but the miniature railroad crossings on the parks train ride were already removed. I took this photo in the east parking lot alongside First Avenue. The yellow metal triangles, protected the standing miniature railroad crossings from motorists. The concrete pedestools that the signals were mounted on are still there with wires showing.

Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee Railroad corporate logo. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. Friday, July 3rd 2009.

I took this photo inside one of the many display barns at the Illinois Railway Museum. Seen here is the corporate logo of the defunct Chicago, North Shore & Milwaukee electric interurban railroad. This logo was paint stenciled on to the sides of a preserved 1920's era wooden freight motor used in Merchandise Dispatch Service many decades ago.