Eastbound Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe piggyback train passing through Nerska Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. May 1990.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photo during much simpler and happier times 20 years ago this upcoming May. (Has it really been that long ago already?)
I was out enjoying some fresh air and sunshine while riding My bicycle on this lovely Springtime afternoon back in May of 1990.

Although Nerska Junction was on private property between the I-55 Stevenson Expressway embankment to the south and the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal to the north...I railfanned a small handful of times here back then. The railroad crews from the Santa Fe and the Belt Railway of Chicago that both crossed tracks here didn't seem to mind. I was a responsible and respectful railfan who would leave in a heartbeat if asked to.

This eastbound fast moving piggyback train is passing through the Belt Railway of Chicago crosstracks out of view behind Me, as it heads in to Chicago.

I recently got a good ariel look at Nerska Junction while traveling westbound on the I-55 Stevenson Expressway. With the times not changing for the better and society being what it is I guess....there is now a pole mounted Police surveilence camera at the crosstracks. Aside from the fact that I have nowhere to park My car anywhere near there, that camera alone tells me to "Stay Out", and believe Me I will.

I miss the old days at Nerska Junction with My bicycle by My side and a 35MM Camera in My hand.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Amtrak Hiawatha crossing Chestnut Avenue. Glenview Illinois USA. March 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video at the intersectiopn of Lehigh and Chestnut Avenues, in north suburban Glenview Illinois. Seen here on a lovely day in March of 2010, is a southbound Hiawatha enroute to Chicago from Milwaukee Wisconsin.
The train is begining to slow down for the upcoming Glenview station stop before proceeding to downtown Chicago Illinois.

Historic Photo! Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad EMD NW -2 switcher locomotive # 8730 at Blue Island Illinois. June 1975.

A really cool railfan photo page I discovered recently on the internet, is one known as Fallen Flags. Org. I liked it so much, that You can click on their link at the right side of Your computer screen now If You would like to.

This is an historic mid 1970's era Chicago area rail photo taken in south suburban Blue Island Illinois way back in June of 1975. The black and white color scheme image of the once parent company New York Central, was the look worn for many years by the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad.

Looking like something left over from the late 1950's era New York Central itself, IHB EMD NW-2 yard switcher locomotive # 8730, is viewed idling alongside a modern Conrail EMD roadswitcher at the engine servicing terminal in Blue Island Yard.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Schiller Park Illinois Fire Department ariel ladder truck returning to base. Franklin Park Illinois. March 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video on location recently one morning, at the Ruby Street railroad crossing in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

I can recall hearing distant emergency sirens not too far away from here when I had arrived for some lunchtime railfanning on this March 2010 morning, but apparently things appear to be under control now.

This heavy duty 3 axel areiel ladder fire truck from the neighboring suburban village of Schiller Park Illinois, is viewed returning to the fire station and crossing the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road tracks in Franklin Park.

The Western Avenue Metra commuter rail station just west of downtown Chicago. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2007.

One of My favorite railfan hangout locations I used to go to in recent times, was the former Milwaukee Road station at North Western Avenue and West Hubbard Street. This was approximately 2 miles west of Chicago Union Station in Chicago's Ukranian Village neighborhood on the near northside of town.

Although the action is 100% Metra at this location, this is also a junction point here. The Union Pacific's former Chicago & NorthWestern line branches off from the former Milwaukee Road just east of the station at the Western Avenue interlocking tower, after running side by side from downtown Chicago. Both lines have adjacent Metra coach yard maintenance facilities just like in the old days.

If You are lucky during Your visit, You may witness some nearby coach yard switching, a maintenance extra, or even a light engine movement or tow coming or going from nearby downtown Chicago.

If I have the opportunity hopefuly soon, I would like to return here with My camera in hand once again.

The old free standing steam era Semaphore signals that used to operate at Brighton Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2007.

An old favorite railfan "Haunt" of Mine that I used to enjoy visiting whenever I could, was the old steam era Brighton Junction wich was located at South Archer and Western Avenues in Chicago's adjoining Brighton Park and Mc Kinley Park neighborhoods.

There were rumors floating around amongst the local Chicago area railfan community, that Brighton Junction would soon be losing it's old steam era manual Semaphore signals and control shanty. The Canadian National Railroad who utilizes the former east and west Illinois Central ex Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad line (Pre 1972.)
was about to modernize the old junction in upcoming months. (And they did.)

These old signals were on borrowed time and viewed in their last months of operating service back in early April of 2007. It was a good thing that I took this photo when I had the opportunity to do so.

This set of free standing signals stood just south of the crosstracks, and gaurded the east and west Canadian National line.

This view is facing east, just immediately south of the crosstracks that are out of view in this photograph.

Digital Live Sound Video: A former E,J & E EMD roadswitcher pushing a cut of hopper cars eastbound. Rondout Illinois USA. Early September 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning during My lunch break, in early September of 2009.

A former Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad EMD roadswitcher acquired through a recent merger by the Canadian National Railroad, is viewed shoving a small cut of hopper cars east of Rondout Tower and Junction near Libertyville Illinois.

Historic Photo! A former Chicago Surface Lines electric streetcar on South Kedzie Avenue near west 21st Street. Chicago Illinois USA. Early 1950's.

I found this rare and unique Chicago streetcar photograph on an internet website known as "Dave's Electric Railroads". ( It is a wonderful page to view!)

An old early 1900's era former Chicago Surface Lines Pulman electric streetcar, is viewed at work on South Kedzie Avenue. This car is passing underneath the Chicago Transit Authority's Douglas Park Elevated rapid transit line at what looks like the early 1950's.

Prior to the begining of Chicago Transit Authority start up operations in the year of 1947, this electric streetcar worked for the predecessor company Chicago Surface Lines. CTA electric streetcar service on the Route # 52 Kedzie / California Avenue line was discontinued in May of 1954. The route operated with various Gasoline, Propane and Diesel powered buses afterwards, but was converted to electric trolleybus operation in December of 1955. The CTA Route # 52 Kedzie / California Avenue bus line operated with electric trolleybuses until March of 1969.

I love this photo, as I lived approximately one mile south of here in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood. This photo is practically taken in My own backyard.

I had an Aunt and Uncle (Now both deceased) who lived just west of this location.

Happy memorys.

Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Galewood Nocturne. Chicago Illinois USA. February 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work recently one night, back in February of 2010.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific Railroad intermodal double stack container train, breaks the silence of a cold Winter night as it passes the Metra Galewood comuter flagstop depot west of North Narragansett Avenue.

The Memphis Fire Department responding to a call while riding aboard the Memphis Main Street Trolley. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

I took this unique photograph during My September 2007 vacation to the city of Memphis Tennesee.

My lovely Wife Cheryl and Myself were enjoying a ride aboard a local attraction known as The Memphis Main Street Trolley in downtown Memphis Tennesee. We were heading northbound on Main Street past the Orpheum Theatre, when the approaching wail of emergency sirens caught My attention.

Seen here looking out of the rear window of a refurbished trolley car originally from the city of Melbourne Australia, We see a northbound Memphis Fire Department truck responding to an emergency call. It almost felt like We were being chased by a fire engine on Main Street at the time.

A spectacular Winter sunset on Chestnut Avenue. Glenview Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo after work one evening recently, in February of 2010.

The sun was in the process of setting in the western sky, with the clouds showing the brilliant colors associated with wintertime sunsets. I took this photo near the Chestnut Avenue railroad crossing in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

I had already clocked out for the evening at the end of My shift, but in the distance...We see one of My fellow First Transit paratransit drivers enroute to the nearby Glenview Garage. Soon that person will be heading home soon as another day comes to an end in the greater Chicagoland area.

It's Easter Time at Chicago's Iama Stationary Store. (Gone) Chicago Illinois USA. April 1985.

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

I was born and raised on the southwest side of Chicago Myself, and have many happy memorys of My numerous visits to West 63rd Street and South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago's Marquette Park and Chicago Lawn neighborhoods. (They both meet up here.)

One of My all time favorite stores that I visited with My Family, was the Iama Stationary Store at 6305 South Kedzie Avenue. I deliberately took this photo during an early April 1985 visit. I am so glad that I did, because this building wich also housed the Marquette Theatre and several other businesses, was demolished in August of 1987. Isn't it amazing what a simple random snapshot taken just for the heck of it, can someday help to preserve local history?

The cardboard Easter Bunny decorations is what caught My attention here back in My early 35mm photography days.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Metra local departing from Brookfoeld station. Brookfield Illinois USA. July 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one pleasant Summer evening around sunset, back in July of 2008.

An eastbound Metra evening commuter local enroute to Chicago Union Station from Aurora Illinois, is viewed departing from the west suburban Brookfield Illinois Metra commuter rail station at Prairie Avenue.

IHB caboose conductor giving radio orders for the locomotive crew to proceed. Melrose Park Illinois USA. October 2007.

This is one of My all time favorite working railroad photos I had taken.

I was definately in the right place at the right time, when I captured this image of the "Rarely Seen" Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad industrial switching local that serves the factorys along Armitage Street in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois.

On this lovely and very sunlit October morning in 2007, We spot the local backing up and operating caboose first, heading slowly toward nearby Illinois U.S Routes # 12 and # 45 / Manheim Road. The caboose conductor is viewed giving radio instructions to the crew operating the locomotive on the rear of the train. Out of view, are two railroad crew members with flags in their hands, to stop traffic at the many stationary crossbuck railroad crossings enroute. It is a slow stop and go operation.

This train operates out of the nearby Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's Norpaul Yard.

Silent Digital Video: Westbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train with a former Soo Line caboose pasing through Hayford Jct. Chicago Illinois 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old digital camera after work one hot summer afternoon, back in July of 2007.

We are facing south from the northside of the crosstracks at Chicago's Hayford Junction. A westbound Canadian Pacific Railroad intermodal double stack container train, is viewed traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks through the Canadian National ex Grand Trunk Western single crosstrack at Hayford Junction.
On the rear is a real blast from railroading's historical past, as We spot an old 1970's era Soo Line wide vision caboose bringing up the rear.

This train is heading in to the Belt Railway of Chicago's Cl;earing Yard near Chicago's Miday Airport.

The space between a locomotive and coach on a Metra commuter train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Sunday afternoon, March 14th 2010.

Sunday afternoon, March 14th 2010 was just a quiet and very typical Sunday in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois. With nice weather to My advantage, I took a walk to the local Metra commuter rail station near Grand Avenue.

I took this detailed photo of a working eastbound Metra local as it was boarding passengers at the station. This often un noticed day to day image, shows the various details that are abundant in the space between a locomotive and commuter coach car on any given Chicago area Metra commuter train.

A BNSF Railway intermodal switching movement at the west entrance to Clyde Yard. Berwyn Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo one morning last month.

Looking east from the intersection of Ridgeland and Stanley Avenues in west suburban Berwyn Illinois, We see two heavy duty roadswitcher locomotives from the BNSF Railway shoving a cut of intermodal cars in to Clyde Yard. This is a very busy location along the BNSF Railway's three track Chicago to Aurora "Racetrack" mainline.

Sorry. Kiddieland memorys will have to do for 2010 and beyond. Melrose Park Illinois USA.

I took this photo during much happier times back in June of 2007.

It is hard to believe, but many fellow Chicagoans will not have a Kiddieland Amusement Park to go to during the upcoming summer season of 2010.

Kiddieland Amusement Park wich was located at North and First Avenues in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois, closed for good on Sunday, September 27th 2009 after 81 years in operation.

For the time being....The tall roadside Kiddieland sign is still standing minus the Neon tubes and light bulbs, and the park's refreshment stands and various buildings are still here waiting for the Bulldozer and demolition crews.

It just won't be the same here in the greater Chicagoland area without it in 2010.
I guess that Mhy photos and videos will have to do. Sigh.

The park admission prices were rather steep in later years, but I will still miss it.

Thanks.
Eddie K

Spotting cars on industrial factory spur sidings. Bensenville Illinois USA. September 2007.

I was definately in the right place at the right time when I was pasing through Bensenville Illinois one day in September of 2007.

A former Soo Line EMD roadswitcher, is viewed working the Canadian Pacific industrial branchline local just west of the Wolf Road railroad crossing near Green Street. This location, is just south of the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road Bensenville Yard near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra local departing Elmwood Park Illinois. Sunday afternoon, March 14th 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video at the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station. A westbound local enroute to Elgin Illinois, breaks the silence of a quiet Sunday afternoon as it departs the station.

Former Illinois Central units lead a westbound freight train at Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo after work one hot summer afternoon back in june of 2007.

Two former Illinois Central EMD roadswitchers, are viewed pulling a westbound Canadian National freight train through Hawthorne Junction at the Chicago city limits.

This train is pasing through the Belt Railway of Chicago crosstracks, and is now entering in to west suburban Cicero Illinois. The hill in the background, is the site of the abandoned Bell Air Drive In Movie Theatre, wich is currntly being redeveloped. A Super Walmart is supposed to open here eventually.

A preserved interurban coach from the Chicago, North Shore and Milwaukee Railroad at the Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. June 1986.

I took this photo during a much deserved June 1986 visit to The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois.

The real Chicago, North Shore and Milwaukee electric interurban railroad unfortunately is no longer with us. It is nice to know that Chicago, North Shore and Milwaukee interurban coach # 714 is alive and well today, and operating in regular service at The Illinois Railway Museum for Your enjoyment.

Westbound Burlington Northern / early Metra commuter local. Hindsdale Ilinois USA. October 1989.

One of My all time personal favorites amongst My early railfan photos, isthis one I took 20 years ago in downtown west suburban Hindsdale Illinois back in October of 1989.

A Burlington Northern Railroad 1953 vintage EMD model E-9 cab unit passenger train locomotive, is viewed at the Hindsdale Illinois Metra commuter rail station on a lovely Autum afternoon.

Sunset in Harwood Heights Illinois. March 2010.

I took this photo one evening last week on My commute home after work.

We are looking west on Anslie Avenue from the intersection at North Harlem Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois. The orange and purple colors in the western sky, are now marking the end of a lovely early Springtime day here in the greater Chicagoland area.

Downtown Detroit Michigan USA during the 1950's.

This photo comes to Eddie's Railfan Page via a website known as "Dave's Electric Railroad's" on the internet.

There is nothing like a rare color vintage photograph taken in any North American city during the immediate post war era.

This photograph was taken in the downtown section in the city of Detroit Michigan at some point during the early to mid 1950's. A streamlined PCC electric streetcar from the Detroit Department of Street Railways, is viewed nearing the end of the line either on Woodward or Gratiot (Pronounced "Grah-Shett") Avenues.

Notice the vintage red White cabover tractor and trailer truck in the traffic.

Westbound Metra local departing the Berwyn sation. Berwyn Illinois USA. March 2007.

I took this photo on a rainy evening in the early Springtime after work, in March of 2007.

A westbound Metra evening rush hour local enroute to Aurora Illinois, is viewed departing from the Berwyn Metra commuter rail station at Oak Park Avenue. It was a cold and wet night to be out doing something like railfanning, but this photo was worth it. This captures the look and feel of everyday rail commuting in all kinds of weather.

COMMING SOON! My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow!

Hello once again everybody!

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

My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow schedule is as follows.

Saturday, June 26th 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at the Eisenhower Public Library.
Located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

Saturday, September 25th 2010 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM 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, just east of the intersection of Illinois U.S Route # 12 /45 Manheim Road.

My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow will also be returning to the Franklin Park Public Library on Saturday, October 16th 2010 once again from 11:00 AM to 1:00PM.

I hope to eventually see You at one or more of these events.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Canadian National freight train. North Riverside Illinois USA. April 2007.

I took this photo after work one Springtime evening back in April of 2007.

With the bright green hues of the blooming grass, trees and plant life adding color to an otherwise gray and very overcast day in the greater Chicagoland area, We see a slow moving eastbound Canadian National freight train. This freight train is traveling along the northside of Commons Park in west suburban North Riverside Illinois.

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

One of My personal favorites amongst the many photos I had taken during the 1980's, is definately this one taken at the Chicago city limits way back in March of 1987.

A southbound Belt Railway of Chicago switching local being pulled by an elderly 1950's era EMD first generation SW series yard switcher locomotive, is viewed crossing the Illinois Central Gulf crosstracks at a location now known as Hawthorne Junction at the border of west suburban Cicero Illinois.

Back then, the train traffic at the crosstracks was conreolled by an old brick interlocking tower on the southeast side of the crosstracks. I was told by a few railroad workers that day, that this tower was known as ICG / Belt Tower. This tower was actually called Belt Tower and was controlled by the Illinois Central Railroad.

The tower was closed in 1990, and soon after was demolished after a fire broke out.

Early Springtime in Elmwood Park Illinois. March 2010.

I took this pleasant early Springtime photo in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

This view is looking south along the east side of North 74th Court near the intersection of West Diversey Avenue. With the straw brown Winter scenery about to give way to the bright green scenic hues of Springtime, this image captures the look and feel of this transitional period of the year.

The longer daylight hours and warmer temperatures are more than welcomed here and all through out the greater Chicagoland area.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Metra evening rush hour local entering Northbrook Illinois. Monday, March 22nd 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work yesterday, just before sunset.

A northbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, is viewed passing underneath the Willow Road highway overpass bridge in north suburban Northbrook Illinois on an early Springtime evening.

This train had just departed from the nearby Glen of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station.

A City of Chicago Dept of Streets and Sanitation garbage crew riding the tailgate hopper. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2010.

I took this timeless image of a City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation garbage truck crew in transit to their next pick up location.

This is a photo so typical of everyday working Chicago neighborhood scenes.
The crew of this trash collection team, is viewed turning north from West Belmont Avenue on to north Ottawa Avenue.

This image hasn't changed much over the course of time in the city of Chicago Illinois, as I have childhood memorys from the late 1960's and early 70's growing up in Chicago and seeing the smae view on any given weekday.

During the 1960's and early 1970's...three axel garbage trucks were not common in Chicago just yet, as most were of the smaller two axel variety. During the 1960's, I can recall that the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation vechicles were painted orange with maroon wheels and grills.

While todays fleet of garbage trucks from the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation are mostly made up of Volvo cabover models, during the 1960's and early 70's the White compact cabover was the industry standard.

Still, garbage crews riding the tailgate hopper is a timeless image from Chicago nonetheless.

Architectural roof details at the Northbrook Illinois Metra commuter rail station. January 2010.

A favorite location I sometimes enjoy visiting for some of My railfanning activities, is the Metra commuter rail station in far north suburban Northbrook Illinois.

Located on the Canadian Pacific Railroad's former Milwaukee Road northline at Shermer Road in downtown Northbrook Illinois, this depot features many pleasant and unique architectural features.

There is a good amount of Metra and Amtrak trains that pass through here daily, as well as freight trains that interchange to and from the nearby Union Pacific freight only ut off line south of here near Techny Road just north of the village of Glenview Illinois.

Westbound Metra local departing from the Elmwood Park station. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Sunday afternoon, March 14th 2010.

I was out enjoying a nice refreshing Sunday afternoon walk when I took this photo at the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station.

The train tracks in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois have a tendency to be quiet on Sundays. The railroad still does operate, but it seems with less train traffic passing through town on Sundays.

A scheduled westbound Metra local enroute to Elgin Illinois, is viewed departing from the Elmwood Park station, and breaking the silence on this early Springtime Sunday afternoon for a little while.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train. River Grove Illinois USA. March 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video on location at the River Grove Illinois Metra commuter rail station. An eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train, passes through the River Grove station at Thatcher Avenue during My morning lunch break.

A former Wisconsin Central EMD roadswitcher above West Lawrence Avenue. Schiller Park Illinois USA. July 2008.

I took this photo on a hot summer morning in July of 2008.

A former Wisconsin Central Railroad EMD roadswitcher, is viewed idling on top of the West Lawrence Avenue viaduct in near northwest suburban Schiller Park Illinois.

BNSF Railway one car extra waiting on a hold order. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2007.

I took this photo just east of South Lawndale Avenue at what would approximately be West 49th Street in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

A BNSF Railway one car extra movement, is viewed waiting on a hold order near the south entrance to the BNSF Railway Corwith Yard. This photo was taken underneath the CTA orange line elevated rapid transit bridge looking north.

Belt Railway of Chicago early 1970's era International former school bus at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. June 1984.

Hello everyone!

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

I took this photo during a June 1984 railfan photo visit to Chicago's Hayford Junction at West 75th Street and South Central Park Avenue in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood.

A section crew from the Belt Railway of Chicago was hard at work nearby on their east and west tracks at Hayford Junction. This former International Harvester school bus of early 1970's era origin, was being utilized by the Belt Railway of Chicago to transport their track workers to various job sites along their railroad line.

Digital Live Sound Video: Pace bus turning off Prospect on to Summit Avenue. Park Ridge Illinois USA. Late February 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one evening, in near northwest suburban Park Ridge Illinois.

A 2002 Pace low floor Orion transit bus, is viewed making a right turn from Prospect Avenue on to Summit Avenue in uptown Park Ridge Illinois.It was very cold on this night during the later part of Winter, but it was worth it just to stand out there in the fresh air to capture this night time bus video.

Southbound CTA bus approaching the intersection of North Clark Street and West Fullerton Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. December 2007.

I took this photo on an overcast morning in late December of 2007.

Seen here in Chicago's Lincoln Park neighborhood, is a southbound Chicago Transit Authority Route # 22 Clark Street bus approaching the intersection at West Fullerton Avenue. Notice the shrink wrapped advertising on the back for W.L.U.P FM Radio host Johnathon Brandmeir.

Detroit Department of Street Railways electric trolleybus # 9137. Detroit Michigan USA. 1961.

This photo comes to Eddie's Railfan Page from My links Page Tom's Trolleybus Pictures to the right of Your computer screen.

Seen here during the year of 1961, is an electric powered trolleybus from the Detroit Department of Street Railways. Bus # 9137, is viewed at the intersection of Scaefer and Grand Riverin in the city of Detroit Michigan.

Electric trolleybus operations in the city of Detroit Michigan were discontinued during the year of 1962. Chicago operated electric trolleybuses until 1973.

Growing up with them, I will always have a certain nostalgia about trolleybuses.

First Transit 2008 Ford paratransit bus # 5157. Niles Illinois USA. Early March 2010.

I took this photo one morning recently, in the south parking lot at the Golf Mill Shopping Center in Niles Illinois.

My company's maintenance department had just washed My bus the evening before, and looked great in the bright winter morning sunshine. Bus # 5157 is very well maintained, and performs beautifully. I enjoy driving it.

Eastbound City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation sweeper vechicle on West Addison Street. Chicago Illinois USA. November 2006.

One aspect of everyday life here in the city of Chicago Illinois, is the daily operations of street sweeper vechicles from the City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation.

I photographed this Elgin Pelican model street sweeper vechicle in traffic one morning in November of 2006. This image was photographed on West Addison Street near the intersection of North Rockwell Avenue on a sunny late Autum morning.

Digital Live Sound Video: A speeding northbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train crossing Techny Road at twilight. Northbrook Illinois USA. July 2009

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one evening in July of 2009.

Freight trains normally do not operate over this particular segment of the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline, but sometimes will do so running as an extra.

This northbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train, is viewed cruising at a pretty good rate of speed as it passes the railroad crossing at Techny Road in north suburban Northbrook Illinois.

Northbound Metra local at the Deerfield station. Deerfield Illinois USA. Thursday, February 11th 2010.

Yes it is true that the greater Chicagoland area did experience a lenghty and snowy Winter season in 2010, but I made the best of it this year and spent much time capturing images of Chicago Winter Railroading with My camera lineside on location.

I took this photo during My morning lunch break on Thursday, February 11th 2010 at the Deerfield Illinois Metra commuter rail station. A northbound local enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, has just arrived at Deerfield on a very sunny and crystal clear day. With beautiful blue skies to break up the monatany of an otherwise overcast time of the year...who even "Cares" about the cold outdoor temperatures.

Winter railfanning helped Me cure some of those Wintertime blues.

Detroit Department of Street Railways PCC streetcar # 272 at the intersection of Woodward and Atwater. Detroit Michigan USA. 1954.

I found this historic 1950's era color photo from the city of Detroit Michigan, at an internet website known as Dave's Electric Railroads.

Definately one of the more striking color schemes used on electric streetcars by a public transit agency, was this one used by the Detroit Department of Street Railways.

This agency operated electric streetcars in the city of Detroit Michigan until April of 1956, and discontinued electric trolleybus operations in the year of 1962. After the end of streetcar service, many of the Detroit PCC electric streetcars were sold to Mexico City where they operated for several more years.

One of the former Detroit PCC streetcars eventually came back to Michigan from Mexico City, and is preserved on display at the Michigan Transportation Museum in Mount Clemmons Michigan.

Two trains meet on the Strasburg Railroad. Strasburg Pennsylvania USA. August 1990.

Twenty years ago this coming August, I went on a vacation trip of a lifetime to Strasburg Pennsylvania. It was a fun vacation that was partly spent doing railfan activities in the southeastern portion of the State of Pennsylvania.

I took this photo one hot and hazy summer morning in August of 1990.
The returning train to Strasburg on the left being pulled by former Great Western Railroad (Colorado USA) Baldwin 2-10-0 Decapod type steam locomotive #90, waits at the Groff's Grove picnic flag stop depot, as former Canadian National 0-6-0 steam switcher locomotive # 31 passes by on the passing siding.

Photographed on 35MM ASA 100 speed film to capture a timeless image recreated from the steam era decades ago.

Preserved Chicago, Aurora And Elgin steel interurban coach # 431. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. July 2009.

Although I was born too late to experience the old Chicago, Aurora And Elgin electric interurban railroad in daily service, steel interurban coach # 431 and several other operating cars from this defunct electric railroad can be enjoyed at The Illinois Railway Museum. This is a detailed close up profile photo of one of the cars two cabs.

Rare historic photo! Two CTA 1936 PCC electric streetcars on West 63rd Place west of South Central Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. 1948.

I found this rare historic color photo and several other ones, at an internet website known as Dave's Electric Railroads. There is a click on link for Dave's Electric Railroads at My links page Tom's Trolleybus Pictures to the right of Your computer screen.

This photo was taken in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood near Midway Airport during the year of 1948. Two former Chicago Surface Lines 1936 built PCC streamlined electric stretcars acquired by the 1947 formed Chicago Transit Authority, are viewed operating on private right of way on West 63rd Place between South Central Avenue and the west terminal loop at South Narragansett Avenue.

According to this photo, Chicago's outlying Clearing neighborhood near the city limits east of Summit Illinois wasn't really built up or developed much during the late 1940's. Notice the abundance of vacant land and fields. Prior to 1948, a single track private right of way Chicago Surface Lines electric streetcar line continued west past Narragansett Avenue to the terminal at West 63rd Street and South Archer Avenue in Summit Illinois. Prior to 1934, the Chicago Surface Lines route to Summit connected with the lightweight interurban trolley cars of the Chicago and Joliet Electric Railway at West 63rd Street and South Archer Avenue.

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

I photographed this digital live sound video in late September of 2009.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train departs Franklin Park Illinois on a sunny and very mild September day, and is viewed passing the Edgington Street railroad crossing.

Belt Railway of Chicago viaduct on West Jackson Boulevard with old BRC advertising. Chicago Illinois USA. Early October 2006.

I took this photo one afternoon in early October of 2006.

Seen here on Chicago's west side on West Jackson Boulevard east of South Cicero Avenue, is an old iron viaduct railroad bridge from the Belt Railway of Chicago. This old viaduct still had old, possible steam era advertising for the Belt Railway of Chicago still showing after all of these years.

Refurbished former Melbourne Austrailia W-2 class tram car # 452. The Memphis Main Street Trolley. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

I took this photo during a much deserved September 2007 vacation to the city of Memphis Tennesee USA.

A popular attraction in downtown Memphis Tennesee, is the Memphis Main Street Trolley. Visitors and commuters alike can experience a ride on a restored vintage electric streetcar or even a newer replica one. Car # 452 shown here, hails from the city of Melbourne Austrailia down under.

View looking west on South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2008.

Hello everyone!

Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois.
I took this photo one hot summer afternoon back in June of 2008. Being from the near southwest side of Chicago Myself, I occasionaly enjoy researching My Chicago roots.

I did not grow up in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood on the southside, but had always found it fascinating nonetheless. Once You got past the gritty, blue color working class factory district and local sometimes "Dive" neighborhood taverns, Bridgeport had a unique neighborhood charm all of it's own. With it's close geographc location to downtown Chicago and the adjacent Chinatown neighborhood, Bridgeport is an area that had seen recent economic growth and real estate redevelopement during the 1980's and 90's.

Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood is historic, as it was located along the now long gone Illinois and Michigan Canal. It is also the home of the Chicago White Sox American Leaque Baseball Team, the birthplace of Chicago's famous Connie's Pizza and Riccobennie's Italian Beef, and for many years....the neighborhood and residence of Chicago Mayors Richard J. Daley and His son Richard M. Daley.

This photo was taken late in the afternoon looking west on South Archer Avenue just east of the intersection of South Locke Street near Ashland Avenue.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Union Pacific EMD GP-15 light roadswitchers and tank cars at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois USA. May 1987.

I took this photograph one lovely Springtime afternoon back in May of 1987.

There was quiete a bit of working railroad activity going on during this particular visit, with many transfer trains entering and leaving from the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Two Union Pacific Railroad late 1970's era EMD model GP-15 light roadswitchers, are viewed switching a cut of cars at the Grand Trunk Western Railroad crosstracks at Hayford Junction. Ditch lights that are standard today on locomotive pilot beams were not in use back then. Notice the lack of UPY markings that Union Pacific uses today on locomotives designated for yard and terminal work.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Metra evening express commuter train crossing Techny Road. Northbrook Illinois USA. Tuesday, March 9th 2010.

I photographed this unique digital live sound video after work around dusk recently.

With a trace of gradually melting lake effect winter snow left on the ground, this northbound Metra fast moving express commuter train passes the railroad crossing at Techny Road in north suburban Northbrook Illinois.

Westbound Canadian Pacific freight train with a former Soo Line caboose on the rear. Bensenville Illinois USA. August 2006.

I took this photo one hot summer morning back in August of 2006.

A westbound Canadian Pacific freight train has just recieved clearance to depart from the nearby Canadian Pacific Bensenville Yard, and is viewed passing through the Bensenville Metra commuter rail station. In a scene out of the 1970's era, this freight train has a caboose on the rear. A rare sight in the Chicago area these days.

Southbound Metra evening rush hour commuter train. Glenview Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo after work one late afternoon, in June of 2008.

A southbound Metra evening rush hour commuter train, is viewed traveling alongside Lehigh Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Veola Waste Services garbage truck on Illinois U.S Route # 43 / Waukegan Road. Baneckburn Illinois USA. Jan 2010

I photographed this digital live sound video clip during My lunch break one morning recently, in January of 2010.

A green Veola Waste Services garbage truck, is viewed heading northbound on Illinois U.S Route # 43 / Waukegan Road in far north suburban Baneckburn Illinois. Veola Waste Services is one of several waste disposal firms that serve the greater Chicagoland area.

Preserved 0-4-0 -T side tank meter guage steam locomotive from Czechloslovakia. The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA.

This photo here, is actually from a picture postcard I had purchased inside the gift shop at The Hesston Steam Museum in northwest Indiana.

This black and white view, is proboubly from 1987 when this locomotive was acquired. Notice the Ingersol Rand air portable industrial air compressor on the flatcar coupled to the locomotive. The Czech steam locomotive was proboubly being tested and operated with compressed air prior to the final mechanical departments evaluation.

This coal burning steam locomotive operates at The Hesston Steam Museum from opening day on Memorial Day Weekend, until the end of the season in late October.

Westbound Metra local commuter train stopping at the Western Avenue station. Chicago Illinois USA. December 2006.

I took this photo one mild but overcast morning back in December of 2006.

A westbound Metra morning rush hour local commuter train, is viewed making the station stop at Western Avenue. The train is traveling over the former Milwaukee Road line. Western Avenue is the first station stop west of Chicago Union Station.

First Transit paratransit drivers Eddie K and his friend Mike posing by a Glenview Fire Department truck. Glenview Illinois USA. Saturday, Mar 6, 2010

This photo was taken at the First Transit bus garage in Glenview Illinois on Saturday, March 6th 2010.

First Transit was having a mandatory employee safety meeting that day.

When the meeting was over, a crew from the Glenview Fire Department was parked next to the First Transit bus garage after responding to a small medical emergency nearby.
With permission from the Fire Lieutenent, My buddy Mike asked if He could get his photo taken with the ariel ladder truck in the background. After He had His photo taken, We justt couldn't resist the opportunity to take a 2nd one together.

Although We drive handicapped buses for a living, We look like Firemen in our safety vests that We are required to wear at work.

Mike is an example of just what a great crew I work with on a daily basis. He is one of many buddys I work with. We are like a big family, and I enjoy coming to work partly because of this.

Digital Live Sound Video: Two trains meet on the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad line. Bridgeview Illinois USA. Sunday, March 7th 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video clip on location, in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois. A northbound Norfolk Southern transfer train waiting on a hold order, meets a southbound freight train on an overcast late Wintertime afternoon in early March of 2010. This video was photographed just south of the 87th Street overpass bridge. Notice the very heavily weather beaten Norfolk Southern locomotive.

Northbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad light engine movement. Summit Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo on a hot and hazy Summer morning back in June of 2007.

Two Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad EMD roadswitcher locomotives, are viewed running light on approach to the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Argo Yard in southwest suburban Summit Illinois.

The East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum. East Troy Wisconsin USA. September 2006.

I took this photo during a September 2006 visit to The East troy Electric Railroad and Museum near Lake Geneva Wisconsin.

Believe it or not, this recently restored early 1900's era wooden interurban car from Sheboygan Wisconsin had suffered mechanical difficulties that day and was taken out of service in place on the museum mainline until further notice. The museum's electric trolley train operations continued, but with cars meeting and transfering at the breakdown location from both ends.

Candy vending machine inside the soon to be closed Marzano's Miami Bowl on South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2004.

Hello everyone!

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

When I look back to My days as a young man growing up on the southwest side of the city of Chicago, a place that always made Me smile back then was Marzano's Miami Bowl on South Archer Avenue just west of the intersection of South Pulaski Road.

Marzano's Miami Bowl was located in Chicago's Archer Heights neighborhood near Midway Airport. I had a good number of happy memorys here during the 1970's and 80's.
Miami Bowl was a fun place to go to most anytime. This place had 80 lanes and two buildings on the property. I recall that it was also open 24 hours at some point in time. One of My gym classes at nearby Curie High School one block east of here even had a bowling course for six weeks during My Junior year back in the fall of 1979.

I had actually stopped going to Miami Bowl at some point during the 1980's, and would visit the place sporadically afterwards.

In September of 2004, it was announced in the Chicago Sun Times newspaper that the owner and family were retiring and that Miami Bowl was going to be closing for good soon. I took this photo immediately within a day or two of the announcement.

This candy vending machine with the name Miami on the header was always a favorite of Mine during My high school years, as I had bought many a Nestle's Crunch, Hershey's plain chocolate bar, or Jolly Rancher hard candy here. It was almost like an old friend to some extant.

Miami Bowl was demolished in stages over the next year or so. Today it is a vacant lot with a fence that surrounds it.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Preserved Illinois Terminal lightweight interurban car # 415 crossing Central Ave atThe Illinois Railway Museum. July 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video last year during a July 2009 visit to The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois.

We are looking west on the museum's own Central Avenue roadway inside the property.
With vintage wig wag signals swinging back and forth, preserved Illinois Terminal Railroad lightweight interurban trolley car # 415 crosses Central Avenue near the pavilion.

Westbound Canadian National transfer train. North Riverside Illinois USA. June 2007.

I took this photo one hazy Summer morning back in June of 2007.

After waiting for clearance to proceed from the railroad dispatcher, this westbound Canadian National transfer freight train is now reving up and slowly getting underway alongside Commons Park east of Des Plaines Avenue.

This train is traveling over the Canadian National's own former Illinois Central Railroad Iowa Division Mainline in west suburban North Riverside Illinois.