Night time in the Conti Parkway Circle. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Early April 2010.

Aaaaah yes.

There is nothing like a nice pleasant evening walk on a beautiful early Springtime evening. I took this photo one evening after I came home from work recently.

After a long hard day of driving a handicapped bus, I needed to stretch My legs, take in some fresh air, and see night time first hand in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

The weather was nice, but the mild daytime temperatures were actually dropping around this time, and most of the businesses in the Conti Parkway Circle had already closed for the night. However...there were many local friendly residents both young and old outside enjoying the fresh air and saying "Hello" with a pleasant smile.

A nice way to end a long hard day.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: The maiden run of Eddie K's "New" Athearn H.O Scale train at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers club layout.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work on Wednsday night, April 28th 2010.

After I was finished with attending one of My company's mandatory safety meetings, I was able to dash across town from Glenview to west suburban Oak Park Illinois. I just made it in time to attend the last hour of Wednsday nights operation.

I just recently purchased this Athearn H.O Scale EMD GP 35 roadswitcher in 1960's era Santa Fe markings, a Grand Trunk Western 40 foot boxcar, and a plain pre 1968 A,T & S,F cupola caboose. Here they are finally getting a chance to make their very first run, on the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers club layout. I will be adding some more cars very soon.

This train, is a generic representation of the mid 1960's era Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad's local freight trains that served lineside industries along the mainline. Branchline switching locals were still the domain of first generation EMD, Baldwin, Fairbanks Morse and Alco locomotives.

On this day in United States railroad history 39 years ago today. The last day of passenger train service before Amtrak. April 30th 1971.

Today is a sad and somewhat bittersweet aniversary in the history of North American railroad operations. On this date 39 years ago today, April 30th 1971, America's class 1 common carrier railroads...would end their own individual passenger train operations for good.

The traveling public began switching over to Airline travel during the 1950's and 1960's, and many railroads began to gradually phase out various passenger trains one by one. It was a very dark and uncertain period for the future of passenger train travel in North America. As early as 1958, it was predicted by some that long distance passenger trains would be extinct by 1970. They were indeed fading out.

In the year of 1970, the now late United States Preident Richard M. Nixon signed in to law the National Rail Passenger Service Act wich soon became known as Amtrak.

Amtrak operations officially began on May 1st 1971. There have been many trials and tribulations over the years, but somehow Amtrak is still alive and well today.

Around 1977, Canada began it's own version of Amtrak with their own system known today as VIA Rail Canada.

Yes. The era of traditional individual railroad operated passenger trains here in the United States of America, came to an end 39 years ago today.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

I took this photo on a pleasant Sunday afternoon recently, in March of 2010.

A westbound Metra local commuter train, is viewed departing from the near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station. This train is enroute to Elgin Illinois over the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline.

Eastbound Burlington Northern double stack container train approaching the Highlands depot. Hindsdale Illinois USA. September 1993.

I took this photo on a pleasant Sunday evening just before sunset, in early September of 1993. I was outside spending a little quiet time on location, at the quaint Highlands depot on the east side of west suburban Hindsdale Illinois.

An eastbound Burlington Northern double stack container train is viewed approaching the Highlands depot. The lead EMD locomotive is painted in the 1989 "White Face" color scheme.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound evening IHB local entering the westbound interchange curve. Franklin Park Illinois USA. June 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one summer evening, back in June of 2008. A northbound Indiana Harbor Belt short local freight train, is viewed leaving the Canadian National Railroad line, and entering on to the westbound Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline via the interchange junction east of downtown Franklin Park Illinois.

Northbound Metra local crossing Beckwith Road. Morton Grove Illinois USA. Monday, April 26th 2010.

I took this photo Monday morning of this week.

A northbound Metra commuter local enroute to Fox Lake Illinois from the city of Chicago, is viewed at the Beckwith Road railroad crossing in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois on a bright and sunny Springtime morning.

Coming Soon! My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation! Saturday, June 26th 2010. From 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Hi everyone!

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

I will be hosting My Chicagland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation at The Eisenhower Public Library in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.
The library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue.

The Eisenhower Public Library also has a full service Capucinno Coffee Shop for those who would like a snack or refreshment during the presentation.
It will be a fun afternoon, and I hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Former D,T & I EMD roadswitchers idling at the recently closed Grand Trunk Western Elsdon Yard site. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. June 1984.

I took this photo just north of adjacent West 51st Street, east of South Lawndale Avenue in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood way back in June of 1984.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad had just closed and phased out the old steam era Elsdon Yard the previous Autum back in October of 1983. For a few years after the fact....The GTW used a small fraction of the former Elsdon Yard site along the north side of West 51st Street until September of 1986. This little segment was located just east of South Lawndale Avenue, and was being utilized as a small and somewhat makeshift locmotive crew terminal.

These former Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad locomotives acquired through merger by the Grand Trunk Western in 1981, are viewed idling at what was left operationally of the former Elsdon Yard site. Many times locomotives were fueled onsite here by a tractor and trailer semi tanker truck when the need arose.

Eastbound Amtrak train enroute to Chicago Union Station passing through the Bridgeport neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2008.

I took this photo on a hot Summer afternoon back in August of 2008.

We are looking northeast from the corner of South Archer and Normal Avenues in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood. An eastbound Amtrak regional intercity passenger train enroute to Chicago Union Station, is viewed slowly approaching the downtown terminal during the very last mile or so of it's journey to the windy city.

Working Chevrolet vans in the Conti Parkway Circle. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Early April 2010.

Hi everyone!

Welcome aboard Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois.
I took this photo one morning during My lunch break, in early April 2010.
There is nothing like a good quality mini van for working applications.

These two Chevrolet Venture mini vans, were photographed side by side along the Conti Parkway Circle in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois. The Chevy Venture appears to be a good reputable quality oriented min van used by many businesses and municipalities around the greater Chicagoland area.

The Chevy Venture has proven to become a standard vechicle of choice for the United States Postal Service in recent times, and several other companys employ these vechicles for their hard working utilitarian needs. They even can be found working as Taxi Cabs, Paratransit vechicles, or even Pizza delivery trucks.
It has definately proven itself to be a popular working vechicle.

It is nice to see the owners and users of these vechicles get their moneys worth.
Heck! It even makes for a good Family car as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound CTA orange line train enroute to Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one hot summer afternoon back in August of 2008.

We are on location at the intersection of South Archer and Normal Avenues in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood on the near south side of the city. This quick moving orange line train had just departed from nearby downtown Chicago, and is now making time and all of the various southwest side neighborhood station stops during this rush hour commuting period.

Former Milwaukee Road boxcars in transit on a northbound Indiana Harbor Belt freight train. Bridgeview Illinois USA. September 1989.

I took this photo facing east on 71st Street in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois, way back in early September of 1989.

Many things have changed here since I took this photo at this location back in 1989.
True, the old Milwaukee Road was acquired through merger by the Soo Line Railroad recently in 1985...but their equipment could still be found rolling around on many rail lines for the time being.

On the corner of 71st Street and Harlem Avenue just east of here, was the large trucking company known as Consolidated Freightways. The company was in deep financial trouble, and suddenly closed for good one day without telling any of the drivers or employees during the early 2000's. The old Consolidated Freightways site was demolished and redeveloped in to todays Toyota Park Stadium. Today, the Toyota Park Stadium looms over the background where this IHB train was photographed.

Plans are now in the works at this time, to lower 71st Street and build an underpass viaduct here to avoid numerous train delays. This has been a problem gfor many years at this location.

The Illinois Railway Museum's own Shay locomotive # 5 pulling an eastbound caboose train. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA.July 1996.

I took this photo during a July 1996 visit to The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the small town of Union Illinois.

Preserved Lima Locomotive Works logging Shay locomotive # 5 from the J. Neils Lumber Comapny, is viewed pulling a caboose train eastbound on the museum's mainline.

Eastbound Metra morning commuter local crossing Arlington Heights Road. Arlington Heights Illinois USA. Monday, April 26th 2010.

I took this photo Monday morning this week, while passing through northwest suburban Arlington Heights Illinois.

An eastbound Metra morning rush hour local, is viewed crossing Arlington Heights Road enroute to downtown Chicago Illinois. The train is operating over the Metra / Union Pacific northwest line from Chicago to Harvard Illinois. Prior to 1995, this railroad line was owned and operated by the now fallen flag railroad Chicago & Northwestern. The Union Pacific acquired the C & N,W through merger in 1995, and absorbed it in to their corporate system.

Historic Photo! Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad 3 cylinder 0-8-0 steam locomotive # 100 at work in 1950.

I found this historic photo at My links page Fallen Flags. Org to the right of Your computer screen. While they unfortunately did not give a specific photo location, this picture could have been taken at possibly Riverdale Illinois or Hammond Indiana.

The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, was a Chicago area freight only subsidiary of the New York Central Railroad. It was and still is a belt line railroad serving the greater Chicagoland area, and connecting with several other railroads.

The Indiana Harbor Belt was one of many railroads in the United States of America that was in a big hurry to retire steam locomotives and convert to 100% diesel locomotive operation after World War 2 had ended. The IHB was rapidly dieselizing when this photo of 0-8-0 steam switcher locomotive # 100 was taken in 1950. The complete dieselization of the Indiana Harbor Belt happened in 1952.

Unfortunately to My knowledge...the IHB did not preserve any steam locomotives.
However, the 3 cylinder IHB 0-8-0's have been available in H.O and O Scale from IHC Rivarossi for some time now at many local Chicago area hobby stores and hobby shops nationwide.

Twilight at the Metra Franklin Park commuter rail station. Franklin Park Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo during a pleasant Summer evening just past sunset, in June of 2008.

It was actually a quiet period between any freight train or Metra commuter activiy here in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois. With scattered clouds adding a touch of purple to the approaching night time sky.... it was indeed a great time to come out and enjoy some fresh air while listening to the sounds of Crickets chirping.

Approximately 20 minutes or so later, the silence would be interupted by the arrival of a westbound transfer freight train enroute to the nearby Canadian Pacific Bensenville Yard. Another day is coming to a pleasant closing here in the greater Chicagoland area.

Grayline Sightseeing replica trolley bus at a local maintenace facility. Chicago Illinois USA. Early May 2006.

Hello everyone!

Welcome aboard the "Bus Day" edition of Eddie's Railfan Page from the city of Chicago Illinois USA.

I took this photo at a local bus and truck heavy contract maintenance repair facility at South Pulaski Road at what would approximately be West 34th Street on private property, in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood on the near southwest side of the city.

It is the Spring of 2006, and the busy sightseeing tourist season is getting underway once again here in the city of Chicago Illinois. This rubber tired modern characture bus replica of an early 1900's era electric streetcar, is seen parked behind a chain link fence at a local heavy contract repair maintenance gargae that services both buses and trucks. It is important, that this sightseeing trolley bus in in good working order before the city is flooded with summertime visiting tourists.

Needless to say, these buses are astheticly pleasing. They even have a trolley bell for the operator to ring. Clang Clang!

Digital Live Sound Video: CTA 2006 New Flyer low floor transit bus heading south on Dodge Avenue. Evanston Illinois USA. April 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one evening after work, back in April of 2009.

A Chicago Transit Authority 2006 New Flyer low floor 40 foot transit bus, is viewed heading southbound on Dodge Avenue in north suburban Evanston Illinois during the evening rush hour.

Blues City Tours chartered Ford sightseeing bus. Memphis Tennesee USA. September 2007.

I took this photo in downtown Memphis Tennesee, during a September 2007 vacation My Wife and I both went on to this fun city by the Missisippi River.

Seen here, is a small Ford sightseeing bus for a local Memphis tour company known as Blues City Tours. My Wife Cheryl and Myself took their tour to the late great Elvis Presley's Graceland mansion, wich is a very popular tourist attraction in Memphis.

I work as a Paratransit Driver Myself, and drive Ford buses like this equipped with a wheelchair lift daily.

Yellowstone National Park Bus. Wyoming USA. June 1984.

I took this photo during a June 1984 motorcoach tour vacation to Yellowstone National Park, located in the northwestern part of the State of Wyoming.

Although My tour group did not ride this particular motorcoach that was being operated by the Yellowstone National Park itself, The striking color scheme and classic lines of this bus caught My attention nonetheless. I am so glad that I snapped this photo when I had the opportunity to do so back in June of 1984.

New York Bus Service 1970's era GMC fishbowl windshield commuter bus. New York City USA.

I found this unique photo of one of New York City's past express commuter buses.

The General Motors Corporation's line of TDH series fishbowl windshield "New Look" transit buses, were a hit with the traveling public from the very begining when they were introduced in the year of 1959. They came in a number of variations, such as the standard 35 and 40 Foot transit bus models, air conditioned, un airconditioned open window, soft seats, hard plastic Laundromat style seats, and even a "Short" 3 side window model as well.

This bus with no rear exit transit style doors, was more than likely used in suburban connecting express bus service, with very few stops and mainly serving many commuter train stations around the greater New York City area. The striking and very colorful red white and blue colors, were proboubly introduced around 1976 during America's nationwide Bi Centenial celebration.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound CTA purple line train crossing Isabella Street. Wilmette Illinois USA. Tuesday, Dec 1st 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video during My morning lunch break one day late last year.

A southbound Chicago Transit Authority purple line rapid transit train, has just left the Linden Avenue terminal a few city blocks to the north, and is now crossing Isabella Street on it's journey to downtown Chicago Illinois.

Coming Soon! My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow! Saturday, June 26th 2010.

Hi everyone!

This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.
I will be hosting My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow on Saturday afternoon, June 26th 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at The Eisenhower Public Library. The library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near morthwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

I will be showing a collection of My Chicago area railroad photos and videos.
Come out and meet Your fellow railfans. I hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe freight train. Chicago Illinois USA. September 1988.

I took this photo while out enjoying a pleasant late summer evening bicycle ride, way back in early September of 1988.

We are at the South Austin Avenue railroad crossing near West 60th Street. This eastbound Santa Fe transfer freight train had just departed from the Belt Railway o Chicago Clearing Yard, and is now heading eastbound over the BRC near Chicago's Midway Airport. Notice the red SF locomotive from the failed merger attempt with Southern Pacific a few years before.

Southbound Metra local crossing North Central Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2007.

I took this photo one hot summer morning back in August of 2007.

A southbound Metra commuter train enroute to Chicago from Fox Lake Illinois, crosses North Central Avenue in Chicago's Edgebrook neighborhood.

Preserved Branch Mint Railroad , Porter 0-4-0T saddle tank steam locomotive on display near the Chief crazy Horse monument. South Dakota USA. 1984.

I took this photo during a June 1984 motorcoach tour vacation to Yelowstone National Park in northwestern Wyoming. Seen here on display near the then under construction Chief Crazy Horse monument in the state of South Dakota. I do not recall what town this was in, but this old 1920's era Porter industrial narrow guage 0-4-0T saddle tank steam locomotive made for a nice roadside display.

No longer pulling mine cars on the Branch Mint Railroad, today it visually greets tourist in it's own sheltered display site.

A former Illinois Central EMD roadswitcher shoving a cut of tank cars at Glen Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2007.

I took this photo after work one late afternoon, back in May of 2007.

Looking down from the east side of the South Central Avenue overpass bridge near the Illinois U.S Route I-55 Stevenson Expressway, We see a weathered ex Illinois Central EMD roadswitcher at work. This locomotive was busy shoving a large cut of tank cars in to the east entrance of the Canadian Nationl ex Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Glen Yard near the Chicago city limits.

Southbound Metra commuter train passing underneath the Union Pacific "Techny" line. Northbrook Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo one absolutely beautiful Summer day back in June of 2008.

A southbound Metra commuter train, is viewed passing underneath the freight only Union Pacific Railroad "Techny" line north of Willow Road near Glenview Illinois. The Metra train is traveling over the Canadian Pacific owned ex Milwaukee Road northline between Chicago and Fox Lake Illinois.

Metra's last three EMD E 8's on the Farewell To The E Units Fantrip. Ridgefield Illinois USA. Saturday, October 28th 1989.

I took this photo during the Saturday, October 28th 1989 Chicago & NorthWestern / Metra "Farewell To The EMD E 8's Last Run Fantrip" wich operated between Chicago and Harvard Illinois. Here We are on location at the second photo runby location in Ridgefield Illinois. Those three early 1950's era EMD model E 8 streamliner passenger service locomotives made for some very unique and hard working sound effects pullling those Metra commuter coaches under load conditions. Lots of loud rumbling.

Belt Railway of Chicago # 521 spotting cars. Bedford Park Illinois USA. March 1985.

I took this photo one day while I was job searching during a period of unemployment back in early March of 1985.

I didn't normally take My 35MM camera with Me when I was chasing down job applications and interviews, but for some unexplained reason...I brought it along on this cold and dismal overcast late Winter day.

Although I did not land one single job that day in the Bedford Industrial Park, I caught this rare image of Belt Railway of Chicago EMD SW series yard switcher # 521 at work. The engine and crew were working on an industrial switching local assignment, picking up and setting out cars along the factory spur sidings near West 73rd Street in southwest suburban Bedford Park Illinois.

Historic Photo! Pennsylvania Railroad steam powered passenger train passing through Chicago's Englewood station. Chicago Illinois USA, circa 1930's.

This photograph comes to Eddie's Railfan Page via My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

A Pennsylvania Railroad passenger train being pulled by a K 4 Class 4-6-2 Pacific type passenger service steam locomotive, is seen passing through Chicago's Englewood Union Station on the southeast side of the city possibly during the 1930's.

Englewood Union Station was located near West 63rd and South Halsted Streets, and was the first passenger train station stop for southbound trains departing from Chicago Union Station. It was also the last stop for northbound trains enroute to Chicago Union Station. It was a very busy passenger terminal in it's hey day. There were crosstracks here, and the commuter trains from the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad stopped here daily between Chicago & Joliet Illinois.

No passenger trains serve this former station site today, and the area has been in severe economic ruin for several years now. Still, it must have been nice while it lasted during pre Amtrak times.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Canadian Pacific transfer train passing through Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. June 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one hot summer evening back in June of 2008, on location at Hawthorne Junction along the Chicago city limits border at west suburban Cicero Illinois.

A northbound Canadian Pacific Railroad intermodal transfer train, is viewed passing through the Canadian National ex Illinois Central crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction. The Canadian Pacific train is heading northbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks. The BRC tracks are actually the dividing line border, and I am standing on the Cicero side of the tracks.

Preserved Illinois Terminal Railroad lightweight interurban car # 415. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. Friday, July 3rd 2009.

I took this photo last year during a Family visit to The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the small town of Union Illinois.

One of the operating electric streetcar relics I have ridden on many times at The Illinois Railway Museum, is preserved 1920's era Illinois Terminal Railroad car # 415. It was used in suburban streetcar service between St. Louis Missouri and Granite City Illinois until the end of service in 1958.

Today it hauls tourists on the museum's trolley loop that circles the property.

Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train. Glenview Illinois USA. January 2010.

Although the greater Chicagoland area experienced a rough winter in 2010, I actually made the most of it all by railfanning on location with My camera when the weather wasn't too severe outdoors.

I took this photo during My morning lunch break one day, back in January of 2010.
The northbound Amtrak Hiawatha enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, is viewed idling at the Glenview Amtrak / Metra commuter rail station while passengers are boarding.

I took this photo facing east from a parking lot along the west side of Lehigh Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois. It was overcast, but heck. After all this is an image of Chicago Winter Railroading I had photographed early this year.

Former Detroit, Toledo & Ironton EMD roadswitchers idling at the recently closed GTW Elsdon Yard site. Chicago Illinois USA. June 1984.

I took this photo 26 years ago this upcoming June! (Has it been that long already?)

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad had acquired the Detroit, Toledo & Ironton Railroad through merger in the year of 1981. The GTW also had decided to close their Elsdon Yard on Chicago's southwest side in October of 1983.

Although Elsdon Yard was already closed as a freight yard and locomotive servicing terminal, this little segment located on a curve north of West 51st Street just east of South Lawndale Avenue....served as a locomotive crew terminal and onsite light servicing facility until September of 1986. I can recall seeing locomotives being fueled onsite at this location by a tractor and trailer tanker truck. Unfortunately, it was always when I didn't have My camera with Me.

This was the old Grand Trunk Western Elsdon Yard site (Or what was left of it) during a transition period in June of 1984.

An antque railroad baggage wagon on display at the Riverside Illinois Metra commuter rail station. Sunday afternoon, April 4th 2010.

Railroad passenger train relics from forgotten past eras are where You find them.

This wooden steam era passenger train station baggage wagon, is on display outside along the south platform shelter at the Riverside Illinois Metra commuter rail station.

If one uses their imagination....The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Pioneer Zephyr could be stopping here at anytime. Maybe even a local mail train powered by one of the Burlington's 1930 built Baldwin 4-6-4 Hudson type steam locomotives.

The old Chicago, Burlington & Quincy had nice train stations in the greater Chicagoland area. Riverside is definately a classic example even today.

Gray Illinois Central "New Image" caboose. Chicago Illinois USA. May 1987.

I took this photo looking north from on top of the South Pulaski Road overpass bridge near Chicago's Daley College one lovely Springtime afternoon, way back in May of 1987.

A westbound Illinois Central Railroad transfer train, is viewed heading toward the Belt Railway of Chicago's Clearing Yard. The Illinois Central Railroad, was in the process of reorganization during the mid 1980's. From 1972 when they acquired the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad through merger and became the Illinois Central Gulf, until approximately 1985..the ICG was losing big sums of money, and began a process of reorganization. Many former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio lines were sold off, and the old name Illinois Central was brought back with a new logo.

This gray caboose, is an example of some of the changes brought on by reorganization.

Westbound CTA blue line train as seen from the Canfield Road overpass bridge. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo after work one Summer day, back in une of 2008.

A westbound Chicago Transit Authority blue line train enroute to Chicago's O'Hare International Airport terminal in nearby Rosemont Illinois, is viewed pasing rush hour traffic on the Illinois U.S Route # I-90 Kennedy Expressway near Park Ridge Illinois.

Coming Soon! My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow!

Hi everyone!

This is Eddie K Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.
I am inviting You to attend My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow on
Saturday June 26th 2010 at The Eisenhower Public Library, located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

The show will run from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, and will feature My railfan photos and videos shown here at Eddie's Railfan Page. It will be a chance to meet some of Your fellow railfans. It will be a fun afternoon.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Wilmette Metra commuter rail station. Wilmette Illinois USA. Early April 2010.

I took this photo one morning recently around sunrise.

This is the Metra commuter rail station that serves commuters in north suburban Wilmette Illinois. Located on Green Bay Road near Central Avenue, this station sees maily Metra comuter trains operating on the Metra / Union Pacific north line to Kenosha Wisconsin.

Sunday afternoon at the Riverside Metra commuter rail station. Riverside Illinois USA. Sunday afternoon, April 4th 2010.

Hi everyone!

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

One of the more unique railfan photo locations I enjoy visiting in the greater Chicagoland area, is the Metra commuter rail station in west suburban Riverside Illinois. With the station itself being an old brick steam era passenger train station from the long gone predecessor railroad Chicago, Burlington & Quincy, there are many Metra commuter trains that stop here operating between Chicago and Aurora Illinois. There are many freight trains and a few Amtrak trains that pass through here too.

Riverside is a timeless classic of a village from the Victoraian era, that still lights up the village streets through here at night with gas powered street lamps.
Many of the local businesses are nice to shop at, plus there is an abundance of city parks near the station.

One of the more unique objects, has to be this European inspired village water tank.
This design, I believe more or less reflects the local large Ethnic population of European Czechloslovakian imigrant residents that once dominated this area.

It is a pleasant place to visit, even if it is a quiet time between trains like in this photograph.

Digital Live Sound Video: Kiddieland Limited riding alongside First Avenue. Kiddieland Amusement Park.(Gone.) Melrose Park Illinois USA. June 2009.

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

Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park was in it's final season of operation after 81 years in near northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois. Seen here along the east side of the park alongside First Avenue, is the gasoline powered 14" track guage Kiddieland Limited 1950's era replica streamliner passenger train. It is early June, and the weeknight amusement park patronage is still just a little on the light side.

I had the "Best Seat In The House" to capture this image on the Kiddieland Miniature Railroad line, a convenient parking lot gaurd rail.

Chicagoland just won't be the same without Kiddieland.

Thanks.

Eddie K.

Southbound CSX Transportation Company auto rack train passing through Mc Cook Junction. Mc Cook Illinois USA. May 2007.

I took this photo on a lovely Springtime morning back in May of 2007.

With orders to proceed across the BNSF Railway's former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe crosstracks finally granted, a slow moving southbound CSX auto rack train resumes it's journey over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad line.

Passengers disembarking at the Norwood Park Metra commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo one morning during My scheduled lunch break, in June of 2008.

An eastbound Metra local enroute to the Richard B. Ogilvie Transportation Center in downtown Chicago Illinois, (Formerly NorthWestern Sation) has just arrived at the Norwood Park Metra commuter rail station ,located at Northwest Highway and Raven Street on Chicago's far northwest side. Passengers are seen disembarking the commuter train on a lovely Summer day.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train passing through the Riverside Metra commuter rail station. Riverside Illinois USA. April 2007.

I took this photo on a lovely early Springtime morning back in April of 2007.

With the morning rush hour commuter train activities begining to wind down, an eastbound BNSF Railway freight train is viewed passing through the Riverside depot.

The Union Pacific Railroad M-19A Diesel Shop facility. Chicago Illinois USA. Early April 2010.

I took this photo looking north from adjacent West kinzie Street, between North Kilbourn Avenue and Pulaski Road.

Seen here idling and basking in the early Springtime sunshine, are several Union Pacific freight locomotives being serviced between assignments.

Chicago South Shore and South Bend electric M.U coach at the former Randolph Street station site. (Gone /rebuilt and moved underground.) Chicago 1988.

I took this photo way back in June of 1988.

This modern lightweight early 1980's vintage electric M.U coach from the Chicago, South Shore and South Bend Railroad, is viewed at the former outdoor Randolph Street station site alongside Chicago's Grant Park downtown. The station itself was just recently rebuilt with modern platforms and shelters when I had taken this photo.

During the late 1990's and early 2000's, Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley rebuilt this old outdoor station terminal site, and redeveloped it in to todays Milenium Park.
The train station tracks were moved underground in a subway like setting, while the old terminla area was elevated and covered over, and soon became a city park.

Eddie K at the Sabre Room. Hickory Hills Illinois USA. April 1986.

Hello once agian everyone!

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

I just recently found this old photo of Myself from 1986 in the archives recently.
This photo was taken on Easter Sunday back in April of 1986, at the Sabre Room Banquet Hall in southwest suburban Hickory Hills Illinois.

Here I am, a then 24 year old future host and photographer of Eddie's Railfan Page mugging for a few family fun photos in front of the Sabre Room, in the fountain area by the front driveway. The fountain was empty, and would soon be turned on after some routine seasonal maintenance in a couple of weeks.

Hard to believe that this photo was actually taken 24 years ago this month.
From 1982 until approximately 1995, My family and I would occasionally attend the Sabre Room's Holiday live dinner shows here. They were fun.

Happy memorys!
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound CTA orange line train. Chicago Illinois USA. June 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one hot summer evening back in June of 2008.

We are on location just west of South Lawndale Avenue at approximately what would be West 49th Street. A westbound CTA orange line rapid transit train enroute to Chicago's Midway Airport, is viewed passing over the South Lawndale Avenue underpass bridge upon approach to the South Pulaski Road station ahead.

Digital Live Sound Video: Demolition of Chicago's Washburne Trade School on West 31st Street. Chicago Illinois USA. Late July 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one day last year, on location in My old neighborhood of all places.

I attended Washburne Trade School at South Kedzie Avenue and West 31st Street Myself, during the early 1980's after I had graduated from Curie High School.
It was a "waste of money" attending there, because contrary to what the industry reps told us about careers and opportunities at the fall orientation...times were tough and there were no jobs to be found. Heck! They not only did not show up at our graduation dinner...but they "Avoided The Issue" when I later approached them about finding work at their companys. Boooooo!!!!

Needless to say, Washburne Trade School closed by the end of the decade and sat vacant for several years. Begining in late 2006, demolition began here in stages.
Here We see the building undergoing the final stages of demolition in late July of last year.

The old Washburne Trade School site today....is a big vacant lot with temporary construction fencing around it. Local citizens and politicians want to develope this site as a large city park in the near future.

Eddie K.

Northbound BNSF Railway transfer train with a former Burlington Northern covered hopper car in tow. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2009.

I took this photo on a rainy Summer evening around sunset back in August of 2009.

A cascade green covered hoppe car from the BNSF Railway pre 1995 predecessor railroad Burlington Northern, shines in the falling rain aboard a northbound NSF Railway transfer train.

This image was photographed facing east, at the South Archer Avenue railroad crossing near Chicago's Midway Airport. This BNSF transfer train is heading northbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago line.

Village of Elmwood Park Department of Public Works crew with a mobile woodchipper machine. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Early April 2010.

I took this photo on a Monday morning, in early April of 2010.

On Monday and Tuesday, the Village of Elmwood Park Illinois performs routine street maintenance and sweeping on North 74th Court. Here is a crew with a mobile woodchipper machine at work clearing twigs and branches along North 74th Court near West Wellington Street.

Thank You Village of Elmwood Park
for a job well done and appreciated.

Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Metra evening rush hour express commuter train heading in to the sunset. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video at the North Narragansett Avenue railroad crossing in Chicago's Galewood neighborhood on March 4th, 2010.

With another work day comming to an end, a westbound Metra express commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois...heads off in to the sunset.

Pennsylvania Railroad caboose circa mid 1960's.

This photo comes to Eddie's Railfan Page via My links page Fallen Flags. Org to the right of Your computer screen.

In the last few years or so leading up to the merger between the Pennsylvania Railroad and the New York Central that created the Pen Central Railroad in 1968, the PRR began paining several cabooses in this plain orange red toned color scheme.

This may have been the last color scheme utilized by the Pennsylvania Railroad on their cabooses during the 1960's.

Norfolk Southern waffle sided Hi Cube boxcar with very minimal NS reporting marks. Chicago Illinois USA. Early April 2010.

I took this photo on a recent lunchtime visit to the Metra / Hanson Park commuter flagstop depot adjacent to the North Central Avenue overpass bridge in Chicago.

Adjacent to the depot, is a set of bypass tracks used for freight trains entering and departing from the Belt Railway of Chicago interchange at nearby Cragin Junction.

This relatively "New" looking 50 foot Waffle Sided Hi Cube box car, has tiny NS markings indicating that this boscar belongs to the Norfollk Southern Railroad. Many railroads in recent years, have made cost effective cutbacks, by using smaller roadname reporting marks like this, leaving the cars looking very plain.

Westbound Metra local. Hindsdale Illinois USA. June 2007.

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

A westbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Aurora Illinois, is viewed arriving at the west suburban Hindsdale Metra commuter rail station. This depot is an old steam era passenger train station, from pre 1970 presecessor railroad Chicago, Burlington & Quincy. It survives today, and serves daily Metra commuter trains.

It is also a nice place to bring Your camera with You for some lineside railfan photography, as this is a normally busy mainline.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Amtrak Empire Builder departing Glenview Illinois. Wednsday, April 14th 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video this past wednsday evening after work around 6:40 PM.

We are looking east toward the Dewes Street railroad crossing in north suburban Glenview Illinois. The southbound Amtrak Empire Builder enroute to Chicago Illinois from Seatle Washington, is viewed departing from the last station stop in north suburban Glenview Illinois. The train is getting underway, and begining the final leg of it's journey to Chicago Union Station.

Southbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad transfer train. Chicago Ridge Illinois USA. May 1990.

I took this photo while I was out enjoying a pleasant Sunday afternoon bicycle ride, way back in May of 1990. (Has it been twenty years already?)

Seen here is a southbound Indiana Harbor Belt transfer freight train, being pulled by rebuilt early 1950's era EMD model NW 2 yard switchers. The train is viewed approaching the junction with the Norfolk Southern and Metra at Chicago Ridge Tower.

Chicago Ridge Tower was closed in 1993, and after a few suspicious arson fires...was demolished in the year of 1995.

Historic Photo! Southbound Chicago & Joliet Electric Railway car # 242 on Archer near Roberts Road. Justice Illinois USA. Circa early 1930's.

One thing I regtret not being able to have experienced as I was born too late to do so, was enjoy a nice leisurly Sunday ride aboard the Chicago & Joliet Electric Railway.

This little electric powered interurban railway, operated electric streetcars between the east terminal at South Archer and Cicero Avenues in the city of Chicago near what is now Midway Airport, to Ottawa Street in downtown far southwest suburban Joliet Illinois.

This electric interurban railway utilized lightweight city style streetcars on a ride approximately 20 miles long between the citties of Chicago and Joliet Illinois. The route followed mostly along what is today South Archer Road / Illinois U.S Route # 171. Many of the now outlying suburban towns it travelled through then like Justice, Willow Springs, Lemont and Lockport Illinois,...were little rural farming communities that were barely developed by todays standards. It must have been fun enjoying a ride through the countryside back then on this interurban railway on a Spring or Summer day with an open window to ones advantage and a breeze.

The Chicago & Joliet Electric Railway was in business from the early 1900's until the line went out of business due to bankruptcy in 1934, during the great depression.

Only one piece of operating equipment from this interurban railroad survives today. It is an old Maintenance of Way Department snow sweeper, that was sold to the Scranton Transit Company of Scranton Pennsylvania. It survives today in operating condition at the Trolleys to yesterday Museum in Rockhill Furnace Pennsylvania USA.

The old Chicago and Joliet Electric Railway carbarn, out of view near this photo location survives today in very heavily modeified form. It is now "The Landmark Restaurant and Banquet Hall" at the intersection of South Archer and Roberts Road.

Believe Me, If I had My way....the old Chicago & Joliet Electric Railway would be alive and well today and operating with modern LRV style equipment like in Portland Oregon.

Thanks.

Eddie K.

Night time at the Park Ridge Metra commuter rail station. Park Ridge Illinois USA. February 2010.

I took this photo after work one night two months ago.

Seen here in a night time setting due to seasonal early darkness, is the north or "eastbound" platform at the near northwest suburban Park Ridge Metra commuter rail station located at 100 Summit Avenue in Uptown Park Ridge Illinois.

This commuter train station, serves daily Metra commuter train on the Metra / Union Pacific west line between Chicago and Harvard Illinois. Prior to 1995, this railroad line was the now fallen flag Chicago & Northwestern Railroad.