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

The Chicago Transit Authority bus terminal loop at West 63rd Place and South Kedzie Avenue. Chicago Illinois. December 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Preserved 1970's era GMC fishbowl windshield bus from Milwaukee Wisconsin. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. August 2006.

Preserved 1970's era GMC fishbowl windshield bus from Milwaukee Wisconsin. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. August 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during an August 2006 visit to The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Illinois USA.

The museum, has been putting together quiete a nice collection of vintage transit buses in recent years. Seen here parked outdoors on display, is a rehabbed 1960's era GMC TDH Series fishbowl windshield bus, from The Milwaukee County Transit District.

This bus, provided daily transit service in the city of Milwaukee Wisconsin USA, until the year of 2000.

NYBSgmc

NYBSgmc, a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this New York City bus photo on the internet recently, but I unfortunately do not recall what the name of the website was.

This photo was proboubly taken at some time during the 1970's or early 1980's.

The General Motors Corporation introduced their popular TDH Series "New Look" transit buses with the fishbowl windshield and slanted side windows in the year of 1959.

These buses were immensly popular, and were in production throughout the 1960's and most of the 1970's era.

Shown here is a suburban or commuter version of the GM Fishbowl windshield transit bus from the company known as New York Bus Service.

The Suburban version of the GM fishbowl windshield bus, had foreward facing seats, luggage racks, and no rear transit doors.

Small Chevrolet van school bus. Glenview Illinois. April 2010.

Small Chevrolet van school bus. Glenview Illinois. April 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo after work one day, back in April of 2010.

I spotted this unique little Chevrolet van style school bus, i north suburban Glenview Illinois.

Temporary bus storage facility at the Metra, Lake Cook Road commuter rail station. Deerfield Illinois. June 2010.

Temporary bus storage facility at the Metra, Lake Cook Road commuter rail station. Deerfield Illinois. June 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo in June of last year, at the Metra , Lake Cook Road commuter rail station.

For those who enjoy having miniature bus models on their model railroad layouts, but do not have room for a bus garage facility...here is the answer to Your problem.

I presume that Pace proboubly does not have a bus maintenance garage in the area around Deerfield Illinois, and is utilizing this temporary construction site rental fencing to store their buses during off peak commuting periods.

This temporary storage lot, is located in the parking lot, imediately west of the Lake Cook Road Metra commuter rail station in north suburban Deerfield Illinois.

Easter Sunday morning. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. April 24th, 2011.

Easter Sunday morning. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. April 24th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, on Easter Sunday morning in Elmwood Park Illinois USA.

The local Saint Celestine's Catholic Parish Church, utilizes this little Ford bus as their church bus.

Chicago Entertainment Tours Freightliner buses. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2011.

Chicago Entertainment Tours Freightliner buses. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A popular local tour bus company operating out of Chicago Illinois, is a company known as Chicago Entertainment Tours.

This company in recent times, has been utilizing these modified Freightliner truck / bus Conversion motor coaches on their fleet.

This company transports passengers to and from the local Chicago area gambling casinos, such as the Horseshoe Casino in nearby Hammond Indiana.

Disabled Pace bus being towed southbound on Waukegan Road. Glenview Illinois. Thursday, July 1st, 2010.

Disabled Pace bus being towed southbound on Waukegan Road. Glenview Illinois. Thursday, July 1st, 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo last year, in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

An older Pace, Orion transit bus has unfortunately met up with mechanical failure on the road. A mechanic from the garage this bus is stationed out of, is viewed towing the bus on Waukegan Road, heading southbound through Glenview Ilinois.

A Chicago Transit Authority 2006 New Flyer bus, modified as a clean air hybrid bus. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2011.

A Chicago Transit Authority 2006 New Flyer bus, modified as a clean air hybrid bus. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently during evening rush hour traffic.

The Chicago Transit Authority and many other transit agencies in North America, have done a lot in recent times to cut down on harmful diesel exhaust emmisions, and help keep the outside air clean.

CTA has a number of buses today, modified for the task of maintaining clean air with low emmisions. They carry the advertisement "Clean Air Hybrid Bus", along the roof line of the buses.

Happy Memorial Day from Eddie's Railfan Page!

Windy day. Harwood Heights Illinois. April 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Remembering our Nations brave men and woman serving America past and present, who served in the armed forces.

God bless America!

The final Grand Trunk Western Railroad yard office building at Elsdon Yard. ( Closed.) Chicago Illinois USA. December 1983.

The final Grand Trunk Western Railroad yard office building at Elsdon Yard. ( Closed.) Chicago Illinois USA. December 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, way back in December of 1983.

This little building along the north side of West 51st Street between South St. louis and South Lawndale Avenues, would be the final building used as a small yard office at the recently closed Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard.

Elsdon Yard was closed in October of 1983, but a small segment of it would remain in operation as a makeshift locomotive terminal and crew change headquarters, until September of 1986.

At last report, I have been informed that this building is still standing here with Canadian National markings replacing the GT ones formerly used. The building is also rumored to be boarded up and tagged with grafitti.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Fellow club member Alex, owns and operates this beautiful Bachman Spectrum Series, Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad 4-6-0 Ten Wheeler type steam locomotive.

This type of locomotive, was a standard dual service ( Passenger and freight ) style of steam locomotive from the era around 1905 to 1910 in North America.

Chicago, Aurora & Elgin wooden interurban train. The Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. May 1983.

Chicago, Aurora & Elgin wooden interurban train. The Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. May 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in May of 1983.

The Central Electric Railfans Association, ran a chartered motorcoach fantrip that day to both The Fox River Trolley Museum in South Elgin Illinois, and the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois.

A three car woodedn Chicago, Aurora And Elgin electric interurban train, rounds a short curve.

1953 Pepsi Cola advertisement.

1953 Pepsi Cola advertisement., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

One thing I have always enjoyed seeing, are the vintage advertising signs and promotions from decades past.

I spotted this old 1953 vintage advertisement from the Pepsi Cola Bottling Company on the internet recently.

During the 1960's and 70's in My old southwest side Chicago neighborhood, We had a place on West 26th Street east of South Central Park Avenue known as The Shanghai Chinese Restaurant.

They had a simular Pepsi Cola advertisement, but with a Young Asian lady wearing the same style of black dress and striking the same pose.

Heck! This is almost like something from that TV show Mad Men. L.O.L

I always enjoyed the Pepsi Cola "Bottle Cap" logo as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Union Pacific extra. Mount Prospect Illinois.

I photographed this digital live sound video back in January of 2011.

An eastbound short Union Pacific Railroad freight extra, is viewed passing through the Mount Prospect Metra commuter rail station during the quiet late morning "Lull" period.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2010.

Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. Brookfield Illinois USA. September 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo last year, during My September 2010 visit to Chicago's Brookfield Zoo.

Even if You are a person who really isn't in to animal exhibits, the zoo has plenty of beautifully maintained gardens and landscaping along the many walkways. There is also plenty of walking excercise to be had in the fresh air.

Opened since 1934, the Brookfield Zoo has always been a pleasant place to enjoy a nice Family outing.

Old Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad logo. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. September 1984.

Old Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad logo. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. September 1984., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, way back in September of 1984.

Long since retired from hauling Chicago to Joliet Illinois commuter rail passengers, several of these 1920's era steel commuter coaches from the former Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad, operate today hauling museum patrons at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois USA. www.irm.org

The aftermath of the Chicago blizzard of 2011. Evanston Illinois USA. Thursday, February 3rd, 2011.

The aftermath of the Chicago blizzard of 2011. Evanston Illinois USA. Thursday, February 3rd, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Looking back earlier this year, it is almost hard to believe that the entire Chicago area was actually burried under a record 20.9 inches of snow back in February of 2011.

I took this photo in north suburban Evanston Illinois on Thursday, February 3rd, 2011.

This view is loking west on South Boulevard, just east of Chicago Avenue. The heavy blizzard snowfall of Tuesday, February 1st, left much damage and accumulation in it's wake.

Westbound Metra double header. Chicago IL. Mar 2009.

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

A westbound Metra doubleheaded evening express commuter train, passes through the Galewood commuter flagstop depot on an overcast late Winter afternoon.

Historic photo! The Milwaukee Road, Midwest Hiawatha passenger train in 1943.

Historic photo! The Milwaukee Road, Midwest Hiawatha passenger train in 1943., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this historic Milwaukee Road photograph on the internet recently, but unfortunately do not recall what particular website I had found this one at.

The Chicago, Minneapolis, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, was one of those railroads who were pitching themself as a "Modern and High Tech" railroad.

Begining with streamlined steam locomotives and unique stylish lightweight passenger trains during the 1930's...The former Milwaukee Road strongly attempted to maintain a modern and efficient first class corporate image.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A once common site on the southwest side of Chicago Illinois during the 1960's and early 1970's era, were these unique Transfer cabooses from the former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad. This custom built example, is viewed during the club's recent May Secial OPS Night.

During these occasional special operating session, the club's layout is actually operated and dispatched just like a real everyday railroad. Many switching locals are operated on the club's layout, as are many yard switching assignments.

Believe Me....It isn't that easy.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Metra local at the River Grove station. River Grove Illinois USA. Tuesday, April 12th, 2011.

Westbound Metra local at the River Grove station. River Grove Illinois USA. Tuesday, April 12th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one late afternoon, back in April of 2011.

A westbound Metra evening rush hour commuter train, has just arrived at the River Grove commuter rail station. After a brief stop, the train will continue on heading in to the late day sun, enroute to Elgin Illinois.

A CCC garbage truck from the City of Evanston Illinois Department of Sanitation. Glenview Illinois USA. Tuesday, March 8th, 2011.

A CCC garbage truck from the City of Evanston Illinois Department of Sanitation. Glenview Illinois USA. Tuesday, March 8th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Working in Chicago's northern Cook County suburbs, I see the various garbage hauling and public works vechicles from several local suburban municipalities daily.

There isn't one single day, when I do not cross paths on the road, with the hard working and dedicated sanitation department crews from the citties of Skokie and Evanston Illinois.

Seen here turning east on to Golf Road from Harlem Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois, is a City of Evanston CCC garbage truck returning to Evanston, after dumping it's load at a waste transfer station in nearby Des Plaines Illinois.

Coca Cola International tractor trailer delivery truck. River GroveIllinois USA. Tuesday, April 12th, 2011.

Coca Cola International tractor trailer delivery truck. River Grove Illinois USA. Tuesday, April 12th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Summer season is almost here in the greater Chicagoland area.

Soon, the beverage truck drivers will more than have their work cut out for them in the upcoming weeks ahead.

Especially, if the weather finally warms up here in Chicago. It has been a cold Spring for 2011.

A privately owned collection of trains. ( Gone / Sold ) Milwaukee Wisconsin USA. June 2000.

A privately owned collection of trains. ( Gone / Sold ) Milwaukee Wisconsin USA. June 2000., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in June of 2000.

Seen here in downtown Milwaukee Wisconsin USA, is a privately owned collection of vintage trains.

This collection, was rumored to have been part of a local Milwaukee restaurant and lounge that had fell on hard times and went out of business.

At a later time, this equipment was rumored to have been sold, and relocated to the former Kansas City Missouri Union Station. This train equipment, became part of a museum exhibit at the former Kansas City Union Station.

The Oak Park IL Society of Model Engineers.

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

Seen here passing a miniature Tower building on the club's layout, is My 1960's era Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad freight train.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Short Grand trunk Western transfer train rounding the westbound interchange curve at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. June 1984.

Short Grand trunk Western transfer train rounding the westbound interchange curve at Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. June 1984., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in June of 1984.

A short Grand Trunk Western Railroad transfer freight train enroute to the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard, is viewed on the interchange curve connection at Hayford Junction.

The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's Argo Yard. Summit Illinois. July 2007.

The Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's Argo Yard. Summit Illinois. July 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a hot Summer day, back in July of 2007.

Seen here on West 63rd Street just west of the intersection of South Archer Road / Illinois U.S Route # 171, is the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's Argo Yard in southwest suburban Summit Illinois USA.

The CTA rapid transit yard in suburban Forest Park Illinois. March 17th 1985.

The CTA rapid transit yard in suburban Forest Park Illinois. March 17th 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in March of 1985.

We are riding aboard "The Snowflake Special", chartered CTA rapid transit train fantrip, wich was sponsored by The Illinois Railway museum in Union Illinois.

Our train is made up of 1950's era soon to be retired 550 and 6000 series lightweight rapid transit cars.

In the background, is the CTA Forest Park yard facility, just west of the Harlem Avenue CTA station at the end of todays CTA Green line.

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

Saint Clair of Montifalco Catholic Parish annual summer carnival. Chicago Illinois. June 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

I took this photo way back in June of 1988.
Has it been nearly 23 years ago already?

One of My favorite Summertime activities I enjoyed doing back then, was visiting some of the local neighborhood festivals and church carnivals on the southwest side of Chicago.

I took this photo, at the Saint Clair of Montifalco Catholic Parish Church at West 54th Street and South Washtenaw Avenue, in Chicago's Gage Park neighborhood.

With live entertanment, plenty of carnival rides and fun activities...Saint Clair of Montifalco really put together a nice little Summer carnival in the early part of June every year.

Westbound CTA Blue line train. Chicago IL. June 2009

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

We are looking east from on top of the North Canfield Road overpass bridge, near the Chicago city limits border close to Park Ridge Illinois.

It is the very busy evening rush hour on the Illinois U.S Route I 90 Kennedy Expressway, and the eastbound traffic is moving at a crawl.

A westbound Chicago Transit Authority Blue line train enroute to Chicago's O'hare International Airport in nearby northwest suburban Rosemont Illinois, moves quickly along to the next station stop at River Road.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The 1970's and other historic periods of North American railroading are alive and well in H.O Scale, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

This Union Pacific Railroad 40 foot double plug door box car, is one of the many rolling examples of modern railroad equipment that was in use during the 1970's and later, operating on the club's layout.

Silent digital video: The Kiddieland Limited departing the station. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois. June 2007.

Silent digital video: The Kiddieland Limited departing the station. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois. June 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this vintage looking silent digital video with My old digital camera after work one evening, back in June of 2007.

We are in the east parking lot of the former Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois. It is early in the Summer operating season, and patronage on the weeknights is still pretty light yet.

The Kiddieland Limited gasoline powered replica streamliner passenger train, is viewed departing from the boarding station, and entering the east parking lot.

After 81 years in operation, Kiddieland Amusement Park closed for good on Sunday, September 27th, 2011. Today, the former Kiddieland site, is now home to a large Costco warehouse club store, at the northwest corner of North and First Avenues in Melrose Park Illinois.

Eastbound yellow PCC electric streetcar. Kenosha Wisconsin USA. October 2003.

Eastbound yellow PCC electric streetcar. Kenosha Wisconsin USA. October 2003., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during an October 2003 visit to the city of Kenosha Wisconsin USA.

Kenosha Transit is operating the yellow 1951 vintage PCC electric streetcar on the Kenosha streetcar line today.

The streetcar is viewed passing through the Harbor Park upscale housing section of the city, and is approaching the east end of the line along the Kenosha lakefront and harbor area.

Eastbound Conrail freight train at sunset in the Burlington Northern RR Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois. June 1983.

Eastbound Conrail freight train at sunset in the Burlington Northern RR Clyde Yard. Cicero Illinois. June 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo around sunset one hot sumer evening, back in June of 1983.

An eastbound Conrail freight train, waits alongside Ogden Avenue in west suburban Cicero Illinois, for clearance to depart from the Burlington Northern Railroads Clyde Yard facility.

Gene and Jude's Hot Dogs. River Grove Ilinois. July 2008.

Gene and Jude's Hot Dogs. River Grove Ilinois. July 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

I took this photo on a hot Summer night, back in July of 2008.

A popular local Chicago fast food drive in eatery on River Road just north of Grand Avenue in northwest suburban River Grove Illinois, is non other than Gene and Jude's Red Hots.

Although they have a rather small and limited selection on their menu, the place is always crowded, and the french fries are always "Home Cut" and delicious here.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation garbage truck, and a westbound Metra commuter train at the North Kilbourn Avenue RR crossing. Chicago Illinois. April 2006.

A City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation garbage truck, and a westbound Metra commuter train at the North Kilbourn Avenue RR crossing. Chicago Illinois. April 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo at the North Kilbourn Avenue railroad crossing in Chicago, back in April of 2006.

A northbound City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Volvo garbage truck, waits for a fast moving westbound Metra commuter train enroute to Elburn Illinois, pass the railroad crossing .

The City garbage truck, is heading either to the large nearby waste transfer station to dump it's load, or perhaps to the nearby city ward yard and garage maintenance facility one block north and east of here.

Northbound CTA Skokie Swift train. Skokie IL. Feb 2009.

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

We are facing east in traffic on Oakton Street, in north suburban Skokie Illinois.
With the high pitched electronic "Peanut Whistle" blowing for the Oakton Street railroad crossing in downtown Skokie Illinois, a northbound Chicago Transit Authority "Skokioe Swift" train passes by enroute to the Dempster Street terminal.

Since I had photographed this video, many changes are now taking place at this location. Out of view to the left of this video today, is the construction site of the "New" CTA yellow line Oakton Street station.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago's Wrigley Field world series. 1932.

Chicago's Wrigley Field world series. 1932., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A family member of mine had spotted this unique and very historic photo taken in Chicago's Wriggleyville neighborhood, back in the Autum of 1932.

This photo is unique in several aspects. Although it had been a long time since anything resembling a baseball World Series Championship game, was ever hosted at Chicago's Wriggley Field, wich is home to the Chicago Cubs National League Baseball Team....take a good look! Not only is the Wriggley Field fence not very tall like it is today, but apparently....those apartment buildings with the roof top bleachers on North Sheffield Avenue, haven't arrived on the scene either.

Keep Your fingers crossed Cub's fans! Maybe another World Series will eventually return to the friendly confines of Wriggley Field stadium yet. I sure hope so.

Thanks.
Eddie .

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

It's the early 1970's again on the former Illinois Central Railroad. Well....at least in H.O Scale anyway.

My train shown here, has a Life Like Proto 2000 Series EMD SW 9 yard switcher locomotive in pre 1967 Illinois Central colors and markings. The 40 foot Hi Cube box car coupled immediately behind the locomotive, is wearing the bright oarange Illinois Central color scheme with the "Split Rail" corporate logo that the I.C introduced in the year of 1967, to help modernize their image.

Illinois Central freight trains like this, were a comon site in the city of Chicago Illinois during the late 1960's and early 1970's era.

Westbound BNSF Railway freight train. La Grange Illinois USA. November 2001.

Westbound BNSF Railway freight train. La Grange Illinois USA. November 2001., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a very brightly sunlit Sunday afternon, back in November of 2001.

A westbound BNSF Railway freight train with locomotives from the now fallen flag predecessor railroads Burlington Northern, and the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe...road past the La Grange Road railroad crossing in downtown west suburban La Grange Illinois.

A small turn out attendance wise, but a good time nonetheless. The Franklin Park Public Library. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, May 14th, 2011.

A small turn out attendance wise, but a good time nonetheless. The Franklin Park Public Library. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, May 14th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

I took this photo recently, at My Saturday, May 14th appearance at the Franklin Park Public Library.

I was presenting some of My homemade photo slideshows at the library, that I had produced using Windows DVD Maker and also Windows Movie Maker. ( Excelent computer programs!)

Bad weather helped to contribute to low attendance that day, but the few that did show up, really enjoyed My presentation entitled "Kiddieland Memories", wich featured several photos taken By Me and My brother in law Chris a few years ago or so, at the then operating Kiddieland Amusement Park in nerarby Melrose Park Illinois, as well as a few home videos of the place before they closed for good in September of 2009.

Many stories were swapped and memories of Kiddieland rekindled. We were small but mighty, as We had one heck of a great "Bull Session" that day.

I will be hosting once again at the Franklin Park Public Library, on Saturday, September 10th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM. Please mark Your calendars.

The Franklin Park Public Library, is located at 10311 West Grand Avenue, in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a recent visit, to the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Although mainline Class 1 railroads and several others had long since discontinued using cabooses on the rear end of working freight trains, the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers prefers to keeep this historic era of modern and old time railroading alive and well.

This red caboose lettered for the club's own Oak River Railroad, is a modified inexpensive TYCO toy train set caboose.

With the addition of details like roof ladders, and dependable operating features like body mounted Kadee # 5 couplers, this cabose now serves the Oak River Railroad quiete well.

The Wabash Railroad and the Norfolk & Western Railroad, had simular cabooses with slanted cupolas many years ago. Two of these former Wabash cabooses, are preserved today at The Monticello Railroad Museum in downstate Monticello Illinois USA.

Amtrak in severe thunderstorm. Morton Grove IL. 6-19-2009.

I photographed this rainy weather video, at the Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station.

June 19th 2009, was a day filled with extreme weather conditions in the greater Chicagoland area. A severe thunderstorm with torrential downpouring rain, hail in some areas, flooding and downed tree limbs, caused nothing but chaos throughout the entire Chicago area.

From approximately 10:15 AM until 3:00 PM, the entire Chicago area was under a severe thunderstorm watch issued by the National Weather Service.

Bad weather and all, it was all just business as usual for the northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin. The train just rolls quickly through the severe downpour at north suburban Morton Grove Illinois, like it was just plain old nothing.

Westbound BNSF Railway freight train. La Grange Illinois USA. November 2001.

Westbound BNSF Railway freight train. La Grange Illinois USA. November 2001., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo, back in November of 2001.

A westbound BNSF Railway freight train, is viewed approaching west suburban La Grange Illinois. This photo was taken facing east, from the La Grange Road railroad crossing on a bright and sunny November afternoon.

Milwaukee Road EMD FP-7 95C departing Chicago Union Station with a commuter train in tow. Chicago Illinois. 7-1-1969.

Milwaukee Road EMD FP-7 95C departing Chicago Union Station with a commuter train in tow. Chicago Illinois. 7-1-1969., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this classic late 1960's era Chicago railroad photograph at My Link Page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen.

Many years ago prior to the creation of Chicago's Metra commuter rail agency in 1984, and the Regional Transportation Authority prior to that in 1974....commuter trains operating to and from Chicago, were actually operated by the individual railroads.

In this photo dated for August 1st, 1969 ( I was only 7 years old back then)..A Milwaukee Road commuter train is viewed after departing from the north end of Chicago Union Station.

The train is operating along the west bank of the Chicago River. The bridge in the background, is West Lake Street.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard office and crew terminal along the north side of West 51st Street. Chicago Illinois USA. December 1983.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard office and crew terminal along the north side of West 51st Street. Chicago Illinois USA. December 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in December of 1983.

The Grand Trunk Western had just recently closed and vacated their Elsdon Yard facility on West 51st Street, and their locomotive terminal at West 49th Street and South Kedzie Avenue.

From the closing of Elsdon Yard until September of 1986, the GTW operated a small section of the former Elsdon Yard site , along the north side of West 51st Street, just east of South Lawndale Avenue.

This little yard office building, also would serve as a makeshift locomotive and crew change terminal. At last report, this building was still there, but boarded up and vandalized with grafitti.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video last year, during My September 2010 visit to The Chicago Botanic Garden in north suburban Glencoe Illinois.

One of the popular exhibits at The Chicago Botanic Garden, is the outdoor operating G Scle model railroad exhibit.

Seen here , is a Bachman Spectrum Series G Scale 4-6-0 Ten Wheeler type steam locomotive, and old time 1800's era open platform coaches passing by.

Wilmette Fire Department ariel tower truck #26 heading westbound on Lake Avenue. Wilmette Illinois. July 2010.

Wilmette Fire Department ariel tower truck #26 heading westbound on Lake Avenue. Wilmette Illinois. July 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

I took this photo back in July of 2010.
A Wilmette Fire Department ariel tower ladder truck, is viewed heading westbound on Lake Avenue, in north suburban Wilmette Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Saturday, Aprul 2nd, 2011.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Saturday, Aprul 2nd, 2011. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video one Sunday afternoon, in early April of 2011.

n eastbound Canadian Pacific Railroad unit grain train, passes through the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station on a sunny afternoon.

May 1990 Central Electric Railfans association Chartered fantrip on the Metra ( ex Illinois Central) electric commuter lines. Chicago Illinois.

May 1990 Central Electric Railfans association Chartered fantrip on the Metra ( ex Illinois Central) electric commuter lines. Chicago Illinois., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in May of 1990.

The occasion was a chartered railfan excursion on the former Illinois Central electric powered commuter lines, sponsored by the Central Electric Railfan Association.

I am not quiete sure where this photo location was on the southeast side of Chicago, but it is late in the day. This may have been the last photo runby of the day.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

When one thinks about those many pre Amtrak passenger trains that traveled to and from the city of Chicago Illinois during the 1950's and 60's, many times the silver streamlined passenger diesel locomotives and stainless steel passenger cars of the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad come to mind.

Fellow club member Rich, owns and operates this beautiful sound equipped H.O Scale model of an EMD E 7 passenger locomotive.

During the 1950's and 60's..these locomotives were a comon site on the head end of the California Zephyr, The Denver Zephyr, several secondary mail hauling passenger trains, and of course...the C,B & Q's own Chicago to Aurora commuter trains.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train. La Grange Illinois USA. November 2001.

Eastbound BNSF Railway freight train. La Grange Illinois USA. November 2001., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a bright and sunny Sunday afternoon, back in November of 2001.

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train, is photographed at the Ashland Avenue railroad crossing in west suburban La Grange Illinois USA.

Southbound Canadian National Railroad transfer train. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2008.

Southbound Canadian National Railroad transfer train. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo late in the day, on a hot Summer afternoon in June of 2008.

A southbound Canadian National Railroad transfer train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago, passes through the former Illinois Central crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction.

Hawthorne Junction, is directly located on the Chicago city limits border at west suburban Cicero Ilinois. The north and south Belt Railway of Chicago tracks are the boundry line.

Switching activity at the busy Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois. July 2007.

Switching activity at the busy Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois. July 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo after work one hot Summer afternoon, back in July of 2007.

Looking east from the top of the South Cicero Avenue overpass bridge near West 67th Street, there is much railroad switching activity to be seen at the huge Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard, near Chicago's Midway Airport.

AAATV AMTP La 141R 840 à Pithiviers (2002)

I spotted this unique set of home videos of preserved steam locomotives from France on You Tube today.

I hope that You enjoy seeing these.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Grand Trunk Western Railroad visiting business car at Elsdon Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. August 1983.

Grand Trunk Western Railroad visiting business car at Elsdon Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. August 1983., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this now historic photo way back in August of 1983.

I spotted this visiting Grand Trunk Western Railroad business car around sunset one evening, atthe GTW Elsdon Yard on West 51st Street near South St. Louis Avenue.

The sun was about to set on the old steam era GTW Elsdon Yard, as the facility would soon be closed for good in October of 1983.

This car was parked just south of adjacent West 51st Street, behind the GTW Elsdon Yard railroad police office near South St. Louis Avenue.

Eastbound Canadian National Railroad transfer train. Forest Park Illinois USA. August 2006.

Eastbound Canadian National Railroad transfer train. Forest Park Illinois USA. August 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a hot Summer day, back in August of 2006.

I was definately in the right place at the right time, when I captured this eastbound Canadian National freight train approaching the Circle Avenue overpass bridge, in west suburban Forest Park Illinois.

This freight train could be heard for quiete a distance, as the engines were climbing upgrade with several tons of freight in tow.

A flyer from the Franklin Park Public Library, promoting Eddie K's May 14th, 2011 presentation.

A flyer from the Franklin Park Public Library, promoting Eddie K's May 14th, 2011 presentation., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one week ago, at the Franklin Park Public Library.

The main theme of My presentation, was a multi media presentation I had put together about Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois.

This family owned and operated little amusement park that was located at the northwest corner of North and First Avenues in Melrose Park Illinois, was in business from 1928, until the park had closed for good in September of 2009.

Although I had a small three member audience, the spirit of the presentation was large. I had heard many fascinating stories from one audience member, who was a Kiddieland regular at some point in the past.

My presentation went over well nonetheless, and I will be returning to host another photo slideshow engagement at the Franklin Park Public Library on Saturday, September 10th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.
Please mark Your calendars.

Public speaking is a fun and interesting bonus I have discovered connected to hosting Eddie's Railfan Page.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Metra maintenance truck. Glenview Illinois USA. May 2011.

Metra maintenance truck. Glenview Illinois USA. May 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo after work one evening recently.

Making a left turn off of Harlem Avenue and about to head east on Dewes Street in north suburban Glenview Illinois, is this well worn Chevrolet utility truck from Chicago's Metra commuter rail agency.