Historic photo! Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA circa 1960's.

Historic photo! Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA circa 1960's., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

When I was a young boy growing up on the southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's and 70's, the greater Chicagoland area had many small family run amusement parks to visit during the Summertime.

One of those parks was a place located in the southwest suburban village of Justice Illinois known as Playland Park.

My family took Me and My Sister there a handful of times between 1971 and 1979, but somehow forgot to take the camera with them.

Playland Park, was a pleasant picnic grove style amusement park, that was located along the north frontage road west of South Archer Road / Ilinois U.S Route # 171, along the northside of the Interstate 294 Tollway.

Playland Park had closed toward the end of the 1979 season, after the park's owner had suddenly passed away. Playland Park was rumored to have been willed to the Son of the Park's owner, but unfortunately..He did not want it. Playland Park was sold to the adjacent trailer park, and now is the site of the large Sterling Estates trailer Park.

I talked about Playland Park for many years, but could not find any photos of this fun family attraction near Willow Springs Illinois.

Good News!
Last week, a Gentleman named Robert Pitujac from the Clear Ridge Historical Society, sent Me this and a few other photos that were taken at Palyland Park some forty something years ago.

Thanks Robert.
You made My day today with these photos.

Eddie K.

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

Please mark Your calendar!

On Saturday, November 5th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, I will be hosting
a railfan photo slideshow event at The Franklin Park Public Library.

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

The main theme of My presentation, wil be about riding the CTA rapid transit during the 1950's and 60's era in Chicago Illinois. I will be showing a video entitled
"CTA Els and Other Electrics", wich features several local railfan home movies of the CTA,The Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee, and the Chicago, Aurora And Elgin electric interurban railroads taken during the 1950's and 60's.

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A very rusty former Grand Trunk Western Tri Leval Auto Rack car in transit. River Grove Illinois USA. Sunday, July 24th, 2011.

A very rusty former Grand Trunk Western Tri Leval Auto Rack car in transit. River Grove Illinois USA. Sunday, July 24th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this former Grand Trunk Western Railroad auto rack car in transit, aboard an eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train.

This rusty old relic from the former GTW and a few others like it, passed through the River Grove Metra commuter rail station that day.

For many years, I was a big fan of the former Grand Trunk Western Railroad. Although it was eventually bought out through merger by the parent company Canadian National Railroad around 1999, it was very nice just knowing that I can still find a few of these fallen flag GTW remnants rolling around today on any given freight train.

Chicago Surface Lines West 63rd Street streetcars passing Chicago Municipal Airport. Chicago Illinois USA. Circa 1940's.

Chicago Surface Lines West 63rd Street streetcars passing Chicago Municipal Airport. Chicago Illinois USA. Circa 1940's., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This photo was sent to Me recently by a gentleman named Richard Bitunjac from The Clear Ridge Historical Society.

The Clear Ridge Historical Society, is a local Chicago historical society, that focuses on the areas of Clearing and Garfield Ridge near Chicago's Midway Airport. This group is headquartered in the Chicago Public Library's Clearing Branch at West 63rd Place and South Narragansett Avenue.

This 1940's era photograph, shows two Chicago Surface Lines Comapny electric streetcars from the West 63rd Street line, passing along the southside of Chicago Municipal Airport.

Sometime after World War 2 had ended after 1945, the airport was later renamed to Chicago Midway Airport. This was done to honor the World War 2 Allied 1942 victory battle against Japan at Midway Island, in the Pacific theatre.

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 May 2011 visit to The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Seen here posed on the spare 4 foot by 8 foot model train layout, is My Life Like Proto 2000 Series EMD model SW 9 yard switcher locomotive.

This engine, is wearing the pre 1967 black and white color scheme with the green diamond logo from the former Illinois Central Railroad.

Rolling Stones Music Store. Norridge Illinois USA. August 2011.

Rolling Stones Music Store. Norridge Illinois USA. August 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 one day last week, in near northwest suburban Norridge Illinois.

A popular establishment for buying Compact Discs, Concert Videos, Current Video movie releases and other music and entertainment oriented items, is this local store known as Rolling Stones.

If the latest in todays pop music stars isn't Your cup of tea, they also have a huge selection of Rock and Roll Oldies on CD from the 1950's, 60's and 70's era.

This is a funky little store worth visiting on the northwest side of Chicago, near the Harlem Irving Plaza Shopping Center.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Southbound Metra passing through Northbrook Illinois. June 2008.

Southbound Metra passing through Northbrook Illinois. June 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in June of 2008.

A southbound Metra commuter train, passes underneath the Union Pacific Railroad's "Techny Line" at Northbrook Illinois on a hot Summer morning.

Good friends enjoying a dinner outing at Danny's Pizza. 6021 South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois. Wednsday, August 11th, 2010.

Good friends enjoying a dinner outing at Danny's Pizza. 6021 South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois. Wednsday, August 11th, 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A favorite social activity of Mine that I am unfortunately not always able to attend due to a busy work schedule, are those occasional dinner outings with old friends of Mine form the southwest side of Chicago.

Here We are back in August of 2010, enjoying a group dinner outing at Danny's Pizza on South Archer Avenue near Midway Airport.

I hope to have the opportunity to do so soon.

The Chicago Transit Authority's Orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport under construction. Chicago Illinois. May 1990.

The Chicago Transit Authority's Orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport under construction. Chicago Illinois. May 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in May of 1990.

Seen here looking west from South Kostner Avenue near West 53rd Street, are the recently poured concrete support collums for the future, Chicago Transit Authority's orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport.

The Orange line opened during the fall of 1993.

Stan's Drive In. Chicago Illinois. June 2008.

Stan's Drive In. Chicago Illinois. June 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Part of the unique charm and appeal for those who grew up on the south and southwest side of Chicago many years ago....were the number of little Mom and Pop owned neighborhood fast food eateries at any given street corner.

I took this photo back in June of 2008.
Seen here at the southwest corner of South Archer Avenue and Locke Street in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood, is a little bitty neighborhood establishment known as Stan's Drive In.

Judging by the architecture, this once many have been one of those 1920's era early gasoline filling stations.

Prior to the arrival of the mega fast food giant chain establishments like Burger King, Wendy's and Mc Donald's...Chicago's many neighborhoods once had several of these little Mom and Pop owned take out food stands.

Berwyn's Toy Trains And Models Hobby Shop. Berwyn IL.

I photographed this digital live sound video, at the Berwyn's Toy Trains and Models Hobby Shop in west suburban Berwyn Illinois.

Seen here is an example of some of the Lionel and MTH O27 trains, that operate on the stores demonstration O guage layout.

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

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

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

Fellow club member Jason, posed His Broadway Limited Imports model of a 1950's era Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, Baldwin V.O 1000 diesel yard switcher locomotive for this photo.

Passenger terminal operations from the past, are alive and well onm the club layout.

Plowing and salting on Forest Preserve Drive. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, February 5th, 2011.

Plowing and salting on Forest Preserve Drive. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, February 5th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in February of this year.

An Illinois Department of Transportation International dump truck, is viewed plowing snow on Forest Preserve Drive near Norridge Illinois.

This was four days after the notorious Chicago Blizzard of 2011 left a record 20.9 inches of snow during a 24 hour period begining on the afternoon of Tuesday, February 1st, 2011.

2011 was a tough winter in Chicago.

The CTA Blue line rapid transit station sign at Oak Park Avenue. Oak Park Illinois. July 2006.

The CTA Blue line rapid transit station sign at Oak Park Avenue. Oak Park Illinois. July 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in July of 2006.

Seen here is the station entrance sign, to the Chicago Transit Authority's Oak Park Avenue station on the CTA Blue line, in west suburban Oak Park Illinois.

A local landscaping company's Ford dump truck and utility trailer. Morton Grove Illinois USA. August 2011.

A local landscaping company's Ford dump truck and utility trailer. Morton Grove Illinois USA. August 2011., 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 recently, in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois USA.

The Summer season, translates in to many assignments for those very many local landscaping company accounts across the greater Chicagoland area.

A local landscaping company's little Ford dump truck with a utility trailer in tow, was photographed heading southeast on Shermer Road, at the diagonal intersection at Harlem Avenue.

When the Winter season arrives, many landscaping contractors remain busy by plowing snow and clearing sidewalks and driveways.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad switching local. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2011. Photograph by Anthony C.

Westbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad switching local. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2011. Photograph by Anthony C., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

My good friend and fellow railfan buddy Anthony C, had sent Me this photo recently.

Anthony took this photo looking east, from the Kedzie Avenue CTA orange line rapid transit station at West 49th Street and South Kedzie Avenue, in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

An Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad switching local, has just departed from the nearby Central Steel and Wire Company with a load of enclosed coiled steel cars in tow.

Thanks Anthony!
This is a really great photo from the southwest side of Chicago, in an area I used to hang out in many years ago.

Eddie K.

Northbound BNSF transfer. Chicago Illinois. Aug 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one rainy evening in late August of 2009.

A northbound BNSF Railway transfer freight train, rounds the northbound interchange curve at 55th Street Junction near Chicago's Midway Airport, and heads northbound crossing South Archer Avenue during a light rain.

This train is traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago trackage. Notice the rainbow inthe distance to the left.

I found this excelent steam era photograph from the Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad at My Link page Yetseryear Depot.Com, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.yesteryeardepot.com

Photographer Paul Eilenburger took this photo at an unspecified date and location.

The locomotive, is a rebuilt and modernized Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad E class 4-6-2 Pacific type steam locomotive used in passenger train service. The reporting marks or initials on the locomotive cab, are for the Chicago & NorthWestern's own subsidiary railroad Chicago, Minneapolis, Saint Paul & Omaha.

When the C&NW began converting from steam to diesel power during the late 1940's to mid 1950's era, several of these 4-6-2 passenger locomotives, would roll out their last miles in revenue service pulling freight trains.

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.

A section of the club layout that hardly ever gets any kind of notice by many, is the lower leval staging yards and mainline.

My steam train, is viewed making a run by along the lower leval.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The "New" 2007 built Edison Park Metra commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2011.

The "New" 2007 built Edison Park Metra commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois USA. July 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo early one morning recently on My way to work.

We are on location at the "New" 2007 built Metra, Edison Park commuter rail station on the far northwest side of Chicago Illinois, near
northwest suburban Park Ridge Illinois.

This blue plaque sign bolted to the brick wall, also features raised dots below the Edison Park Station sign. These raised dots, are actually "Brail Alphabet" to assist Blind commuters.

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

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

I took this photo during an early August 2011 visit to The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Fallen flag railroads from the past and equipment representing them, are alive and well today for all to enjoy at this model railroad club.

One of My favorite corporate railroad logos of the past, was the famous Missouri Pacific Railroad's own "Buzz Saw" circular logo. This model of a 40 offset hopper, is wearing this logo.

The Missouri Pacific Railroad was acquired by the Union Pacific Railroad through merger in 1982.

A retired U.S Army Patton tank on display in front of a local VFW Post. Wheeling Illinois USA. August 2011.

A retired U.S Army Patton tank on display in front of a local VFW Post. Wheeling Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo this past Saturday morning, in far northwest suburban Wheeling Illinois.

This nicely painted and maintained U.S Army model Patton tank, is on display in front of a local Veterans of Foreign Wars lodge post on Mc Henry Road.

I was about to stand next to it and have a friend of mine take My photo...but then I witnessed several WASPS flying in and around the tank treads and underbody.

Sorry. I have no intention of ever becoming part of a "Sting Operation". I was just happy to snap this photo from a safe distance.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Southbound Canadian Pacific freight train passing through Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. August 2011.

Southbound Canadian Pacific freight train passing through Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo a few weeks ago at the Chicago city limits.

A southbound Canadian Pacific transfer freight train, passes through Hawthorne Junction, traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago at the border of west suburban Cicero Illinois.

Eastbound Amtrak train enroute to Chicago Union Station. Chicago Illinois. August 2008.

Eastbound Amtrak train enroute to Chicago Union Station. Chicago Illinois. August 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 during a hot Summer afternoon, back in August of 2008.

An eastbound Amtrak passenger train enroute to nearby Chicago Union Station, passes our camera location at the intersection of South Archer and Normal Avenues, in Chicago's Bridgeport neighborhood.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Illinois Terminal RR # 101 runby. The Illinois Railway Museum.

I photographed this digital live sound video, during a July 2009 visit to The Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

Illinois Terminal Railroad lightweight center entrance interurban car # 101, makes a westbound photo runby near the museum's East Union Depot.

A City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Elgin street sweeper vechicle. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2011.

A City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Elgin street sweeper vechicle. Chicago Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one morning recently, back in early August of this year.

The morning sun is rising, as a City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation Elgin street sweeper vechicle, turns west on to Foster from Harlem Avenue.

This dept of streets and san vechicle operator, more than has Hi dusty work cut out for Him on this hot Summer day.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight. July 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one hot Summer evening around sunset, back in July of 2009.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train, passes through the Elmwood Park Illinois, Metra commuter rail station with several tons in tow.

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

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

One of the really nice models to be seen on the large club layout at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club, is this model of a steel girder swing bridge found on many of North America's waterways.

I always enjoy taking club layout photos and videos here, because this bridge reminds Me of the many that are still standing ( but long decommisioned) on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal on the near southwest side of Chicago Illinois.

Niles Public Services Volvo snorkle bucket utility truck. Niles Illinois USA. July 2011.

Niles Public Services Volvo snorkle bucket utility truck. Niles Illinois USA. July 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in July of this year.

Seen here in the left hand turning lane on northbound Harlem Avenue at the intersection of Touhy Avenue in northwest suburban Niles Illinois, is a brand new lime green Volvo utility snorkle bucket truck, from the Niles Public Services Company.

This truck was very shiny and new looking, and was proboubly delivered within a few days from a local commercial truck dealership.

The Dukes of Hazzard TV show General Lee car at the Belmont Heights Auto Body Shop. Chicago Illinois. April 2009.

The Dukes of Hazzard TV show General Lee car at the Belmont Heights Auto Body Shop. Chicago Illinois. April 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I spotted this unique photo opportunity one day on My way back to work after My lunch break, back in April of 2009.

Seen here parked on the drivewy apron of the locl Belmont Heights Autot Body Shop at the northwest corner of west Belmont and North Osceola Avenues in Chicago, is a restored 1969 Dodge Charger, painted up to resemble the famous General Lee car from the late 1970's and early 1980's CBS TV show "The Dukes of Hazzard".

Yes, this car's horn does a slightly "off Key" rendition of Dixie as well.

Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe hump yard switching. Corwith Yard. Chicago Illinois. April 1984.

Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe hump yard switching. Corwith Yard. Chicago Illinois. April 1984., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this now historic photo back in April of 1984.

A rebuilt 1950's era EMD GP 9 roadswitcher from the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, is viewed switching piggyback cars on the south hump, at the former A,T & S,F Railroad Corwith Yard in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

Notice the caboose coupled on to the rear of the locomotive. This photo was taken from on top of the concrete viaduct, t the intersection of West 47th Street and South Archer Avenue in Chicago Illinois USA.

CTA Skokie Swift train sparking. Skokie IL. Sept 2009.

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

A fast moving southbound Chicago Transit Authority Skokie Swift train, runs by the Oakton Street railroad CTA yellow line railroad crossing in downtown north suburban Skokie Illinois USA.

Notice the train's high pitched electronic peanut whistle blowing, and the sparks arching off of the third rail at speed. This video was photographed at dusk.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A modern computerized gasoline pump. Grahm's BP Amoco. Niles Illinois USA. August 2011.

A modern computerized gasoline pump. Grahm's BP Amoco. Niles Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I was born in Chicago Illinois during the year of 1962, and have witnessed the great evolution of the everyday gasoline pump at the local filling stations over the course of time.

When I was a kid, gasoline pumps were simple affairs with rolling electro mechnicl numbers musch like on a vintage pinball machine. Some had bells that would sound a simple "Ding! - Ding! -Ding! -Ding!" as each gallon would register. Some of the older six foot tall stand up models fom the 1940's and 50's era, had decorative glass lighted globe lights on the top, wich were eventually phased out due to the rise of urban vandalism.

Prior to the 1970's, many gasoline stations had full sevice islands, were an attendant would pump Your gas and do minor spot maintenance like washing Your windows.

This photo, was taken rcently At Grahm' BP Amoco convenience gasoline station on North Milwaukee Avenue / Illinois U.S Route # 21 in northwest suburban Niles Illinois.

Todays modern gasoline pumps, are now computerized, and aimed at the self servic market, wich is now the industry standard due to rising costs in rcent years. The digital gasoline gallon readout, is done in an LCD or Liqued Crystal Display.

The times have really changed technoliogy wise for todays gasoline stations.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Fairyland Amusement Park Lyons, IL 1974

I spotted this really "Cool" and historic silent 1974 home movie of Chicago's Fairyland Amusement Park in Lyons Illinois on You Tube.

Fairyland Amusement Park, was located on the west side of South Harlem Avenue at approximately West 40th Place, in west suburban Lyons Illinois USA.

I visited Fairyland Amusement Park a handful of times with My Family during the early to mid 1970's. Unfortunately...they somehow NEVER took the camera with them. Aaaargghh!!!

Fairyland was a tiny amusement park, no larger than a carnival in a parking lot.

Fairyland Amusement Park was sold around late 1977, and was demolished during the fall of 1978. The former Fairlyland site, was originally developed in to a medium sized Zayre Department Store ( Gone / Chain defunct.) Today the Marshall's Department Store next to the Presidential Motel, on South Harlem Avenue, marks the location of the former Fairyland Amusement Park in Lyons Illinois.

Chicago once had several little amusement parks like this, and Kiddieland in Melrose Park Illinois was the last when it closed for good in 2009.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Rare photo! Eastbound Indiana Harbor Belt t switching train approaching South Lawndale Avenue near West 49th Street. Chicago Illinois. May 1990.

Rare photo! Eastbound Indiana Harbor Belt t switching train approaching South Lawndale Avenue near West 49th Street. Chicago Illinois. May 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this now rare historic photo one Springtime evening around sunset, back in May of 1990.

We are facing west on South Lawndale Avenue at approximately West 49th Street, as an eastbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad switching local traveling over a single tracked and very heavilly ballasted branchline of the Belt Railway of Chicago, passes the construction site of the Chicago Transit Authority's orange line rapid transit to Chicago's Midway Airport.

Silent digital video: A westbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train with a former Soo Line caboose passing through Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. July 2007.

Silent digital video: A westbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train with a former Soo Line caboose passing through Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. July 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old digital camera I no longer have, back in July of 2007.

A westbound Canadian Pacific intermodal traiin with a former Soo Line caboose bringing up the rear, is viewed passing through Hayford Junction, and crossing the now single track Canadian National ex Grand Trunk Western Railroad crosstrack.

The Canadian Pacific intermodal train, is traveling westbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago trackage, and is entering the nearby BRC Clearing Yard near Chicago's Midway Airport.

Hayford Juction, is located at West 75th Street and South Central Park Avenue, in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood on the southwest side of the city

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

Northbound Indiana Harbor Belt light engine movement. Summit Illinois USA. June 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Two EMD roadswitcher locomotives from the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, are viewed running light and entering the IHB Argo Yard in southwest suburbn Summit Illinois USA.

Sunrise at the Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station. Morton Grove Illinois USA. August 2011.

Sunrise at the Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station. Morton Grove Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on My way to work one morning recently.

Sunrise is now upon the greater Chicagoland area, as another sunny Summer morning is arriving at the north suburban Morton Grove Illinois, Metra commuter rail station.

E B CTA Skoie Swift train at Crawford Ave. Skokie IL, Aug 2011

I photographed this digital live sound video one day last week, in north suburban Skokie Illinois USA.

With the high pitched electronic "Peanut Whistle" blowing for the crossing, and eastbound Chicago Transit Authority "Skokie Swift" train, crosses Crawford Avenue on the CTA yellow line.

This is how French Fries are supposed to be made. Bob O's Hot Dogs at 8258 West Irving Park Road. Chicago Illinois. August 2010.

This is how French Fries are supposed to be made. Bob O's Hot Dogs at 8258 West Irving Park Road. Chicago Illinois. August 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I occasionally enjoy getting fast food to go for lunch, from Bob O's Hot Dogs at 8258 West Irving Park Road, in Chicago's Accacia Park neighborhood.

Aside from really good Meatball sandwiches, Italian beef and Hot dogs, this place also serves really good hot homemade and very home cut French fries.

The prices are reasonable, and the place is always busy at lunchtime anytime.

Preserved Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Baldwin 4-8-4 steam locomotive # 2912. The Pueblo Railway Museum. Pueblo Colorado USA. 2011.

Preserved Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Baldwin 4-8-4 steam locomotive # 2912. The Pueblo Railway Museum. Pueblo Colorado USA. 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

My Cousin Allen took this photo, during a recent roadtrip to Pueblo Colorado USA.

Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad 1940's vintage Baldwin 4-8-4 steam locomotive # 2912, is viewed on display at the Pueblo Railway Museum.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Metra commuter train. Bannockburn Illinois USA. February 2011.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Metra commuter train. Bannockburn Illinois USA. February 2011. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Chicago had a very tough Winter during the year of 2011.

On the afternon of Tuesday, February 1st, 2011...a record 20.9 inches of heavy snow accumulation fell on the entire Chicagoland area, and crippling local roadways.

I photographed this digital live sound video, one week after the snowstorm in far north suburban Bannockburn Illinois USA.

A northbound Metra commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois over the former Milwaukee Road northline, passes by our camera location alongside Ilinois U.S Route # 43 Waukegan Road.

A red Mack cement mixer truck from Meyer Materials Company. Niles Illinois USA. August 2011.

A red Mack cement mixer truck from Meyer Materials Company. Niles Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one afternoon last week, as I was returning to work after My lunch break.

Seen here heading eastbound on Oakton Street at the intersection of Harlem Avenue innorthwest suburban Niles Illinois USA, is a big modern Mack cement mixer truck from Chicago's Meyer Materials Company.

Cement trucks like this, are also refered to as "Transit Mixers", and are a vital tool in the construction industry.

The roadside Garden Club of Morton Grove wooden sign. Morton Grove Illinois USA. August 2011.

The roadside Garden Club of Morton Grove wooden sign. Morton Grove Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Aside from My obvious interests in trains and transportation subjects, I have always enjoyed seeing those unique roadside signs along the highways .

I pass this beautiful sign erected by the Morton Grove Illinois Grden Club everyday on My way to and from work, and finally had a chance to photograph it last week.

This lovely and unique wooden roadside sign, is located kust north of the diagonal intersection of Harlem Avenue and Shermer Road, in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois USA.

I have always enjoyed roadside americana culture.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Metra commuter local departing Franklin Park Illinois. October 2007.

Eastbound Metra commuter local departing Franklin Park Illinois. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one lovely Autum morning, back in October of 2007.

We are on location just west of River Road, in northwest suburban River Grove Illinois. An eastbound Metra mid day local commuter train, is viewed departing from adjacent Franklin Park Illinois.

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

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

Happy memories I had of the former Illinois Central and 1972 successor Illinois Central Gulf Railroad, are alive and well today in H.O Scale...at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

Seen here crossing a long bridge representing the Missisippi River crossing at the Illinois and Iowa State borders, is one of My own trains, representing the early ICG from the 1972 / 1973 era.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club...is located at 255 Augusta Street in west suburban Oak Park Illinois. The club meets in the basement of the Oak Park Public Library's Dole Learning Center building, on Monday and Wednsday nights from 7:00 to 9:00 PM.

Important news bulletin!
Eddie's upcoming show at the Franklin Park Public Library rescheduled!

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

Due to a scheduling complication, My upcoming photo slideshow event at the Franklin Park Public Library, located at 10311 West Grand Avenue in Franklin Park Illinois originally scheduled for Saturday, September 10th, 2011...has been rescheduled for Saturday, November 5th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM.

My presentation entitled "Riding the CTA Rapid Transit During the 1950's and 60's, will be showing at the Franklin Park Public Library on the Saturday, November 5th 2011 date.

Sorry for the wrong information.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

The last run of the Milwaukee Wisconsin GMC fishbowl Windshield Bus fantrip. Milwaukee Wisconsin USA. Sunday, July 8th, 2000., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Mid 1960's vintage CTA Flxible bus at West 63rd Place and South Kedzie Avenue terminal loop. Chicago Illinois. July 1985.

Mid 1960's vintage CTA Flxible bus at West 63rd Place and South Kedzie Avenue terminal loop. Chicago Illinois. July 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a hot Summer morning, back in July of 1985.

Seen here parked in the Chicago Transit Authority's bus terminal loop at West 63rd Place and South Kedzie Avenue in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood, is mid 1960's era Flxible "New Look" transit bus.

The 1960's era CTA Flxible fishbowl windshield buses, were in their final year of service. The remaining ones were retired in 1986.

Pop Cop

I spotted this video on You Tube this morning.

One of My favorite childrens television shows I enjoyed watching when I was growing up in Chicago during the 1960's and 70's era, was the Hanna Barbara produced show known as "The Banana Splits".

This fun live action and cartoon show, aired Saturday mornings on NBC from 1968 to 1970.

One of My favorite segments, was this comical music dance video entitled "Pop Cop".
Seen here, is a then everyday Police officer directing rush hour traffic, with His own unique dancing style and flair set to late 1960's era instrumental "Go Go" style music.

Notice that todays "Reflective Safety Vests" apparently weren't invented yet.
Also notice the unique variety of cars, trucks and buses from the past rolling on any given city street back then.

Pace bus retuning to the garage at the end of the day. Glenview Illinois USA. July 2011.

Pace bus retuning to the garage at the end of the day. Glenview Illinois USA. July 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo after work one hot Summer evening recently, back in July of 2011.

A short blue Pace transit bus, is viewed in evening rush hour traffic, enroute back to the garage for the night.

I found this photo at My Link page "Northern California Bus Fans", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com

One of the all time popular transit buses found on many city streets in North America and Canada during the 1960's to the early 1990's, was the General Motors TDH Series "New Look" bus model introduced in the year of 1959. These buses, were also refered to as "Fishbowl Windshield" buses.

The attractive example shown here, is a short GM 'New Look" transit bus from the Atlanta Georgia based Atlanta Transit Company. This photo was taken during the year of 1970.

Northbound CTA Route # 53 Pulaski Rd bus at West Fullerton Avenue. Chicago Illinois. March 2006.

Northbound CTA Route # 53 Pulaski Rd bus at West Fullerton Avenue. Chicago Illinois. March 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one sunny but quiete chilly morning, back in March of 2006.

A northbound Chicago Transit Authority Route #53 Pulaski bus, passes the intersection of West Fullerton Avenue on North Pulaski Road. The bus is a 1990's era Flxible Metro 40 foot transit bus.

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

On Saturday, September 10th 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, I will be hosting
a photo slideshow event at the Franklin Park Illinois Public Library. Admission
is free.

I will be showing some of My railfan photos and videos, including a video of
CTA rapid transit railfan home movies that were photographed in color, during
the 1950's and 60's era in and around Chicago Illinois. See the Congress Expressway during the construction, as well as the CTA Lake Street Elevated at ground leval during the late 1950's and early 60's era.

For fans of the Chicago Transit Authority's elevated and subway lines, this is a show that You won't want to miss.

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

This will be a fun event, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The merger that never materialized. A,T & S,F color schemes at Corwith Yard. Chicago Illinois. April 1987.

The merger that never materialized. A,T & S,F color schemes at Corwith Yard. Chicago Illinois. April 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

One of My all time favorite railroad photos I had taken when I used to live on the southwest side of Chicago during the 1980's, is this one I took back in April of 1987.

Talk about "Rare" subject matter.

Several locomotives are seen above the concrete viaduct, at the south hump of the now former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad's Corwith Yard, located at West 47th Street and South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

Believe it or not....this is one of those random snapshots I had taken just for the heck of it.

It is just before sunset on a lovely Springtime evening, back in April of 1987. The Santa Fe and the Southern Pacific railroads, had been comtemplating a merger in recent years, and actually began painting several locomotives in the unique red "Kodachrome" color scheme with either SF or SP markings on the sides in bold yellow letters.

The merger was voted "No" by the Interstate Commerce Commision in 1986. Sorry, no merger. An interesting color scheme anyway.

The concrete viaduct bridge with the molded concrete railings, was jackhammered not long after I had taken this photograph. The molded concreete railings, would soon be replaced by an inexpensive chain link fence.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. Sunday, September 12th, 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 Hesston Steam Museum in northwest Indiana.

A miniature gasoline powered train operating on the 7 and 1/2" inch guage miniature railroad, departs the boarding station area.

The locomotive appears to be a model of a 1950's era EMD GP 9 roadswitcher, wearing the black and silver "Zebra Stripe" freight color scheme of the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

The Santa Fe used this color scheme from 1950 to 1960.

Westbound Union Pacific intermodal container train. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2007.

Westbound Union Pacific intermodal container train. Chicago Illinois USA. January 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a bitterly cold and overcast Winter morning, back in January of 2007.

Photographed along West Kinzie Street just west of the North Kilbourn Avenue railroad crossing, is a westbound Union Pacific Railroad intermodal container train departing Chicago Illinois.

The building to the right, is the long abandoned Brach's candy factory. The overhead girder bridge, is the Belt Railway of Chicago flyover junction.

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

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

One of the fun things about model railroading, are the occasional opportunities to create color schemes and ficticious names of Your own personal "Independent" railroad company.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers official name of the club railroad, is the Oak River Railroad. This EMD SD 7 roadswitcher, wears this color scheme and roadname.

Bobcat tractor in transit. Niles Illinois USA. August 2011.

Bobcat tractor in transit. Niles Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, in northwest suburban Niles Illinois USA.

It was great having My camera with Me that day, as I was able to capture this unique image of a Bobcat front loader tractor, proboubly in transit to another construction site aboard this trailer.

Bobcat tractors, are manufactured by the Melro Division of the Clark Equipment Company.

Carlo Sarlo's Italian Beef. Park Ridge Illinois USA. June 2011.

Carlo Sarlo's Italian Beef. Park Ridge Illinois USA. June 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

Question:

What happens when a corporate fast food giant like KFC decides to close a store location, due to the fact that it is an older store from 40 years ago and is now too small or inadequette for their expanding menu and needs?

Answer:

They sell the building to a smaller independent local business operation.

Seen here at the northeast corner of West Touhy and North Greenwood Avenues in northwest suburban Park Ridge Illinois, is a former Kentucky Fried Chicken restaurant store location, that recently became Carlo Sarlo's Italian Beef.

Carlo Sarlo, was a local Italian boxing champion from Chicago during the early 1950's. This restaurant is named after the late boxing champion, and their adverising slogan is ..."Our beef is a knock out!"

The food is very good here.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. Early August 2011.

The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois USA. Early August 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, of wich I am a member of Myself.

One of My all time personal favorite classic North American railroad color schemes I had grown up with in Chicago, was the red and silver "Warbonnet" passenger train color scheme, from the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

Seen here, is an H.O Scale model of an EMD late 1930's and early 1940's era model FT cab unit diesel locomotive. This is a Bachman model that is owned and operated by fellow club member Chas.

Nothbound CP conainer train. Nothbrook IL. Aug 2009.

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

A northbound Canadian Pacific intermodal container train, passes through the Northbrook Illinois Metra commuter rail station at dusk.

Community service work on the CTA yellow line. Skokie Illinois USA. August 2011.

Community service work on the CTA yellow line. Skokie Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one day last week during My morning lunch break.

We are facing west at the Chicago Transit Authority yellow line rapid transit railroad crossing, at Crawford Avenue in north suburban Skokie Illinois.

An on site community service working crew from the Cook County Sherriff's Police S.W.A.P program, are viewed clearing brush and debris from the CTA yellow line / Skokie Swift right of way under CTA supervision.