Saint Petri's Church at 103rd Street and Avenue L in the South Chicago neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Saint Petri's Church at 103rd Street and Avenue L in the South Chicago neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

Many people who were actually "Non Railfans" have told Me in the past, that they enjoyed viewing Eddie's Railfan Page because it was very diverse on subject matter, and had a certain "Neighborhood Feel" about it. (Thank You.)

I took this photo recently, on a photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago with My good friend and fellow railfan buddy Anthony C.

Churches dating back to the late 1800's era, have been an icon in many of Chicago's older neighborhoods.

Seen here on the northeast corner of East 103rd Street and Avenue L in the South Chicago neighborhood, is the Saint Petri's Catholic Church. This old Cathedral style of church building from many decades ago, was built in 1899 and eventually remodeld in 1919.

The old copper structural ornamentation has long since turned in to a powdery light green patina, but has stood the test of time.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

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

Memories of the now fallen flag railroads Illinois Central, The old Gulf, Mobile & Ohio, and the 1972 succesor railroad Illinois Central Gulf, are operated in miniature today at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

The club is located at 255 Augusta Street, in the basement of the Oak Park Public Library / Dole Learning Center building. This group meets on Monday and Wednsday nights from 7:00 until 9:00 PM.

Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA.

Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This historic photo was E Mailed to Me recently, by Mr Robert Pitunjac from the Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago.

One of many small amusement parks that once had surrounded the greater Chicagoland area that I fondly remember, was a fun place known as Playland Park.

Located in southwest suburban Justice Illinois, this little amusement park offered seasonal family fun begining during the 1950's, until the park had closed for good in 1979.

The old Playland Park site today, is now the site of the larhe Sterling Estates trailer park.

Thanks Robert.
Eddie K.

Night time railroading. Brookfield Illinois. October 2011.

I photographed this unique video of night time railroading, at the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing in west suburban Brookfield Illinois USA.

The action is 24 -7 on the BNSF Railway, with a few "Lull" periods tossed in.
This eastbound BNSF Railway Auto Rack train, was photographed heading eastbound
on a slow order around 10:00 PM.

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

Please mark Your calendar.

This coming Saturday, November 5th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM...I will
be hosting a local "Railfan Photo Slideshow" at the Franklin Park Public Library.
The Franklin Park Public Library is located at 10311 West Grand Avenue, in near
northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois USA.

One of the many things that I will be showing, is a DVD video entitled
"The CTA EL and other electrics", wich features several local silent color
railfan home movies of the various CTA elevated and subway lines, photographed
around Chicago during the 1950's and 60's.

Scenes include construction of the Congress Expressway, The Lake Street elevated
at ground leval in west suburban Oak Park Illinois with crossing gates, as well
as scenes of the electric interurban trains of the Chicago, Aurora And Elgin, and
the Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee Railroads traveling to and from downtown Chicago over the CTA elevated lines.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Industrial ariel water sprinklers to keep coal dust down. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 211.

Industrial ariel water sprinklers to keep coal dust down. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 211., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a recent photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago, near the Indiana state line border.

This large ariel water sprinkler, is used at the East 95th Street coal yard in the South Chicago neighborhood, to keep coal dust levals down and to prevent spontanious combustiom of the solid fuel pile.

Silent digital video: Eastbound Metra express commuter train racing through the River Forest Illinois Metra commuter rail station. August 2007.

Silent digital video: Eastbound Metra express commuter train racing through the River Forest Illinois Metra commuter rail station. August 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this unique silent digital video with My old camera back in August of 2007.

An eastbound Metra express commuter train, passes through the elevated River Forest Metra commuter rail station, located east of Maywood Illinois on the Metra / Union Pacific west line, wich features daily commuter train operation over the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad between Chicago and Elburn Illinois USA.

Westbound empty BNSF Railway empty unit coal train. Riverside Illinois. October 2007.

Westbound empty BNSF Railway empty unit coal train. Riverside Illinois. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a beautiful Autum afternoon,back in October of 2007.

A westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train, is begining to slowly gain momentum on the three track Chicago to Aurora commuter mainline, as it enters west suburban Riverside Illinois.

This train had just departed from the BNSF Clyde Yard a few miles east of here, in west suburban Cicero Illinois USA.

Athearn H.O Union Pacific Challenger steam locomotive runby.

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

An Athearn H.O Scale model of a Union Pacific Railroad 4-6-6-4 articulated "Challenger" type steam locomotive built by the American Locomotive Company during World War 2, performs a runby with a handful of Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad wooden reefer cars in tow on the club layout.

The locomotive is painted in Union Pacific's 1940's era "Grayhound" color scheme, wich was generally used on some steam locomotives assigned to passenger train service.

I found this photo taken in downtown Chicago Illinois USA, at My Link Page Dave's Electric Railroads. Located to the right of Your computer screen at www.davesrailpix.com

The Chicago Transit Authority began operations on October 1st, 1947, after raising the funding to purchase the Chicago Surface Lines Company ( Streetcars and buses.), and the Chicago Rapid Transit Company.

During the 1960's, the CTA found itself quickly approaching 20 years in operation. Although "New" 6000 and 550 Series lightweight rapid transit cars were built during the 1950's using recycled streamlined PCC streetcar components from retired postwar streetcars, the CTA was still using rapid transit cars built during the teens and 20's in daily operations.

These cars that are seen here in a 1960's era photo taken in downtown Chicago, were built in 1964 by the Pulman Standard Car Company of Chicago. These cars were numbered in the 2000 series, and operated in daily service until the early 1990's.
These were Chicago's "First" trully modern rapid transit cars at the time, and featured picture windows, powder blue interiors and air conditioning.

These cars were originally painted in the CTA mint green and alpine white colors when delivered as viewed in this photo, but by the mid 1970's, began recieving forst a red, white and blue with silver Bi Centenial color scheme, and later a plain alluminum and dark gray color scheme.

The Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois www.irm.org , owns two of these cars and has them on display at their CTA 50th Avenue rapid transit station from Cicero Illinois, while the CTA retained two of these, and painted them in to a dark green color scheme.
These are used by the CTA for special occasions, and are kept at their Skokie Shops facility on Oakton Street in Skokie Illinois.

E B BNSF freight crossing Harlem Avenue. Riverside / Berwyn IL.

I photographed this digital live sound video on a rainy Summer night, back in August of 2009.

We are facing north on Harlem Avenue at the intersection of Windsor Street. This is the border location for the west suburban towns of Riverside Illinois ( Left ), and Berwyn ( Right) just outside of Chicago.

An eastbound BNSF Railway freight train with a borrowed Norfolk Southern Railroad locomotive, is viewed slowing down upon approach to the large BNSF Railway Clyde Yard facility, in nearby west suburban Cicero Illinois.

Belt Railway of Chicago corporate logo on EMD radio controlled road switcher # 583. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Belt Railway of Chicago corporate logo on EMD radio controlled road switcher # 583. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a recent photo outing on the far southeast side of Chicago, near the Indiana State Line border.

Seem here is an EMD radio controlled roadswitcher from the Belt Railway of Chicago.

This view shows the BRC logo in detail.

Former Denver & Rio Grande Western locomotive acquired through merger. The Union Pacific M-19A Diesel Shop. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

Former Denver & Rio Grande Western locomotive acquired through merger. The Union Pacific M-19A Diesel Shop. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2006.

Acquired through merger but yet to be fully repainted, this former Denver & Rio Grande Western Railroad EMD roadswitcher, is viewed idling on the ready tracks at the Union Pacific M 19A Diesel Shop facility in Chicago Illinois.

Blues Brothers art at the East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Blues Brothers art at the East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a recent photo outing with My buddy Anthony C on the far southeast side of Chicago back on Saturday, October 15th of 2011.

This little roadsie piece of art honoring "The Blues brothers", is located on the south side of East 95th Street just past the drawbridge over the Calumet River, in Chicago's very own South Chicago neighborhood.

The adjacent East 95th Street bridge, was used in a spectacular "Car jumps over an open drawbridge" scene in the 1980 motion picture "The Blues Brothers", wich had starred John Belushi and Dan Akroyd formerly of the NBC TV show Saturday Night Live.

This advertisement wich features the image of The Blues Brothers, is used for promoting a popular little local take out seafood stand known as calumet Fisheries, wich is out of view to the right of this sign.

Silent digital video: Westbound CTA Orange line train enroute to Chicago Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. June 2007.

Silent digital video: Westbound CTA Orange line train enroute to Chicago Midway Airport. Chicago Illinois. June 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Wintertime at the Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. December 2007.

Wintertime at the Fox River Trolley Museum. South Elgin Illinois. December 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in December of 2007.

We are just a week or two away from the end of the year, and the Fox River Trolley Museum located in South Elgin Illinois...is officially closed for the season.

Several vintage rapid transit cars that were retired from the Chicago Transit Authority, are viewed sitting outside in the yard amongst a snowy landscape.

Coming soon to the Franklin Park Public Library! "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars"! Saturday , November 5th from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from the popular internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page"! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Chicago Surface Lines car # 1374. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. June 1993., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Franklin Park Public Library located at 10311 West Grand Avenue in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian, railfan and internet host Eddie K to the library on Saturday, November 5th 2011.

Eddie K, is the host and photographer of the popular Chicago based internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page", and He will be hosting a local "Railfan Photo Slideshow"" from 11:00 to 1:00 at the library.

A special historic Chicago transportation feature Eddie will be showing, is His homemade musical photo slideshow entitled " When Chicago Rode the streetcars!"

This video features several historic photos of Chicago taken between the 1880's and 1958, and is set to authentic historic period music ranging from Ragtime Piano, Dixieland Jazz, and 1940's era Big Band Standards.

If You were one of the many people who had grown up in Chicago prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in 1958 or know someone who did...then You won't wan't to miss this historic public transit ride down memory lane.

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

Admission is free.

Silent digital video: A westbound Metra afternoon commuter local, is seen slowly approaching the Riverside station ahead. Riverside Illinois. January 2008.

Silent digital video: A westbound Metra afternoon commuter local, is seen slowly approaching the Riverside station ahead. Riverside Illinois. January 2008. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Vince's Pizza window neon sign. Chicago Illinois. Febuary 2008.

Vince's Pizza window neon sign. Chicago Illinois. Febuary 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A popular local food favorite on the southwest side of Chicago, is Pizza.

Among several that thrive and survive quiete well in Chicago, is Vince's Pizza.

This pleasant neighborhood pizzeria restaurant, is located along the south side of West 63rd Street near the intersection of South Melvina Avenue in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood.

Switching activity at the former Illinois Central Crawford Yard. Chicago Illinois. May 2007.

Switching activity at the former Illinois Central Crawford Yard. Chicago Illinois. May 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in May of 2007.

Two Canadian National EMD roadswitchers, are viewed preparing to pull a cut of tank cars off of a long siding, at the former Illinois Central / Chicago & Illinois Western ( I.C Subsidiary) Crawford Yard on the near southwest side of Chicago.

This quaint little flat freight yard wich was located just east of the Chicago city limits border at west suburban Cicero Illinois, was closed by the Canadian National recently, and the tracks removed.

Westbound Metra commuter local arriving at the Hollywood flagstop depot. Brookfield Illinois. October 2006.

Westbound Metra commuter local arriving at the Hollywood flagstop depot. Brookfield Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one lovely Autum evening around sunset, back in October of 2006.

The setting sun is begining to head below the horizon, as another beautiful Indiana Summer day comes to an end in the greater Chicagoland area.

A westbound Metra local enroute to Aurora Illinois, is viewed making the station stop at the Hollywood flagstop depot in west suburban Brookfield Illinois USA.

Metra locomotive running light. Glenview Il. April 2009.

Eastbound Union Pacific transfer train with a former Missouri Pacific unit, departing the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois. April 1987.

Eastbound Union Pacific transfer train with a former Missouri Pacific unit, departing the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois. April 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Central Illinois Railroad. Chicago IL. Oct 2008.

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

Eastbound Canadian National freight train. North Riverside Illinois. April 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Early CSX Transportation Company train with former Seaboard System locomotives. Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. July 1989.

Early CSX Transportation Company train with former Seaboard System locomotives. Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. July 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in July of 1989.

An early CSX Transportation Company intermodal train pulled by former Seaboard System locomotives, passes through the GTW crosstrack over the Belt Railway of Chicago, at Hayford Junction.

Metra at sunrise. Morton Grove IL. Aug 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning this past August around sunrise.

A southbound Metra morning rush hour commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois, passes alongside Lehigh Avenue in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois.

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

Caboose conductor giving radio orders for the locomotive crew to proceed. Melrose Park Illinois. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2007.

The Indiana Harbor Belt industrial switching local, is viewed backing up alongside Armitage Street in northwest suburban Melrose Park Illinois.

Norfolk Southern M.O.W crane. Hammond Indiana USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Norfolk Southern M.O.W crane. Hammond Indiana USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, at the Norfolk Southern Railroad ex Pennsylvania Railroad yard just outside of the Chicago city limits at Hammond Indiana.

An American locomotive crane, goes about it's business doing maintenance work.

Eastbound Metra commuter local stopped at the Franklin Park commuter rail station. October 2007.

Eastbound Metra commuter local stopped at the Franklin Park commuter rail station. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

An eastbound Metra morning rush hour local commuter train, has just arrived at the Franklin Park Metra commuter rail station.

After the passengers have both boarded and disembarked, this train wil continue on to Chicago Union Station.

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

First Transit Ford paratransit bus #5390. Glenview Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this historic Chicago Transit Authority photo from 1968, at My Link Page "Tom's Trolleybus Pictures", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.trolleybuses.net

The Chicago Transit Authority was almost a mere 21 years old when this photo was taken at the CTA's maintenance garage facility at East 77th Street and South Vincense Avenue in Chicago's Chatam neighborhood back in 1968.

Although the Chicago Transit Authority had purchased several propane powered transit buses through out the 1950's and added several new look GM and Flxible buses to their fleet during the early to mid 1960's...many of the buses on the CTA fleet had dated back to when the CTA began operations on October 1st, 1947.

In the year of 1952, the Chicago Transit Authority purchased the Chicago Motor Coach Company, and acquired a fleet of 300 or so buses that were either new or recent vintage.

By 1968, many of the old early CTA buses that were still rolling around, were begining to show their age. The older General Motors early 1950's era former Chicago Motor Coach buses, were in their final years of operation in Chicago by the time that this photo was taken.

Around this time, a handful were withdrawn from service, and demoted to maintenance Work buses. The oldest of the GM old look TDH transit buses from the late 1940's, were retired by 1970. The 1950's era examples, would be retired from passenger service by 1972, while another handful would be demoted to maintenance Work buses.

2010 Dayton Trolley Bus Tour

I spotted this unique electric trolleybus video from the city of Dayton Ohio USA on You Tube this morning.

While many citties in the United States and Canada experimented with electric trolleybuses or "Trackless Trolleys" as they were known as, most of the citties they operated them in eventually phased them out, and replaced them with standard diesel powered transit buses.

The city of Dayton Ohio, luckilly was an exception, and kept their electric trolleybus routes operating today.

Eastbound GMC / Bluebird school bus at the intersection of Lawrence and Cumberland Avenues. Chicago Illinois. April 2007.

Eastbound GMC / Bluebird school bus at the intersection of Lawrence and Cumberland Avenues. Chicago Illinois. April 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a sunny but quiete chilly early Springtime morning, back in April of 2007.

An eastbound GMC / Bluebird school bus, was photographed at the intersection of North Cumberland and West Lawrence Avenues, at the Chicago city limits border near Norridge Illinois.

Silent digital video: Northbound Pace 2002 Orion low floor bus. Glenview Illinois. February 2008.

Silent digital video: Northbound Pace 2002 Orion low floor bus. Glenview Illinois. February 2008. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Photographer Bob Hussey took this photo back in 1975.

The General Motors TDH Series fishbowl windshield or "New Look GM's", were introduced in the year of 1959, and were the industry standard for transit bus fleets around the United States and Canada for many years afterward.

This colorful blue example, is working for the Machester Transit Company, in the city of Manchester New Hampshire USA.

The intersection of North Harlem Avenue and West Addison Street at sunset. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2011.

The intersection of North Harlem Avenue and West Addison Street at sunset. Chicago Illinois USA. September 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one evening last month, on My way home from work.

Looking south on North Harlem Avenue at West Addison Street in Chicago during sunset, We see a northbound Chicago Transit Authority 1990's era Nova low floor transit bus working the CTA Rt # 90 North Harlem Avenue, waiting for the traffic signal to change.

This bus is enroute to the CTA blue line rapid transit station at North Harlem and Higgins Avenue near Norridge and Harwood Heights Illinois.

Eastbound CTA Route # 62 Archer / Dearborn-Kinzie bus passing the intersection of South Archer Avenue and west 43rd Street AKA Pope John Paul 2nd Drive. Chicago Illinois. April 1989.

Eastbound CTA Route # 62 Archer / Dearborn-Kinzie bus passing the intersection of South Archer Avenue and west 43rd Street AKA Pope John Paul 2nd Drive. Chicago Illinois. April 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood, way back in April of 1989.

1989 would be a year of transition for the Chicago Transit Authority, begining with this new white with blue and red color stripe scheme on the recently rehabbed 1970's era General Motors TDH Series Fishbowl Windshield transit buses.

New buses from Nova and Flxible were on order for the CTA, and a "New" rapid transit line from downtown Chicago to Midway Airport was under construction during this period.

In this photo, an eastbound CTA Route # 62 Dearborn / Kinzie bus enroute to downtown Chicago, passes the now long gone Silver Coin Restaurant at the corner of South Archer Avenue and West 43rd Street / AKA "Pope John Paul the 2nd Drive".

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

Please mark Your calendars.

On Saturday, November 5th, 2011 from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM, I will be hosting
a local Chicago area "Railfan Photo Slideshow" at the Franklin Park Public Library.

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

The main theme of My presentation, will focus on "Riding the CTA rapid transit during the 1950's and 60's" in Chicago. For the many fans of public transportation subjects, this historic presentation is bound to bring back many happy memories
for people who grew up in Chicago and rode the Chicago Transit Authority's elevated and subway rapid transit lines during the 1950's and 60's era.

As part of the presentation, I will be showing a DVD video I had recently obtained
entitled "The CTA EL and other electrics", wich features many local Chicago area color silent railfan home movies of the various CTA elevated and subway lines, photographed during the 1950's and 60's.

If You could remember the long gone "Garfield Park" elevated line on the west side of Chicago, the "Lake Street" elevated line at ground leval with crossing gates in west suburban Oak Park Illinois, or even the electric interurban trains of the Chicago, Aurora And Elgin or the Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee railroads that shared the CTA right of way to and from downtown Chicago Illinois, then You will not wan't to miss this historic presentation of Chicago Transit Authority history.

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf lives in H.O Scale.

Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA.

Playland Park. (Gone.) Justice Illinois USA., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This photo was E mailed to Me recently, by Mr Robert Pitunjac of The Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago.

A once popular and now forgoted family amusement park located in southwest suburban Justice Illinois, was a little place known as Playland Park.

Playland Park had opened for business during possibly the mid 1950's, and closed for good after the sudden and untimely passing of the park's owner in the fall of 1979.

I could recall when I was growing up on the southwest side of Chicago during the 1970's, that there was nothing more enjoyable than a Summer evening on the park's midway.

The East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

The East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Seen here, is the east end of the East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River in the South Chicago neighborhood near Hammond Indiana.

This bridge was famous, as it was used for a spectacular "Car jumps an open drawbridge" scene in the 1980 movie "The Blues Brothers", wich had starred John Belushi and Dan Akroyd.

I found this photo at My Link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

One of My favorite railroads when I was growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1970's and 80's era, was the Illinois Central Gulf.

The ICG was created from the August 10th, 1972 merger of the Illinois Central, and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio railroads.

Much of the remaining former G,M & O equipment, rolled around system wide for many years after the fact in as delivered 1960's era factory paint and markings.

Photographer Bob Harrold photographed this former G,M & O EMD GP 35 in Chicago during 1977. Many former G,M & O locomotives were actually retired in their original colors and markings during the mid to late 1980's.

Hawthorne JCT. Chicago / Cicero IL. Aug 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning this past August, at Hawthorne Junction, located directly on the Chicago city limits border at Cicero Illinois.

A pleasant surprise coupled aboard this ordinary looking Canadian Pacific Railroad transfer train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago, was a vintage EMD E 8 streamlined passenger diesel locomotive from the Arizona Eastern Railroad.

Arizona Eastern EMD E 8 # 6070, was in transit enroute to the upstart tourist railroad Saratoga and North Creek in the State of New York.

The visiting Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus train. Chicago Illinois. October 2007.

The visiting Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey circus train. Chicago Illinois. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2007.

Parked just below the North Central Avenue overpass bridge near North Grand Avenue in Chicago's Hanson Park neighborhood, is the visiting Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey red unit circus train.

Three EMD E-8 passenger locomotives performing a photo runby near Harvard Illinois. Photographed during the C&NW /Metra EMD E-8 Last Run fantrip from Chicago to Harvard Illinois.

Three EMD E-8 passenger locomotives performing a photo runby near Harvard Illinois. Photographed during the C&NW /Metra EMD E-8 Last Run fantrip from Chicago to Harvard Illinois., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back on Saturday, October 28th, 1989.

Chicago's Metra commuter rail agency, was retiring their last 3 early 1950's era EMD model E 8 cab unit passenger diesel locomotives from daily commuter service.

These locomotives, were assigned to the Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad commuter lines ( Now Union Pacific), and are seen here operating on the last run fantrip from Chicago to Harvard Illinois.

The locomotives, are performing a series of photo runbys at Ridgefield Illinois near Harvard.

A locomotive coupler up close. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

A locomotive coupler up close. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on the far southeast side of Chicago back on October 15th.

Seen here is an up close and detailed view, of the coupler, air hose and electrical cables on an abandoned EMD GP 9 locomotive from the Chicago Rail Link shortline railroad.

Don's Hot Dogs at South Kedzie Avenue near west 78th Street inChicago's Ashburn neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October15th, 2011.

Don's Hot Dogs at South Kedzie Avenue near west 78th Street in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 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 this past Saturday afternoon, in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood on the southwest side of the city.

A popular little local fast food eatery on South Kedzie Avenue near West 78th Street for many years now, is Don's Hot Dogs.

When I visited Don's for a photo opportunity with My good friend and fellow railfan buddy Anthony C, something looked very familar about that giant rooftop hamburger in the drive in's rear parking lot.

It turns out, that this giant Hamburger, is originally from a place known as "Jack and Pat's 50's Drive In", wich was located at West 107th Street and South Ridgeland Avenue, in southwest suburban Chicago Ridge Illinois near Oak Lawn.

During the late 1980's and early 90's, I would occasionally eat at Jack and Pat's, wich was in the parking lot of their Butcher Shop business.

Jack and Pat's 50's Drive In was eventually demolished, but apparently...their old giant Hamburger has long since found a new home at Don's Hot Dogs on South Kedzie Avenue.

Happy southwest side Chicago memories!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Burlington Northern freight train passing through west suburban La Grange Illinois. December 1988.

Westbound Burlington Northern freight train passing through west suburban La Grange Illinois. December 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in December of 1988.

A westbound Burlington Northern Railroad freight train, is viewed approaching the La Grange Road railroad crossing in downtown west suburban La Grange Illinois USA.

Eddie K hosting "Kiddieland Memories" at the Melrose Park PublicLibrary. Melrose Park Illinois USA. Saturday, August 6th, 2011.

Eddie K hosting "Kiddieland Memories" at the Melrose Park Public Library. Melrose Park Illinois USA. Saturday, August 6th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

2011 has been a very active year for Myself, as I had the opportunity to host a number of public speaking / historic photo slideshow events at various public libraries around the greater Chicagoland area.

Here I am on Saturday afternoon, August 6th, 2011, hosting a special presentation I had put together using "Windows Movie Maker" entitled "Kiddieland Memories", at the Melrose Park Illinois Public Library.

Mr Fidelcio the library's program director in the background, was a big help and offered His services to assist Me in the presentation.

Kiddieland Memories, was a big hit with several members of the Melrose Park Historical Society in attendance that day. It was a fun event!

For all the readers here at Eddie's Railfan Page who are also big fans of Amusement Park Subjects, I am in the process of obtaining slideshow bookings for the upcoming 2012 events at the public libaries.

I have had several requests to show "Kiddieland Memories", but also recieved a request or two to "Raise the bar", and incorporate some historic photos and tid bits about some of Chicago's other long gone amusement parks of the past.

My next round of Kiddieland Memories, looks like it will be bigger and better in the near future.

Who knows? If You could remeber Playland Park, Adventureland, or even Riverview Park...Heck! Anything goes at My upcoming live shows!

My first show for next year so far, will be on Saturday, March 24th, 2012 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM at the Lyons Public Library. Located at 4209 Joliet Avenue in west suburban Lyons Illinois USA.

Do to strong demand, My March presentation will be about local Chicago area amusement parks from the past.

Thank You for all the support everyone.

Eddie K.

Northbound Metra crossing Dundee Road at sunset. Northbrook IL.

I photographed this digital live sound video a few weeks ago after work one evening.

A northbound Metra rush hour evening commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, is viewed crossing Illinois U.S Rt # 68 / Dundee Road in north suburban Northbrook Illinois around sunset.

Norfolk Southern Railroad M.O.W Volvo dump truck. Hammond Indiana USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Norfolk Southern Railroad M.O.W Volvo dump truck. Hammond Indiana USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo this past Saturday, in Hammond Indiana.

Seen here parked along the east side of U.S Rt# 41 / Indianapolis Boulevard and the Chicago Skyway bridge, is a Volvo dump truck from the Norfolk Southern Railroad.

This is a nice detailed cab shot of a Hi Rail equipped heavy railroad maintenance vechicle.

Eastbound Norfolk Southern transfer train approaching Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. July 2007.

Eastbound Norfolk Southern transfer train approaching Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. July 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in July of 2007.

An eastbound Norfolk Southern Railroad transfer train is now departing from the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard, and is approaching the single track Canadian National ex Grand Trunk Western crosstrack at Hayford Junction in Chicago's Ashburn neighborhood.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Monday night, March 14th, 2011.

Digital Live Sound Video: Westbound Freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Monday night, March 14th, 2011. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this digital live sound video back in March of this year.

A westbound Canadian Pacific Railroad freight train with leased General Electric AC 4400 CW locomotives, crosses North Harlem Avenue in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park at night.

Sunday evening twilight. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. August 2011.

Sunday evening twilight. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a late Sunday evening, back in August of this year.

Another weekend is coming to a close, as the near northwest suburban village of Elmwood Park Illinois prepares to bed down for the night.

The old Nabisco factory at approximately West 75th Street and SouthKedzie Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

The old Nabisco factory at approximately West 75th Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 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 this past Saturdy afternoon.

Seen here on the left side of the photo along the west side of the South Kedzie Avenue overpass bridge,is the large southwest side Chicago landmark known as the Nabisco factory.

This factory, fills the air of Chicago's adjacent Marquette Park and Ashburn neighborhoods, with the smell of fresh baked cookies.

The South Kedzie Avenue bridge through here, is refered to by some southwest side Chicago locals and Myself, as "Nabisco Hill".

Eastbound Norfolk Southern /BNSF transfer train entering the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Eastbound Norfolk Southern /BNSF transfer train entering the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo this past Saturday morning, along the north edge of the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard.

An eastbound transfer train with locomotives from the Norfolk Southern and the BNSF Railway, enter the east or "Chicago" side of Clearing Yard, after interchanging off of the BRC's West 68th Street Wye near Chicago's Midway Airport.

I found this photo at My Link page "Fallen Flags.Org", located to the right of Your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad, was one of the last railroads in North America to operate steam locomotives in regular service, finally retiring their last ones in 1961.

Louis Rague took this GTW photo in South Bend Indiana, back in June of 1956.

Northbound Metra local departs Northbrook Illinois. Oct 2011.

I photographed this digital live sound video a few weeks ago after work one evening, at Northbrook Illinois USA.

With the sliding vestibule doors closing, a northbound Metra evening local enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, departs the Northbrook station at sunset.

A "New" digital electronic bell on Belt Railway of Chicago EMD roadswitcher # 583. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

A "New" digital electronic bell on Belt Railway of Chicago EMD roadswitcher # 583. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

For many years dating back to the steam era, stationary non swinging locomotive bells...featured an electric solonoid mechanism with an adjustable timer and air operated clapper.

Todays latest inovation, is "Digital Technology", and it has now spread to the railroad industry.

Seen here is the latest digital locomotive bell design, with no moving parts. These bells are quiet functional and audible, but have a tendency to sound rather flat or "Tinny".

MTH Premier PRR H3 Consolidation (2-8-0) O-Gauge Steam Locomotive in Tru...

I spotted this video on You Tube recently.

MTH or "mike's Train House" as it is known, manufactures and imports a fine line of quality O' Scale model trains.

Seen here is a model, of preserved Pennsylvania Railroad 2-8-0 steam locomotive # 1187, wich was built by the PRR's Altoona Locomotive Works inJanuary of 1888.

The prototype Pennsylvania Railroad # 1187, is preserved today at the Railroad museum of Pennsylvania in the town of Strasburg Pennsylvania USA.

These little 2-8-0 consolidation type steam locomotives, where the EMD GP 7's of the 1880s era, and were used primarilly on freight trains.

Northbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train. Northbrook Illinois USA. October 2011.

Northbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train. Northbrook Illinois USA. October 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo a few weeks ago, in north suburban Northbrook Illinois USA.

A northbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train, makes the station stop at Shermer Road in downtown Northbrook Illinos at sunset.

Norfolk Southern Railroad M.O.W crane. Hammond Indiana USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Norfolk Southern Railroad M.O.W crane. Hammond Indiana USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo this past Saturday, at Hammond Indiana.

An American locomotive crane, is viewed at the Norfolk Southern Railtroad ex Pennsylvania RR freight yard along the east side of Rt # 41 / Indianapolis Boulevard and the adjacent Chicago Skyway bridge approach.

The Cafe Renee' Restaurant on West 63rd Street in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

The Cafe Renee' Restaurant on West 63rd Street in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

For many years, one of My favorite little neighborhood restaurants I used to love to go to for Breakfast on the weekends, was the Cafe Renee'.

This little restaurant, is located on West 63rd Street just west of the intersection of South Narragansett Avenue, in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood near Midway Airport.

Their friendly staff, tasty entrees, pleasant dining room and prices well within reason...always would becon Me back for some good eating on the southwest side of Chicago.

Thanks!
Eddie K.

A westbound Chicago Surface Lines West 63rd Street streetcar passing Chicago Municipal Airport. Chicago Illinois USA. Circa early 1940's.

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

This photograph was sent to Me via E Mail recently, by a Mr Robert Pitunjac from the Clear Ridge Historical Society of Chicago.

A westbound Chicago Surface Lines Company electric city streetcar from the CSL Rt 63 /63rd Street streetcar line, is viewed passing Chicago Municipal Airport.

In 1949, this airport was renamed Chicago Midway Airport in honor of the 1942 Allied victory battle at Midway Island in the Pacific Ocean against Japan.

Thanks Robert.
Eddie K.

My good friend and fellow railfan buddy Anthony C, taking a photo from the East 103rd Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

My good friend and fellow railfan buddy Anthony C, taking a photo from the East 103rd Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo this past saturday morning, on location at the East 103rd Street drawbridge over the Calumet River on the southeast side of Chicago.

Seen here is My good friend and fellow railfan buddy Anthony C, taking a photo of the Chicago Skyway bridge, just north of the East 103rd Street drawbridge.

This old drawbridge over the Calumet River in the South Chicago neighborhood, was constructed in 1927, under the administration of then Chicago Mayor William Hale Thompson.

Southbound Norfolk Southern RR intermodal train. Whiting Indiana

Coming soon to the Franklin Park Public Library! "Riding the CTA rapid transit in the 1950's and 60's"! Saturday, November 5th, 2011! Hosted by Eddie K from "Eddie's Railfan Page" ! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

Chicago Transit Authority 6000 series rapid transit cars on a fantrip. March 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Franklin Park Public Library, located at 10311 West Grand Avenue in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois, elcomes local Chicago historian, railfan and internet host Eddie K from 11:00 AM until 1:00 PM on Saturday, November 5th, 2011.

Eddie K, will be hosting a local railfan photo slideshow aimed at trains and transportation enthusiasts.

A special feature, will be the showing of an historic DVD video entitled "The CTA EL and other Electrics", wich features several local Chicago silent home railfan movies of the CTA rapid transit lines, photographed during the 1950's and 60's era.

If You can remember the long gone Garfield Park elevated line on the west side of the city, or perhaps the electric interurban trains of the Chicago, Aurora And Elgin, or the Chicago, North Shore And Milwaukee wich had shared the CTA right of way to and from downtown Chicago Illinois....then You won't wan't to miss this presentation.

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

Admission is free.