Springtime in Lyons Illinois USA. Saturday, March 24th, 2012.

Springtime in Lyons Illinois USA. Saturday, March 24th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hello everyone!

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

Springtime has arrived once again to the greater Chicagoland area.

I took this photo last week Saturday afternoon.
Many local trees have bloomed at the intersection of 44th Street and Joliet Avenue, in west suburban Lyons Illinois. The straw brown and barren Wintertime grass, has now given way to bright green hues and new plantlife in this quaint little town in Chicago's western suburbs.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Lionel Grand Trunk Western GP7 and Switcher roll through the grade cross...

I spotted this video on You Tube this morning.

Being a fan of the old Grand Trunk Western and a one time owner of a couple of Lionel 027 trains Myself prior to switching to H.O Scale in 1986, this video was very special to Me to say the least.

Although the GTW is now a fallen flag railroad after merger and acquisition by the Canadian National Railroad in recent years, the look and feel of the GTW can be kept alive in miniature on most any given model railroad.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Strasburg Railroad steam locomotive # 90 and train departing GroffsGrove. Strasburg Pennsylvania USA. August 1990.

Strasburg Railroad steam locomotive # 90 and train departing Groffs Grove. Strasburg Pennsylvania USA. August 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this classic 35mm black and white photograph, during an August 1990 vacation to Strasburg Pennsylvania USA.

Strasburg Railroad's own Baldwin 2-10-0 steam locomotive #90, is viewed departing from the Groff's Grove picnic stop open air depot at Cherry Hill Road, with a train of vintage American open platform wooden coaches in tow.

Eastbound Metra. Berwyn Illinois. March 2012.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning recently, in westy suburban Berwyn Illinois USA.

We are on location at the La Vergne Metra commuter rail station at Ridgeland Avenue and Windsor Street, in west suburban Berwyn Illinois.

An eastbound Metra commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Aurora Illinois, passes through the La Vergne station, and is now entering the adjacent BNSF Railway Clyde Yard in the neighboring town of Cicero Illinois.

That distinct "Gear Grinding Sound", is from an adjacent small pedestrian crossing gate along the west sidewalk on Ridgeland Avenue.

Coming soon to the Eisenhower Public Library in Harwood Heights Illinois! "Kiddieland Memories"! Saturday, May 12th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from the internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page"! http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

The Kiddieland Limited boarding passengers. July 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The Eisenhower Public Library located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois, welcomes local Chicago historian andf photographer Edward Kwiatkowski to the library's upstairs meeting room on Saturday, May 12th, 2012 from 1 until 3 PM.

Eddie who is the host and photographer of the local Chicago based internet blogsite "Eddie's Railfan Page", will be hosting a Musical hoto Slideshow - Multi Media -and Lecture presentation entitled "Kidddieland Memories", wich features several photos and video clips taken by Eddie during the park's last few years of operation in Melrose Park Illinois, prior to and just after the park's closing in 2009 after 81 years of operation.

Photos of other historic Chicago area amusement parks from the past will also be shown at this fun and very family oriented event at the Eisenhower Public Library.

Relive the "Summertime Magic" of Kiddieland and other amusement parks from Chicago's past at the Eisenhower Public Library!

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

Westbound Canadian Pacific freight train at sunset. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late March 2012.

Westbound Canadian Pacific freight train at sunset. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late March 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo earlier this week, during an evening excercise walk around sunset.

A westbound Canadian Pacific freight train, heads off in to the sunset in Elmwood Park Illinois USA.

This photo was taken just imediately southeast, of the diagonal Grand Avenue railroad crossing.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A lovely Springtime evening. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late March 2012.

A lovely Springtime evening. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late March 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo earlier this week, during an evening excercise walk in Elmwood Park Illinois around sunset.

It is definately Springtime here in the greater Chicagoland area, as many local trees along 75th Avenue have started to bloom for the season.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound CTA Skokie Swift train. Skokie IL. Mar 2009.

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

A fast moving westbound Chicago Transit Authority yellow line train, passes
the Crawford Avenue railroad crossing in north suburban Skokie Illinois USA.

I took this photo way back in January of 1984.

Seen here idling underneath the classic and soon to be demolished trainshed of Chicago's NorthWestern Station, is an elderly early 1950's era EMD model E 8 passenger service diesel locomotive from Chicago's RTA commuter rail agency.

Big changes were soon to take place here.

Chicago's Metra commuter rail agency began operations in 1984, taking over daily commuter train operations from Chicago's Regional Transportation Authority. The
1911 built NorthWestern Station building itself would be demolished during the Summer of 1984 as well.

These old Metra EMD E 8's, operated until October of 1989.

I had to dig way back in My photo archives for this one.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific transfer freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Saturday, March 24th, 2012.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific transfer freight train. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Saturday, March 24th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo early last Saturday afternoon.

An eastbound Canadian Pacific transfer freight train, is viewed crossing 73rd Avenue in near northwest suburban Elmwood Park Illinois.

H.O steam freight train run by.

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

My used Athearn U.S.R.A light 2-8-2 Mikado type steam locomotive, is viewed pulling a freight train past the lineside camera on the club layout. This locomotive is equipped with an MRC sound decoder that I added later.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Union Pacific locomotives idling above South Western Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011.

Union Pacific locomotives idling above South Western Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. March 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one morning last year.

EMD diesel electric roadswitcher locomotives from the Union Pacific Railroad, are viewed idling on top of an underpass viaduct on South Western Avenue near West Roosevelt Road in the city of Chicago Illinois.

This is just west of a former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad intermodal facility, that was acquired by the Union Pacific through merger of the C & N,W during the 1990's.

This photo is facing north on South Western Avenue on a sunny morning in March of 2011.

A community flower garden at the Sayre Avenue railroad crossing. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, July 16th, 2011.

A community flower garden at the Sayre Avenue railroad crossing. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, July 16th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A very nice thing that not many think about when it comes to going on location for taking railfan photos, are those sometimes unexpected pleasant surprises one can find.

For all the non railfans who enjoy Eddie's Railfan Page, I spotted this lovely flower garden at of all places...the North Sayre Avenue railroad crossing in Chicago's Mont Clare neighborhood, just a few blocks east of North Harlem Avenue.

This local curbside community flower garden, was plannted and maintained by two local Chicago civic organizations from Chicago's Mont Clare, and adjacent Galewood neighborhood comminities.

This is a lovely example of what local neighborhood civic pride in Chicago can do.

Canadian great lakes freighter ship passing through the opened East 95th Street drawbridge. Chicago Illinois USA. Sunday, March 4th, 2012.

Canadian great lakes freighter ship passing through the opened East 95th Street drawbridge. Chicago Illinois USA. Sunday, March 4th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo earlier this month, on the far southeast side of Chicago near the Indiana state line border.

The East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River in the South Chicago neighborhood has just been opened.

A red tug boat, is now pulling a rock salt hauling great lakes freighter ship from Canada through the channel.

Westbound Metra local stopping at the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station at sunset. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late March 2012.

Westbound Metra local stopping at the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station at sunset. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Late March 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently during an evening excercise walk in Elmwood Park Illinois.

A westbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train enroute to Elgin Illinois, prepares to depart from the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station, and head off in to the sunset.

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

First Student International school bus. Brookfield Illinois USA. Saturday, March 24th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Pace bus in uptown Park Ridge Illinois. February 2009.

The original Mount Pindo's restaurant. Chicago Illinois. May 1986.

The original Mount Pindo's restaurant. Chicago Illinois. May 1986., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in May of 1986.

A westbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 62 / Archer Avenue bus, is viewed making the stop at the intersection of South Archer Avenue and South Pulaski Road in Chicago's Archer Heights neighborhood.

In the background, is the soon to be demolished original Mount Pindo's Restaurant on the northeast corner.

Scenicruisers on freeway

I spotted this video on You Tube this morning.

This photographer has a lot more "Guts" than I do, standing out on a fast
moving Interstate Freeway to shoot this video. Dangerous to say the least.

Several privately owned Scenic Crusiser motorcoaches from the 1950' and 60's era, are viewed making a runby.

Southbound CTA Rt # 49 Western Avenue bus. Photographed at Western and Belmont Avenues. Chicago Illinois USA. Oct 2006.

Southbound CTA Rt # 49 Western Avenue bus. Photographed at Western and Belmont Avenues. Chicago Illinois USA. Oct 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in October of 2006.

A southbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 49 Western Avenue bus, is viewed making the stop at the intersection of West Belmont Avenue, in Chicago's Riverview neighborhood.

MV Transport new 2012 Ford paratransit bus. Evanston Illinois USA. February 2012.

MV Transport new 2012 Ford paratransit bus. Evanston Illinois USA. February 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently, back in February of 2012.

Fellow Paratransit bus company MV Transport based in north suburban Skokie Illinois USA, recently began to augment their fleet with new Ford Paratransit mini buses.

This new Ford bus, was photographed at the North Shore School in Evanston Illinois on Church Street east of Mc Cormick Boulevard.

Fueling up before returning to the garage. Northbrook Illinois USA. February 2012.

Fueling up before returning to the garage. Northbrook Illinois USA. February 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo last month, in Northbrook Illinois USA.

My afternoon run as a split route Paratransit bus driver has ended, and now I am fueling My bus before returning to the company garage in nearby Glenview Illinois.

Coming soon to the Eisenhower Public Library! "Kiddieland Memories!"

Digital Live Sound Video: The Tilt A Whirl ride. Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois. Early July 2008. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Please mark Your calendar!

On Saturday, May 12th from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, I wil be hosting another one
of My photo slideshow and lecture appearances at the Eisenhower Public Library.
This library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue, in north suburban Harwood Hts
Illinois near Norridge.

I will be presenting "Kiddieland Memories" in the library's upstairs meeting room.
This presentation, will feature photos and videos I had taken during the last few years of operation at Chicago's Kiddieland amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois, wich sadly had closed for good in 2009.

I will also be showing some of My homemade short musical photo slideshows on DVD, about Chicago's Historic Amusement Parks of the past.

If You could remember growing up with fun summertime attractions like Riverview Park
in Chicago Illinois, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, Fairyland in Lyons Illinois, Old Chicago in Bolingbrook Illinois or even Playland Park in Justice Illinois...
then you won't wan't to miss this fun family oriented presentation.

Admission is free!

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The front door of the Iama Stationers Store. Chicago Illinois. April 1985. ( Gone.)

The front door of the Iama Stationers Store. Chicago Illinois. April 1985. ( Gone.), a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo way back in April of 1985.

This was one of those occasional random snap shots I would take 'just for the heck of it all", and boy was I glad that I did.

A store that I would occasionally shop at during the 1970's and 80's, was a place known as Iama Stationers. This local merchant, was located at 6305 South Kedzie Avenue, in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood, just south of West 63rd Street.

According to the cute cardboard seasonal door decoration, it is now officially "Easter Time" in the city of Chicago Illinois.

This building wich also housed the Marquette movie theatre, was demolished in August of 1987.

A 1960's era 54' mechanical refrigerator car from the Atchinson,Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

A 1960's era 54' mechanical refrigerator car from the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

One of My favorite rail cars I fondly remember seeing first hand during the 1960's and 70's when I was growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago, were these 54' Mechanical Refrigerator cars from the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

There was some sort of a food company near West 26th Street and South Sacramento Avenue that I recall in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood, that frequently had shipments of potatoes delivered in these on the Illinois Northern Railroad branchline.

The Illinois Northern was a short line subsidiary railroad of the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. When I was a little boy growing up here in the 1960's, I seem to recall that the I.N utilized Alco S4 yard switchers wearing the 1950's era Santa Fe blck and white zebra striped color scheme.

In the year of 1972, the Santa Fe purchased the old I.N outright, and operated the line as a Santa Fe industrial branchline railroad until the 1995 merger with the Burlington Northern, that created today's BNSF Railway.

The line was leased to DRS Rail Services in the year of 2000, and unfortunately is now reported to be abandoned due to a major lack of online business..

I used to see these cars on the I.N branch during the 1960's and 70's at any given time. This Athearn H.O Scale model brought back some happy memories for this local Chicago railfan.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound Metra M.O.W Burro crane . Northbrook Illinois USA. August...

I photographed this northbound Metra M.O.W Extra, on a hot August day back in 2009.

This Metra Burro Crane and homemade maintenance caboose, flatcar, and homemade boom tender car, was photographed at the Techny Road railroad crossing in north suburban Northbrook Illinois.

Atlas H.O Pennsylvania Railroad / Pulman Standard PS 2 covered hoppercar.

Atlas H.O Pennsylvania Railroad / Pulman Standard PS 2 covered hopper car., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A recent addition to My collection of H.O Scale rolling stock, is this inexpensive second hand Atlas H.O Scale model of a 1960's era Pennsylvania Railroad 35' P.S 2 covered hopper car.

I found this excellent rolling car, in the discount section of the Chicagoland Hobby store at 6017 Northwest Highway in Chicago Illinois. www.chicagolandhobby.com

This car and several others can be found during any given visit to this local Chicago area hobby store. You never know what kind of a miniature treasure You can find here.

This car looks and operates just great on My freight trains, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in west suburban Oak Park Illinois USA.

The city of Saint Louis Missouri, was a late user of electric city streetcars in the midwest, and operated them in daily transit service until 1966.

I found this photo at My Link page Dave's Electric Railroads, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.davesrailpix.com

The late railfan photographer Dave Mewhinney, took this photo way back in 1955.

This post World War 2 Saint Louis Car Company PCC electric streetcar, is viewed working the Rt # 14 Clayton / Washington line near Washington University.

After the Saint Louis Public Service Company ceased all electric streetcar operations in 1966, several cars would eventually work for the San Francisco municipal Railway in California, and the Shaker Heights Rapid Transit Line in Cleveland Ohio.

Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha. Glenview Illinois USA. March 2012.

I photographed this digital live sound video one morning last week during My lunch break.

The northbound Amtrak Hiawatha regional passenger train enroute to Milwaukee Wisconsin, blows it's horn at a slow moving and somewhat "Day Dreaming" person that was slowly crossing the station platform tracks, at The Glen Of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station. Luckilly the person crossed the tracks on time, as the Hiawatha was gaining speed.

Eddie's Railfan Page supports Operation Life saver.

Westbound Canadian National transfer train. Chicago Illinois. March 2007.

Westbound Canadian National transfer train. Chicago Illinois. March 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

A westbound Canadian National transfer freight train, passes the Metra Hanson Park commuter rail station on a sunny day in the early Springtime of 2007.

The Western Springs Illinois Metra commuter rail station at sunset. September 2006.

The Western Springs Illinois Metra commuter rail station at sunset. September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo at sunset, back in early September of 2006.

A westbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train, prepares to depart from the Western Springs Illinois station enroute to Aurora Illinois.

Recently opened BP Amoco convenience gas station at Grand and 75th Avenues. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Early March 2012.

Recently opened BP Amoco convenience gas station at Grand and 75th Avenues. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Early March 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one night after work recently, in Elmwood Park Illinois.

Seen here on the northeast corner of Grand and 75th Avenues, is a recently opened BP Amoco convenience gasoline station.

A few months ago, this was a local Citgo gasoline station known as "Speed's Citgo". This gasoline station, is located just north of the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

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

This large local Chicago area hobby store, features an operating Lionel / MTH O27 guage demonstration model railroad, wich is a huge hit with families who have little children, and a few die hard railfans like Myself and a few others out there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I found this historic photograph of Chicago's long gone Hollywood Kiddieland Amusement Park, from a blogsite known as "Gorilla's Don't Blog" who's web address is http:gorillasdontblog.blogspot.com

Many years ago, the greater Chicagoland area, was the home to many seasonal family owned and operated amusement parks.

The names included Riverview Park in Chicago Illinois, Adventureland in Addison Illinois, Fairyland in Lyons Illinois, Playland Park in Justice Illinois, and Kiddieland in Melrose Park Illinois to name a few.

Most of Chicago's little amusement parks wich were very common during the 1950's and 1960's era, were tiny Mom and Pop run establishments wich featured portable carnival style rides on a vacant parcel of land.

Chicago's Hollywood Kiddieland Amusement Park, was a tiny seasonal amusement park located at West Devon and North Kedzie Avenues, in Chicago's Hollywood Park neighborhood near Lincolnwood Illinois. This park existed from 1948 until it was closed and demolished in 1975.

This photograph, was taken at Hollywood kiddieland in June of 1966.

Commercial real estate values were worth big money, and many of the tiny Mom and Pop owned Chicago amusement parks, would eventually become retail strip malls by the 1970's era.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Chicago Transit Authority's very busy North terminal turn aroundloop for the CTA Route # 82 Kimball /Homan Avenue bus line. Thisterminal loop is located at West Devon and North Kedzie Avenue's, onChicago's far northside.

The Chicago Transit Authority's very busy North terminal turn around loop for the CTA Route # 82 Kimball /Homan Avenue bus line. This terminal loop is located at West Devon and North Kedzie Avenue's, on Chicago's far northside., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This Chicago Transit Authority bus terminal loop for the CTA Rt # 82 Kimball / Homan Avenue bus line, located at West Devon and North Kedzie Avenues in Chicago's Hollywood Park neighborhood, has a very unique history.

From 1948 until the place was closed and demolished in 1975, this was the location of Chicago's "Hollywood Kiddieland Amusement Park". This transit facility, is located on the far north side of Chicago, just east of the adjacent city limits border at north suburban Lincolnwood Illinois.

The amusement park that was located here, was a tiny place that featured portable carnival style rides, and was operated on a seasonal basis.

Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Steam Locomotive #478

I spotted this video on You Tube this morning.

A popular tourist railroad that travels through mountain passes in the state of Colorado, is the Durango & Silverton narrow guage railroad.

I rode this railroad with My family, during a June 1981 motorcoach vacation to the states of Colorado and New Mexico.

This railroad operates on the former Denver & Rio Grande Western RailRoad 3 foot gauge Silverton branch, using former D & R,G W steam era equipment.

My Chicago Amusement Parks of the past presentation this Saturday at the Lyons Public Library was a success! Thank You!

Kiddieland Amusement Park. ( Gone.) Melrose Park Illinois USA. July 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This past Saturday, I was hosting a musical photo slideshow -Multi Media -Lecture event at the Lyons Public Library, located at 4209 South Joliet Avenue in west suburban Lyons Illinois.

My presentation entitled "Kiddieland and other Chicago Amusement Parks of the past", was a big hit, and 18 people were in attendance for My presentation in the audience.

Many people asked Me..."When are You going to be showing this again and where?"

I will be presenting another Chicago amusement parks of the past show on Saturday, May 12th at the Eisenhower Public Library, located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in Harwood Heights Illinois.

I wan't to thank everyone who attended My show Saturday in Lyons Illinois, and I also had a fun time hosting this event.

Thanks.
Eddie K.
Eddie's Railfan Page
http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com

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 back in August of last year.

A southbound Canadian Pacific unit grain train, is viewed heading southbound through Hawthorne Junction at the Chicago city limits, at the border of west suburban Cicero Illinois.

This train is traveling southbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago, and is passing through the crosstracks of the Canadian National ex Illinois Central RR Iowa Division Mainline tracks.

Eastbound Metra. Berwyn Illinois. March 2012.

I photographed this digital live sound video recently one morning, on location in west suburban Berwyn Illinois USA.

An eastbound Metra commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Aurora Illinois, is photographed passing through the La Vergne Metra commuter rail station, adjacent to the Ridgeland Avenue railroad crossing.

The train is entering the adjacent BNSF Railway Clyde Yard facility, in neighboring west suburban Cicero Illinois.

I found this "Rare" color photograph from 1955 at a website known as Rail Pictures.Net. Their web address is www.railpictures.net

I attended Chicago's Curie High School from 1977 to 1981, and spent a considerable
amount of spare time hanging out at the Grand Trunk Western Railroad's Elsdon Yard, located approximately a half a mile east of My high school.

I did not own My own camera just yet back then, but I felt that this quaint old
train yard from the steam era, still had some of the old charm from the steam era left in it yet. With an old railroad roundhouse on South Kedzie Avenue at West 49th Street, an old two story wooden passenger train station from 1888 on West 51st Street just east of South Lawndale Avenue, and towers to control the crossing gates at West 51st and West 55th Street...I fell in love with this place for the nostalgic look and feel alone of the place.

I often used to wonder how this place actually looked during the steam era.

This photograph was taken in the year of 1955, by a photographer who uses the nickname "Juice Junkie". Grand Trunk Western 0-8-0 steam locomotive # 8378, is photographed looking west, on the curve north of West 51st Street on a sunny day.
If one looks in the background, what looks like a control tower behind the B & O box car, is proboubly from the south hump of the adjacent Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Corwith Yard to the north.

Sadly...the GTW closed Elsdon Yard for good in October of 1983, and I somehow was lucky to take photos here on a sunny day during the last week of operation.

This photo appears courtessy of the Jack Bejna collection.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound station platform sign. River Grove Illinois USA. Sunday, July 24th, 2011.

Westbound station platform sign. River Grove Illinois USA. Sunday, July 24th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Broadway Limited Imports H.O Scale Southern Pacific GS 4 "Daylight" 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive.

Broadway Limited Imports H.O Scale Southern Pacific GS 4 "Daylight" 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive., 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.

One of My fellow club members Martin, owns and operates this beautiful Southern Pacific Railroad GS 4 Class 4-8-4 Northern type steam locomotive .

The prototypes were built by the Lima Locomotive Works of Lima Ohio in 1941, and served the Southern Pacific in both freight and passenger service, as they were considered dual service locomotives. They operated on the SP until 1956, and locomotive # 4449 is the only preserved example of the GS 4 Daylight 4-8-4's steam locomotive. The miniature H.O Scale example here, is wearing the S P's own Daylight passenger color scheme and is sound equipped.

Club members have unofficially nicknamed Martin's locomotive and passenger cars "The Oak Park Daylight" for fun and imagination.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound CP fast intermodal. Northbrook IL. June 2009.

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

A fast moving Canadian Pacific double stack container train, is viewed t the Techny Road railroad crossing in north suburban Northbrook Illinois.

This train is proboubly operating as an extra on the Metra /Milwaukee District northline tracks. This is unusual, because this line through here is mostly just Amtrak and Metra, as freight trains normally travel over the adjacent (Out of view.)
Union Pacific freight only Techny line tracks south of here.

Northbound Norfolk Southern intermodal transfer train crossing South Archer Avenue near Chicago's Midway Airport.

Northbound Norfolk Southern intermodal transfer train crossing South Archer Avenue near Chicago's Midway Airport., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one afternoon after work, back in March of 2008.

A northbound Norfolk Southern Railroad intermodl double stack container train, is viewed crossing the South AArcher Avenue railroad crossing near Chicago's Midwy Airport on a lovely early Sprigtime day.

This train is traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago.

JIM BACKUS & FRIEND - 'Delicious' - 1958 45rpm

I thought that We all could use a good laugh right about now.

For many years, I was a fan of the Dr Demento Show, wich aired Sunday nights on WLUP FM 98 in Chicago Illinois. This radio show, features many all time goofy novelty and joke records from the past and present.

This old record from 1958, stars the late great Jim Backus.

Jim Backus was an American actor, who achieved fame as the voice of the cartoon character Mister Magoo, and as Mister Howell on the 1960's TV show Gilligan's Island.

In this record, He is enjoying drinking chmpaign with an un named ladyfriend, and apparently..it sounds ike they have had one too many.

Her is Jim Backus as You have proboubly never heard Him before.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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 photo way back in April of 1984.

A rebuilt 1950's era EMD GP 9 from the forme Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad, is viewed performing some switching at the south hump of the Santa Fe Corwith Yard facility in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

Southbound Amtrak train from Milwaukee Wisconsin passing through the Metra forest Glen commuter rail station on Chicago's far northwest side. Chicago Illinois. March 2007.

Southbound Amtrak train from Milwaukee Wisconsin passing through the Metra forest Glen commuter rail station on Chicago's far northwest side. Chicago Illinois. March 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo one Sprigtime morning, back in late March of 2007.

The southbound Amtrak Hiaatha regional passenge train from Milwaukee Wisconsin, is viewed passing through the Metra Forest Glen commuter rail station on a partly sunny morning.

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

I photographed this digital live sound video on a very sunny but bitterly cold Winter afternoon, back in February of 2009.

A northbound Chicago Transit Authority yelow line train, is viewed crossing the Main Street railroad crossing in north suburban Skokie Illinois USA.

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.

I took this photo last July.

I am currently member of the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in west suburban Oak Park Illinois. I always look foreward to the club's Wednsday night operating session when My job desn't make Me work late.

In the foreground, is My then recently acquired used Athearn U.S.R.A 2-8-2 steam locomotive. In the background, ae a few Walthers Trainline series EMD rebuilt GP 9 locomotives owned by fellow club member Rich.

It is a fun, loose and somewhat informal group that operates periods and prototypes together from different eras.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A new CTA car in transit. Matteson Illinois USA. Wednsday, October 5th,2011.

A new CTA car in transit. Matteson Illinois USA. Wednsday, October 5th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This photo was sent to Me last October by My good friend and fellow Southsider Ed Moravec.

A brand new rapid transit car being delivered to the Chicago Transit Authority, was photographed in transit aboard a special ow boy trailer on Illinois U.S Rt # 30 / Lincoln Highway, in far south suburban Matteson Illinois USA.

Don't forget! Kiddieland and other Chicago Amusement Parks of the past playing tommorow from 1 until 3 PM at the Lyons Public Library. 4209 South Joliet Avenue in Lyons Illinois.

The Tilt A Whirl at the Kiddieland Amusement Park. Melrose Park Illinois USA. September 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

Tommorow from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, I will be hosting musical photo slideshow -Multi Media and Lecture event at the yons Public Library. The Library is located at 4209 South Joliet Avenue in west suburban Lyons Illinois.

For all the fans of Amusement Park subjects, I will be hosting a presentation entitled "Kiddieland and other Chicago Amusement Parks of the past.

If You could remember fun local Chicago area places ike Riverview Park in Chicago, Adventureland in Addison Ilinois, Playland Park in Justice Illinois, Kiddieland in Melrose Park Illinois....or even a few others, Then You won't wan't to miss this fun family oriented event.

Admission is free!

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

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A plate of cookies for the visiting guests. The Hillside Illinois Public Library. Saturday, February 25th, 2012.

A plate of cookies for the visiting guests. The Hillside Illinois Public Library. Saturday, February 25th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this photo at My Link page Dave's Electric Railroads, located to the right of Your computer screen at www.davesrailpix.com

This photo comes to us from the Bill Volkmer collection.

By the late teens and early 1920's era, Chicago's early small 4 wheeled electric streetcars from the late 1800's, were at the end of their service life.

This 1890's era example from the Chicago City Railway Company, has been replaced by newer and larger double truck city streetcars. This little 4 wheel streetcar, is now working it's final years in company maintenance service as a work motor.

This practice is still done today with transit buses in Chicago and other citties.
Older transit vehicles with a few good operating miles on them yet, many times are demoted to the company maintenance department.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston IN. Sept 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video back in September of 2010.

It is near the end of a Sunday operating session day at the Hesston Steam Museum in northwest Indiana.

The 14 inch guage miniature steam train, is viewed heading to the Hesston Junction depot at the end of another demonstration run. The locomotive wich was donated to the Hesston Steam Museum in 1982, was originally one of two steam locomotives that pulled trains on the Miniature Railroad ride, at the recently closed Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois USA.

I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago Illinois during the 1960's ,70's and 80's era, and lived a couple of miles north of the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad's Corwith Yard facility.

The Santa Fe was litterally a "Childhood Favorite" for Me, and I enjoyed it until the eventual merger with the Burlington Northern in 1995, that created todays BNSF Railway. I still love and miss the old Santa Fe to this day.

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

Railfan photographer Richard Yaw, photographed these two A,T & S,F diesel locomotives, at the Corwith Yard locomotive servicing terminal near West 40th Street, about 4 blocks east of South Pulaski Road in Chicago Illinois.

Notice the two distinct A,T& S,F color schemes here.

The locomotive to the right, is wearing the 1960's era Santa Fe blue and yellow, wich was used from 1960 until 1972. The locomotive to the left, is wearing the post 1972 Yellow Bonnet color scheme.

Happy memories!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Steam fantrip with B & O heavyweight cars.

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

My Athearn U.S.R.A 2-8-2 Mikado steam locomotive, is viewed pulling a passenger excursion special with 1920's era Baltimore & Ohio Railroad heavyweight cars on the club layout.

Although I mostly operate freight trains at the club, I occasionally enjoy pulling passenger cars as well.

Atlantic Coast Line Railroad # 250 on display at the Wilmington Railroad Museum. Wilmington North Carolina. April 1995.

Atlantic Coast Line Railroad # 250 on display at the Wilmington Railroad Museum. Wilmington North Carolina. April 1995., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during an April 1995 Springtime vacation to the city of Wilmington North Carolina UUSA.

Seen here on display in the back yard of the Wilmington Railroad Museum, is preserved Atlantic Coast Line 4-6-0 Ten Wheeler steam locomotive # 250.

On the other side of the locomotive cab, stairs let You climb inside, plus You can ring the locomotive bell.

A "New" Lakeshore Waste Services, International garbage truck. Niles Illinois USA. August 2011.

A "New" Lakeshore Waste Services, International garbage truck. Niles Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I tok this photo on My way home from work one evening last August.

Seen here heading northbound on Harlem Avenue at the intersection of Touhy Avenue in north suburban Niles Illinois, is a shiny and new (But not for long.) International garbage truck from the Lakeshore Waste Services Company.

Southbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train crossing West Lake Avenue. Glenview Illinois USA. Wednsday, February 15th, 2012.

Southbound Canadian Pacific intermodal train crossing West Lake Avenue. Glenview Illinois USA. Wednsday, February 15th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo recently one morning back in February.

A southbound Canadian Pacific intermodal container train, is viewed crossing West Lake Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois, one sunny and dry Winter morning last month.

Early Springtime sunset in Des Plaines Illinois. Monday, March 19th, 2012.

Early Springtime sunset in Des Plaines Illinois. Monday, March 19th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Well folks...it is now officially "Springtime" once again here in the Windy City.

I took this phjoto Monday evening after work this week. The sun is now officially going down on an unseasonabally day during the late Winter season, in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois.

Chicago has been experiencing an early Spring in 2012, with outside temperatures averaging in the unseasonabally warm low to mid 80's range. So why complain?

This photo was takemn looking west on Oakton Street, at the intersection of Wolf Road in Des Plaines Illinois.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Metra local departs La Grange Road station. La Grange IL.

I found this historic 1960's era photo from Chicago's annual "Back of the yards" neighborhood "Free Fare" carnival on the internet today. This photo appears courtessy of the Chicago Tribune newspaper.

I was born in the city of Chicago Illinois in the year of 1962, and I grew up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the1960's, 70's and 80's era.

When I was a little boy during the 1960's, My family actually paid a few Summertime visits to the annual Chicago Free Fare carnival at West 47th Street and South Damen Avenue, in Chicago's Back Of The Yards neighborhood.

As I seem to recall...the fairgrounds were held on a vacant piece of land with a local Baseball field across the street from a neighborhood Tavern establishment.

This was a fun carnival to attend, during "Less Expensive" economic times in Chicago.

In this photo, several Roman Catholic Nuns from a local neighborhood church parish, are out enjoying a spin on the Bumper Car ride at the festival.

I believe that this festival was held at this location, until it eventually stopped during the early 1970's era. The field sat dormant except for local neighborhood baseball teams using the playing field.

Around 1982, the fare was revived for a year or two, and renamed "The Back Of The Yards Fare". It was now no longer a Free Fare, but rather one that was surrounded by temporary snow fencing, and an expensive admission price was charged to enter the fairgrounds.

By the mid 1980's, this property was redeveloped in to an outdoor retail strip mall.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Speeding eastbound Amtrak train enroute to Chicago Union Station. Cicero Illinois. September 2007.

Speeding eastbound Amtrak train enroute to Chicago Union Station. Cicero Illinois. September 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in early September of 2007.

An eastbound Amtrak passenger train on the last leg of it's journey to Chicago Union Station, passes through the Metra commuter rail station in nearby west suburban Cicero Illinois USA.

In the background, is the BNSF Railway's Clyde Yard facility.

Chicago's historic Brighton Junction. April 2007. ( Gone.)

Chicago's historic Brighton Junction. April 2007. ( Gone.), a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo back in April of 2007.

One of My al time favorite Chicago railfan photo locations I have come to know and love known as Brighton Junction, was photographed during it's last few months of operation.

This old crosstrack junction located on the near south side of Chicago near the intersection of South Archer and Western Avenues, dated back to the steam era.

The Canadian National Railroad closed this manually controlled junction in early June of 2007, and replaced this old wooden operators little shanty and manual emaphore signals, with tall modern block signal bridges
and new crosstracks.

Brighton Junction was once a place, where steam era dispatching met modern double stack container trains on a daily basis.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Spot Smoke Shop on Indianapolis Boulevard. Hammond Indiana USA.Sunday, March 4th, 2012.

The Spot Smoke Shop on Indianapolis Boulevard. Hammond Indiana USA. Sunday, March 4th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Although I am not a smoker Myself, nor do I encourage anyone to smoke...I am also a fan of American Roadside Establishments of the past.

If You are ever inthe Hammond Indiana area near the Chicago border, this is a place to go to if You would like to purchase a pack or two of discount cigarettes.

The Spot Smoke Shop, is located along the east side of U.S Rt # 41 / Indianapolis Boulevard in Hammond Indiana near the Horseshoe Casino.

If smoking isn't Your thing either, this place also sells snacks and soft drink refreshments at reasonable prices as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The Oak Park IL Sociey of Model Engineers.

Northbound Grand Trunk western freight train crossing 123rd Street. Alsip Illinois USA. April 1990.

Northbound Grand Trunk western freight train crossing 123rd Street. Alsip Illinois USA. April 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo on a rainy Springtime afternoon, back in April of 1990.

A northbound Grand Trunk Western Railroad freight train traveling over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, is viewed crossing 123rd Street in south suburban Alsip Illinois USA.

Old Canadian Pacific logo. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011.

Old Canadian Pacific logo. Franklin Park Illinois USA. Saturday, November 5th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo while lineside railfaning one afternoon last November.

Seen here on this grafitti tagged Tri Leval Auto Rack car, is the old 1970's era markings from the Canadian Pacific Railroad.

I took this photo at the Scott Street railroad crossing, in northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois USA.

"Weird Al" Yankovic: Polka Party! - Polka Party

Aside from all those transportation subject matter photos and videos You can view at My site, I occasionally like to toss in a good laugh or two for a surprise.

I have been a big fan of Wierd Al Yankovic since the 1980's, and those often silly and comedic parodies of frequently overplayed top 40 songs on the charts.

My favorites, are when He does those Polka Music Renditions of those overplayed songs on the radio or music video shows.

From 1986, here is a selection of Polkas from His Polka Party album.

Thanks.
Edie K.

The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. 1985.

The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. 1985., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photo during a 1985 visit to the Illinois Railway Museum.

Seen here, are two American passenger train cars from passenger railroading's glory days.

The streamlined car to the left in need of a paint job, is a 1950's era car from the Northern Pacific Railroad's North Coast Limited passenger train. The car to the right is a 1920's era heavyweight coach from the Illinois Central Railroad. This car was later repainted by the Illinois Central, in to their streamliner color scheme in an attempt to modernize their image.

The old Illinois Central coach, has since been restored to it's original dark green color scheme from the steam era.

I