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

Alamo Car Rental 35 foot Gillig airport transit shuttle bus. San Diego California. June 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

City of Evanston Dept of Recreation, International paratransit bus. Evanston Illinois USA. Tuesday, December 21st, 2010.

City of Evanston Dept of Recreation, International paratransit bus. Evanston Illinois USA. Tuesday, December 21st, 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

CTA Flxible Metro E 6026.

Chicago Transit Authority 1985 M.A.N transit bus. Chicago Illinois. November 1989.

Chicago Transit Authority 1985 M.A.N transit bus. Chicago Illinois. November 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this 35 mm black and white photograph, way back in November of 1989.

We are at the Chicago Transit Authority's bus turnaround loop terminal on South Kedzie Avenue and West 63rd Place, in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood on the southwest side of the city.

A CTA 1985 M.A.N 40 foot transit bus assigned to the CTA Rt # 52 / Kedzie -California bus line, is viewed idling in the bording lane, and waiting to begin it's next northbound trip across the city to North California Avenue and West Roscoe Street on the north side of the city.

Rain is San Diego CA. (Downtown.) MTS buses in rain.

Bluebird school buses. Glenview Illinois USA. August 2011.

Bluebird school buses. Glenview Illinois USA. August 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Help Wanted Advertisement. Glenview Illinois. November 2013.

Help Wanted Advertisement. Glenview Illinois. November 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This advertisement says it all.

The First Transit - North Cook garage located at 2075 Johns Court in Glenview Illinois, is currently hiring paratransit bus drivers. No experience is necessary, as they will train. You must have a clean MVR.

Call the number shown here for more information.

1971 Greyhound bus commercial.

The mandatory early morning pre trip inspection outside the bus garage. Glenview Illinois. Friday, February 1st, 2013.

The mandatory early morning pre trip inspection outside the bus garage. Glenview Illinois. Friday, February 1st, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph at work one morning, back in early February of 2013.

It is just after 6:AM under a night time sky.

Several fellow bus drivers including myself, have our buses parked and idling outside of the First Transit - North Cook garage in Glenview Illinois. A mandatory pre trip vehicle inspection, is being performed before the start of the morning runs.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Westbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 62 Archer / Harlem bus. Chicago Illinois. December 1989.

Westbound Chicago Transit Authority Rt # 62 Archer / Harlem bus. Chicago Illinois. December 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this 35mm black and white photograph, way back in December of 1989.

A westbound Chicago Transit Authority Route # 62 Archer -Harlem bus, is viewed heading west -southwest on South Archer Avenue, passing through Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

The bus is a General Motors 1970's era model TDH "New Look -Fishbowl Windshield 40 foot transit bus, that was recently rehabbed and repainted.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Say "Cheese"! Danny's Pizza Place. 6021 South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois. Tuesday, November 26th, 2013.

Say "Cheese"! Danny's Pizza Place. 6021 South Archer Avenue. Chicago Illinois. Tuesday, November 26th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

I took this photograph last night, during a group pizza get together outing at Danny's Pizza Place, which is located at 6021 South Archer Avenue in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood near Midway Airport.

For former southside Chicagoans like myself and my old buddies, there is nothing quiete as tasty, as adding a little extra Parmesan cheese or crushed red peppers to the top of any given pizza slice you may be dining on. For us, it's a southside Chicago tradition.

Our pizzas were very tasty, the service was wonderful, and I highly recommend a pizza outing to Danny's Pizza Place most anytime.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Greetings from the southwest side of Chicago everyone!

Looking north on North Rockwell Street. Chicago Illinois. April 2006.

Looking north on North Rockwell Street. Chicago Illinois. April 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. Tuesday, November 19th, 2013.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. Tuesday, November 19th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Although it was only 34 degrees Farenheight outside, the bright sunshine, cloudless sky and a very faint trace of a breeze blowing actually made it feel pretty good all in all.

Here I am roller blading along the asphalt exercise path, at a place known as West Park located in northwest suburban Des Plaines Illinois.

With my warm up jacket hood tucked underneath my helmet for ear protection, this was one of my last opportunities, to enjoy some late season roller blade skating outdoors on my lunch break.

Chicago's weather has since turned sharply colder, with highs in the mid to upper 20's, and night time lows in the teens. Brrrrrr!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A westbound Norfolk Southern transfer train. Elmwood Park Illinois. December 2006.

A westbound Norfolk Southern transfer train. Elmwood Park Illinois. December 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one overcast winter morning, back in December of 2006.

With a light dusting of snow on the ground, a westbound Norfolk Southern Railroad transfer train, passes through Elmwood Park Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: Speeding northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train kicking up snow dust in it's wake. Deerfield Illinois. Thursday, February 11th 2010.

Digital Live Sound Video: Speeding northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train kicking up snow dust in it's wake. Deerfield Illinois. Thursday, February 11th 2010. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

1960's era Santa Fe freight train passing over an urban viaduct.

1960's era Santa Fe freight train passing over an urban viaduct., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph a few years ago, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club in Oak Park Illinois.

My train shown here, represents a 1960's era local or transfer freight train, from the former Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

The locomotive is an Athearn model, of a circa 1963 EMD model GP 35 roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive, wearing the Santa Fe's blue and yellow 1960 to 1972 color scheme. The engine is shown pulling a cut of 1960's era freight cars.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The two Eds at Danny's Pizza Place wearing their Chicago Bears T shirts. Chicago Illinois. Tuesday, November 26th, 2013.

The two Eds at Danny's Pizza Place wearing their Chicago Bears T shirts. Chicago Illinois. Tuesday, November 26th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Last night after work, I got together with several of my old buddies from the southwest side of Chicago, and enjoyed a group pizza outing at Danny's Pizza Place at 6021 South Archer Avenue.

After an absence of a few years, me and my buddy Ed Moravec / aka "Big Ed" (left), posed together for this photograph. It was an interesting co incidence, but we both happened to be wearing our Chicago Bears NFL football team T shirts.

Me and my friends, had many stories to swap, and a lot of catching up to do. It was great seeing everyone again, and to enjoy some savory southside Chicago pizza. Long overdue at that. Mmmmm! Yum!

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Dave Dudley. Six days on the road. ( 1970.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ClnFbpbpUOA&feature=player_embedded

This music video, is going out to any fan of American country music, who just happens to like truck driving songs.

For all the country music fans who enjoy Eddie's Railfan Page, here is a classic truck driving song, from country music singer Dave Dudley.

During the 1970's, it was country songs like this one, as well as" Convoy", "Eastbound and Down", "Give Me forty acres","Movin On" and "Freightliner Fever", that had me daydreaming in high school, about pursuing a future career driving the big rigs.

Although several years and several dead end jobs later, I actually did wind up in the driving
profession. First as a small delivery truck driver, and finally a Paratransit bus driver today.
 

Metra coach yard switcher towing a cut of cars. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

Metra coach yard switcher towing a cut of cars. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, back in October of 2006.

We are on the south or "Eastbound" platform at the former Milwaukee Road R R commuter rail station at Western Avenue in Chicago, facing west.

A Metra owned EMD yard switcher, is viewed at work spotting a cut of commuter rail cars, at a nearby Metra maintenance facility.

Bright residential side street lighting in Chicago Illinois. Late November 2013.

Bright residential side street lighting in Chicago Illinois. Late November 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph last night, as I was returning home from a visit with some of my old buddies from the southwest side of Chicago.

In recent years, residential side street lighting in Chicago, has become brighter in many of Chicago's neighborhoods, to better facilitate public safety and enhance crime prevention.

With the addition of an extra lamp on the side of the post, city side streets now feature improved illumination.

This photograph was taken on South Tripp Avenue, near West 59th Street, in Chicago's Westlawn neighborhood near Midway Airport.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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.

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 photograph way back in late October of 1989.

An era is ending on the former Chicago & Northwestern Railroad commuter lines, as the RTA's last three early 1950's era EMD E 8 streamlined passenger diesel locomotives, are officially being retired from Chicago commuter train operations.

This photo runby, was photographed at Ridgefield Illinois near the town of Harvard.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Wintertime is comming soon to West Park. Des Plaines Illinois. Tuesday, November 19th, 2013.

Wintertime is comming soon to West Park. Des Plaines Illinois. Tuesday, November 19th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Nothing last forever, not even the autum season in the greater Chicagoland area.

These tall trees in West Park, have just recently lost their leaves within the past week, and now the wind can be heard whistling through the branches when the conditions are right.

Soon, snow will be falling here, and turn the landscape in to a white blanket of seasonal cold and wonder as the year draws to a close.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Southern Pacific freight train passing the Stone Avenue station. La Grange Illinois. February 1986.

Eastbound Southern Pacific freight train passing the Stone Avenue station. La Grange Illinois. February 1986., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in February of 1986.

An eastbound freight train being led by Southern Pacific Railroad locomotives, passes the Stone Avenue Metra commuter rail station, in west suburban La Grange Illinois. This train is enroute to Chicago, via the Burlington Northern Railroad mainline.

Let Eddie host your next public speaking event!

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.

Eddie K who is known as the host and photographer of the popular Chicago area trains, transportation and fun internet blogsite known as Eddie's Railfan Page, has also made several repeat appearances lecturing and showing his own produced Multi Media Musical photo Slideshows at several of the local Chicago area public libraries and community centers.

For more information on these fun and very family oriented events, contact Eddie at edwardpk04@yahoo.com

The Hesston Steam Museum. Labor Day 2013.

Here is a video from one of my all time favorite Midwest railroad museums, The Hesston Steam Museum located just east of Michigan City Indiana, near the Michigan state line border. www.hesston.org

Fallen tree branches, twigs and debris. A roller blader's "ArchNemesis." West Park. Des Plaines Illinois. Tuesday, November 19th, 2013.

Fallen tree branches, twigs and debris. A roller blader's "Arch Nemesis." West Park. Des Plaines Illinois. Tuesday, November 19th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Beginning in early August of this year, I purchased a pair of inline roller blade skates and safety gear, and rediscovered my love for roller skating after an absence of several years.

Although outdoor roller blade skating is quiete fun, there are always hazards to be mindful of. Although the asphalt exercise track at West Park in Des Plaines Illinois is normally well maintained, Mother Nature likes to throw us roller bladers an occasional "Curve Ball" or two.

Fallen tree branches, twigs, pebbles and debris, can trip you up, and make you take a nasty fall if you are not careful while skating.

Although I insist on wearing my safety gear, staying alert as to what may be lying underfoot on the skating / exercise path, is always a number one priority.

Safety and skating go together always.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Pennsylvania Railroad I 1 2-10-0 Decapod steam locomotive.

A former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio locomotive leads a 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf train through Stocton Illinois. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. October 2013.

A former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio locomotive leads a 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf train through Stocton Illinois. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. October 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. Early November 2013.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. Early November 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Here I am a few weeks ago enjoying a nice outdoor exercise session on my roller blade skates, before a recent rash of persistent cold and wet weather plaqued the greater Chicagoland area for the past few weeks.

I hope to have a few dry days left, so that I may enjoy a little late season inline skating before the snow and ice comes back again.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Rockhill Trolley Museum.

Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad EMD NW-2 # 8730 in Blue Island Illinois. June 1975

Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad EMD NW-2 # 8730 in Blue Island Illinois. June 1975, a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad from 1975 on the internet.

For many years, I myself have been a big fan of the IHB. I experienced my first real exposure to the IHB, when I started my Freshman year semester in 1977 at Chicago's Curie High School. My high school was located directly alongside the IHB's own Stockyards Branch, and I would occasionally watch the IHB Stockyards branch local pass by the railroad crossing, at West 49th Street and South Lawndale Avenue.

The IHB locomotives back then, wore this black and white 1960'sera New York Central style color scheme, and often had jade green transfer cabooses, or cupola cabooses with the upper windows plated over. The IHB was also 100 percent EMD yard switcher operated back then, except for the many run through trains on their mainline from other connecting railroads.

The IHB's own stockyards branch was abandoned in December of 1988, and soon ripped up. The right of way was sold for development, and today part of it is used for the Chicago Transit Authority's orange line rapid transit to Midway Airport.

Most of the IHB's EMD switchers have been retired, and replaced with newer EMD roadswitcher locomotives.

Thanks.
Eddie .

The Talman Home bank at W 55th St and South Kedzie Avenue. Chicago Illinois. December 1986. (Gone. Demolished 2013.)

The Talman Home bank at W 55th St and South Kedzie Avenue. Chicago Illinois. December 1986. (Gone. Demolished 2013.), a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a bitterly cold winter night, way back in December of 1986.

Did you ever only take one photograph of a neighborhood landmark establishment, and actually wish that you had taken more? That describes this photograph here.

For many years, the old Talman Home Federal Savings Bank on the southeast corner of West 55th Street and South Kedzie Avenue, was an eye catching landmark of modern architecture and late 1960's / early 1970's era classic styling.

Sadly, the successor bank known as Bank of America, sold this property, and demolished the old Talman bank here in 2013. The parking garage across the street on South Kedzie Avenue was also demolished.

Here is the old Talman Home bank, during much happier times with lighted Christmas decorations that adorned the south side of this building every December.

Yes it's true. The Chicago Lawn neighborhood on the southwest side of the city has lost yet another neighborhood landmark.

Thanks.
Eddie .

H.O NYC S1B Niagara with Tsunami Sound.

Eastbound BNSF Railway double stack container train. Riverside Illinois. October 2007.

Eastbound BNSF Railway double stack container train. Riverside Illinois. October 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The intersection of West 95th Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Evergreen Park Illinois. Early January 1988.

The intersection of West 95th Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Evergreen Park Illinois. Early January 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in early January of 1988.

During the 1980's and in earlier years, there was nothing like the Christmas holidays in south suburban Evergreen Park Illinois.

For many years in the past, the village of Evergreen Park used to display this tethered hanging lighted Christmas tree, directly above the intersection of West 95th Street and South Kedzie Avenue. It was a very nice and festive decorative touch every year.

Many years have since come and gone, and the buildings at this intersection have since been demolished. A Chase bank branch now occupies this corner, and the hanging lighted Christmas tree is no longer displayed here.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

RTA bus in La Grange Illinois. January 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Help Wanted Advertisement. Glenview Illinois. November 2013.

Help Wanted Advertisement. Glenview Illinois. November 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

The First Transit / North Cook garage in Glenview Illinois, is currently hiring paratransit bus operators.

Call the number on this advertisement for more information.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A Chicago Transit Authority 1985 M.A.N 40 foot transit bus. Chicago Illinois. Early January 1988.

A Chicago Transit Authority 1985 M.A.N 40 foot transit bus. Chicago Illinois. Early January 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

First Transit's old Ford training bus. Glenview Illinois. November 2013.

First Transit's old Ford training bus. Glenview Illinois. November 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

E B CTA Rt # 152 Addison Street bus at night.

2001 Chevrolet Paratransit bus # 5094. Elk Grove Village Illinois. January 2009.

2001 Chevrolet Paratransit bus # 5094. Elk Grove Village Illinois. January 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph at the end of my afternoon split shift route.

My first year of employment at First Transit was approaching my 1st anniversary the following month, and looking back, these old 2001 model year buses are what I was driving in daily paratransit operations back then.

I had just finished my last drop off at the end of the day, and was preparing to return to the First Transit / North Cook garage in Glenview Illinois.

2001 Chevrolet paratransit mini bus # 5094, was photographed in a strip mall parking lot at the intersection of Arlington Heights and Biesterfield Roads in Elk Grove Village Illinois at sunset.

Dayton Ohio Trackless Trolley and Bus. By Kevin A. Mueller.

Chicago Transit Authority 1948 Twin Coach Company 35 foot propane bus. Chicago Illinois circa 1958.

 

I found this photograph at my Link page Northern California Bus Fans, which is located to the right of your computer screen at www.norcalbusfans.com (A really cool site!)

 

I was born in Chicago Illinois during the year of 1962, and some of my earliest memories from my childhood, were riding and observing several of the first generation Chicago Transit Authority buses that were still in daily service during the 1960's and early 1970's era.

 

The Chicago Transit Authority began operations in the year of 1947, upon the acquisition of the Chicago Surface Lines Company (Streetcars and some buses.), and the Chicago Rapid Transit Company (Elevated and subway rapid transit trains.) During the year of 1952, the CTA would also acquire local transit bus operator Chicago Motor Coach Company, and quickly phase out the remaining electric streetcar system in Chicago for good by 1958, converting to 100 percent motor bus operation on Chicago city streets.

 

I fondly remember riding several of the early CTA buses during the 1960's, like the unique propane gas powered transit buses from the Twin Coach Company, and the successor company Flxible Twin Coach Company built from 1953 to 1959.

 

These buses had quiet running engines, but had idled rough and suffered from sluggish acceleration. Mechanical problems and age found these buses retired from daily transit operations by 1973.

 

I could still remember those high mounted windows, which required this young lad to either kneel on the seat, or sit on my Mother's lap just to look out the windows on any given trip.

 

I miss these buses today.

 

Thanks.

Eddie K.

Southbound Pace bus at North Harlem and West Bryn Mawr Avenues. Chicago Illinois. February 2008.

Southbound Pace bus at North Harlem and West Bryn Mawr Avenues. Chicago Illinois. February 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph on a snowy winter afternoon, back in February of 2008.

A southbound Pace bus, is viewed approaching the Chicago Transit Authority's blue line rapid transit / bus terminal station at the end of it's southbound run.

Eastbound Metra crossing West Devon Avenue. Jan 2012.

Chicago's North Avenue Beach. Chicago Illinois. November 2006.

Chicago's North Avenue Beach. Chicago Illinois. November 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in November of 2006.

The swimming and sunbathing season has come and one once again at Chicago's North Avenue Beach.

Snow fencing is already in place, and soon those dreaded lake effect snowstorms that Chicago and neighboring northwest Indiana have come to hate, will soon be upon us.

Tuesday, November 19th, 2013 at West Park in Des Plaines Illinois. It's 34 degrees Farenheight outside with bright sunsine, a faint breeze and dry ground. Lets Go Skating!

Tuesday, November 19th, 2013 at West Park in Des Plaines Illinois. It's 34 degrees Farenheight outside with bright sunsine, a faint breeze and dry ground. Lets Go Skating!, a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph yesterday during my lunchbreak.

The outside temperature was 34 degrees Farenheight, with the daytime high estimated to reach 44. The ground was dry, there was plenty of bright sunshine, and a very faint breeze if anything.

Who cares if it's only 34 degrees outside? Come on! Lets go skating!

With the expected nasty winter weather returning to the greater Chicagoland area sometime in the near future, I felt that now is the time to go out, and enjoy that last or next to last roller blading session.

Yep! That's me. 34 degrees and roller blading.
Brrrrrrrrrr just the same. Bundle up.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

A Union Pacific unit in the locomotive consist. CN transfer train. La Grange Park Illinois. November 2007.

A Union Pacific unit in the locomotive consist. CN transfer train. La Grange Park Illinois. November 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Vito and Nick's Pizza. Chicago Illinois. Tuesday, June 30th 2009.

Vito and Nick's Pizza. Chicago Illinois. Tuesday, June 30th 2009., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

One of the all time popular comfort foods here in the greater Chicagoland area, is hot and delicious Italian pizza.

A great place to go to for pizza and other Italian entrees, is Vito and Nick's Pizza on South Pulaski Road and West 84th Street
on the southwest side of Chicago.

This neighborhood establishment, serves some of the finest and quite savory crispy thin crust pizza that I have had anywhere.

Their pizza was also featured on the Food Network show Diners, Drive Ins and Dives.

Elmwood Park Department Of Public Works International snowplow equipped dump truck plowing and salting North 74th Court. Elmwood Park IllinoisUSA. Thursday, January 12th, 2012.

Elmwood Park Department Of Public Works International snowplow equipped dump truck plowing and salting North 74th Court. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. Thursday, January 12th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during an afternoon snowstorm last year.


A red International snowplow truck from the Elmwood Park Public Works, is viewed plowing and salting North 74th Court in Elmwood Park Illinois.

Your local tax dollars at work.

The Animaniac's cartoon show opening.

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

Although this is primarily a trains and transportation photo subject internet blogsite, more
often than not...I can't help it, but I love to incorporate a little variety here and there. this
helps to keep my site interesting, entertaining and very fresh.

Although I frequently enjoy sharing "Happy Memories" from when I was growing up
many years ago during the 1960's, 70's and 80's, many of the viewers here are actually
quite younger, and it just wouldn't be fair to them just featuring the usual vintage material
from those times.

This video that I found on You Tube, is going out to anyone  with personal happy
memories that go back a little more recently, like perhaps...the 1990's? Yes!

For all the viewers who grew up during the 1990's, here is the television cartoon
show opening to the 1990's Warner Brothers cartoon show "The Animaniac's".

Notice the 1990's era cultural reference about "Bill Clinton Plays the Sax", which refers
to when two term U.S President Bill Clinton put on sunglasses and played "Heartbreak Hotel"
 on his own Saxophone during a White House event circa 1995.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Chicago RTA 1950's era EMD E 8 passenger locomotive idling inside NorthWestern Station. (Gone) Chicago Illinois. January 1984.

Chicago RTA 1950's era EMD E 8 passenger locomotive idling inside NorthWestern Station. (Gone) Chicago Illinois. January 1984., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in January of 1984.

Chicago's NorthWestern Station, is operating during it's final months of operation prior to demolition during the upcoming summer months.

A Chicago RTA (Pre Metra) former Union Pacific Railroad 1953 vintage EMD E 8 passenger cab unit diesel locomotive from pre Amtrak times, is viewed idling inside the old trainshed with a light dusting of snow on the tracks.

1970's era ICG train with a former G,M & O engine and caboose.

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

It's fun to imagine that it is either late 1972 or early 1973 once again, as the Illinois Central and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad had recently merged in August of 1972, thus becoming the "New" Illinois Central Gulf railroad.

My train shown here, captures the look and feel of those early merger era ICG trains, as a locomotive and caboose acquired through the merger from the former G,M & O, are being operated on this ICG train prior to eventual repainting. Some former G,M & O equipment wore their 1950's , 60's and early 1970's factory color schemes until they were eventually retired or sold to other railroads during the mid to late 1980's.

I lived approximately one mile north of the ICG in my old neighborhood during the 1970's and 80's.

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. Tuesday, November 19th, 2013.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. Tuesday, November 19th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Although it was a little bit chilly yesterday, the bright sun felt somewhat warm and there was only a faint trace of a breeze in the air.

After two weeks of persistent cold, wet and windy weather...I headed off to West Park in Des Plaines Illinois for some luchtime practice roller blading. Unfortunately...there were many places along the park's asphalt exercise track where small tree branches, twigs and outdoor debris had fallen from Sunday's Chicago area windstorm, in which several tornados touched down between downstate Washington Illinois, and south suburban Frankfort Illinois.

Once the maintenance crews from the Des Plaines Park District find the time to clear the path with their leaf blowers and rakes, I hope to be skating here again soon before the winter snows come back to Chicago very soon.

I hope that the victims of those tornado's this past Sunday are alright. I wish them well during their time of need.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The East 95th Street drawbridge opened to let a ship pass through. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012.

The East 95th Street drawbridge opened to let a ship pass through. Chicago Illinois. Sunday, November 25th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in late November of 2012.

The East 95th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River, has just been raised to let a huge Canadian owned Great Lakes freighter ship pass through the Calumet River channel.

This drawbridge is located on the far southeast side of Chicago, near the border of neighboring Hammond Indiana.

This drawbridge was used for a stunt scene during the filming of the movie "The Blues Brothers" way back in 1980, which had starred the former NBC Saturday Night Live stars John Belushi and Dan Akroyd.

The little white building to the right of the photograph with the red roof, is the locally popular Calumet Fisheries. This is a nice take out sea food stand with good quality fish to purchase.

Greetings from the far southeast side of Chicago!

Thanks.
Eddie k.

Eastbound CSX Transportation Company double stack container train approaching Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. March 2007.

Eastbound CSX Transportation Company double stack container train approaching Hayford Junction. Chicago Illinois. March 2007., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A westbound motor boat on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Lyons / Summit Illinois. November 1989.

A westbound motor boat on the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal. Lyons / Summit Illinois. November 1989., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in November of 1989.

Two boaters are enjoying an afternoon of late season recreational boating, along the Chicago Sanitary and Ship Canal just west of the South Harlem Avenue bridge prior to the end of the season.

There is nothing like enjoying one last cruise while the weather is still somewhat nice, before it's time to put the motorboat in storage for the winter.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. EarlyNovember 2013.

Eddie K, "The Lunchtime Roller Blader." Des Plaines Illinois. Early November 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

Due to bad weather during the past two weeks and a bout with the flu last week, I have had to temporarily put my roller blades away for awhile. I am doing much better now, but unfortunately...the Chicago area weather isn't.

Hopefully the weather stabilizes a little bit soon, as I am just itching to get the skates and gear back on, and resume my lunchtime skating sessions A.S.A.P. I would like to get some roller blading skate sessions in soon, before the snow and ice returns to Chicago in the very near future.

I hope that all is well with you.

Thank you for reading Eddie's Railfan Page.

Eddie K.

An H.O Scale Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe freight train crossing the river.

An H.O Scale Atchison, Topeka & Santa Fe freight train crossing the river., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Reading Railroad steam locomotive # 2102 Iron Horse Rambles. 2nd weekend 1985.

Illinois Terminal Railroad logo. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013.

Illinois Terminal Railroad logo. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois. Saturday, May 18th, 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A former G,M & O locomotive acquired through merger, leads a 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf train over the Missisippi River. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.o Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. October 2013.

A former G,M & O locomotive acquired through merger, leads a 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf train over the Missisippi River. The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.o Scale Model Railroad Club. Oak Park Illinois. October 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I fondly if not somewhat vaguely remember the early 1972 era or early years of the Illinois Central Gulf Railroad from my own childhood.

I was only 10 years old when the Illinois Central and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroads had merged on August 10th, 1972, thus creating the Illinois Central Gulf R R.

My train shown here at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club, represents one of the early ICG trains, with an unrepainted late 1960's era former G,M & O locomotive leading one of the freight trains over the Missisippi River during the early years.

Tug boat pulling a huge Canadian great lakes freighter ship. Chicago Illinois USA. Sunday, March 4th, 2012.

Tug boat pulling a huge Canadian great lakes freighter ship. Chicago Illinois USA. Sunday, March 4th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in early March of 2012.

It may have been the winter season here in Chicago, but shipping traffic on the Calumet River is year round. The huge Great Lakes and ocean traveling freighter ships, require multiple tug boats to safely navigate them through the Calumet River Channel on the far southeast side of Chicago near neighborhong Hammond Indiana.

The Mach 5 race car from the movie "Speed Racer". The Volo Auto Museum. Volo Illinois. June 2013.

The Mach 5 race car from the movie "Speed Racer". The Volo Auto Museum. Volo Illinois. June 2013., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during a June 2013 visit to the Volo Auto Museum, located in the town of Volo Illinois.

Seen here is the Mach 5 race car, from the movie "Speed Racer".

When I was growing up in Chicago during the early 1970's, I used to love watching the re runs of the Speed Racer cartoons, on WFLD TV Channel 32 in Chicago.

The Mach 5 was definatly one of my all time favorite television show cars back in the day.