Three BNSF Railway and one Norfolk Southern locomotive running light near 67th Street. Hodgkins Illinois USA. May 2006.

I took this photo after work one lovely Springtime afternoon back in May of 2006.

Four General Electric locomotives rheading westbound and running light, were photographed just west of the recently closed and decommisioned railroad crossing at 67th Street in southwest suburban Hodgkins Illinois. These four engines are presumed to heading to the nearby BNSF Railway intermodal yard in Willow Springs Illinois.

Western Pacific EMD GP-35 # 3003 leading a freight train past Hobart Tower. Los Angeles California USA. February 19th, 1984. From the internet.

I spotted this photo recently on the internet.

Seen here just after the December 1982 merger and acquisition of the Western Pacific Railroad by the Union Pacific Railroad, is a now Union Pacific freight train being led by former Western Pacific Railroad EMD GP-35 # 3003 passing through Hobart Tower and Junction in Los Angeles California.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train at sunset. Elmwood Park Illinois USA. July 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video one hot and hazy Summer evening back in July of 2009.

We are on location at the Elmwood Park Metra commuter rail station around sunset, as an eastbound Canadian Pacific Railroad freight train passes through the station.

Coming Soon! My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation! Saturday, June 26th 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

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

I will be hosting My Chicago Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation on Saturday, June 26th, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM at The Eisenhower Public Library.

The Eisenhower Public Library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

It will be a fun afternoon, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: A side by side pacing sequence of a steam train at The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale model railroad club.

I photographed this digital live sound pacing video of a Bachman Spectrum Series H.O scale Baldwin U.S.R.A (World War One era) 2-10-2 light freight service locomotive, during a recent May 2010 visit to The Oak Park Society of Model Engineers H.O Scale model railroad club.

While I was born too late to actually see these locomotives in day to day service, this model gives one and idea of how they must have looked like on the mainlines before dieselization on Our Nation's railroads prior to the 1950's.

These locomotives were introduced around 1917 by a goverment agency known as The United States Railway Administration. These modern designs were intended to augment and eventually replace America's aging and outdated fleet of railroad steam locomotives in case of shortages associated with our recent joining of combat action overseas in Europe during World War One.These locomotives were so successful, that eventually many more were built, and in some cases new ones were actually copys of the original designs later on. The 2-10-2 type shown here, was intended for freight service.

The Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe owned the first 2-10-2 types in America, and somehow this wheel arrangement became known as the "Santa Fe" type. Other railroads around the world refered to these as "ten Coupled" types.

Chicago Streetcar Memorys. Saturday, June 26th, 2010 at The Eisenhower Public Library.

On Saturday, June 26th, 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, I will be hosting an event entitled "The Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation" at The Eisenhower Public Library.

The Eisenhower Public Library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

Aside from the showing of railroad photos and videos, a special added feature will be a short musical photo slideshow entitled "Chicago Streetcar Memorys", wich features many historic photos from Chicago set to historic vintage period music.

If You were one of the many who grew up in Chicago prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in 1958, then You are bound to enjoy this presentation.

It will be a fun afternoon and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound BNSF Railway transfer train departing Clearing Yard. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2006.

I took this photo after work one overcast Springtime afternoon back in May of 2006.

Rounding the curve at west 60th Street and South Oak Park Avenue, is a BNSF Railway transfer freight train with a borrowed Canadian National locomotive. The train is viewed departing from the Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard near Midway Airport, and is now heading eastbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks.

Summer vacation surprise in the state of Vermont. July 1980.

In July of 1980, I went on a long distance motorcoach sightseeing tour vacation of the New England states with My Mother and My now deceased Aunt Rose. ( I miss Her.)

I took this photo somewhere in the State of Vermont, during a roadside rest stop. I do not recall what the name of this town was, However I do recall that our coffe shop refreshment rest stop was located near a branchline railroad line.

I wasn't off the bus very long, when I heard the distinctive rumbling sound of a short approaching freight train and the tooting of an airhorn.

With camera ready in hand, I photographed Vermont Railway Alco RS-3 roadswitcher # 603 idling near our roadside location prior to performing a switching movement.

This very same locomotive today, hauls tourists on the Batten Kill Railroad in the state of New York. A nice and unplanned chance encounter in the state of Vermont.

Vince's Pizza window neon sign on West 63rd Street in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood. Chicago Illinois. 2008.

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

A popular image that one associates from the southwest side of Chicago, are the many neighborhood Italian Pizzzeria restaurants. With the Chicago Blackhawks winning the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship series, many of the local pizza places were constantly slinging pizzas left and right, as many local hungry sports fans were having Chicago Blackhawks viewing parties at home.

Vince's Pizza is located at West 63rd Street and South Melvina Avenue in Chicago's Clearing neighborhood near Midway Airport. My family and I went there for pizza quiete often for awhile during the 1980's. Although they somehow didn't have room to include the area code on the neon phone number...it is the 1-773 area code for Chicago. Many Chicagoans enjoy dining out for pizza on Friday nights as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Old Western Pacific wooden steam era caboose in modern 1950's era orange and silver paint. From the internet.

Wooden railroad cabooses are one piece of rolling stock that one definately associates with being from the steam era.

Some railroads like the Western Pacific, The Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific and the Burlington Northern actually utilized them long after their service lives would have been over. They were eventually outlawed from mainline train operations because of safety issues when steel cabooses began taking hold as the industry standard.

The Western Pacific and the other railroads I mentioned, used their remaining wooden caboses on transfer trains and switching locals. The Burlington Northern and The Chicago Rock Island & Pacific did so well in to the late 1970's, and some have been preserved.

This Western Pacific example with the blanked out cupola windows, appears to have just came out of the railroad car shop, as the car is shimmering in a very shiny coat of fresh WP orange and silver 1950's era California Zephyr colors.
The blanked out upper cupola windows indicate that this caboose has already been downgraded to transfer train and switching local service.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound Metra evening rush hour local arriving at the Lake Cook Road station. Deerfield Illinois. March 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work on the evening of Tuesday, March 30th 2010.

A northbound Metra evening rush hour local enroute to Fox Lake Illinois from Chicago Union Station, is viewed arriving at the Metra Lake Cook Road commuter rail station in far north suburban Deerfield Illinois just before sunset.

A railroad crew member on the Santa Fe / Illinois Northern branchline local. Chicago Illinois USA. 1986.

I took this photo one morning back in My old neighborhood during the Spring of 1986.

While I did not get this gentlemens name at the time, the Monday to Friday Illinois Northern / I.N branchline local visited My neighborhood and spotted cars on the factory spurs in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood.

The I.N crew would always smile and wave whenever they would see Me occasionaly standing trackside. They were a nice group of guys. The old Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe's Illinois Northern branchline, was My old neighborhood railroad when I was growing up in the city of Chicago Illinois.

This photo was taken around West 28th Street about one block east of South Kedzie Avenue. Today the succesor railroad BNSF Railway has put this line up for abandonement.

The Chicago Blackhawks NHL hockey team win the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship! Wednsday, June 9th 2010!

Congratulations are in order today for the Chicago Blackhawks National Hockey Leaque team. After 49 years of hard practicing and determination, the Chicago Blackhawks have officially won the 2010 Stanley Cup Championship Series against the Philadelphia Flyers in an upsetting 4 to 3 final after going in to overtime to break a 3 to 3 tie game.

The last time the Chicago Blackhawks won the Stanley Cup, was in the year of 1961.

Great Job Hawks! Congratulations for working together as a great team!

Eddie K.

Historic photo! Grand Trunk Western Railroad EMD SW 1200 switcher #1515 at the GTW Elsdon Yard site. (Gone,) Chicago Illinois USA. 1981.

This classic railroad photo taken on the southwest side of Chicago Illinois back in the year of 1981, comes to Eddie's Railfan Page from My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

I discovered the old steam era Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard, when I was enrolled in Chicago's Curie High School not far from here from 1977 to 1981.

I used to love hanging out and exploring this quaint, loveable and somewhat country like Elsdon Yard back in those days. Sometimes I would take walks through here if I arrived for school too early in the morning, or sometimes just to relax outdoors here after school and watch the switching activity on West 51st Street east of South Lawndale Avenue. The railroad crews were actually pretty nice too, as long as You showed some degree of safety and responsibility and stayed out of their way.
I loved visiting Elsdon Yard.

This photo was taken just west of the 1914 built GTW Elsdon Roundhouse at approximately West 49th Street and South Kedzie Avenue. EMD SW 1200 yard switcher is viewed idling near the locomotive ready tracks adjacent to the yard. Locomotive # 1515 is wearing the black red and white color scheme introduced by the parent railroad company Canadian National in 1961. It replaced an olive green and gold color scheme from the 1950's era.

The GTW closed Elsdon Yard for good in October of 1983, and I still miss it today.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

The latest in Chicago garbage truck technology! River Grove Illinois USA. June 2010.

I spotted this "New" City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation large Autocar garbage truck parked on West Belmont Avenue, in nearby River Grove Illinois.

Parked just a few city blocks west of Chicago's Belmont Heights neighborhood in nearby suburban River Grove Illinois, is this large high capacity garbage truck.
Thwe very hard working and dedicated city crew, was enjoying a very much deserved lunch break at a nearby fast food establishment.

This darker shade of blue, is used mainly on City of Chicago Department of Streets and Sanitation refuse trucks used in recycling collection operations. Light blue is still pretty much the standard color for Chicago's regualr trash collection trucks.

Chicago Streetcar Memorys musical photo slideshow. Saturday, June 26th 2010 at The Eisenhower Public Library. 4613 N Oketo Ave. Harwood Heights IL.

Hi everyone!

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

On Saturday, June 26th 2010, I will be hosting an event at The Eisenhower Public Library in Harwood Heights Illinois entitled "The Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation" from 1:00 until 3:00 PM.

The Eisenhower Public Library is located at 4613 N Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois. An added bonus feature to be shown, is a unique musical photo slideshow I put together entitled Chicago Streetcar Memorys.

If You or someone You know grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of Chicago Transit Authority electric streetcar operations in 1958, then this will be the show to attend. See Chicago the way it used to look like back then.

If You enjoyed viewing this photo from the internet of two CTA 1936 era streamlined electric streetcars operating on private right of way on West 63rd Place near South Narragansett Avenue in 1948, then You will definately enjoy seeing Chicago Streetcar Memorys.

We hope to see You there for a fun afternoon at the library.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Metra evening rush hour local departing from Park Ridge Illinois. Wednsday, May 26th 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video from inside My car at the Prospect Avenue railroad crossing, in near northwest suburban Park Ridge Illinois.

An eastbound evening rush hour local commuter train, is viewed departing from the Park Ridge (Former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad) Metra commuter rail station. Notice the two locomotives pushing on the rear. This is largely to help balance out motive power at the terminal.

Western Pacific Railroad 54 foot covered hopper. From the internet.

I spotted this photo on the internet recently.

These large 54 foot covered hopper cars, were introduced to North American railroads during the 1960's. Very practical, this design is still in use today with few modifications if any.

This example from the now fallen flag railroad Western Pacific, is lettered with large Roman style lettering on the sides. Roman style lettering was the industry standard on North American railroads for many years, going back to the steam era.

An early morning Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad switching local at work. Rapid City South Dakota USA. June 1984.

I took this photo looking down from My hotel room window, in Rapid City South Dakota.

My Mother and Myself, were enjoying a much deserved motorcoach vacation tour to Yellowstone National Park and other western United States locations way back in June of 1984. On the outbound leg of Our journey, We spent one night lodgeing in Rapid City South dakota.

This railfan from Chicago (Me.) was awakened by the distinct sound of a local freight train spotting cars on nearby industrial spur sidings. I quietly reached over and grabbed My camera to capture this memorable vacation photo at sunrise.

Chicago Blackhawks NHL hockey team captain Johnathon Toews being presented with the Stanley Cup Championship Trophy. Wednsday, June 9th 2010.

Congratulations to the Chicago Blackhawks NHL hockey team for a great season!

The "New" Bacci Pizzeria that just opened recently on North Harlem Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2010.

Hi everyone!

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

As You are proboubly aware of by now, even if You aren't from Chicago...Pizza is one local food favorite in the Windy City with a certain "Cult Following" to it in some neighborhoods. With the large population of Italian Americans and even Italian Imigrants, old world food favorites like Pizza, Spaghetti, Ravioli and other pastas were a natural choice for many by just the taste, aroma and seasoning alone.

A local chain of fast food take out pizza slice restaurants in Chicago these days that is doing very well, is this one shown here known as Bacci Pizzeria. Bacci is rumored to have got it's big start...in Chicago's Taylor Street area, also known as Chicago's Little Italy neighborhood. Aside from their advertised "Giant Slice of Pizza"....Bacci also serves Barbecued Ribs as well.

The one shown here, is located on North Harlem Avenue in Chicago's Mont Clare neighborhood. This is on the east side of North Harlem Avenue, just north of the intersection of West Belmont Avenue.

Prior to Bacci Pizzeria moving in here, this was the site of a short lived place known as Sub King. Bacci ( Pronounced "Bah Cheee") has become another Chicago success story with many Bacci Pizzeria storefront franchises spread throughout the city in many neighborhoods. Mangia everyone!

I'll have a slice of Pepperoni pizza please.

Eddie K.

Western Pacific EMD GP-40 Bicentenial unit # 1776. Circa mid 1970's. From the internet.

I have happy memorys growing up as a Teenager during the 1970's.

One of My all time favorite memorys from this decade, was the American Revolutionary War and signing of the Declaration of Independence Bicentenial celebration.

This was a colorful period here in the United States, as anything from Transit buses, Railroad locomotives, Municipal Public Service vechicles, Fire hydrants and even back alley garages were painted in proud American Patriotic colors and murals.

The Western Pacific and many other North American railroads, had at least one or two diesel locomotives or cabooses in commemorative Bicentenial color schemes.

I still love 1976! Yeah....it's over. But I was 14 and loving it just the same.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Digital Live Sound Video: Southbound Metra early morning local arriving in Glenview Illinois. March 2010.

I photographed this digital live sound video early one morning on My way to work, in March of 2010.

It is the middle of March, and the Winter season is begining to wind down and make way for Springtime here in the greater Chicagoland area.

It is 5:40 AM under night time skies, as a southbound Metra local enroute to Chicago Union Station, makes the station stop in north suburban Glenview Illinois.

Historic photo! Western Pacific GS 64 class 4-8-4 steam locomotive # 481 hauling a short Feather River Express through Altamont Pass California.

I found this historic 1940's era western Pacific Railroad passenger steam train photo on the internet recently.

Seen here is Western Pacific Railroad GS-64 Class 4-8-4 steam locomotive #481, hauling a short Feather River Express over a trestle through Altamont Pass in Northern California.

Czechloslovakian 0-4-0T and open cars rounding the curve on the last operating day of the season. The Hesston Steam Museum. Hesston Indiana USA. 1991.

I took this photo on a cold and wet late October visit to The Hesston Steam Museum way back in 1991.

October is almost over, and the landscape has began to resemble more of a November setting. With outside temperatures in the low to mid 40's with occasional drizzle, it was anything but appropriate weather to be riding aboard an open Summertime excursion car.

Still, cold weather and all....I am glad I went that day and had a nice time nonetheless. This was the last operating day of the 1991 season in Hesston Indiana.

For more information on the Hesston Steam Museum....see My links page to the right of Your computer screen, or log on to www.hesston.org

Northbound Canadian Pacific transfer train approaching the crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo one hot Summer afternoon back in june of 2008.

This Canadian Pacific transfer train is viewed heading northbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks. Soon this train will be passing trough the former Illinois Central (Now Canadian National) crosstracks at Hawthorne Junction along the Chicago city limits border at Cicero Illinois.

A side view of an "Off Duty" Wilmette Public Schools, Bluebird school bus. Glenview Illinois USA. May 2010.

Hello everyone!

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

Aside from My obvious avid interest in railroad subjects, I have always had a fond interest in various other transportation subjects. One of them is buses.

I took this photo recently back in May of 2010, in north suburban Glenview Illinois.
Full lenght picture windows on school bus front doors have become the industry standard in recent years for both safety and driver visibility.

This Bluebird school bus from the north suburban Wilmette Public Schools, was parked near a Maintenance /Safety Inspection facility parking lot at Johns Drive and Johns Court in Glenview Illinois.

My work day was over, and I was heading home for the evening when I spotted this bus, and couldn't resist the opportunity to photograph it. I was "Off Duty" at the time, and so was this bus as well.

Kenosha Transit GMC RTS model buses at the original transfer point on 56th Street. Kenosha Wisconsin USA. April 2000.

I took this photo during an April 2000 bus enthusiast's charter in the city of Kenosha Wisconsin.

One of the many pleasant things My group from the Chicago Chapter of The Omnibus Society of America did that April afternoon back in 2000, was experience photographing the regualar Kenosha Transit city buses as they all arrived at approximately the same time at the original transfer point on 56th Street.

The times were begining to change in Kenosha around the time of My visit. The "New" electric streetcar line was almost completed, and the arrival of 5 refurbished 1951 vintage PCC type streamlined electric streetcars from Toronto Ontario Canada was near.

The "New" Joseph Mc Carthy Transit Center bus loading station adjacent to the streetcar barn, would soon replace this bus transfer station in upcoming months.

The Kenosha Transit 1970's and 80's vintage GMC RTS model transit buses, have all been retired as of 2010.

RTA # 890 "The Tiger Bus". The Midwest Transit Bus Museum. Cresthill Illinois USA. September 2000.

I took this photo back in September of 2000 during the annual "Member's Day" weekend at the Midwest Transit Bus Museum, located in Cresthill Illinois near the city of Joliet.

A unique bus in the collection, is Regional Transportation Authority (Chicago area) 1967 GMC TDH series 35 foot transit bus # 890. This bus originally worked for the West Towns Bus Company based in west suburban Oak Park Illinois.

After the RTA was formed around 1974, this former West Towns bus was hand painted in to this very special commemorative paint scheme with markings honoring Chicago's Brookfield Zoo. It was operated in regualr service until approximately 1985.
No longer making zoo trips, this operable bus now resides in the museum's rented industrial storage lot at Illinois U.S Route # 53 and Caton Farm Road in Cresthill Illinois.

I was a member of the Midwest Transit Bus Museum from 2000 to 2002 Myself.

Thank You.
Eddie K.

Westbound CTA Addison Street bus at the intersection of Harlem Avenue. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

I took this photo on a bright and sunny Autum morning back in October of 2006.

A westbound CTA Flxible Metro transit bus on West Addison Street, waits for the traffic signal to change to green at the intersection of North Harlem Avenue in Chicago's Mont Clare neighborhood on the northside of the city of Chicago.

Eddie K on an April 2000 bus fans charter in Kenosha Wisconsin USA.

I wasn't employed as a Paratransit Driver yet back in April of 2000, however I was working for a dead end go nowhere job driving a delivery truck in Romeoville Illinois.

I have always enjoyed buses for some odd reason or another.
This photo was taken on Saturday, April 29th 2000 in downtown Kenosha Wisconsin.
The Chicago Chapter of The Omnibus Society of America chartered this bus enthusiast's fantrip aboard a soon to be retired Kenosha Transit 1975 GMC TDH Series 35 foot fishbowl windshield transit bus.

Upon politely asking the bus operator for permission to pose for a photo in the driver's seat, the bus driver obliged and took this unique photo of Me behind the wheel of a classic North American vintage transit bus. Believe it or not, soon several of the attendees on this bus fantrip asked to get their photo taken like this too.

The people at Kenosha Transit were very kind and proffessional to our group.

Silent Digital Video: Eastbound CTA Route # 78 Montrose Avenue bus departing from the corner of Lincoln Avenue. Chicago Illinois USA. April 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old digital camera, on an overcast early Springtime afternoon back in April of 2007.

An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority 1990's era Flxible Metro 40 foot transit bus assigned to the CTA Route # 78 Montrose Avenue bus route, is viewed boarding a passenger and departing from the corner of West Montrose and North Lincoln Avenues on the northside of the city of Chicago.

The original Mount Pindo's Restaurant at the corner of South Archer Avenue and Pulaski Road. Chicago Illinois USA. May 1986.

I took this photo on location at the intersection of South Archer Avenue and Pulaski Road in Chicago's Archer Heights neighborhood, way back in May of 1986.

The Chicago Transit Authority was still using the 1970's era GMC TDH series fishbowl windshield transit buses back in 1986, and the CTA Route # 62 Archer / Harlem Avenue line as well as the Route # 62 Archer / Cicero Avenue line was one of their many regular routes that they were assigned to.

A westbound CTA GMC bus, is viewed waiting for the traffic light to change at the northeast corner of South Archer Avenue and Pulaski Road on a sunny Springtime afternoon in May of 1986.

A popular dining place for local residents and CTA rush hour bus comuters, was the original 24 Hour Mount Pindo's Restaurant and Coffee Shop. It was a popular neighborhood establishment. The original Mount Pindo's building shown here, was on borrowed time, as the "New" / Current Mount Pindo's Restaurant building was under construction in the background. The original circular Mount Pindo's building was demolished not long after I took this photo.

The old Marquette Theatre building at West 63rd Street and South Kedzie Avenue. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. March 1986.

Hello everyone!

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

I grew up on the southwest side of Chicago Myself during the 1960's and 1970's.
One place I had many happy memorys visiting back then with My family, was the old Marquette Movie Theatre at West 63rd Street and South Kedzie Avenue. Located where the Chicago Lawn and Marquette Park neighborhoods met, for many years this neighborhood movie theatre provided many local familys and movie goers with a source of local entertainment.

I believe that the last time I actually recall them showing movies here, was around 1980 or 1981. The theatre closed not long after that. There was even a failed attempt to bring back live entertainment here around 1983, with the appearance of the local Chicago area one hit group known as "Off Broadway", but the show was cancelled not long after their name was on the marquee.

The building is shown in it's final year at this location.
The old Marquette Movie Theatre was finally demolished in August of 1987.

Digital Live Sound Video: Northbound CTA Skokie Swift train crossing Oakton Street. Skokie Illinois USA. August 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one hot Summer morning in August of 2008.
A northbound CTA Skokie Swift train, is viewed crossing Oakton Street with the sound of it's high pitched electronic "Peanut Whistle" tooting for the crossing.

Westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train crossing Prairie Avenue at sunset. Brookfield Illinois USA. July 2008.

I took this photo one Summer evening around sunset, back in July of 2008.

A westbound BNSF Railway empty unit coal train, is viewed passing by at the Prairie Avenue railroad crossing in west suburban Brookfield Illinois at sunset.

Coming Soon! My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation! Saturday, June 26th 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

I will be hosting My Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation on Saturday, June 26th 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00PM, at The Eisenhower Public Library. 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois.

Aside from the many photos and railfan videos that will be shown, an added bonus feature will be a short musical photo slideshow I have put together entitled "Chicago Streetcar Memorys".

If You or someone You know grew up in Chicago prior to the end of CTA electric streetcar operations in 1958, then this program is bound to bring back some very happy and nostalgic memorys of Chicago the way it once was.

It will be a fun afternoon, and We hope to see You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K

Silent Digital Video: Two Northbound Indiana Harbor Belt EMD roadswitchers running light entering Argo Yard. Summit Illinois USA. June 2007.

I photographed this silent digital video with My old digital camera, one hot summer morning back in June of 2007.

Two light running northbound Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad EMD roadswitchers, are viewed entering Argo Yard in southwest suburban Summit Illinois.

Historic Photo! Western Pacific Railroad Alco S-4 switcher # 561 at work. Stockton California USA. From the internet.

This photo comes to Eddie's Railfan Page from My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

I would say that this photo was taken at some point in time, during the late 1960's or early 1970's. An American Locomotive Company (Alco) yard switcher wearing the mid 1960's era solod orange and black economical "Dip Job" paint scheme from the Western Pacific Railroad, is viewed at work in Stockton California.

A retired Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific steel cupola caboose on display. Tinley Park Illinois USA. June 2008.

The fallen flag railroad known as the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific officially went out of business on March 31st, 1980 due to bankruptcy. This remnant from the former Rock Island lives on as a park display along the east side of 80th Avenue in south suburban Tinley Park Illinois.

A Summer night visit to the Hamburger Heaven drive in restaurant. Elmhurst Illinois USA. July 2008.

Hi everyone!

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

Summer is just about here now in the greater Chicagoland area, and what better way to enjoy a nice hot Summer evening, than enjoying a soft serve ice cream cone or shake at a favorite local surviving 1950's era roadside drive in restaurant.

Hamburger Heaven is just such a place from the Baby Boomer era. It is a seasonal drive in restaurant with a walk up window for service, and food at reasonable prices.
Hamburger Heaven is located on the southeast corner of York Street and North Avenue, in west suburban Elmhurst Illinois.

The Grand Trunk Western Railroad Elsdon Yard locomotive terminal at West 49th Street and South Kedzie Avenue. (Gone) Chicago Illinois USA. 1977.

This historic photo comes to Eddie's Railfan Page from My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

This EMD Ist generation roadswitcher, was photographed just immediately west of the 1914 built GTW Elsdon Roundhouse on South Kedzie Avenue and approximately what would be West 49th Street. This engine and a few others, are idling on the ready tracks at the locomotive servicing terminal.

The Grand Trunk Western closed Elsdon Yard and the roundhouse locomotive servicing facility in October of 1983. The roundhouse was demolished around December of 1987.
Today, this is the site of an outdoor retail strip mall in Chicago's Elsdon neighborhood.

Correction! Western Pacific solid orange and black economy paint scheme actually was introduced in 1966.

In a recent posting in regards to the fallen flag railroad Western Pacific and the use and experimentation of solid color schemes in later years, I originally had said that the WP had began experimenting and painting some locomotives in economical solid color schemes begining in the early 1970's.

It turns out, that while it was true that the WP used a bright combination of orange and silver paint for many years....The solid economical "Painter Friendly" color schemes began appearing in 1966. The example shown here, lasted from 1966 to 1975.

Thank You devoted Western Pacific railfans for the information.

Eddie K.

Northbound Metra local arriving at the Northbrook Metra station. Northbrook Illinois USA. wednsday, May 26th 2010.

I took this photo during My mid morning lunch break recently.

A northbound Metra local commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, is viewed arriving at the north suburban Northbrook Metra commuter rail station at Shermer Road. It was a lovely Springtime morning back in May of 2010 with plenty of sunshine and mild outdoor temperatures. A great day to go railfanning.

Canadian National covered hopper car with "Chicago Central" reporting marks. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this photo during a hot Summer afternoon visit to Hawthorne Junction at the Chicago city limits.

Heading southbound aboard a Canadian National transfer train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks, We see a freshly painted or even brand new Canadian National covered hopper car with C C reporting marks initials.

The C C or Chicago, Central & Pacific Railroad...was a short lived midwest regional railroad that was created after the former Illinois Central Gulf decided to reorganize during the mid 1980's, and sell off various marginally profitable former Illinois Central, and post 1972 Gulf, Mobile & Ohio railroad lines.

The C C came about from the sale of the Illinois Central Gulf's own Iowa Division Mainline wich operates between Chicago Illinois and Waterloo iowa. The Chicago, Central & Pacific was in operation from 1985, until the reoragnized Illinois Central bought it back in 1996.

The old C C apparently lives on after the 1999 merger and acquisition of the Illinois Central by the Canadian National....if only in stenciled freight car reporting marks like this example.

Eastbound locomotives waiting on a hold order. Chicago Illinois USA. May 2007.

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

We are looking down from the east side of the South Central Avenue overpass bridge at the Chicago city limits. We are just north of the Illinois U.S Route # I-55 Stevenson Expressway (Out of view behind the tree lined embankment alongside the locomotives) at the border of the suburban towns of Cicero and Stickney Illinois.

One red and silver BNSF Railway locomotive is leading three Norfolk Southern locomotives on an eastbound light engine movement over the BNSF Railway's former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe mainline. There was a considerable amount of north and southbound transfer trains at the Nerska Junction crosstracks about one mile east of here, so these four locomotives are seen waiting on a hold order until further notice from the railroad dispatcher.

Coming soon to The Eisenhower Public Library! Chicago Streetcar Memorys. Saturday, June 26th 2010 from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Hi everyone!

This is Eddie K, Your host and photographer here at Eddie's Railfan Page.
On Saturday afternoon, June 26th 2010 from 1:00 until 3:00 PM, I will be hosting an event at The Eisenhower Public Library entitled "The Chicagoland Railfan Photo Slideshow and Video Presentation".

An added bonus feature, will be the playing of a short musical photo slideshow I had put together entitled "Chicago Streetcar Memorys", wich features authentic vintage period music from the era to capture the feel of these old historic times in Chicago.

If You are one of the many people who grew up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of Chicago Transit Authority electric streetcar operations in 1958, then You will enjoy seeing vintage photos of Chicago the way it was.

The Eisenhower Public Library is located at 4613 North Oketo Avenue in near northwest suburban Harwood Heights Illinois. It will be a fun afternoon and We look foreward to seeing You there.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

A short Grand Trunk Western transfer train at the Hayford Junction interchange. Chicago Illinois USA. June 1984.

One of My personal favorites amongst My early railfan photos, is this one I took during a June 1984 visit to Hayford Junction.

A short Grand Trunk Western Railroad transfer freight train, is viewed moving slowly on the westbound interchange lead at Hayford Junction. The train is departing from the north and south GTW mainline, and will soon be heading westbound over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks to the nearby BRC Clearing Yard facility.

The crew of this transfer train will return shortly in approximately 30 minutes with the locomotive running light.

Changing ends at the East Troy station. The East Troy Electric Railroad and Museum. East Troy Wisconsin USA. Sept 2006.

I took this photo in September of 2006, at the East Troy Electric Railroad and Museun in East Troy Wisconsin.

This little scratchbuilt 4 wheel open air electric trolley car, has just arrived at the East Troy Station. The car's Motorman is viewed moving the single trolley pole to the west end of the car in preparation for the next eastbound trip.

Springtime beauty in Northbrook Illinois. Wednsday, May 26th 2010.

You can tell once again that Springtime has arrived in the greater Chicagoland area.

I took this photo one morning recently during My lunch break on Wednsday, May 26th 2010. A practice that many city and suburban municipalities have adopted in recent times, are placing seasonal and decorative hanging plants on city streetlight posts to help beautify the thoroughfare.

The bright colors of the plant life, were quiete a welcome sight at the very scenic intersection of Cherry Lane and Meadow Road in north suburban Northbrook Illinois.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound CSX Transportation Co freight train departing Franklin Park Illinois. July 2008.

I photographed this digital live sound video one hot Summer afternoon back in July of 2008.

We are on location at the Franklin Park Illinois Metra commuter rail station. An eastbound CSX Transportation Company freight train is departing from the nearby Bensenville Yard, and is now passing through the Metra station with several tons in tow.

Historic Photo! A Pennsylvania Railroad steam powered freight train. Marion Ohio USA circa 1957. From the internet.

I spotted this historic photo on the internet recently, at My links page Fallen Flags.Org to the right of Your computer screen.

As much as I have always enjoyed standing trackside with a camera in My hands at a busy railroad junction these days, It must have really been great to be there during the steam era.

This photo was taken at Marion Ohio during the year of 1957. A heavy steam powered freight train is about to pass through the crosstracks. The 1950's were the steam to diesel transition period on many North American railroads. many railroads had dieselized by the early to mid 1950's, while others held on just a little bit longer and squeezed every last working mile out of their steam locomotives.

I believe that 1957 was the last official year for Pennsylvania Railroad steam locomotive operations.

A modern replica of a 1920's era Birney two truck safety streetcar. The Memphis Main Street Trolley. Memphis Tennesee USA. Sept 2007.

I took this photo in downtown Memphis Tennesee one morning, back in September of 2007.
While I was enjoying a much needed vacation trip with My lovely Wife Cheryl during September of 2007 to the city of Memphis Tennesee, I just couldn't resist the opportunity to ride and photograph The Memphis Main Street Trolley attraction.

This car, is a modern replica of a once common double truck city streetcar built by the Birney Car Company during the 1920's.

The Wood Dale Metra commuter rail station. Wood Dale Illinois USA. September 2007.

I took this photograph one morning, back in early September of 2007.

Located just west of Bensenville Illinois, is this quaint Metra commuter train depot serving the suburban village of Wood Dale Illinois. This little station is located adjacent to Illinois U.S Route # 19 / Irving Park Road, and serves daily Chicago to Elgin Illinois commuter trains.

Frisco Railroad steam locomotive # 1630 departing the engine servicing area. The Illinois Railway Museum. Union Illinois USA. May 1985.

I took this photo during the May 1985 Memorial Day weekend at The Illinois Railway Museum, located in the town of Union Ilinois.

The operating session is about to begin for the day, as Frisco Railroad, Baldwin 1917 2-10-0 steam locomotive # 1630 departs the steam locomotive servicing area with a full load of coal, water, and a full head of steam. It is viewed heading to the East Union depot where it will couple up to it's passenger train.

Preserved Historic Tower B-12 at sunset. Franklin Park Illinois USA. June 2008.

I took this serene end of the day photograph after work one evening, back in June of 2008.

Between the bright but fading colors of an approaching night time sky, and the temporary silence one can experience between trains, this image of preserved Historic Tower B-12 alongside the Canadian Pacific ex Milwaukee Road mainline in near northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois looks very serene.

Uptown Park Ridge directory in the public library parking lot. Park Ridge Illinois USA. Wednsday, May 26th 2010.

I took this photo last Wednsday evening after work.

This public directory board, is located in the parking lot of the Park Ridge Public Library. The library is located along the north side of Summit Avenue, across the street from the Park Ridge Metra commuter rail station. This is in the central business district wich is known as Uptown Park Ridge.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound CTA Skokie Swift train at the Crawford Avenue railroad crossing. Skokie Illinois USA. Early March 2009.

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

It is early March of 2009. An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority yellow line train enroute to the Howard Street terminal in nearby downtown Evanston Illinois, passes the Crawford Avenue CTA yellow line crossing in north suburban Skokie Illinois.

Historic Photo! The Illinois Central Railroad in March of 1969. From the internet.

One of the many railroad color schemes I grew up with growing up in the city of Chicago Illinois during the 1960's and 70's era, was the orange and white color scheme used by the Illinois Central, and the 1972 succesor railroad Illinois Central Gulf Railroad.

This color scheme was introduced in the year of 1967, and had replaced a previous black and white color scheme with a green diamond logo on the side of the locomotive cab.

While it was colorful and modern at the time, it unfortunately did not weather very well and was prone to grime and fading. In 1981, the succesor railroad Illinois Central Gulf had introduced an economical gray color scheme with orange ends and large orange ICG initials on the sides of the hood.

When the Illinois Central had reorganized during the mid 1980's and sold off many former Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroad lines inherited from the 1972 merger, the new Illinois Central revived the black color scheme, but with a new A,T & T style logo.

In 1999, the Canadian National Railroad acquired the Illinois Central through merger.
The old Illinois Central is now a fallen flag railroad today.

Digital Live Sound Video: Eastbound Metra evening rush hour local departing from Riverside Illinois. June 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video after work one evening, back in June of 2009 on location at the Riverside Metra commuter rail station in Chicago's western suburbs.

An eastbound Metra evening rush hour local commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Aurora Illinois, has just boarded and alighted passengers at the Riverside Illinois Metra commuter rail station. The train is now heading for the next station stop at Harlem Avenue in nearby west suburban Berwyn Illinois.

Westbound BNSF Railway intermodal train. Western Springs Illinois USA. Early May 2009.

I photographed this westbound BNSF Railway intermodal piggyback train last year.

Seen here on an overcast Springtime afternoon in early May of 2009, is a fast moving westbound BNSF intermodal train breaking the silence as it passes through west suburban Western Springs Illinois with several piggyback flat cars in tow.