Dino's Pizza & Fast Food. La Grange Illinois. June 2012.

Dino's Pizza & Fast Food. La Grange Illinois. June 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in June of ths year.

If you are in Chicago's western suburbs and are looking for a good but yet inexpensive fast food establishment for lunch, I highly recomend Dino's Pizza and Fast Fod in west suburban La Grange Illinois.

Located along the west side of La Grange Road / Illinois U.S Rts # 12 and # 45 near the intersection of Plainfield Road.

The food is very good, the prices are cost effective, and the manager is pretty cool as well.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

I highly recomend the cream of potato soup.

H.O passenger train runby.

Repainted Central Illinois Railroad EMD SW-1200 # 1206 pushing train past the South Wood Street railroad crossing. Chicago Illinois. Friday, October 31st, 2008.

Repainted Central Illinois Railroad EMD SW-1200 # 1206 pushing train past the South Wood Street railroad crossing. Chicago Illinois. Friday, October 31st, 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Inside the waiting room of the Metra commuter rail station in Northbrook Illinois. September 2008.

Inside the waiting room of the Metra commuter rail station in Northbrook Illinois. September 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Lumberjack Steam Train Arriving at the 1880's Soo Line Depot

Strasburg Railroad 2-10-0 type # 90 at the East Strasburg depot. Strasburg Pennsylvania. August 1990.

Strasburg Railroad 2-10-0 type # 90 at the East Strasburg depot. Strasburg Pennsylvania. August 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during an August 1990 vacation to Stasburg Pennsylvania USA.

Strasburg Railroad Baldwin 2-10 -0 steam locomotive # 90, has just brought the last train of the day in to the East Strasburg depot just before sunset.

Soon engine # 90 will be brought to the Strasburg Railroad enginehouse for the night.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Metra commuter local departing the Western Avenue station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

Westbound Metra commuter local departing the Western Avenue station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one lovely autum morning, back in October of 2006.

A westbound Metra commuter train, is shown departing from the former Milwaukee Road train station at Western Avenue in Chicago Illinois.

Eddie K stopping for gasoline at a local Phillip's 66 convenience gasoline station. Bridgeview Illinois. Early August 2012.

Eddie K stopping for gasoline at a local Phillip's 66 convenience gasoline station. Bridgeview Illinois. Early August 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

Here I am recently, stopping for a gasoline fill up at the Phillip's 66 convenience gasoline station, in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.

Early morning rainy departure. Glenview IL. Nov 2009.

I photographed this digital live sound video on my way to work one morning, back in November of 2009.

The southbound 5:40 AM train to Chicago Union Station, is viewed departing from the Glenview Illinois Metra commuter rail station, on a cold and rainy November morning. The train is photographed crossing the railroad crossing at Glenview Road east of Harlem Avenue.

The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010.

The Chicago Botanic Garden. Glencoe Illinois USA. Wednsday, September 15th, 2010., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in September of 2010.

A popular attraction for fans of non botanical plants and gardening subjects, is the outdoor G Scale model railroad exhibit, at the Chicago Botanic Garden in north suburban Glencoe Illinois.

A G Scale train from the former Milwaukee Road, passes by through one of the many beautiful outdoor garden displays.

Cap'n Crunch Cereal. An all time favorite of kids and adults.

Cap'n Crunch Cereal. An all time favorite of kids and adults., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

One of my all time favorite memories from when I was growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the 1960's and early 1970's era as a kid, was enjoying a nice bowl of Cap'n Crunch Cereal and watching the Saturday morning cartoon shows on network television.

Many commercials for Cap'n Crunch and other children's breakfast cereals, were often aired during the Saturday morning cartoon timeslot. As I recall, many of these comercials were very comical, and often featured "Slapstick Humor".

It is shocking by today's standards, that many of these cereals were once advertised as "Sugar Coated" during the 1950's, 60's and 70's eras. Heck! As I recall, there was Kellogg's "Sugar Frosted Flakes" as well as "Sugar Pops" and Sugar Smacks".

Even the people at Post cereals had a cereal known as "Sugar Crisp", wich featured a cartoon character named "Sugar Bear". By the end of the 1970's, His name was changed to a much more politically correct "Golden Bear" , and the ceral was name changed to Super Golden Crisp".

Oh how the times have changed.

I still enjoy an occasional bowl of Cap'n Crunch Ceral today once in awhile.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

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

The Marquette Movie Theatre building on West 63rd Street at South Kedzie Avenue. (Gone.) Chicago Illinois USA. March 1986., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this now historic photograph in Chicago's Marquette Park neighborhood, way back in March of 1986.

Time was now running out for the old Marquette movie theatre building at the southeast corner of West 63rd Street and South Kedzie Avenue at the time of this photograph.

The movie theatre had closed during the early 1980's, the building was in a state of defered maintenance and neglect, and now the business tenants were recieving eviction notices.

This building was eventually demolished in August of 1987.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Early 1970's Illinois Central Gulf local in H.O Scale.

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

My early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf  Railroad switching local, gets moving with a cut of cars in tow. Ther locomotive, is a Life Like Proto 2000 model of an Illinois Central EMD SW 9 switcher, wearing the pre 1967 Illinois Central black and white color scheme with the green diamond I.C logo.

These trains were a common sight on the near southwest side of Chicago after the Illinois Central and the Gulf, Mobile & Ohio Railroads had merged in August of 1972.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Westbound Canadian Pacific freight train with former Soo Line locomotives approaching Bensenville Yard. Franklin Park Illinois. May 2008.

Westbound Canadian Pacific freight train with former Soo Line locomotives approaching Bensenville Yard. Franklin Park Illinois. May 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in May of 2008.

A slow moving westbound Canadian Pacific freight train, passes through northwest suburban Franklin Park Illinois on an overcast springtime afternoon.

The train is slowly approaching and entering the former Milwaukee Road Bensenville Yard near Chicago's O'Hare International Airport.

Southern Pacific Steam When It Was King

Two flavors of passenger train color schemes from the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad.

Two flavors of passenger train color schemes from the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A popular railroad that once had served Chicago and many other points in the midwest, was the former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad.

For many years prior to the late 1940's, the C & N,W passenger trains had wore a plain and very basic Pulman green color scheme with a black roof on their passenger trains. Eventually, the C & N,W modernized their passenger trains with a bright yellow and green color scheme as seen on the baggage car to the right. This also would become the railroad's future diesel locomotive color scheme, and was also utillized on cabooses as well.

Southbound Metra evening commuter train. Morton Grove Illinois. Tuesday, August 6th, 2012.

Southbound Metra evening commuter train. Morton Grove Illinois. Tuesday, August 6th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph after work one evening last week.

A southbound Metra commuter train enroute to Chicago Union Station from Fox Lake Illinois, passes through north suburban Morton Grove Illinois just before sunset.

This train was photographed just south of the Beckwith Road railroad crossing, along the east side of adjacent Lehigh Avenue.

The Morrison Roadhouse Bar and Grill. Niles Illinois. August 2012.

The Morrison Roadhouse Bar and Grill. Niles Illinois. August 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

Roadside businesses from gasoline stations, tourist attractions as well as local bar and grill establishments, have always had a cult following of their own.

A local Chicago area roadside establishment whith a cult following of it's own, is the Morrison Roadhouse bar and Grill at the corner of North Harlem Avenue and West Jarvis Street, in north suburban Niles Illinois. This place was established in 1932.

When some local Chicagoans hear the name Morrison Roadhouse, thry often think of the late 1960's era record album Morrison Hotel from The Doors, and the big hit Doors single Roadhouse Blues.

Chicago was and still is a Rock and Roll and Blues music city in North America.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound CTA Skokie Swift train. Evanston IL. June 2011.

Southbound CSX Transportation Co light engine movement. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. September 2008.

Southbound CSX Transportation Co light engine movement. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. September 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, back in September of 2008.

A southbound CSX Transportation Company light engine movement traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago, passes a stopped empty coal train at Hawthorne Junction.

Southbound Amtrak Hiawatha train from Milwaukee Wisconsin speeding through The Glen of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station. Glenview Illinois. February 2008.

Southbound Amtrak Hiawatha train from Milwaukee Wisconsin speeding through The Glen of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station. Glenview Illinois. February 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this wintertime train photograph, back in February of 2008.

The southbound Amtrak Hiawatha enroute to Chicago Illinois from Milwaukee Wisconsin, speeds through the Glen of North Glenview Metra commuter rail station.

Northbound Grand Trunk Western freight train. Mc Cook Junction. Mc Cook Illinois. May 1990.

Northbound Grand Trunk Western freight train. Mc Cook Junction. Mc Cook Illinois. May 1990., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1990.

A northbound Grand Trunk Western Railroad transfer freight train traveling over the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad, is viewed passing through Mc Cook Junction near Lyons Illinois.

Digital live sound video: A night time eastbound Canadian National transfer train passing through the Metra Mont Clair commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. July 2008.

Digital live sound video: A night time eastbound Canadian National transfer train passing through the Metra Mont Clair commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. July 2008. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Chicago Gravel Company # 18 at sunset. Bensenville Illinois. July 2008.

Chicago Gravel Company # 18 at sunset. Bensenville Illinois. July 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph, back in July of 2008.

Chicago Gravel Company Alco 0-6-0 steam locomotive # 18 built in 1922, is viewed on display at Veterans Park in Bensenville Illinois at sunset.

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967.

Chicago's Riverview Park. (Gone.) 1904-1967., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I found this phjotograph on the internet recently, but I don't recall what the name or the URL of the websiite was.

For many years prior to 1967, Chicagoans of all ages would occasionally enjoy a fun summertime outing, to Riverview Park on the northside of Chicago.

Riverview Park was a huge 74 acre amusement park located on North Western Avenue, and was surrounded by West Belmont Avenue to the south, the north branch of the Chicago River to the west, and West Roscoe Street to the north.

This is a rare color photograph that was taken somewhere on the midway inside Riverview Park, showing the park's game arcade building.

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad caboose hop. December2011.

Early 1970's era Illinois Central Gulf Railroad caboose hop. December 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph late last year, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

My Life Like Proto 2000 Illinois Central EMD SW 9 and Centrailia Car Shops model of an orange Illinois Central Gulf side door caboose, help to recreate a scene I was all too familiar with growing up on the near southwest side of Chicago during the early 1970's era.

The Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station at sunset. Morton Grove Illinois. Tuesday, August 7th, 2012.

The Morton Grove Metra commuter rail station at sunset. Morton Grove Illinois. Tuesday, August 7th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Railfest: Durango & Silverton RR: Galloping Goose #5, Eureka, Fire Supre...

Illinois Central freight train passes by in the background.

A 40 foot ice cooled refrigerator car from the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in H.O Scale.

A 40 foot ice cooled refrigerator car from the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad in H.O Scale., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers, H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A once common sight in Chicago Illinois during the 1950's and 60's era, were these then industry standard 40 foot ice cooled railroad refrigerator cars. The model here represents a steam era example, from the former Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad.

The hatches at the ends of the roof, were for the ice bunkers where large blocks of ice were dropped inside.

Mechanical refrigeration systems began replacing these during the 1960's era.

Used 1995 Chevrolet flatbed / stakebody truck with a snowplow attached. Niles Illinois. August 2012.

Used 1995 Chevrolet flatbed / stakebody truck with a snowplow attached. Niles Illinois. August 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one evening last week after work, in northwest suburban Niles Illinois.

A local private individual, is selling this used 1995 Chevrolet flatbed / stakebody truck with an attatched snowplow, at the northeast corner of Harlem Avenue and Jarvis Street.

This would be a nice opportunity for someone that may be considering starting up their own little business, or perhaps make some extra cash this upcoming winter plowing snow.

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

Northbound Pace bus. Norridge Illinois. July 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

First Student school bus with job recruitment advertising banner. Glenview Illinois. July 2012.

First Student school bus with job recruitment advertising banner. Glenview Illinois. July 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in July of this year, during my morning lunchbreak.

School may have been out for the summer, but First Student in Glenview Illinois, was recruiting hiring new bus drivers for the upcoming fall school semester season in the greater Chicagoland area.

CTA- Trolley Bus, Last Final Months (1972).

I found this absolutely wonderful silent home movie from the Chicago Transit Authority by accident yesterday on You Tube.

Many times when I am posting those occasional "Bus Day Editions" of Eddie's Railfan Page, I mention the fact that I was born in 1962, and grew up watching and observing the Chicago Transit Authority's 1951 vintage Marmon Harrington electric trolleybuses, during their final years of operation on Chicago city streets.

This You Tube video made from possibly an old Super 8 MM home movie, was photographed during the spring and fall of 1972 on the north side of Chicago.

I absolutely loved this video, as this is how I remember how Chicago was like prior to 1973, before the end of all Chicago Transit Authority electric trolleybus operations in March of 1973.

For those watching this "Treasure" who grew up in Chicago like myself during the 1960's and 70's era...
or perhaps even earlier, You will love seeing the many neighborhood scenes of business districts with storefronts and not strip malls. Many business establishments featured old neon signs back then as well.

CTA's electric trolleybuses were gradually being phased out  begining in 1959 with the CTA Route # 51 / 51st Street line, the Rt # 47 /47th Street line in June of 1965, the Rt # 73 Armitage Street line in November of 1966, the Rt # 66 Chicago Avenue line in March of 1967, the Rt # 52 Kedzie / California line in March of 1969, the Rt # 81 Lawrence Avenue line in December of 1969, and the Rt # 85 Cemntral Avenue line in January of 1970.

This film photographed in 1972, was made during the final full year of the remaining CTA electric trolleybus operations. The soon to be retired 1950's era Flxible Twiin Coach Company propane buses are shown here, as are the newer 1960's era Flxible fishbowl windshield buses. The now long gone CTA North Avenue Garage is also shown here as well.

Here is some more good news! The last two CTA Marmon Harrington trolleybuses that operated on the last day in March of 1973, are preserved and occasionally operated at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union Illinois. www.irm.org

This video brought back many happy memories for Me, as I was 10 years old when this was photographed.
THIS is the Chicago I fondly remember growing up in.

Whoever took this now historic silent home movie....THANK YOU!

Eddie K.

Two 1970's era CTA GMC fishbowl windshield buses waiting at the Archer Avenue west terminal loop. Chicago Illinois. April 1988.

Two 1970's era CTA GMC fishbowl windshield buses waiting at the Archer Avenue west terminal loop. Chicago Illinois. April 1988., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph at the Chicago Transit Authority's west terminal for the CTA Route # 62 Archer / Harlem bus line, at South Archer and Neva Avenues, in Chicago's Garfield Ridge neighborhood.

This photograph was taken during a lovely springtime afternoon, back in April of 1988.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Suburban Pace buses at the CTA Dempster Street terminal. Skokie Illinois. July 2008.

Suburban Pace buses at the CTA Dempster Street terminal. Skokie Illinois. July 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph in north suburban Skokie Illinois, during a hot and very sunny summer morning back in July of 2008.

Two transit buses from Chicago's own Pace suburban bus company, are viewed at the Chicago Transit Authority's Dempster Street yellow line rapid transit terminal.

Silent digital video: Eastbound CTA Route # 78 Montrose Avenue bus departing from the corner at Lincoln Avenue. Chicago Illinois. April 2007.

Silent digital video: Eastbound CTA Route # 78 Montrose Avenue bus departing from the corner at Lincoln Avenue. Chicago Illinois. April 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this silent digital video with my old camera, back in early April of 2007.

We are at the southwest corner of West Montrose and North Lincoln Avenues on the northside of Chicago.

An eastbound Chicago Transit Authority Route # 78 Montrose Avenue bus, is departing from this corner on an overcast early springtime day, which is very typical of Chicago during that time of the year.

The bus in this video, is a now retired CTA 1990's era Flxible Metro 40 foot transit bus.

Prior to January of 1973, the CTA Route # 78 Montrose Avenue line, was an electric trolleybus route.

Modern gasoline pump at a local Phillip's 66 convenience gasoline station. Bridgeview Illinois. Early August 2012.

Modern gasoline pump at a local Phillip's 66 convenience gasoline station. Bridgeview Illinois. Early August 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

Some people proboubly say, that "Eddie's Railfan Page is a real gas", however I don't think that this is quiete what they meant by it.

Gasoline service station pumps have come a long way from those old fashioned 1920's and 30's era pumps that required you to first fill a tall vertical reservoir, and gravity feed your gas tank. I can still recall when gasoline pumps from the 1950's era with decorative lighted glass globes on top, were once common in Chicago. How about those 1960's and 70's era pumps with the rolling electro mechanical solonoid operated "Pin Ball Machine" style numbers?

Today, everything is digital technology, and occasionally odd shaped at the pump island.

 I took this photograph was taken recently, at the Phillip's 66 convenience gasoline station on South Harlem Avenue and West 83rd Street, in southwest suburban Bridgeview Illinois.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Eastbound Canadian Pacific freight. July 2009.

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

An eastbound Canadian Pacific freight train, passes through the Elmwood Park Illinois, Metra commuter rail station during a hot and hazy sunset.

"Bourbon Street Parade" Dukes of Dixieland

I have always been a big fan of traditional American dixieland jazz music.

Way back in 1977 and 1978, I visited the city of New Orleans Louisianna for the Mardi Gras celebration. Although I had known about dixieland jazz music from watching the Lawrence Welk Show on television with my family, and listening to my mother's record collection, I finally got to experience dixieland jazz music live when I had visited the Crescent City.  " I loved it"!

The band featured on this You Tube snipet, is a group I actually saw perform during the New Orleans Mardi Gras, known as "The Dukes of Dixieland". They were great.  This must be an early photograph of the band, as I seem to recall that there were more members than that.

Dixieland Jazz music appeared on the American music scene around 1917, and was the successor to the previous "Ragtime" style of music from the late 1800's and early 1900's era.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Coming soon to the Downers Grove Public Library! "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars!" Saturday, September 15th from 2:00 until 3:15 PM! Hosted by Eddie K from the internet site "Eddie's Railfan Page!" http://eddiesrailroad.blogspot.com



Hi everyone!

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

Be sure to visit the Downers Grove Illinois Public Library located at 1050 Curtis Street on Saturday, September 15th from 2:00 until 3:15 PM.

I will be hosting a fun and nostalgic multi media slideshow and lecture presentation about the history of public transportation in the city of Chicago Illinois entitled "When Chicago Rode The Streetcars".

If you were one of the many people who had grown up in the city of Chicago Illinois prior to the end of all Chicago Transit Authority electric streetcar operations in June of 1958 or know someone who did, then you won't wan't to miss this transit ride down memory lane.

This will be a fun event, and we hope to see you there. Admission is free.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Northbound Metra evening commuter train. Morton Grove Illinois. Tuesday, August 7th, 2012.

Northbound Metra evening commuter train. Morton Grove Illinois. Tuesday, August 7th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph yesterday eveing after work, in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois.

A northbound Metra commuter train enroute to Fox Lake Illinois, passes my photo location alongside Lehigh Avenue just south of the Beckwith Road railroad crossing, in north suburban Morton Grove Illinois.

Eastbound CTA Skokie Swift train. Feb 3rd, 2011.

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

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

I took this now historic photograph back in May of 2007.

The former Illinois Central Railroad owned Crawford Yard from the former I.C subsidiary railroad Chicago & Illinois Western, was in it's last few years of operation when I took this photograph on the near southwest side of Chicago, east of the border at west suburban Cicero Illinois.

The succesor railroad Canadian National, closed Crawford Yard in 2011 and removed the tracks.

These two Canadian National owned EMD locomotives, are viewed working the yard one lovely springtime afternoon.

Yellow instructional sign. The Metra Western Avenue commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

Yellow instructional sign. The Metra Western Avenue commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Eastbound Metra commuter train. Park Ridge IL. June 2011.

Union Pacific Railroad John Deere front end loader. Chicago Illinois.June 2012.

Union Pacific Railroad John deere front end loader. Chicago Illinois. June 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph back in June of this year, near the Edison Park Metra commuter rail station on the far northwest side of Chicago.

Seen here just west of the station parked near the Ozark Avenue railroad crossing, is a John Deere front end loader tractor from the Union Pacific Railroad's maintenance of way department.

Eddie K hosting at the Forest Park Public Library. Forest Park Illinois. Sunday, July 15th, 2012.

Eddie K hosting at the Forest Park Public Library. Forest Park Illinois. Sunday, July 15th, 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This photo was taken of me recently, presenting at the Forest Park Illinois Public Library last month.

One of my all time favorite activities connected to Eddie's Railfan Page, is occasional public speaking appearances at libraries and community centers.

Here I am showing a short promo I had put together recently, for the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club, of which I am a member.

A few people in the audience decided to stick around during an intermission break, so I thought that I would show them this one, which they really enjoyed.

Eddie K's freight train from the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad.

Eddie K's freight train from the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

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

I have always been a big fan of the former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad. I model this railroad and trains from the late 1960's and early 1970's period when I was growing up in Chicago Illinois.

My Athearn Santa Fe EMD GP 35 wearing the blue and yellow 1960's era Santa Fe color scheme which was used from 1960 to 1972, pulls a short freight train past my camera location on the club layout.

It is easy to imagine, that those two double door box cars from the former Grand Trunk Western and the Detroit & Toledo Shore Line Railroad, are carrying a shipment of auto parts from the city of Detroit Michigan.

Up close details on the East 100th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011.

Up close details on the East 100th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River. Chicago Illinois USA. Saturday, October 15th, 2011., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hi everyone!

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

I tok this photograph during an October 2011 photo outing to the far southeast side of Chicago, with mygood friend and fellow Chicago railfan Anthony C.

Seen here, are several up close mechanical details, on the East 100th Street drawbridge over the Calumet River.

Thanks.
Eddie K.

King Vitaman

I found this classic and very comical breakfast cereal tv commercial from my own childhood on You Tube.

During the 1960's and 70's, many of the commercials for breakfast cereals aimed at children, were often presented during the Saturday Morning cartoon time slot on network television.

One of the more comical ones that I can remember, were the ones for King Vitaman Cereal.

If the cartoon character voices sound familiar to you, they should. Many of the voices are from those loveable Jay Ward Productions cartoons such as "The adventures of Rocky and Bulwinkle", or better yet..."Fractured Fairy Tales".

"Hey Rocky! Watch me pull a rabbit out of my hat!" (Bulwinkle)

"Again!?"  (Rocky)

Thanks.
Eddie K.

Belt Railway of Chicago Alco C 425 roadswitcher diesel locomotive in H.O scale.

Belt Railway of Chicago Alco C 425 roadswitcher diesel locomotive in H.O scale., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

A popular local Chicago area prototype, is this H.O scale model of a Belt Railway of Chicago Alco C 425 roadswitcher diesel electric locomotive from the mid to late 1960's era.

These locomotives had served the Belt Railway of Chicago well for many years, in both heavy switching and transfer train service until retired in 1999.

Pennyslvania Railroad steam locomotive # 6711 at Lewistown Pennsylvania. September 2nd, 1957.

I found this historic late steam era black and white photograph from the former Pennsylvania Railroad at my link page Fallen Flags.Org, located to the right of your computer screen at www.rr-fallenflags.org

This photograph appears here courtessy of the Harry Neff collection.

Pennsylvania Railroad  M 1B class 4-8-2 steam locomotive # 6711, is viewed at Lewistown Pennsylvania on September 2nd, 1957.

Bachman Spectrum Series H.O Santa Fe EMD FT A and B locomotives.

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

The former Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad was always one of my personal favorites.

Just like the real Santa Fe did during the 1950's and 60's era, a fellow club member has assigned
the Santa Fe's red and silver passenger service EMD FT cab unit locomotives, to the head end of this model freight train passing by on the club layout.

Northbound Canadian Pacific transfer train. Chicago Illinois. October 2006.

Northbound Canadian Pacific transfer train. Chicago Illinois. October 2006., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph one beautiful autum morning, back in October of 2006.

A northbound Canadian Pacific Railroad transfer freight train traveling over the Belt Railway of Chicago enroute to nearby Cragin Junction and points west, passes over the "Flyover" juntion, over the Metra / Unon Pacific west line tracks at North Kenton Avenue and West Kinzie Street, on the west side of Chicago Illinois.

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

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

I took this now historic photograph, way back in April of 1984.

An Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad rebuilt EMD model GP-7 roadswitcher locomotive, is viewed working the south hump at the former A,T & S,F Corwith Yard facility in Chicago's Brighton Park neighborhood.

NB CTA Skokie Swift at dusk. Skokie IL. Sept 2009.

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

A fast moving northbound CTA yellow line train, passes the Oakton Street railroad crossing in downtown Skokie Illinois at dusk. The train is passing by the location, of what is now the new Oakton Street CTA yellow line station.

The trains no longer speed past this location, as they are required to stop at the Oakton Street station.

The ground leval lighted water fountain in the Daley Center Plaza.Chicago Illinois. August 2008.

The ground leval lighted water fountain in the Daley Center Plaza. Chicago Illinois. August 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I tok this late night photograph in downtown Chicago Illinois, back in August of 2008.

Seen here is the sunken water fountain, at Chicago's famous Daley Center Plaza building.

Northbound BNSF Railway light engine movement. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2008.

Northbound BNSF Railway light engine movement. Hawthorne Junction. Chicago / Cicero Illinois. June 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I photographed this northbound BNSF Railway light engine movement, one summer evening back in June of 2008.

These locomotives are viewed passing through Hawthorne Junction over the Belt Railway of Chicago tracks at the Chicago city limits.

These BNSF Railway locomotives, are returning to the nearby BNSF Railway Clyde Yard in west suburban Cicero Illinois.

A good place to buy candy and fudge in Lake Geneva Wisconsin.

Hi everyone!

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

I took this photograph last week, during my short 3 day vacation to Lake Geneva Wisconsin. Seen here inside the popular Riviera boat dock building at the local harbor, is a place known as Kandy Cove. I purchased some delicious and not too high priced homemade fudge here. It was a tasty treet from a fun store I enjoyed shopping at while in Lake Geneva Wisconsin.

Railroad Crew member.

Railroad Crew member., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back during the mid 1980's, in my old neighborhood I grew up in on the near southwest side of Chicago.

A crew member from the Atchinson, Topeka & Santa Fe Railroad's I.N ( Illinois Northern branchline) switching local, is photographed somewhere near West 28th Street and South Kedzie Avenue, in Chicago's Little Village neighborhood.

The former Santa Fe I.N branchline, is abandoned today.

S B CN transfer train with a former E,J & E locomotive. Summit IL. Aug ...

I photographed this digital live sound video Thursday morning this week.

A southbound Canadian National Railroad transfer train being led by a former Elgin, Joliet & Eastern Railroad oeange EMD SD 40-2 diesel electric locomotive acquired through merger in 2009, passes
through the Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad's Argo Yard, in southwest suburban Summit Illinois.

The Kiddieland Amusement Park train. Melrose Park Illinois. 1957.

The Kiddieland Amusement Park train. Melrose Park Illinois. 1957., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

This historic color photograph from Chicago's Kiddieland Amusement Park located in Melrose Park Illinois, was E Mailed to me recently by Mr Mark Yurkiw, who has attended some of my recent public speaking appearances.

Seen here in a color photograph from 1957, is the Kiddieland Limited steam train.

Kiddieland Amusement Park in Melrose Park Illinois, was in business for 81 years from 1928 until 2009. The 4-8-4 streamlined steam locomotive shown here, pulled the last Kiddieland trains on closing day, Sunday, September 27th, 2009.

Today this locomotive and a former streamlined 4-6-4 Hudson type also from Kiddieland, can be seen and ridden behind at the Hesston Steam Museum in northwest Indiana near Michigan City. www.hesston.org

Late 1970's era Chicago RTA commuter train with Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad double deck gallery commuter cars.

Late 1970's era Chicago RTA commuter train with Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad double deck gallery commuter cars., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

This 1970's era RTA commuter train from Chicago, is owned and operated by my fellow club member and good buddy Jason.

This photo brought back some happy memories from my own teenage years growing up in Chicago, during the late 1970's and early 1980's, as I use to see these RTA EMD F 40PH locomotives pulling green and yellow former Chicago & NorthWestern Railroad bi leval commuter train carsyo and from Chicago's former NorthWestern Station in downtown Chicago.

Thanks Jason.
Eddie.

A funny t shirt in a Lake Geneva Wisconsin gift shop. Late July 2012.

Hi everyone!

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

I just returned from a short 3 day mini vacation to Lake Geneva Wisconsin, and thought that it would be fun
to share some happy memories from this long overdue vacation break.

I spotted this funny novelty T shirt in a local gift shop in downtown Lake Geneva Wisconisn.

It looks like that obnoxious and sometimes annoying crazy duck character from the Aflac life insurance television commercials, has actually gotten the better of some people. This comical T shirt with a message, gets the message across quiete well.

L.O.L

Thanks.
Eddie K.

SILENT DIGITAL VIDEO: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train to Milwaukee Wisconsin speeding through the Metra Edgebrook commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. September 2007.

SILENT DIGITAL VIDEO: Northbound Amtrak Hiawatha train to Milwaukee Wisconsin speeding through the Metra Edgebrook commuter rail station. Chicago Illinois. September 2007. a video by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

Hamburger Heaven Drive In. Elmhurst Illinois. July 2008.

Hamburger Heaven Drive In. Elmhurst Illinois. July 2008., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

A happy summer memory for many people, are those hot summer night visits to a local soft serve ice cream or hamburger stand.

Seen here, is the famous Hamburger Heaven street corner drive in restaurant at the southeast corner of York Street and North Avenue, in the town of Elmhurst Illinois.

Gray Illinois Central "New Image" caboose. Chicago Illinois. May 1987.

Gray Illinois Central "New Image" caboose. Chicago Illinois. May 1987., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph way back in May of 1987.

A wide vision caboose from the former Illinois Central Railroad, is viewed wearing the recently introduced gray "New Image" color scheme after the company had reorganized itself, after many years of being the Illinois Central Gulf.

This train was photographed from the east side of the South Pulaski Road bridge, near West 76th Street. The train is entering the nearby Belt Railway of Chicago Clearing Yard in Bedford Park Illinois.

Westbound C P freight at sunset. Elmwood Park IL. Mar 2012.

1960's era Erie Lackawanna Railroad gray 40 foot box car.

1960's era Erie Lackawanna Railroad gray 40 foot box car., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph recently, at the Oak Park Society of Model Engineers,H.O Scale Model Railroad Club.

The 1960's were a colorful and sometimes not so colorful decade in American railroading.

Some railroads were gradually breaking away from the standard plain old box car red or oxidebrown color schemes from the steam era on some of their box car fleets, and choosing bigger and bolder stylish roadname graphics and logos.

The former Erie Lackawanna Railroad which was formed from the 1960 merger of the Delaware, Lackawanna & Western and the Erie Railroad, painted some of their standard 40 foot box cars in this gray color scjeme with maroon lettering.

A quaint bridge in a city park. Glenview Illinois. June 2012.

A quaint bridge in a city park. Glenview Illinois. June 2012., a photo by Eddie from Chicago on Flickr.

I took this photograph during my morning lunch break recently, back in late June of this year.

Seen here in a large city park along Chestnit Avenue in north suburban Glenview Illinois, is this charming bridge over a large man made lake.