Dome Car from the original Auto Train.

Auto-Train

Travel has always evoked the spirit of innovation, and nowhere is this more apparent than in the development of specialized train services in the United States. Among these, the Auto-Train Corporation and Amtrak’s Auto-Train represent milestones in travel convenience. They allow passengers to bring their vehicles aboard the train, thus combining the comfort of rail…

The Streamlined Cincinnatian

Cincinnatian

The Cincinnatian, launched by the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad (B&O) in 1947, was not just a train but a herald of luxury and modernity on the American railroads. Serving key urban centers like Detroit, Cincinnati, and Baltimore, this streamliner was a marvel of its time, designed to redefine passenger travel in the post-war era. Origins…

Northern Pacific's all new streamlined North Coast Limited in 1955

North Coast Limited

Imagine stepping onto a train that promises a swift journey from the bustling streets of Chicago to the verdant landscapes of Seattle and encapsulates a rich narrative of American history. The North Coast Limited was not merely a train; it was an experience, a moving monument to the advancements of the Northern Pacific Railroad.  Design…

The Milwaukee Road's "transcontinental" train, the Olympian Hiawatha in the Washington Cascade Mountains.

Olympian Hiawatha

The Milwaukee Road Olympian Hiawatha, launched in the mid-20th century, is a testament to the era of luxurious passenger train travel in the United States. The train, known for its speed and exceptional amenities, connected Chicago and the Pacific Northwest, traversing some of the country’s most scenic routes. History and Development The Olympian Hiawatha started…

The Silver Streak Zephyr ran on the Lincoln, Nebraska to Kansas City, MIssouri route. One of the many Zephyr trains put on the rails by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad, the Burlington Route.

Silver Streak Zephyr

Imagine stepping onto a train that transports you not only across distances but also through time. The Silver Streak Zephyr represents such a journey.  This train, a beacon of American railroad history, began its service in the early 20th century and quickly became known for its speed and elegance. It wasn’t just a train but…

Twin Cities Zephyrs in an ad from builder EMD. This ad was the cover of a 1935 Railway Age magazine.

Twin Cities Zephyr

Launching in 1935, the Twin Cities Zephyr represented a breakthrough in American rail travel with its streamlined design and focus on passenger experience.  Operated by the Chicago, Burlington, and Quincy Railroad, it connected Chicago, Illinois, to Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota, enhancing travel efficiency and comfort across the Midwest.  The service began on April 21, 1935, and…

Brochure and Timetable showing the joint Burlington Route and Rock Island Zephyr Rockets.
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Zephyr Rocket

Imagine boarding a train that embodies speed and comfort, making every journey feel like a swift breeze. The Zephyr Rocket train, a marvel of modern engineering, offers just that experience. This train is not only a significant leap in transportation technology but also a testament to innovative design and efficiency in rail travel. History and…

The Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad named its Zephyr series of passenger trains after the Greek God Zephyrus, God of the West Wind.
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Who or What Is a “Zephyr”

A “Zephyr” holds a special place in American rail history. It symbolizes speed, elegance, and innovation. The name is famously associated with the streamlined Zephyr trains that revolutionized passenger rail travel in the mid-20th century.  These trains were known for their sleek design and comfort, becoming icons of American engineering and are remembered fondly by…

Burlington Route's California Zephyr after the switch to separate diesel power.

California Zephyr

The California Zephyr is renowned for its breathtaking views and has captured travelers’ imaginations since it was first introduced. The name refers to two distinct train services: the original service that ran from 1949 to 1970, and the current Amtrak service, which has been in operation since 1983. Each version of the Zephyr has its…

Burlington Route postcard advertising Vista-Dome cars on the American Royal Zephyr.

American Royal Zephyr

Imagine stepping onto a train where every detail whispers tales of a bygone era. The American Royal Zephyr, not just a train but a portal to America’s rich railway past, offers just that. This majestic train once epitomized luxury and innovation on the rails. Today, it serves as a vivid reminder of the golden age…

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