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…

The shovel nose power unit from the General Pershing Zephyr.
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General Pershing Zephyr

The General Pershing Zephyr, named in honor of World War I general John J. Pershing, was a train that represented more than just innovation in transportation during the early 20th century. It signified a leap into the future, cutting through the American landscape with the grace and speed of a comet.  The Chicago, Burlington, and…

The shiny steel fluted observation car that brought up the rear of the Burlington Route's streamliner, Nebraska Zephyr.

Nebraska Zephyr

The Nebraska Zephyr, often hailed as a marvel of modern engineering during its inception, stands as a proud symbol of the American rail industry’s golden era. This iconic train, designed to transport passengers in unparalleled comfort and style, began its service in the 1930s and quickly became known for its speed and elegance.  Today, it…

The Zephyr Dawn to Dusk Club celebrates the first record-breaking Denver to Chicago run of the Pioneer Zephyr.

Pioneer Zephyr, First of the Zephyrs

In 1934, a gleaming silver train blazed across the American landscape, forever changing the face of rail travel. Pioneer Zephyr, the world’s first diesel-powered, stainless steel streamlined train, revolutionized the industry with its sleek design and innovative technology.  Developed by the Burlington Railroad under Ralph Budd’s visionary leadership, Pioneer Zephyr was a bold response to…

The Chicago Museum of Science & Industry has fully restored the Burlington Route Pioneer Zephyr. In 2021 the Pioneer was installed in a new display exhibit.

Pioneer Zephyr at the Chicago Museum of Science & Industry

The Pioneer Zephyr, housed at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry, stands as a gleaming testament to the Golden Age of rail travel. With its record-breaking speed and sleek design, it revolutionized passenger travel in America in the early 20th century. This restored streamliner stands as a testament to the era when the Burlington…

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