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.
|

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…

Union Pacific's M-10000 trainset, the first streamliner, and an experiment for the railroad.

The First Streamliner, Union Pacific’s M-10000

Union Pacific’s M-10000 revolutionized rail travel from its very inception. This trailblazing streamliner combined sleek aerodynamics with cutting-edge technology, setting new standards for speed and comfort on American railways. As the first of its kind, the M-10000, affectionately dubbed “The Yellow Comet,” captured the nation’s imagination, symbolizing progress and the promise of a new, dynamic…

The Logo Used on the first Burlington Route Zephyr trains in 1934.

Burlington Route Zephyrs

The Zephyr trains, a series of pioneering passenger trains, first captivated America’s attention in the early 1930s. Introduced by the Burlington Route, they were heralds of speed and comfort in rail travel. The original, the Pioneer Zephyr, quickly set the standard with its sleek, stainless steel design and aerodynamic shape. This innovation reduced wind resistance,…

Ak-Sar-Ben No Extra Fair Burlington (CB&Q) Train Logo

Ak-Sar-Ben Zephyr

The Ak-Sar-Ben Zephyr, a name derived from “Nebraska” spelled backward, symbolizes a pivotal era in American rail history. This train, part of the iconic Zephyr fleet, connected Omaha, Nebraska, to cities like Chicago, Illinois, offering passengers a glimpse into the future of transportation. Bridging Cities and Cultures The train was launched in the mid-20th century…

Streamlined Steam, The 1939 Milwaukee Road Hiawatha

The Hiawathas

The Chicago, Milwaukee, St. Paul & Pacific Railroad, better known as the Milwaukee Road, made a bold move in the 1930s when they launched the Hiawatha service. These trains, renowned for their sleek, streamlined design, promised unprecedented speed and comfort. The service was named after the Henry Wadsworth Longfellow epic poem, “The Song of Hiawatha”…

End of content

End of content