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BRHS collection

Bob Yarger photo

Nos 9906 and 9907, the Denver Zephyrs of 1936 (above top), were the first to carry sleeping cars. They were originally powered by twin-unit "shovelnose" diesels, but later by newer units. In 1957, the original DZ trains were reassigned to the Texas Zephyr run. After retirement, some of the cars went to Saudi Arabia, and others to the Black Hills Central tourist railroad in South Dakota (above), where only three of these remain today. It is believed that most of the cars still exist, however.

BRHS collection

Bob Yarger collection

No. 9900, the historic Pioneer Zephyr of 1934 has been celebrated since its inaugural. With its recent restoration and new display at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry (above top), it effectively captures what all the hubbub was about. Some critics have said the large amount of money spent on the display and special effects systems might have been better spent on making it operable, but it is clearly better off than most of the other existing Zephyrs. The fourth Zephyr delivered was No. 9903, the Mark Twain Zephyr. Like the Pioneer Zephyr, it was built originally as a three-unit set, but acquired a fourth car shortly after. Shown here a few years ago (above), the train now has five units, including the extra car removed from No. 9900 when it was placed on display in 1960. Privately owned, the train is presently stored at an Illinois railcar rebuilder, it's future unclear.

BRHS collection

The Twin Cities Zephyrs of 1947 (above top), were the first with vista domes. Operating during the day, they did not carry sleepers. Domes, parlor car, diner, Mississippi River scenery -- the perfect mix for a day-long cruise train ride, even today. Today, the James Hill Bridge is a bike path, however. The trainset from No. 9904 ended its career as the Nebraska Zephyr (above). Saved shortly after its retirement in 1968, it is now operable and the pride of the Illinois Railway Museum. Originally powered by a single "shovelnose" unit, the train was often powered by E5s in later years, including the Museum's preserved No. 9911A.

Bill Worthman photos

The elegant Silver Bowl, one of the dining-lounge-observation cars assigned to the original 1940 Texas Zephyr consist, today sits derelict east of Colorado Springs. The interior was gutted by fire in the Denver yards 30 years ago (above top), but the sturdy stainless carbody shows little serious damage (above). Without a purpose, such cars are endangered, and one has to wonder how long it will be before the owners of the nearby homes call for its removal.

Bill Waller photo - Rail Pictures Archive on Railfan.net

The California Zephyr was the ultimate cruise train. Shown here on the Western Pacific, such a train could be recreated today with authentic equipment, save for two missing WP B units, which would have to be replicated from others.

Bob Yarger collection

The Texas Zephyrs of 1940 ran Denver to Dallas, with the diesels removed at Fort Worth to allow time for servicing. Steam finished the run into Dallas until 1954. Surprisingly, these were not fully streamlined trains, as three modernized, silver-painted heavyweight sleepers were also assigned. A couple of streamlined cars from this train are known to survive, but the fates of the rest are unknown.

David Hill photo

As the earlier locomotives are scrapped, display locomotives fore assembled Zephyr trainsets would have to come from the two dozen remaining ex-Burlington E8s and E9s. Such engines powered the trains in later years. These have been upgraded, but could be returned to their original exterior appearance. No. 9920 is on display at Keller, Texas. The units were originally painted aluminum, with stainless lower side panels and four portholes per side.

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