Model of Chicago, Quincy and Burlington Railroad's Pioneer Zephyr

This is a model of the Chicago, Quincy and Burlington Railroad’s Burlington Zephyr, a streamlined diesel-powered passenger train built in 1934. This model is part of the collection displayed in the museum’s Railroad Hall exhibit of 1964-2002 to illustrate the technological development of the locomotive.

Named for the Greek god of the west wind, the Zephyr was an attempt to bolster passenger traffic, which had declined during the depths of the Great Depression. Completed in April of 1934, the train created a sensation; its shiny, sleek steel body was a dramatic contrast to the drab, conventional locomotives and cars of the period. The Zephyr made a special run from Denver to Chicago averaging over 77 mph with bursts up to 112. It was subsequently displayed at the Century of Progress Exhibition in Chicago. After the fair, the train was assigned to the 500 mile run between Lincoln and Kansas City, Nebraska. The Zephyr performed so well that the Chicago, Quincy and Burlington Railroad ordered additional trains for other routes. To distinguish it from its sisters, the original was renamed the Pioneer Zephyr. Operating expenses were given as 31 cents per mile, or one half that of a conventional steam-powered train.

The Budd Manufacturing Company of Philadelphia constructed the Zephyr. The train was made up of three permanently attached cars. The foremost contained the engine room, cab, and separate mail and baggage sections. The second car had an additional baggage compartment, a kitchen and a smoking compartment. The third contained seating and an observation lounge in the rear. The three-car train measured 197 feet long and weighed about 100 tons, significantly smaller and lighter than contemporary passenger trains.

The original Zephyr continued in service until February 1960 when, after operating some 3.2 million miles, it was retired to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago. The Zephyr’s original diesel engine survives in the Smithsonian collection.

Currently not on view