The Pioneer Zephyr was a revolutionary passenger train that played a key role in transforming American rail travel in the 1930s. Built by the Budd Company for the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) in 1934, it introduced a groundbreaking design and engineering features that resulted in record speeds, as well as aerodynamically and visually striking aesthetics. More specifically, the train’s sleek Art Deco style and the durable stainless steel construction made it stand out among trains.

On May 26, 1934, the Pioneer Zephyr set a remarkable speed record by completing the 1,015-mile trip from Denver to Chicago in just 13 hours and 5 minutes (this became known as the “Dawn-to-Dusk” dash). Reaching speeds of up to 112 miles per hour, the Pioneer Zephyr exhibited the power of its diesel engines and demonstrated that diesel engines could compete with, and even surpass, traditional steam locomotives in speed and efficiency. In 1948 and 1949, the Pioneer Zephyr was temporarily removed from service to participate in the Chicago Railroad Fair’s “Wheels A-Rolling” pageant intended to celebrate 100 years of railway history.