| CB&Q Pioneer Zephyr 9900 at Lincoln, Nebraska on an unknown day in July, 1959, photo by Dick Rumbolz, Chuck Zeiler collection. Built April 7, 1934 (ordered June 17, 1933) by Budd (c/n 509), powered by an EMC Winton eight-cylinder Model 201A diesel (original block was s/n 4510, now at the Smithsonian, replaced around 1937 with block s/n 4686) , it is seen here in one of its many configurations during its service life. Originally a three car train (power unit, baggage/coach, coach/observation) it was re-equipped in late-1934 by adding chair car 525, re-equipped again in 1937 with car 500 (40 chair seats and a buffet/pantry/kitchen) replacing 525. Another modification was to move the air horns from behind the intake grills (which were directed downward, to the annoyance of the engine crew) to the roof top. Between 1946-48, the Zephyr (officially re-named the Pioneer Zephyr November 11, 1936) acquired the Mars Light above the headlight. It was regularly assigned to Omaha-Kansas City routes until retired in 1960 and donated to Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry. Between 1994-1998, the Pioneer Zephyr was cosmetically restored to as-built appearance and the Mars Light was removed. The four yellow hash marks seen below the cab window are service marks (one hash mark for each five years of service) applied by the Burlington during the late-1940's. It will shortly receive a fifth hash mark just before retirement. |