Injun Joe, shown here early in its career -
St. Louis Post Dispatch Archives

Injun Joe, shown here late in its career. An oscillating Mars light in a casing was added above the original headlight -
Jim Ewinger Photo / David Lotz Collection

The interior of Injun Joe contained a 30-foot Railroad Post Office, much like the one seen above in the Pioneer Zephyr, which is now located at the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago -
Photographs from TravelsWithLinda.org

Injun Joe, the lead unit of the Mark Twain Zephyr

CB&Q publicity photograph of Injun Joe -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad

The second unit of the Mark Twain Zephyr is a 64-foot-long baggage and express car named "Becky Thatcher" (CB&Q #506).

A mock-up of how the Becky Thatcher would have originally appeared -
Castle Graphics

The Becky Thatcher is seen here in Minooka, Illinois in January 2008 -
Photographer unknown; Burlington Route Historical Society (BRHS) collection

This is how the interior of the Becky Thatcher would have appeared in the 1930's; this photo was taken in the fully restored Pioneer Zephyr at Chicago's Museum of Science and Industry -
Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago

This is how the interior of the Becky Thatcher appeared in February 2020 -
Robert Tabern collection / Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad

"Becky Thatcher," the second car of the Mark Twain Zephyr.

The third unit of the Mark Twain Zephyr is named "Huckleberry Finn" (#551). It held a kitchen and pantry in the fore section, with a service counter separating it from a dinette (comprised of 16 seats grouped in "foursomes"), facing tables that were set up at meal time and removed afterward. Twenty additional chairs put the capacity of this car at 36 passengers.

The Huckleberry Finn, as seen at Gateway Rail in February 2020.
Robert Tabern collection / Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad

An illustration of how the coach seat section of the Huckleberry Finn appeared -
Budd Company Illustration

This is how meal service on the Mark Twain Zephyr would have likely appeared -
Image taken from a 1934 Burlington Route Pioneer Zephyr brochure

A Budd Company photo of the interior of a Zephyr coach car; from the date of the photo (Oct. 1935), this is probably the interior of the Mark Twain Zephyr -
Budd Company Photograph

A Budd Company photo of the interior of a Zephyr coach car; from the date of the photo (Oct. 1935), this is probably the interior of the Mark Twain Zephyr -
Budd Company Photograph

The food service counter on the Mark Twain Zephyr would have appeared like this one on the Pioneer Zephyr -
CB&Q Publicity Photograph

"Huckleberry Finn," the third car of the Mark Twain Zephyr.

The final unit (#572) was named "Tom Sawyer", and had coach seats for 40 passengers in the front section, while the back contained a solarium parlor-lounge with detached chairs for another 16 passengers.

The Tom Sawyer was the last car on the Mark Twain Zephyr -
https://justacarguy.blogspot.com

This is how the interior of the Tom Sawyer would have appeared in the 1930's -
Budd Company Photograph

This is how the interior of the Tom Sawyer appeared in February 2020 -
Robert Tabern Collection / Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad

A Budd Company photo of the interior of a Zephyr observation car; from the date of the photo (Oct. 1935), this is probably the interior of the Mark Twain Zephyr -
Budd Company Photograph

Photo of the observation car of the Mark Twain Zephyr taken on June 29, 1935 -
CB&Q Publicity Photograph

The "Tom Sawyer" featured a bronze plaque of Mark Twain on the rear end of the car (as seen in this photograph); unfortunately, it was removed sometime between 1990 and 2008... with it currently not publicly known who has it hidden/in their possession
- CB&Q Publicity Photograph

The holes from the removed bronze plaque can be seen in the above photograph, taken at Gateway Rail in February 2020; below the plaque is Twain's signature -
Robert Tabern Collection / Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad

"Tom Sawyer," the rearmost car of the Mark Twain Zephyr.

Buffet/lounge car #500, with the added "Effie Dean" name plate, as seen loaded on a Canadian National flat car for delivery to its new owner in Minooka, Illinois on January 15, 2008 -
Bill Grenchik Photograph

What is now the "Effie Dean", was in no way part of the original Mark Twain Zephyr. Instead, it was Car #500, a 40-seat buffet/lounge car that was added to the consist of the Pioneer Zephyr in 1938 (replacing coach car #525). Unlike the Mark Twain Zephyr, the cars that made up the Pioneer Zephyr never received names.

On May 26, 1960, the CB&Q donated the Pioneer Zephyr train set to the Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago, Illinois. According to one unverified report that we received, the museum only had enough room for three of the four cars -- with Car #500 not being part of the move and the museum display. Instead, it ended up being sold off with the four cars belonging to the Mark Twain Zephyr (in the next section you will read about the many owners who had plans of restoring the Mark Twain Zephyr and #500!)

Car #500 was given the name "Effie Dean" in 1992, after then-owner of the Mark Twain Zephyr, Ronald Lorenzini, met Albert Dean, the original designer of the Zephyr. Effie was Albert's wife, and described as a "real sweetheart".

Diagram of Car #500, which was part of the Pioneer Zephyr.

A March 20, 1935, newspaper article announces the name of the new Zephyr.
(Courtesy: St. Joseph News Press Archives)

The design and interior finish of the Mark Twain Zephyr's passenger compartments were characterized by color harmony, but without elaborate ornamentation. Pastel tints of blue and green for the side walls, and ceilings finished in ivory, formed a light and pleasing background for the flash of the stainless-steel window frames, sills, and trim. Coach seats were upholstered in green mohair, window drapes also of green and carpet of taupe, parlor-lounge chairs upholstered in Fenway blue fabric, window drapes in lemon gold, and platinum grey carpet, made the Mark Twain Zephyr both pleasing and modern. Lighting was from diffused overhead tubular ducts providing scientific designed levels of intensity at eye level. The passenger compartments were equipped with radio, and were climate-controlled with thermostatically controlled steam heat and air-conditioning. Like the three preceding Zephyrs, the Mark Twain Zephyr was streamlined from front to rear, with satin-smooth longitudinal surfaces gleaming like burnished silver. The 18-8 stainless steel, a non-corrosive alloy consisting of 18 percent chromium and eight percent nickel, has a tensile strength three times that of ordinary steel. The fluted outer skin was not only decorative, but due to its shape and the electric shot-welding process developed by the Budd Company, it became an integral part of the train's structural support. Even the under bodies of each car were encased in the stainless steel to eliminate wind resistance.

In early October 1935, the Mark Twain Zephyr made a brief, but triumphant tour of the Eastern United States. While being moved from the Budd Plant in Philadelphia (where it was constructed) to Chicago (CB&Q headquarters), the train made several publicity appearances in towns along the way. This included Sayre and Wilks-Barre in Pennsylvania, plus Ithaca and Schenectady in New York.

With the diesel era so new, fueling facilities were not often available off-line. Here, the Mark Twain Zephyr, on its exhibition tour of the east, stops for fuel on a railroad siding near Erie, Pennsylvania on November 12, 1935 -
Photographer unknown, DeGolyer Library, Southern Methodist University collection

An October 3, 1935, newspaper article talks about the coming Mark Twain Zephyr. Rail historian Dave Lotz notes that it was interesting the CB&Q passed off this publicity photo as the Mark Twain Zephyr, when it was actually the Twin Cities Zephyr on the route along the Mississippi River somewhere in Illinois or Wisconsin!
The Wilkes-Barre Record Archives; CB&Q Photo

Two October 3, 1935, newspaper articles about the Mark Twain Zephyr.
(Left -- The Evening Times Archives)
(Right -- The Pittston Gazette Archives)

An October 4, 1935, newspaper article talks about the coming Zephyr.
The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader Archives

An October 4, 1935, newspaper article talks about the coming Zephyr.
The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader Archives

An October 4, 1935, newspaper article talks about the coming Zephyr.
The Times Tribune -- Scranton Archives

An October 11, 1935, newspaper article about the Mark Twain Zephyr visiting Wilkes-Barre as part of a brief tour of the east coast.
The Wilkes-Barre Record Archives

An October 11, 1935, newspaper article (continued) about the Mark Twain Zephyr visiting Wilkes-Barre as part of a brief tour of the east coast.
The Wilkes-Barre Record Archives

Newspaper reporter Hal Smith, with the Wilkes-Barre (Pennsylvania) Times Leader, writes about riding aboard the then-ultra modern Mark Twain Zephyr during its publicity runs between Bethlehem and Wilkes-Barre on October 11, 1935.
The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader

Article about the Mark Twain Zephyr in Pennsylvania on October 11, 1935.
The Wilkes-Barre Times Leader - The Evening News Edition

Newspaper article about the Mark Twain Zephyr in Ithaca, New York -
The Ithaca Journal Archives

Newspaper article about the Mark Twain Zephyr in Ithaca, New York -
The Ithaca Journal Archives

The Mark Twain Zephyr returned to Burlington's 'home rails' in Chicago, Illinois, on Columbus Day, 1935. Before being inaugurated and put into passenger service later that month, the railroad continued to operate a series of exhibition and speed-trial runs for the four-car train set across the Midwest. This included a trip between Chicago and the Twin Cities on October 13, 1935 (see below article). A few days later it passed through the Quad Cities.

An October 13, 1935, newspaper article about several Indiana officials who were invited to ride the Mark Twain Zephyr on a trial run from Chicago to St. Paul/Minneapolis, Minnesota -
The Indianapolis Star Archives

News article about the Mark Train Zephyr passing through La Crosse, Wis. on Oct. 13, 1935 -
The La Crosse Tribune

On October 14, 1935, the Mark Twain Zephyr was shortened by the Q's shops at Burlington, Iowa, by removing the baggage car to prepare it for a speed trail that was set to take place nine days later.

A newspaper article from the Quad Cities teasing the arrival of the Mark Twain Zephyr; note the interesting plan of direct St. Louis to St. Paul service (via Quad Cities and Galesburg) -
The Dispatch, Moline, Illinois, October 17, 1935 Edition

This newspaper article from October 18, 1935, covers the upcoming speed trials in Nebraska that would be taking place in just five days, and the upcoming dedication in Hannibal, Missouri, that would be taking place in one week. (Left): Mark Twain Zephyr with engineer Jack Ford. (Right): Bob Gurley checks out the signature and plaque of Mark Twain on the train; he's the son of F.G. Gurley, then-Assistant to the Executive Vice President of the CB&Q Railroad -
The Winona Daily News Archives, Winona, Minnesota

Newspaper article from October, 19, 1935, about the Mark Twain Zephyr visiting Minneapolis -
Star Tribune Archives - Minneapolis

After touring portions of Illinois, Wisconsin, Iowa and Minnesota, the Mark Twain Zephyr headed west to McCook, Nebraska, for the Republican Valley Jubilee on Wednesday, October 23, 1935 (see advertisement below).

The Nebraska State Journal - Lincoln, Nebraska Archives

Beatrice Daily Sun Archives, Beatrice, Nebraska

While in Nebraska on October 23, 1935, the Mark Twain Zephyr underwent the speed trial mentioned earlier, where it reached 122 miles per hour. While railroad officials with the Burlington claimed it a record, the Pennsylvania Railroad disputed that, claiming one of their trains reached 127.1 miles per hour in 1905.

The Mark Twain Zephyr is seen here as the first eastbound Advance Denver Zephyr on May 31, 1936, without the 'Becky Thatcher' baggage car. This is also how the train would have appeared for the speed trials in Nebraska in 1935 -
Denver Public Library, Western History Collection

The Lincoln Star Archives - Lincoln, Nebraska

Additional newspaper article on the Mark Twain Zephyr's 122mph speed record -
The Gazette, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

Additional newspaper article on the Mark Twain Zephyr's 122mph speed record -
Iowa City, Iowa Press Citizen

On Thursday, October 24, 1935, the Mark Twain Zephyr was brought back east, in preparation for its dedication the following day.

There was great anticipation for the dedication of the Mark Twain Zephyr, as shown in this article from an October 21, 1935, newspaper.
Marion County Standard, Palmyra, Missouri

The front page of Hannibal's leading newspaper on Friday, October 25, 1935.
Hannibal Courier-Post Newspaper

A newspaper article previews the October 25, 1935, dedication of the Mark Twain Zephyr -.
The Sedalia Democrat Archives, Sedalia, Missouri

The Dedication Day for the Mark Twain Zephyr, Friday, October 25, 1935, began with the train entering Hannibal's Union Depot at 9:10 a.m. Aboard were Nina Gabrilowitsch (the granddaughter of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain), the Tom Sawyer, Becky Thatcher and Huck Finn contestants from the towns north of Hannibal, the 75-piece Quincy, Illinois Senior High School Band, and numerous CB&Q executives. The crew consisted of engineer, Jack Ford (wearing his signature white Kromer cap), F.O. Brown, W.W. Johnson, and M.E. Dunbar (Dunbar's son, Earl, was actually one of the two local Huckleberry Finns at the Dedication).

The Mark Twain Zephyr makes its triumphant entrance into Hannibal, Missouri -
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

Around midday, the Chamber of Commerce of Hannibal. Missouri, hosted a luncheon for railroad officials and guests at the Mark Twain Hotel. A thematic menu provided such items as 'Life on the Mississippi Cat Fish' and 'Aunt Polly's New Apple Pie with Cheese.' Music was provided by the Bates Ensemble.

Special guests at the luncheon were Ossip Gabrilowitsch, then conductor of the famed Detroit Symphony Orchestra, his wife Clara Clemens Gabrilowitsch, daughter of Samuel Clemens, and their daughter, Nina Gabrilowitsch.

The Hannibal Chamber of Commerce hosted a luncheon banquet during the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication. The front outer cover of the menu features an embossed, cameo-like profile of Mark Twain, beneath which is a replica of his signature. The back cover consists of a brief overview of the connections between the railroad, Mark Twain, and Hannibal, Missouri -
Hannibal Chamber of Commerce & Hannibal Free Public Library Collection

This is the menu at the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication Banquet hosted by the Hannibal Chamber of Commerce. All of the dishes are named for books or characters created by Mark Twain. On the left side are signatures of some of the guests at the banquet.
Mark Twain Home and Museum & Hannibal Free Public Library Collection

CB&Q President Ralph Budd and Nina Gabrilowitsch attend the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication banquet.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

Hannibal Chamber of Commerce sponsored this banquet for the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication - note future President Harry S. Truman sitting at the far table - second from the left in this photo.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

Approximately 300 people attended the banquet. Included were Governor Clyde E. Herring of Iowa, Governor Guy B. Park of Missouri, U.S. Senator Harry S. Truman of Missouri, Mayor Bernard F. Dickmann of St. Louis, former Secretary of State Frank Kellogg (2nd from right in below photo), former Vice President Charles G. Dawes (3rd from right in below photo), Ralph Budd... President of the CB&Q (6th from right in below photo), and Nina Gabrilowitsch (granddaughter of Samuel Clemens, aka Mark Twain) (5th from right in below photo).

Hannibal Free Public Library Photographs

By 2:00 p.m., the luncheon ended and the coast-to-coast broadcast on CBS Radio began, as did the formal dedication ceremonies for the Mark Twain Zephyr.

Missouri State Senator George D. Clayton, Jr. speaks at the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication radio broadcast -
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The members of the Levee Singers pose during the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication. None of the individual identities are known. Their performance is broadcast nationwide via the Columbia Broadcasting System -
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The Levee Singers, numbering 75, perform during the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication. They are directed by Laura B. Hall and Frank Lewis. The performance is part of the CBS' live nationwide radio broadcast -
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The Quincy High School band plays at the dedication of Burlington Railroad's Mark Twain Zephyr passenger train in Hannibal, Mo., on Oct. 25, 1935.
Landrum's Quincy, Volume 3

Governor Clyde E. Herring of Iowa speaks to the nation from the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication. Standing behind him is Del King, announcer for CBS Radio.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

Via the Columbia Broadcasting System, Ralph Budd, President of the CB & Q Railroad, speaks to the nation from the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication. Looking on is the CBS announcer, Del King.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The honors of dedicating the brand new Mark Twain Zephyr fell to Clemens' granddaughter, Nina, as seen in the next series of photographs.

Nina Gabrilowitsch is seen here broadcasting to the nation on CBS Radio ahead of the dedication of the Mark Twain Zephyr
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

It should be noted that Nina was also the great-granddaughter of John M. Clemens (Mark Twain's father), a key player in the creation of the Hannibal & St. Joseph Railroad in 1846. The famed "Hannibal & St. Joe" started in Hannibal, Missouri, in 1851, and was completed to St. Joseph, Missouri in 1859. It was the first railroad to reach the Missouri River, and the first and only railroad to carry the U.S. Mail for transfer to the Pony Express at St. Joseph. This same railroad was one of the earliest predecessors of the railroad that was dedicating its new Mark Twain Zephyr in Hannibal that day, the Burlington.

Nina Gabrilowitsch dedicates the Mark Twain Zephyr -
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

In the above photograph, you may have noticed Nina Gabrilowitsch with some children dressed up in costume standing in front of the Mark Twain Zephyr. There was actually an eleven-city regional competition in which children dressed up to be chosen to represent Mark Twain's three most-famous characters... Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn, and Becky Thatcher. The winning trios from Burlington (Iowa), Fort. Madison (Iowa), Keokuk (Iowa), Hannibal (Missouri), Canton (Missouri), La Grange (Missouri), Quincy (Illinois), Louisiana (Missouri), Clarksville (Missouri), Elsberry (Missouri), and St. Louis (Missouri) were escorts to Nina throughout the day.

Many children competed in the contests for the best Tom Sawyer, Huckleberry Finn and Becky Thatcher held during the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication. The three contestants and woman standing in front of the Mark Twain Zephyr are unknown except Pary Bash (far right).
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The Tom Sawyer contestants pose with Nina Gabrilowitsch, granddaughter of Samuel Clemens.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

Ralph Budd, President of the CB & Q is surrounded by the Tom Sawyer contestants at the Mark Twain ZephyrDedication. Mr. Budd is in the process of giving the boys copies of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer" which have been autographed by Nina.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

: Although only one candidate could win, all of the Tom Sawyer contestants look as though they could have lived in 19th century Hannibal. The winner of the contest is Milton Duvall, Jr. of Clarksville, Missouri. (far right).
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The Tom Sawyer contestants pose in front of the Tom Sawyer railroad car, part of the Mark Twain Zephyr.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The Becky Thatcher contestants and Nina Gabrilowitsch pose before the Mark Twain Zephyr. Featured in the picture are Betty Stephens of LaGrange, Missouri (winner, 5th from the right).
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The twelve Becky Thatcher contestants, representing cities along the Mark Twain Zephyr's route (St. Louis, Missouri, to Burlington, Iowa), pose beside the Becky Thatcher car, the baggage car, of the train.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The Becky Thatcher contestants are decked out in costume as they pose before the Becky Thatcher car of the Mark Twain Zephyr. Each girl represents a different town on the Zephyr's route.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The Becky Thatcher contestants are decked out in costume as they pose before the Becky Thatcher car of the Mark Twain Zephyr. Each girl represents a different town on the Zephyr's route.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The boys competing for the title of Huckleberry Finn pose by the dining car of the Mark Twain Zephyr The winner of the contest is Harold Timmerman (far left, front row).
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The boys competing for the title of Huckleberry Finn pose by the dining car of the Mark Twain Zephyr. The winner of the contest is Harold Timmerman (far left, front row).
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

Nina Gabrilowitsch is seen judging the Huck Finn contestants during the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The winners of the day's contests - pictured (from left) are Becky Thatcher (Betty Stephens of LaGrange, Missouri), Tom Sawyer (Milton Duvall, Jr. of Clarksville, Missouri) and Huckleberry Finn (Harold Timmerman of Burlington, Iowa).
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

(from left to right) Harold Timmerman (Huckleberry Finn winner), Martin Duvall, Jr. (Tom Sawyer winner) and Betty Stephens (Becky Thatcher winner) pose beside the Mark Twain Zephyr.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The winners of the three-character contests during the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication pose with Ralph Budd and Nina Gabrilowitsch during the festivities.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

Ralph Budd, Nina Gabrilowitsch, and the contest winners pose beside the Mark Twain Zephyr.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

The winners of the three contests held at the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication pose at Union Station. They are (from left) Betty Stephens (Becky Thatcher), Milton Duvall, Jr. (Tom Sawyer) and Harold Timmerman (Huckleberry Finn).
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

CBS takes the events of the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication via nationwide radio to those unable to attend. Standing by the Zephyr, contest winners Harold Timmerman of Burlington, Iowa (Huck Finn), Milton Duvall, Jr. of Clarksville, MO (Tom Sawyer), Betty Stephens of LaGrange, Missouri (Becky Thatcher), and Helen Graves, supervisor of music in the Hannibal Public Schools, observe the broadcast. The broadcaster is Del King.
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

A newspaper article provides a wrap-up of the Mark Twain Zephyr Dedication.
St. Louis Globe-Democrat Archives, October 26, 1935

The first regular service trip of the Mark Twain Zephyrwas made from Hannibal, Missouri, to St. Louis, Missouri, on Sunday, October 27, 1935. The scheduled trip for the Mark Twain Zephyr was a round-trip journey from St. Louis, Missouri, to Burlington, Iowa, however the railroad thought it appropriate to split the schedule for the first day and begin service at Hannibal. The normal schedule began Monday morning, October 28, 1935, at St. Louis.

This is the front of ticket #213 for the first trip of several round-trip excursions of the Mark Twain Zephyr, traveling from Hannibal, Missouri to Louisiana, Missouri and back. There are two small pieces missing on the lower right-hand corner which are punches made by the conductor on the trip. Two punches designate a round trip. On the ticket it advertises that the Zephyr's regular route will be St. Louis, Missouri to Burlington, Iowa and back again. It also notes that the world's record non-stop run of 1015 miles in 785 minutes at 77.6 mph, Denver to Chicago, was made May 26, 1934, by the first Zephyr.
Hannibal Free Public Library Collection

This is the back of ticket #213 cancelled with a stamp that states "HANNIBAL, MO. OCT 27 '35 51 UNION DEPOT." Two little pieces have been clipped out of the lower left hand portion. Each clip represents a punch made by the conductor, one for the trip one way, the other for the return trip.
Hannibal Free Public Library Collection

Railway Age Trade Journal

The next two images of this book feature the front/back view of the cover of theMark Twain Zephyr 's luncheon menu. On the front is the route of the Zephyr... showing each town on the line, with a special book designation on Hannibal, Missouri, where the book "Adventures of Tom Sawyer" was set. On the back is a brief description of Hannibal, Mark Twain and the Mississippi River and how they are interrelated.
Hannibal Free Public Library Collection

Hannibal Free Public Library Collection

This is the interior view of the luncheon menu of the Mark Twain Zephyr. -
Hannibal Free Public Library Collection

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Frank Caldwell, a long-time CB&Q engineer, stands in front of the Mark Twain Zephyr. On the far left of the engine is the number "9903". -
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Operating the Mark Twain Zephyr was not without its challenges. Turning a train at Burlington, Iowa, had never been a problem before, until the CB&Q's Operating Department was faced with the new fixed-consist, 280-foot-long train. The solution would be to construct a wye near Burlington. Those familiar with Burlington's yard there know that it hugs the Mississippi River to the east, and has businesses directly to the west. So, the question was, where do you build a new wye? The answer - a ravine about one mile south of the K-Line's junction with the Chicago-to-Denver mainline that, with minor effort, a wye could be constructed westward from the mainline into the limestone faced ravine at Cascade. Upon arrival from St. Louis, the Mark Twain Zephyr would wye at Cascade and back into the station at Burlington on Track #1. After it made connections at Burlington with the CB&Q's Chicago-Denver Aristocrat from both directions, the Mark Twain Zephyr was facing the correct way for a direct departure southbound back to St. Louis.

A 1937 aerial map of Burlington, Iowa showing various features.
Dave Lotz Collection

A photograph of the Mark Twain Zephyr leaving the Cascade Wye in Burlington. -
Hank Kuepper Photograph, Dave Lotz Collection

The special wye that the CB&Q constructed for the Mark Twain Zephyr is now a paved hiking trail in Burlington, Iowa... locals call it the "Sewer Trail". This photo of the trail is west of where the wye actually was, and unfortunately with the now-heavy overgrowth, it is hard to get a good photograph of the wye location. -
City of Burlington, Iowa

A 3-D Map of the former Mark Twain Zephyr wye in Burlington, Iowa; note the BNSF's K-Line located near the center of the photo and the Mississippi River on the right.

Burlington, Iowa's Union Depot (seen above) served passengers from 1893 until a fire destroyed it on January 20, 1943. -
John Kelly Collection

On the southern terminus of the Mark Twain Zephyr, common operating practice was to be backed into the St. Louis train shed by a Terminal Railroad Association of St. Louis (T.R.R.A.) crew and switcher. Since the Mark Twain Zephyr was built for streamline operation, the front coupler was designed to be retractable, however its design was flawed and it would not always work correctly. Sometimes it would collapse while it was engaged, or fail to remain in its proper working position at all times. Such problems with the cantankerous coupler, while a T.R.R.A. switcher was standing by to pull the train, could easily throw a wrench into the tightly scheduled routine at the tower. The solution was to have the train pull into the station head-first, and then after it had been emptied, the T.R.R.A. switcher would pull the train out using the coupler on the rear of the observation car.

Departing St. Louis on its daily round trip journey to Burlington, Iowa, the Mark Twain Zephyr rounds the east leg of the wye. -
Ray Tobey Photograph; BRHS Archives

Servicing the Mark Twain Zephyr also created a unique procedure in St. Louis. The normal operation was to separate the power and take it to 14th Street for servicing... and then the remainder of the train to one of the other yards for servicing and cleaning. However, with the fixed consist of the Mark Twain Zephyr, this was not possible. For the #9903 and her sisters, they were taken complete to the T.R.R.A.'s North Rankin Yard, where the locomotive unit was refueled, lubed, sanded, and watered by means of a diesel tank truck stationed at the yard, while at the same time, the rest of the train was being cleaned. After being refueled and washed, the entire train was taken back to the train shed by a T.R.R.A. switcher, observation car going first.

The Mark Twain Zephyr was well received by the Burlington's patrons; passenger traffic increased remarkably on the line between St. Louis, Missouri and Burlington, Iowa almost immediately.

Here's the original schedule and fares for the Mark Twain Zephyr; the "f" indicates a flag stop.

Servicing the Mark Twain Zephyr also created a unique procedure in St. Louis. The normal operation was to separate the power and take it to 14th Street for servicing... and then the remainder of the train to one of the other yards for servicing and cleaning. However, with the fixed consist of the Mark Twain Zephyr, this was not possible. For the #9903 and her sisters, they were taken complete to the T.R.R.A.'s North Rankin Yard, where the locomotive unit was refueled, lubed, sanded, and watered by means of a diesel tank truck stationed at the yard, while at the same time, the rest of the train was being cleaned. After being refueled and washed, the entire train was taken back to the train shed by a T.R.R.A. switcher, observation car going first.

A January 5, 1936, newspaper article discusses the faster travel times. -
Chicago Tribune

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Less than one year into its service between Burlington, Iowa, and St. Louis, Missouri, the management of the CB&Q had other plans for the train set of the Mark Twain Zephyr. The increase in passenger levels on the three Zephyr routes made an impression on management (for example, in July and August of 1935, over 5,000 passengers could not be accommodated on the Zephyrs). To meet the demand, the Chicago-to-Twin Cities service was doubled, with each train set making two complete round-trips per day. But even that proved to be insufficient. Then the solution was to increase the size of the trains, but the 600 horsepower Winton engines would not handle the number of cars that was projected to handle the demand. The Burlington decided to try a Zephyr on the Chicago-to-Denver route. Two ten-car train sets were placed on order that would be pulled by two detached shovelnose diesels. Shortly thereafter, two new six-car train sets were ordered for the Twin Zephyrs, also with detached power units. So, what does this have to do with the Mark Twain Zephyr? To publicize the new Denver Zephyrs and to start building a larger passenger base, the Burlington reassigned the Mark Twain Zephyr train set (and the #9900 Pioneer Zephyr) to be the Advanced Denver Zephyrs. One train set would run each direction between Chicago and Denver, Colorado, on a 16-hour schedule daily.

The Mark Twain Zephyr, seen here at Denver, Colorado on July 25, 1937. It was for a short time substituting as the Advance Denver Zephyr. -
Photographer unknown, print by Tom Klinger, Chuck Zeiler Collection

The Mark Twain Zephyr equipment in service as an Advance Denver Zephyr, as seen here on June 28, 1936. It would continue on this route for about five more months. -
Denver Public Library, Western History Department

The Mark Twain Zephyr train set. -
Denver Public Library, Western History Department

The Mark Twain Zephyr train set. -
Denver Public Library, Western History Department

The Mark Twain Zephyr train set. -
Denver Public Library, Western History Department

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

A Budd brochure released on the first anniversary of the Mark Twain Zephyr in October 1936. -
Budd Company Collection

This service, to capitalize on summer business and to protect the U.S. Mail contract, began on May 31, 1936, and operated until the permanent Denver Zephyr equipment was placed in service on November 8, 1936. Although there were no sleepers on either train, the timetable provided a 5:30PM Central Time departure from Chicago, with arrival in Denver at 8:30AM Mountain Time the next morning. The train would cover the 1,034 miles at an average speed of 64.63 miles per hour. The eastbound departure from Denver was at 4:00PM Mountain Time, with a 9:00AM Central Time arrival in Chicago.

Business on the Advanced Denver Zephyrs was almost at or near 100 percent capacity, with between 70 and 75 percent through traffic between Chicago and Denver. The trains operated consistently on time and attracted not only passengers... but many trackside viewers as well. It is recorded that as many as 200 people per day came to see the Mark Twain Zephyr and Pioneer Zephyr each day at stations like Galesburg, Illinois, and Burlington, Iowa.

Newspaper article (1936) mentions the Mark Twain Zephyr shifting to Chicago-Denver service instead of running through Missouri to Iowa. -
The Marion County Standard; Palmyra, Missouri

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Collection

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Collection

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Collection

The Mark Twain Zephyr returned to its original intended route between St. Louis, Missouri to Burlington, Iowa on January 5, 1937.

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Throughout 1937, the consist of the Mark Twain Zephyr primarily was used on its original route from St. Louis to Burlington --- however it was also often pulled to fill-in for other trains.

Here is where the train was assigned during that year:

January 5, 1937 to February 8, 1937
St. Louis to Burlington, Iowa
Trains #43 & #44 / Mark Twain Zephyr

February 9, 1937 to February 18, 1937
St. Louis to Kansas City, Missouri
Trains #29 & #30 / Ozark State Zephyr

February 19, 1937 to June 15, 1937
St. Louis to Burlington, Iowa
Trains #43 & #44 / Mark Twain Zephyr

June 18, 1937 to September 7, 1937
Chicago to Burlington, Iowa
Trains #1-10 / Advance Denver Zephyr

September 9, 1937 to December 15, 1937
St. Louis to Burlington, Iowa
Trains #43 & #44 / Mark Twain Zephyr

December 16, 1937 to December 26, 1937
St. Louis to Kansas City, Missouri
Trains #29 & #30 / Ozark State Zephyr

December 27, 1937 to February 27, 1938
St. Louis to Burlington, Iowa
Trains #43 & #44 / Mark Twain Zephyr

A CB&Q timetable from 1937 featuring the Mark Twain Zephyr -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

A 1937 letter from a Mark Twain Zephyr passenger. -
KeokukUnionDepot.org

After a few years on its original route through Missouri and Iowa (except for the occasional fill-in service mentioned in 1937), the Mark Twain Zephyr was reassigned to service in Texas (see below news article), running between the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston, substituting for the Texas Rocket train, which was damaged in a derailment that injured four.

The reassignment to Texas occurred for about two weeks between February 27, 1938 and March 10, 1938.

A display ad from February 28, 1938 mentions the reassignment of the Mark Twain Zephyr through portions of Texas, including Dallas and Houston. -
Fort Worth Star-Telegram Archives

After a couple of weeks of service on the route of the Texas Rocket, CB&Q returned the Mark Twain Zephyr again to its original route along the Mississippi River between St. Louis, Missouri, and Burlington, Iowa on March 11, 1938.

C.W. Hunt of Hannibal, a conductor on the Mark Twain Zephyr, stands by the rear of the train. On the rear of the car, a round likeness of Mark Twain is seen. Photo is circa 1938. -
Hannibal Free Library Photograph

C.W. Hunt, conductor, stands by the passenger car "Tom Sawyer" of the Mark Twain Zephyr. He has prepared the car for loading by passengers as is evidenced by the stepping stool below the mid-car entrance. -
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

Steve Mazanek / Grayland Station Collection; Chicago, Illinois

Steve Mazanek / Grayland Station Collection; Chicago, Illinois

This poster features the Burlington's eight Zephyrs, including the Mark Twain Zephyr.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Steve Mazanek / Grayland Station Collection; Chicago, Illinois

Steve Mazanek / Grayland Station Collection; Chicago, Illinois

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

The Mark Twain Zephyr leaving St. Louis, Missouri and heading north to Burlington, Iowa. Photo taken near the Gratiot Street Tower on July 12, 1938... just months before the train was reassigned to St. Louis-to-Kansas City service. -
Walt Peters Photograph / Bill Raia Collection

The northbound Mark Twain Zephyr passes through Viele, Iowa. -
Unknown Photographer / Dave Lotz Collection

The northbound Mark Twain Zephyr passes under the McKinley Bridge. -
Photographer Unknown / Bill Raia Collection

The southbound Mark Twain Zephyr speeds along near Montrose, Iowa. -
Photographer Unknown / Dave Lotz Collection

On September 20, 1938, the train set of the Mark Twain Zephyr would once again be taken off its original route by the CB&Q. During the late 1930's and early 1940's, the equipment would still operate out of St. Louis, but instead of heading north to Burlington, Iowa, the train would operate westbound to Kansas City, Missouri. During this period, the 'Becky Thatcher' baggage car was removed for at least a portion of the time.

Rail historians note that Ozark State Zephyr service started in December 1936 and, at first, featured #9902, one the original three-car Twin Cities Zephyrs. When #9902 was transferred to the Rock Island ownership and moved to Texas... #9903, the Mark Twain Zephyr, was moved off its original route and used in St. Louis-to-Kansas City service. For the first few months of operations, the equipment of the Mark Twain Zephyr was referred to as the Ozark State Zephyr in timetables. It ran on the route opposite of the Night Hawk, which was pulled by a steam engine (see ad below).

On April 30, 1939, #9903 was then teamed up with a new sister train, the General Pershing Zephyr, to provide twice daily service on the route. The Ozark State Zephyr name was retired at this time with #9903 reverting back to its original Mark Twain Zephyr name in the public timetables.

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

While in this service, the familiar Burlington Route herald on the nose of the #9903 was altered to read "Alton Burlington", reflecting the joint route with the Alton between St. Louis and Kansas City. However, other markings on the Mark Twain Zephyr remained, and the passenger timetables still showed the train as the Mark Twain Zephyr (post-May 1, 1939).

The Mark Twain Zephyr after receiving its new 'Alton-Burlington' nose herald. -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

A CB&Q advertisement from 1938; note the Mark Twain Zephyr is no longer listed - that is because the train set was referred to in timetables as the Ozark State Zephyr for a short period in late 1938 and 1939 before its original name was restored. -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

This 1938 timetable from the CB&Q shows the #9903 train set as the Ozark State Zephyr. -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

The Mark Twain Zephyr name is restored in the June 1940 Burlington timetable. Note that the companion train switches to the General Pershing Zephyr. -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

A September 2, 1940, newspaper advertisement promoting the Burlington Zephyrs. -
The Lincoln Star Archives; Lincoln, Nebraska

The Mark Twain Zephyr train set is seen here leaving St. Louis, Missouri on its way to Kansas City, Missouri on August 6, 1940. -
Denver Public Library, Western History Department

In February 1942, the Mark Twain Zephyr was removed from the St. Louis to Kansas City route that it had been operating on for three-and-a-half years. According to the below newspaper article, the service change was due to an increase in the price of track rental that the Alton Railroad was charging the Burlington. The train set once again returned to its original St. Louis, Missouri, to Burlington, Iowa, routing.

A February 12, 1942 newspaper article on the Mark Twain Zephyr service change -
Moberly Monitor-Index Archives; Moberly, Missouri

The Mark Twain Zephyr was once again reassigned to its original routing between St. Louis, Missouri, and Burlington, Iowa, starting in March 1942. It would generally remain in operation on this route for the next decade.

The exterior of a Mark Twain Zephyr brochure from the 1940's.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

The interior of a Mark Twain Zephyr brochure from the 1940's.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

The interior of a Mark Twain Zephyr brochure from the 1940's.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

This map, put out by the CB&Q on March 15, 1942, shows the various Zephyrs; note the Mark Twain Zephyr is shown back here on its original routing. -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

A November 16, 1942, newspaper ad mentions the Mark Twain Zephyr -
St. Louis Globe-Democrat Archives

A very special ceremony was held at Union Depot in Hannibal, Missouri, on October 25, 1945, to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of the dedication of the Mark Twain Zephyr. The train set was still in really good shape, especially considering it had traveled 1,767,180 miles at that point. President Harry S. Truman, who attended the original dedication ceremony as a U.S. Senator, was invited, but unable to attend and sent a congratulatory telegram.

Crowds gather on October 25, 1945 on the 10th Anniversary of the Mark Twain Zephyr. -
Hannibal Free Public Library Photograph

October 13, 1945 newspaper article about the Mark Twain Zephyr's 10th Anniversary.
The Daily Oklahoman; Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

October 14, 1945 newspaper article about the Mark Twain Zephyr's 10th Anniversary.
The St. Louis Globe-Democrat; St. Louis, Missouri

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

The Mark Twain Zephyr is honored for its tenth birthday. The celebration includes the placement of 10-year chevrons (look for the two marks located by the door in the above photo) by Ralph Budd, President of the CB&Q Railroad. The chevrons would remain on the train until 1950, its 25th Anniversary. -
Photographer Unknown / Dave Lotz Collection

An October 25, 1945 newspaper article on the 10th Anniversary of the Mark Twain Zephyr. -
St. Joseph News-Press; St. Joseph, Missouri

As seen in the above photo, a mars light was added to "Injun Joe" in 1947. Engineer C.E. Worden is seen here posing for a photograph with the Mark Twain Zephyr.
http://industryscenery.blogspot.com / Jerry Worden Photograph

The Mark Twain Zephyr was cancelled for a few days after heavy rains and flooding caused problems with the tracks in Iowa in early June 1947. -
The Dispatch; Moline, Illinois

Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

A portion of a CB&Q Timetable from December 1947 shows the Mark Twain Zephyr. -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

A portion of a CB&Q Timetable from December 1947 shows the Mark Twain Zephyr. -
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

The Mark Twain Zephyr made headlines in the May 11, 1948 edition of the St. Louis Star and Times, as it was one of the first trains out after a rail strike was averted. -
St. Louis Star and Times; St. Louis, Missouri

The Mark Twain Zephyr, as seen at the Burlington, Iowa, depot on the Axle Track in 1948. -
Jim Ewinger Photograph, Dave Lotz Collection

The northbound Mark Twain Zephyr at Louisiana, Missouri in April 1948. -
Castle Graphics Photography

The Mark Twain Zephyr made newspaper headlines across the Midwest following two accidents which occurred during the summer and autumn of 1948. On Saturday, July 31, 1948, the train derailed at the railroad bridge over Devils Creek about four miles west of Viele, Iowa. According to below newspaper report, the train was traveling "faster than normal to make up time. The trucks on the engine unit jumped the rails while the train was traveling at high speed and 300 feet before it crosses a bridge." (Note: Rail historian David Lotz questions some of the things mentioned in this newspaper article, including speed being a factor in the accident and that the Mark Twain Zephyr was the "first of the streamliners.") Only two passengers sustained minor injuries. On Wednesday, October 17, 1948, the train set was again damaged after hitting a loaded sand truck at Spring Grove, Iowa. No passengers, nor the truck driver, were hurt.

Newspaper article about the July 31, 1948 derailment of the Mark Twain Zephyr. -
The Palmyra Spectator; Palmyra, Missouri

The above six film slides were taken from the July 1948 derailment of the Mark Twain Zephyr. One of the photos shows the "Becky Thatcher" and the 'Huckleberry Finn' (both of which appear to be derailed); several other photos show the Burlington Route engine, with the pulley from the wrecker attached. From a distance, in another photo, you can see the wrecker and other support cars. Finally, one of the photos shows personnel inspecting the trestle, where the source of the derailment must have occurred.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

A newspaper article covering the July 31, 1948 derailment of the Mark Twain Zephyr. Rail historian Dave Lotz notes the accident happened compass direction west, but train direction south. -
The Sioux City Journal; Sioux City, Iowa August 2, 1948 Edition

The Dispatch; Moline, Illinois October 28, 1948 Edition

The northbound Mark Twain Zephyr at Keokuk, Iowa in 1949, after its oscillating Mars light had been added. -
Charles Franzen Photograph; Rob Adams Collection

The Mark Twain Zephyr was so crowded on Memorial Day Weekend, 1949, that passengers had to ride in the baggage car full of milk, chickens, and other cargo. -
The St. Louis Star and Times; St. Louis, Missouri; May 31, 1949 Edition

In the above photos from the 1950's, both the Pioneer Zephyr (left) and the Mark Twain Zephyr (right) stand at the soon-to-be retired depot at Quincy, Illinois. The Pioneer Zephyr equipment was operating a daily round-trip to Galesburg, Illinois, at this point as nameless Train #6 and #11, and the Mark Twain Zephyr was still running on its original Burlington, Iowa to St. Louis, Missouri run. -
Philip A. Weibler Photograph.

Interestingly enough, in the early 1950's, the Mark Twain Zephyr had two separate incidents involving Mississippi River barges while operating on the CB&Q's 'K-Line', which parallels the busy shipping waterway in Iowa.

The first (and most serious) event occurred on Thursday, November 16, 1950. According to news reports, an empty oil barge belonging to the W.C. Harms Company went up on shore north of Keokuk, Iowa, and over the track. 'Injun Joe' and 'Becky Thatcher' (as seen below in the newspaper clipping) derailed as a result of striking the barge. There was only one minor injury, and the 19 passengers on board continued to Burlington via a Keokuk City bus. Rail traffic had to be rerouted via the Carthage branch until the two units could be re-railed. The first wrecker sent from Galesburg was too light for the task and a second wrecker had to be sent.

Less than one year later, on Sunday, August 19, 1951, newspaper reports indicate that a barge also was washed ashore and over the tracks of the K-Line near the exact same spot in Keokuk. (Lessons not learned?) Luckily, the engineer was able to slow down in time and the Mark Twain Zephyr did not end up striking it. There was, however, a delay for workers to clear the tracks.

Newspaper article about the November 16, 1950, train vs. barge accident. -
The York Dispatch

Newspaper article about the November 16, 1950, train vs. barge accident. -
The York Dispatch

Newspaper article about the November 16, 1950, train vs. barge accident. -
The St. Louis Globe Democrat
(Rail historian Dave Lotz notes an error in the above newspaper article, as the Mark Twain Zephyr was actually northbound, en route to Burlington, Iowa NOT St. Louis at the time of the accident.)

Newspaper article about the November 16, 1950 train vs. barge accident -
The Spokesman Review; Spokane, Washington

Newspaper article about the August 19, 1951 barge that hit the railroad tracks -
The Dispatch; Moline, Illinois

Passengers prepare to board the Mark Twain Zephyr on November 1, 1951. -
http://www.railheritage.org

These two photographs show the rear of the Mark Twain Zephyr in West Quincy, Missouri waiting for the signal to depart on its journey in 1952. -
State Historical Society of Missouri

The rear of the Mark Twain Zephyr, as seen at the train depot in Hannibal, Missouri in 1952 -
State Historical Society of Missouri

The Mark Twain Zephyr and Pioneer Zephyr next to each other in Quincy, Illinois, circa 1952 -
State Historical Society of Missouri

The side of the Mark Twain Zephyr while parked at Hannibal Union Depot in 1952 -
State Historical Society of Missouri

CB&Q Conductor Ben T. Miller often worked on the Mark Twain Zephyr. -
Phil Roberts Collection

Did you know that the popularity of the Mark Twain Zephyr and the other Burlington Zephyr train sets inspired several amusement rides around the United States during the 1940's, 1950's, and 1960's? One of the most popular was called the "Silver Flash" the roller coaster was located at Riverview Amusement Park on the north side of Chicago.

Photograph of the "Silver Flash" roller coaster at the now-defunct Riverview Amusement Park in Chicago, Illinois -
Top Photos: Rita Tabern Collection
Third Photo: Diane French Collection
Bottom Photo: Marty Moody Collection

After more than a decade of carrying passengers on its original route along the Mississippi River, the CB&Q decided to put the Mark Twain Zephyr into service between Galesburg, Illinois and St. Joseph, Missouri (via Quincy, Illinois and Brookfield, Missouri). #9900, the Pioneer Zephyr, was also assigned to this route - providing complimentary service in the opposite direction each day of the Mark Twain Zephyr.

In January 1953, the Mark Twain Zephyr was assigned to service with the #9900 (Pioneer Zephyr) between Galesburg, Illinois, and St. Joseph, Missouri, via Quincy. This image clearly shows the three 5-year service bars on the left-hand nose of #9903, representing its 15+ years in service. -
Philip A. Weibler Photograph

Phil Weibler was aboard the eastbound Kansas City Zephyr riding through Brookfield, Missouri, in 1954 and shot the back of the Train #4 from the Vista-Dome. -
Philip A. Weibler Photograph

The #9903, the Mark Twain Zephyr, is throttling up with a hint of smoke at its western terminus of St. Joseph, Missouri on an unknown day in 1956. -
Dick Rumbolz Photograph / Chuck Zeiler Collection

A CB&Q System Map shows the route of the Mark Twain Zephyr from 1953 to 1957.

The Mark Twain Zephyr passes through Macon, Missouri in 1957. -
Phil Roberts Collection

Almost fittingly, for its final year of service on the CB&Q, the railroad reassigned the Mark Twain Zephyr train set to its original route between St. Louis, Missouri and Burlington, Iowa. If you have kept track of the various moves on and off its original (almost default-like) route, you will note that the Mark Twain Zephyr operated over the 'K-Line' through Missouri and Iowa at four different periods in its history: October 1935 and May 1936, December 1936 to May 1938, February 1942 to January 1953 and then May 1957 through May 1958.

The Mark Twain Zephyr's last assignment starting in May of 1957, would bring it back home to serve the St. Louis to Burlington market until its retirement the following year (May 1958). Here is a photo of the train set at West Quincy, Missouri. -
Wilber St. Peter Photograph, Iowa Chapter NRHS Collection

A photograph of the Mark Twain Zephyr from September 18, 1957. The Lankford family looks on proudly as Forest Lankford, an engineer on the Mark Twain Zephyr, is honored for fifty years of service. From left are Everett Powell (conductor), Lankford (engineer) and various members of Lankford's family. In the door of the cab is Lloyd Engle (fireman). Master Mechanic, L. G. Harvel, is located fourth from the right.
Dave Lotz Collection

The Mark Twain Zephyr stops at the Keokuk, Iowa depot during the 1950's. -
www.KeokukUnionDepot.org

The Mark Twain Zephyr makes a stop in Louisiana, Missouri in the late 1950's. -
Louisiana, Missouri Historical Museum

So, what exactly happened to the Mark Twain Zephyr following its final runs between St. Louis and Burlington, Iowa, in May 1958? After being put into storage for a year or so, the equipment was sold off to a number of private owners throughout the years, each had hopes of restoring and running it, but failed for one reason or another in reaching their dreams.

This November 1957 - April 1958 timetable was the last one to list the Mark Twain Zephyr.
Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad Collection

Following its final run in May 1958, the Mark Twain Zephyr was put in storage by the CB&Q in Burlington, Iowa.
Dave Lotz Collection

So what happened to the Mark Twain Zephyr after it was put in storage by the CB&Q? Click on the link to the left that reads, "MTZ History: 1959-2020" to continue the story of where the train set has been after its retirement.

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