Established as a "cruise train," the California Zephyr initiated service on March 20, 1949, heading eastbound to Chicago. In the first years, the CZ, as it came to be known, was the principal train between Chicago and San Francisco, covering the 2,532 miles in just over two days, traveling "the scenic way across America."
The scheduling of the CZ purposefully put it in the magnificent landscape of the Rocky Mountains and Feather River during daylight hours, much to the delight of passengers. With its breathtaking scenery outside and excellent service inside, the CZ was "the most talked about train in the country."
The California Zephyr was run as a shared effort between the CB&Q, D&RGW, and Western Pacific railroads, and was made up of a mix of cars provided by the three roads, and was pulled by different sets of locomotives through the three main legs of its journey.
Complete with Unitrack for display and special packaging, this 11-car set includes Baggage Car "Silver Stag," Dome Coaches "Silver Pony" , "Silver Sage" and "Silver Lariat," Dome Buffet "Silver Roundup," 10-6 Sleepers "Silver Range" , "Silver Bay," and "Silver Summit," Diner "Silver Restaurant," 16-Section Sleeper "Silver Pine" and Dome-Observation "Silver Horizon." Each features low flange wheels, Kato magnetic knuckle couplers and shock absorber construction for smooth and reliable operation.
Car interiors can be illuminated with #381-11209 or 381-11210 Interior Light Kits with White LED, sold separately.
Correct WP, DRGW and Cb&Q F3 diesels are available separately for operation or display with the cars.
The scheduling of the CZ purposefully put it in the magnificent landscape of the Rocky Mountains and Feather River during daylight hours, much to the delight of passengers. With its breathtaking scenery outside and excellent service inside, the CZ was "the most talked about train in the country."
The California Zephyr was run as a shared effort between the CB&Q, D&RGW, and Western Pacific railroads, and was made up of a mix of cars provided by the three roads, and was pulled by different sets of locomotives through the three main legs of its journey.
Complete with Unitrack for display and special packaging, this 11-car set includes Baggage Car "Silver Stag," Dome Coaches "Silver Pony" , "Silver Sage" and "Silver Lariat," Dome Buffet "Silver Roundup," 10-6 Sleepers "Silver Range" , "Silver Bay," and "Silver Summit," Diner "Silver Restaurant," 16-Section Sleeper "Silver Pine" and Dome-Observation "Silver Horizon." Each features low flange wheels, Kato magnetic knuckle couplers and shock absorber construction for smooth and reliable operation.
Car interiors can be illuminated with #381-11209 or 381-11210 Interior Light Kits with White LED, sold separately.
Correct WP, DRGW and Cb&Q F3 diesels are available separately for operation or display with the cars.