Burlington Zephyrs: America's Distinctive Trains Photo Archive

With declining passenger revenues Burlington President Ralph Budd realized something unique was needed to lure passengers back to train travel. The result was the Zephyr. The Zephyr's appeal during the Great Depression was tremendous, its sleek lines and streamline design was the beginning of a styling revolution. In 1934, the only real hope was the future and the future was the Zephyr. A Burlington Superintendent best summed the Zephyr experience in these words, ''You would first notice a speck of stainless-steel emerging out of the distant haze. Then in spectacular fashion it would flash by, a mass of shimmering steel, traveling a hundred miles an hour and within seconds vanish again in the distance.'' Featured in high quality photos and descriptive captions the Burlington Zephyrs are shown in a variety of scenic, rural and urban settings. Also included are vintage brochures, timetables, postcards and ads.