Named Trains: #25 – Mark Twain Zephyr

#25 – Mark Twain Zephyr

Railroad(s): Chicago, Burlington & Quincy 

Operated: 1935 – 1960

Route(s): St. Louis – Burlington

Like the Comet and Land O'Corn trains previously described in this series, the CB&Q – more commonly known as The Burlington Route, which ultimately became the Burlington Northern, part of today's BNSF – deployed streamlined trainsets on the Mark Twain Zephyr, which offered faster, more reliable service. Named for the route's territory along the banks of the Mississippi River where one of the nation's most famous writers was born and raised, the Zephyr's short, regional service paired well with Twain's iconic characters and settings. The streamlined trainsets cruised through the roughly 215-mile corridor in about 2 1/2 hours, much quicker than local roadways can get you there even today. The Mark Twain Zephyr name faded with the retirement of the streamlined equipment and service was gradually cutback on the route as the railroad discontinued its passenger operations through the 1960s.

#26 – Little Bear
#27 – Land O'Corn
#28 – Minute Man
#29 – Fast Mail
#30 – Lake Shore Limited
#31 – Comet