The history of the CB&Q's California Zephyr, one of the last great named passenger trains. Learn how three great railroads cooperated to provide fast, comfortable, family-friendly service from Chicago to Oakland and San Francisco in some of the most stylish passenger cars Budd ever manufactured. We'll begin with the early planning in the 1940's and conclude with the last scheduled trip prior to Amtrak taking over the route in 1970.

The history of the CB&Q's Pioneer Zephyr, one of the first diesel streamliners. Learn how Ralph Budd conceived of an all-stainless steel, diesel-powered, streamlined passenger train, designed from the start to be the 'last word' in rail passenger travel.... the Zephyr. We'll begin with the early planning in the 1930's, follow the train through it's long history on various routes, and conclude with the train's permanent home in the refurbished Museum of Science and Industry in Chicago.

Add (virtual) passengers to your passenger trains.

This clinic supplements my Layout Design clinic, focusing on the wide variety of facilities needed to service passenger trains at terminals, illustrated with track diagrams and slides of coach yards, Pullman buildings, commissaries, car washers, and mail and express buildings. Switching of terminals is described. A handout includes specifications for servicing platforms and utilities such as compressed air, steam, water, and electricity.

Track plans suggest how passenger terminal and main line layout design elements can be pulled together. Terminal layout design elements such as turning arrangements, express and mail facilities, and coach yard components such as car washers, servicing platforms, Pullman and commissary buildings, and craft shops will be covered. Main line elements discussed include junctions where trains are reassembled and through stations with passenger car setouts.