Mark Twain Zephyr

The Mark Twain Zephyr was an early four-unit articulated zephyr that was similar to the Pioneer Zephyr in style. The train was built by the Budd Company and was powered by a diesel engine produced by the Winton Engine Company. The train was named after the renowned author Mark Twain because it was scheduled to provide service from St. Louis, Missouri to Burlington, Iowa via Hannibal, Missouri, his hometown. The train's exterior structure used stainless steel, and had a "shovel nose" front.[1]

Postcard depiction of the train circa 1935

The locomotive, number 9903, was named Injun Joe. The three cars received other names of Mark Twain characters, Becky Thatcher, Tom Sawyer and Huck Finn. The train was christened on October 25, 1935 in Hannibal by Nina Clemens Gabilowitsch (1910-1966), the granddaughter and ultimately last descendant of its namesake. The ceremony was broadcast coast to coast on CBS radio. Two days later, it entered revenue service.[2]

It was retired by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q) and then was purchased by Frank Dashner of Glenwood, Iowa in June 1960. In June 1962, the train was acquired by Ernie Hayes for $6,500 and placed on exhibit at the Midwest Old Thresher Association grounds in Mount Pleasant, Iowa. In 1972, after many years of neglect, the train was sold to Alex Barkett of the Building Leasing Corporation, and moved to Kansas City.

After Barkett died, title transferred to the Civic Plaza National Bank and in September 1987 the train was moved to the Mid America Car Corporation. In 1984, Dave Stimson, a player for the Kansas City Chiefs, purchased the equipment. In 1987, the train was sold to John C. Lowe, who, with two other individuals, formed the Mark Twain Corporation. Through 2007, the train was in unrestored condition and located in Minooka, Illinois.

In August 2008, it was shown by Gateway Rail Services in nearby Madison, Illinois to a group from the 2008 St. Louis Railroad Prototype Modelers Meet. A 2011 report from a Burlington railfan says the train is still at Gateway. A Google Maps view of the facility shows the trainset's separate cars grounded inside the main gate area. A fifth "Zephyr" car (car 500), apparently the dinette-coach built for the Pioneer Zephyr, is also stored there. The train set is currently for sale.

On July 27, 2020, TRAINS Magazine reported that Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad announced the purchase of the Mark Twain Zephyr and its plans for restoration to running condition. The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel also reported on the purchase and restoration project.[3]

References
  1. Mann, Charles F.A. (September 17, 1935). "Most Powerful Diesel Ready for Rail Service". The Meriden Daily Journal. Retrieved March 28, 2012.
  2. Lotz, David (2002). "History of the Mark Twain Zephyr". RPO. Retrieved October 26, 2012.
  3. Jones, Meg (August 15, 2020). "A 1930s Mark Twain Zephyr train is being restored to its former Art Deco glory in northern Wisconsin". The Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel.
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