Besides route guidebooks, e-books, and MP3 podcasts... the Midwest Rail Rangers Store also has other items for sale. Perhaps you would enjoy learning more about the Mark Twain Zephyr? Our team spent more than two years conducting in-depth research and getting exclusive interviews about this train's history. The result was a three-volume book series and a companion DVD which are available below. We also have a new book about the Nebraska Zephyr, which has a rich history and is still in operation today at the Illinois Railway Museum outside of the Chicagoland area.
IMPORTANT TERMS AND CONDITIONS: Refunds, returns, or exchanges of any kind are not permitted. All sales are final. We try to keep a small inventory in-stock of all book titles, however sometimes books must be printed on-demand when they are ordered by our publisher. Allow 12 to 17 business days for your book to be printed and another three business days for shipping. If you need your book sooner than this, please consider purchasing an e-book instead. Expect 10 business days for DVD shipping. Prices listed do not including shipping costs and state sales tax. By purchasing a route guide book, e-book, MP3 podcast, DVD, or any other item from this website you are agreeing to these terms and conditions.
This book features information about all the different Zephyrs built over the years by the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad. Learn about such historic figures like Edward Budd and Ralph Budd. Plus, learn about the lesser-known people too, such as Albert and Walter Dean, brothers who came up with the blue prints and wind tunnel model for the Zephyrs. This book discusses the development of some of the first Zephyrs -- the Pioneer, Twin Cities, and Mark Twain. It goes on to explain the eventual expansion of the Zephyr to many other routes -- such as the Denver Zephyr and California Zephyr. We also explore some of the lesser known Zephyrs, too, such as the Sam Houston and Aksarben. 131 pages. Full color.
GODS & GODDESSES
The Nebraska Zephyr was a streamlined passenger train operated by the Chicago, Burlington and Quincy Railroad (CB&Q, commonly known by the shorter name of "Burlington") between Chicago, Illinois; Omaha, Nebraska; and Lincoln, Nebraska, from 1947 to 1971. Until 1968, the service was provided by two Twin Cities Zephyr articulated trainsets — the "Train of the Gods" and "Train of the Goddesses" — that became synonymous with it. The Nebraska Zephyr was one of many trains discontinued when Amtrak began operations in 1971. The "Train of the Goddesses" set is preserved at the Illinois Railway Museum in Union, Illinois. 106 pages. Full Color.
HISTORY, RESTORATION
& REBIRTH
ALL THREE VOLUMES
BUY TOGETHER --- AND SAVE! This is the best deal we are offering on the complete book series anywhere. You get all three volumes of the popular book series, "Mark Twain Zephyr: History, Restoration, and Rebirth". This includes: VOLUME ONE covering the construction of the Mark Twain Zephyr and its beginnings on the CB&Q, VOLUME TWO covering its later years on the CB&Q and 60 years in private ownership, and VOLUME THREE covering its move to Wisconsin and an in-depth look at the first two years of the restoration process. 802 pages in three volumes. Full Color.
HISTORY, RESTORATION
& REBIRTH - VOLUME ONE
This is VOLUME ONE of a comprehensive three volume book series about the Mark Twain Zephyr historic streamliner. Chapter One provides an overview of the shovelnose Zephyrs designed for the CB&Q in the mid-1930's. Learn about important players in the process including Edward Budd, Ralph Budd, and Albert & Walter Dean. Information is also provided on the Pioneer Zephyr, Twin Zephyrs, Denver Zephyrs, and the General Pershing Zephyr. Chapter Two goes over the detailed process of building the Mark Twain Zephyr at Budd in Summer 1935. Chapter Three covers the pre-dedication tour, speed trials in Nebraska, and the October 25, 1935 dedication in Hannibal, Missouri. 263 pages, Full Color.
HISTORY, RESTORATION
& REBIRTH - VOLUME TWO
This is VOLUME TWO of a comprehensive three volume book series about the Mark Twain Zephyr historic streamliner. Chapter Four focuses on the Mark Twain Zephyr's operations on the Chicago, Burlington & Quincy Railroad between 1935 and 1958. Did you know that it actually only operated on its "home route" through Iowa, Illinois, and Missouri for just about half the time? Chapter Five focuses on the Mark Twain Zephyr's private ownership between 1958 and 2020. During this 62 year period, the train had no less than nine private owners... each with their own vision for the train. Chapter Six focuses on the restoration plan for the Mark Twain Zephyr. 285 pages, Full Color.
HISTORY, RESTORATION
& REBIRTH - VOLUME THREE
This is VOLUME THREE of a comprehensive three volume book series about the Mark Twain Zephyr historic streamliner. Chapter Seven chronicles the move of the Mark Twain Zephyr that took place in July, August, and September 2020 between the St. Louis area and Northwest Wisconsin. Chapter Eight immerses the reader into the first two years of the train's reconstruction in Northwest Wisconsin (September 2020 thru September 2022). Follow along as "Injun Joe", "Becky Thatcher", "Huckleberry Finn", and "Tom Sawyer" get new life. Chapter Nine is a 'bonus' and provides a guide for the route of the Mark Twain Zephyr between St. Louis and Burlington. 284 Pages, Full Color.
AMERICA'S NEW FRIEND
COLLECTOR'S DVD
This DVD produced by the Midwest Rail Rangers features exclusive content about the history, restoration, and rebirth of the Mark Twain Zephyr. This is a great companion to the three-volume book series. The DVD is hosted/narrated by authors Kandace and Robert Tabern. Featured are over 50 interviews filmed across the country with people who have a connection to the train, including the granddaughter of Edward Budd and great grandchildren of Ralph Budd. The DVD also features exclusive Mark Twain Zephyr songs written by Deborah White and George Roberson; performed by musician Jake Clayton.
73 minutes in length. HD DVD.
$5 from every DVD purchase is donated to the Hannibal History Museum
Please note that all purchases are final. Refunds are never given for our route guide books, PDF e-books, MP3 podcasts, DVD, or any other products. Before making a purchase, it is the customer's responsibility to make sure they have proper internet and computer speeds to download the large MP3 or PDF file they will receiving. By making a purchase, you are hereby legally agreeing to these terms and conditions and our no refund policy, as stated. If you do not agree with these terms, do not make a purchase.