The Pioneer Zephyr is an ICONIC diesel-powered trainset built for the CB&Q (Burlington Route) in 1934. For 2026, KATO USA is recreating this model in its current appearance as displayed at the Museum of Science and Industry in N-Scale.

In the early 1930s, railroads suffered great losses as people stopped taking the train due to the Great Depression, and the automobile was gaining popularity. The CB&Q decided to strike up a deal with the Budd company to create a trainset of the future to appeal to customers.

On May 26th 1934, it set a speed record for travel between Denver and Chicago. It made a 1015.4 mile run in about 13 hours and 5 minutes. It was fast, efficient, and could travel long distances without fueling. Travel that normally took two days was cut in half. The Pioneer Zephyr even starred in the movie called The Silver Steak, which is probably a boring movie. I dont know.

The consist was finally retired in 1960, but