Atlas California Zephyr continuing series, a photo album

 

 

California Zephyr and the legendary EMC/EMD E5 a true

Symphony in Stainless Steel

Although not common on the California Zephyr the CB&Q E5 is without doubt the ideal power for the CZ or any stainless steel consist for that matter.

In the very beginning of CZ history; back in 1949 the CB&Q ran a test consist with Silver Clipper doing the honors. Silver Clipper was a Phase II E5 unlike my Phase I model imported by Key Model Imports in 2011/2012.

Photo copyright: (c) my good late friend David Van Droonon

David's father took this in Illinois back in early 1949.

Skirts removed and early modifications the "Black Nose" would have been the era these stainless masterpieces would have escorted the CZ into Denver.

Doesn't get any better than that.

Thanks Howard. Continuing the series of the CZ photo album.

Nice shots Santiago! Can you take a close up of the F3 for the series!?

Erik, I just gotta believe that Richard Steinheimer would be pleased with the dark backgrounds in your photography.

Erik you never cease to amaze me with the quality of your pictures. even tho i model eastern railroads you are starting to break me down. you need to stop this madness or i might be forced to buy this train(i just hope that Erik's finance company will approve my loan!!!!) seriously keep these great photos coming.

       
       


Wow man! Thanks I'm not worthy of all that buddy; but I sure do enjoy it that you like the captures.

As a really amateur photographer I really appreciate the technique that Eric and others use to present these models. 

 

Eric and others, thank you.

 

Dick

 

 

 

Very realistic photos with amazing cars and engines 

Continuing the series we look at the Silver Lady's beautiful Western Pacific orange and silver EMD F units.

 

Many feel this was the prettiest of all the CZ schemes and the look the designers had in mind for the F3's in 1949. 

 

Bob Meyer sent these to me to add to the series.

Thanks Bob!

 

 

EMD dual service F7's

Steam generators in the B units.

Continuing the series of Atlas O's California Zephyr Photo Album I dug out a favorite we all know well.

One of my favorite paint schemes the Rio Grande used was the full nose yellow safety version of the "Bumblebee" as delivered scheme applied on EMD's trustworthy D&RGW dual service F7's. in 1949 through 1953 these fine locomotives could be seen in charge of the CZ often between the Aspen, the 4 stripe schemes.

Bumblebee was seen in four flavors on the CZ

FT, F3, F7, & PA

Very nice!

Pilots for the upcoming releases!

After these two cars all we need is the conductors window DC and we have a compels (iPhone insisted that was "complete") consist!

Well, I think the ATSF warbonnet still wins as the "prettiest" F3s but this comes in close second.  Just too bad the D&RGW didn't stick with their second CZ scheme a bit longer rather than the bumblebee scheme for their CZ F3s: IMO. 

Question for all you experts, did the Zephyr ever have an RPO car or REX?  Thanks,  

 

Dick

No.

Does anybody have any pictures of Atlas's York both with the 12 car set running we can add to this thread?

Please take some guys post them!