I have some questions regarding the Kansas City Zephyr in its early days of
operation (Spring 1953) at Kansas City Union Station. The train arrived
around 8 p.m. after an approximate eight-hour trip from Chicago. This left a
16 hour layover until its noon departure for Chicago the next day, not a
very efficient utilization of equipment. Where would the cars be during that
layover? KCUS being a "run through" station there was no need to turn the
consist. If it was moved elsewhere for cleaning, where was this done and
about what time would it be repositioned at KCUS for next day's departure?
A similar question applies to the American Royal Zephyr which arrived at
KCUS at approximately 8 a.m. and returned to Chicago about 8 p.m. that same
evening. Also, did the American Royal Zephyr ever carry passenger cars which
were transferred into or out of other "name trains" at Kansas City Union
Station or Chicago Union Station?
Before the advent of either of these Zephyrs, what was the Kansas
City-Chicago passenger service called? Was it ever a serious competitor to
the Santa Fe or Rock Island?
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