NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 3, 2003 (PRIMEZONE) -- The year was 1934. The Burlington Pioneer Zephyr made its first mark in history with its planned nonstop, dawn-to-dusk run from Denver to Chicago in a record of 13 hours, 5 minutes, 4 seconds. Flashback to the past, relive the moments and memories of this historic train in R.W. Rediske's The Pioneer Zephyr: America's First Stainless Steel Diesel/Electric Train (now available from 1stBooks Library).
When the Pioneer Zephyr entered the market, its rivals suddenly became obsolete. It was, in fact, a pioneer in many ways, including its speed, endurance and nonstop travel to both long- and short-distance destinations. Rediske knows first-hand of The Pioneer Zephyr since he took part in the train's history, from its conception until it finally hit the tracks. He is the last living survivor of its Denver to Chicago speed-run on May 26, 1934. He shares his knowledge of the people behind it and the system that enabled The Pioneer Zephyr to change the course of railway transportation history.
The Pioneer Zephyr is remarkable for its appeal to readers due to both its historical significance and Rediske's personal accounts. His life as a boy and an adult were intertwined with the Pioneer Zephyr, from the construction of the train to the early problems that it faced. Rediske was a familiar fixture during that time and is now an expert on The Pioneer Zephyr's valuable contributions as the most safe and effective medium of transport. Rediske is a close friend of the Jack Ford family, who were vital to the train's operation, and has earned the right to give The Pioneer Zephyr its due recognition in history.
The Rediske family has a long history of association with the railway industry. R.W. Rediske is the son of a Burlington executive. He was acquainted with Ralph Budd, a past president of the Burlington Railroad. Budd and other train experts shared their insights to give The Pioneer Zephyr added historical depth. Rediske is also a member of the Burlington Historical Society.
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