May 7, 2003

Work is beginning on the tool designed for repairing the exterior stainless steel trim work. The dome demolition is complete and the dome has now been set off-limits due to the numerous sharp areas now uncovered.  More lights have been acquired for the hallway and the bedrooms.  And, finally, thank yous to Burt Hermey, owner of the "Silver Lariat" and Roy Wullich, owner of the "Silver Solarium".  They are providing critical information on the workings of Budd dome cars and the methods they have used to keep their cars roadworthy and in good repair.

The revised restoration target is now $22,000 for the windows and $35,000 for all work we would like to do before the end of the year.

March 5, 2003

We have revised our target for purchasing the windows and doing the dome and exterior work for the Silver Hostel.  Raising an additional $22,000 will allow us to order ALL the windows and window frames the car needs. It is estimated that the dome will require $6-8,000 to acquire and refurbish parts and the interior. And it is estimated that the exterior will need $5-7,000 to perform the needed cosmetic work to return it to an in service appearance.

So, the revised restoration target is now $22,000 for the windows and $35,000 for all work we would like to do before the end of the year.

January 14, 2003

Welcome to the new ZephyrProject.com!  This is the on-line home of the Feather River Rail Society's Zephyr Project.  Check here for news, updates and information and join us in helping preserve the history of the "Silver Lady" by volunteering, helping with research or making a donation to aid the restorations.

The latest news is that the long search for teardrop dome windows for the Silver Hostel is over!  We have found a manufacturer who is working with us to create all the windows and frames for the car.  Once the money is raised, we can make the order and being completing the dome and prepping the car for the windows.  To help us get there, click here.

January 23, 2003

We have recently been offered a chance to acquire collections of rare parts from CZ dome-lounge cars identical to our Silver Hostel.  These opportunities will solve several issues concerning parts missing from the Hostel , but requires that we increase our short-term target for fundraising.

Combined with the need for windows and the goal of completing the dome interior and exterior of the car, we need to raise $50,000 in order to meet our current goals.  Donation forms are going out in the current issue of the FRRS' Train Sheet and information on assisting in our effort can be found here.  Finally, several new items have been added to the Zephyr Project On-Line Store .  All proceeds from the store go to support the restorations in progress.

February 3, 2003

The Zephyr Project is now able to accept SECURE ON-LINE donations thanks to the PayPal Donate network!  To help save the California Zephyr, just click the "Make A Donation" button at the bottom of each page.  This will link you directly to the PayPal donation page.

Combined with the need for windows and the goal of completing the dome interior and exterior of the car, we need to raise $50,000 in order to meet our current goals.  Donation forms are going out in the current issue of the FRRS' Train Sheet and information on assisting in our effort can be found here .  Finally, several new items have been added to the Zephyr Project On-Line Store.  All proceeds from the store go to support the restorations in progress.