Western Pacific "Zephyrette" Project

As a complement to the California Zephyr during the 1950's, the Western Pacific offered its Zephyrette service, a local passenger train operated using Budd built RDC-2 rail diesel cars.  This run at 972 miles from Oakland to Salt Lake City was the longest ever utilizing these self-propelled cars.  Sadly, WP's two cars were damaged and scrapped by later owners.

FRRS member Jack Grasso spearheaded a drive to acquire an existing RDC and use it to replicate a Western Pacific Zephyrette for operation at the Portola Railroad Museum alongside the WP 805-A and Silver Hostel of the Zephyr Project.  Sadly, Mr. Grasso passed away recently, however the Zephyrette Project will continue as a tribute to his memory.

Anyone wishing to get more information on this effort or to help make it a reality is encouraged to contact Eugene Vicknair at info@zephyrproject.com .