Dear Pioneer Zephyr,
You met Bullet? That’s amazing! You met her before I did! Even though she was number 9909 on the CB&Q and Mate and I were 9911, she was actually delivered a month after we were. They put the first batch of us to work right away on the heavyweight trains so we didn’t get any celebrations, but those of us who went directly into service knew she’d be doing a publicity tour.
I never minded. It seemed to me that she was being shown off on behalf of all us E5s, which makes sense. After all, if we were all getting our pictures taken, who would pull the Exposition Flyer or the Fast Mail? I do remember Meteor saying some unkind things about Bullet and “silverbricks” (which I think did more to upset Comet and Mate than anything) but for the most part we were just happy to be working.
When I met Bullet properly, it was years later on the C&S. She worked the Sam Houston Zephyr mostly, but they sent her all over for relief work when one of us needed time in the shop. I try never to judge an engine before I’ve met them, but I did expect Bullet to be at least a little full of herself. She’d have been well within her rights. She worked on nearly every passenger train the Q had from Denver to Dallas, after all! But it’s just as you said, she was as gracious and humble an engine as I’d ever met. So gracious and humble, in fact, that she never once mentioned meeting the Pioneer Zephyr, haha!
Venus liked your last letter. She is very sensible, and I’m not just saying that because she can hear me! She’s been a great source of advice and very supportive. I owe much of my progress with the rest of the consist to her. You might remember the Goddesses wouldn’t even address me by name a year ago, but if they want my attention now they’re not above calling me Pilot anymore. She knows how to talk to the others so they all listen, but never seems rude or bossy. She’s telling me this is called ‘tact’. I don’t know that word, but I trust she knows what she’s talking about.
Of course, all the Goddesses are smart in their own way. It’s to be expected; they’re older and have seen more service miles than me. I think it’s made them unique. I don’t know how much you know about average trains, being that yours is so special, but I’ve worked a few different kinds and I’ve never met a consist like theirs before. Most cars are content to let the lead car speak for them or are otherwise happy to go along with the majority on most things. The Goddesses, however, are very opinionated and are rarely of one mind about anything! They each have their own personality and preferences. It keeps things lively on the wye, let me tell you!
For example, I mentioned before that Venus has… tact! She speaks her mind, but makes you feel good about the things she has to say. She says as the head of the train and the auxiliary power car, it’s important to be diplomatic.
Vesta speaks her mind too, but she and Venus often argue about the way she says things. Vesta is the lead coach car and she was the most vocal about her dislike for me, but I think she was just looking out for the rest of the consist. She’s protective of the others that way.
Minerva, the second coach car, doesn’t talk as much as Venus and Vesta, but when she does speak she does not mince words! She’s frank and has a way of seeing to the heart of the matter. She’s also good at telling when someone is lying and has no qualms about letting you know when she thinks you are. I quite like that about her.
Ceres I’ve brought up a few times in my letters. As I said before, she doesn’t talk much. I don’t think it’s because she doesn’t know what to say though. Every time I’ve heard her, she’s been very clear with her words. She doesn’t seem shy, just thoughtful and careful to say exactly what she means. Even without telling us so, I could see how pleased she was to have passengers dining on her again. She seems to shine even brighter when she’s happy.
Last but not least, Juno! Having an observation car yourself, I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how helpful they are. It’s always nice to have a good lookout at the back of the train, and Juno is as sharp-eyed as they come. I never have trouble hearing her either, even as far back as she is. She and Ceres are the best of friends and if Ceres can’t find the words she wants to say, Juno’s more than happy to come up with enough for the both of them. Juno also carries the Nebraska Zephyr drumhead on her nose, lit up and everything! You couldn’t ask for a better view.
I fear I’ve taken up enough of my very patient letter-writer’s time so I’ll wrap this up. Trolley bus operations in Chicago come to an end in March, and the IRM hopes to take in as many of them as they can for preservation. You can imagine how busy everyone is. You should see the yard. There’s construction going on all the time and all the volunteers are excited for the potential new additions and donations. So… peaceful? Not exactly, but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Oh, and please don’t worry about the vandals. I’m much safer here at the museum now!
I hope everyone’s getting along in your yard. Look forward to hearing from you soon!
Your friend,
Silver Pilot
P.S. – I think your edges are very distinguished. Handsome, even!