Four different Western Pacific story-board ads–ads made up of several black-and-white photos illustrating features of the train–were featured in 1956 issues of National Geographic. Two more story-board ads signed by all three railroads appeared in the February 1964 and February 1965 issues.

The February 1956 ad presents one of the original Zephyrettes, Nellie O’Grady, meeting a variety of enthusiastic passengers on board the train. O’Grady had also been featured in an article in the December 31, 1955 issue of Saturday Evening Post that no doubt was placed by a railroad publicist.

The March 1956 ad features an eight-photo essay describing one woman’s trip from Chicago to Oakland. The use of black-and-white photos kept advertising costs affordable so Western Pacific could place four ads in one year.

The November 1956 ad was made especially distinctive by the use of yellow as a reference to both the color of the locomotives and the gold that first brought the 49ers to California. Slight variations of this ad also appeared in Holiday and, no doubt, many other magazines.

The December 1956 ad provides a gentleman’s view of the train and its many non-revenue spaces. Pre-dome trains typically had a diner and one or two lounges (usually the second one reserved for first-class passengers). The domes significantly increase the non-revenue seats and distinctive places to go.

The February 1964 ad imitates the February 1956 ad, this time featuring a Zephyrette named Madelon Martin.

Like many of the other story-board ads, the February 1965 ad reminds readers that the train has lots of non-revenue spaces as well as (for those who could afford them) comfortable private sleeping rooms. Almost all CZ ads in National Geographic appeared in October through March, with November and February being the most common months. This is the last full-page ad for the train I’ve found in National Geographic.