Final answer:
By 1930, train travel times had been greatly reduced due to advancements in railroad technology and infrastructure, highlighted by the Zephyr setting a speed record in 1934, which provides an insight into the era's railway efficiency.
Step-by-step explanation:
In 1930, travel by rail from New York to Chicago would have been significantly faster compared to earlier in the 19th century due to the expansion of the railway network and advancements in train technology. Industry growth and infrastructure development following the completion of the first transcontinental railroad dramatically improved travel times.
For example, the Zephyr, a streamlined diesel train, set a speed record in 1934, making a trip from Denver to Chicago in just 13 hours. While this does not exactly reflect the New York to Chicago route, it offers a perspective on the high-speed capabilities brought about by improvements in trains and tracks at the time.