I think about 10 years ago, a group was attempting to restore and operate the Flying Yankee. They made quite a bit of progress (I used to keep up with it via their website). I think they were planning on running it, almost 10 years ago.
It is hard to tell, from the website, where the project is, at this point. I know this had to be a monumental undertaking.
Does anyone know if they are still working on it, and if it will ever run, again?
Thank you all in advance.
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The photos in the Flying Yankee website seem to indicate that work is progressing nicely. http://www.flyingyankee.com Lee
Lee, Thank you for the reply.
From what I can tell from that website, not much has changed in five years or so. I hope that the effort is continuing and that it will run again, someday.
Just my opinion but, I think that group finally figured out that it is actually easier to restore/overhaul a steam locomotive, than a 1934 Electro-Motive Corporation product like the Flying Yankee. Besides, where are they going to run it?
I agree, that had to be a monumental undertaking!
They had, originally, posted where they were going to run it, but I cannot recall where that was now.
I hope they are able to finish it and run it, eventually.
A noble undertaking!
the last time I physically saw the Flying Yankee was about 18 yrs. ago, sitting on the side of Rt. 302 in Glen, NH. Since that time the group had moved the trainset to its current shop location and began its restoration in earnest. the most recent info I've found is they hope to have her running in the summer of 2012. most of the heavy work has already been completed. many custom interior items had to be recreated from those still in serviceable shape. I understand the prime mover is nearly finished its rebuild and electrical work is progressing quickly. the one item I found no mention of is what upgrades are necessary to meet today's FRA standards, if they apply. I had read they wanted to use the Yankee for promotional tours representing the State of New Hampshire, which I guess would require those upgrades.
It's a long way from Texas, but, if they can ever get it running, I'll make the trip and buy a ticket to ride behind a Winton-powered power car/locomotive.
If I remember correctly, the original plan was being followed through to utilize a Winton engine as per the original and this created some delay when it turned out not to be feasible.This might have a little to do with the work progress...
"Therefore, as we work to reach our current fundraising goal of $3.5 million dollars in in-kind and capital donations, we want to thank you for taking the time to visit our web site and for reviewing the enclosed information."
As I understand the Winton 201A will not be restored to run the Flying Yankee. Those old engines weren't that reliable in their day, virtually no parts are still available, and after spending a considerable sum of cash on the Winton, they still weren't certain that it would run again. So they opted for a more common 567 engine, probably from a switcher, to re-power the train. I really would have liked to see/hear the old Winton run again, but, after thinking about it, I will be just happy to see and ride in the rebuilt FY whenever it's complete. I know that the organization the "Friends of the Flying Yankee" has changed some personnel and management, but hopefully they are still on target to have the train restored and operating again.
As to where to run it; I think that it's a mute point. When it's completed and passes all necessary inspections, I would think that there would be a number of short lines or regional railroads that would work out operating agreements. It's even possible that they could work out something with Amtrak to allow operation in even more territories.
Paul Fischer
As to where to run it; I think that it's a mute point. When it's completed and passes all necessary inspections, I would think that there would be a number of short lines or regional railroads that would work out operating agreements.
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