Seven to Save 2022: Flying Yankee

The Flying Yankee is a complete passenger train built in February of 1935 for the Boston & Maine Railroad, thanks to a loan from the Public Works Administration. The futuristic, stainless steel train was unlike anything else on the rails of New England and its passengers could enjoy air conditioning, an observation lounge, shatter proof glass, no smoking sections, concealed lighting, a numbered, reserved seating system, speeds of up to 100 mph, and ice cream. The Flying Yankee served for twenty-two years on various routes throughout Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Maine before its retirement on May 7, 1957.

After 40 years of private ownership, the train was acquired by the State of New Hampshire in 1997, with ongoing fundraising and promotion being managed by a friends group. Restoration work had its ebbs and flows. Completed projects included repairs to its structure and components and a partial interior restoration, including upholstery.

Today, the re-energized and re-organized nonprofit group is working towards a transfer of the Flying Yankee’s ownership from DOT and another move from the current lot in Lincoln. They have obtained pledges of $470,000 (with another $265,000 available in matching funds) for the relocation of the trainset and the construction of a building to house the Flying Yankee for its final phase of restoration. Operation of the restored Flying Yankee at Conway Scenic has been discussed, potentially returning the train to a route it knows well.

UPDATE: April 2024: The State of New Hampshire has sold the Flying Yankee to the non-profit Flying Yankee Association who has hopes of future restoration and possibly brining the train back into active use. Learn more in this article from Railfan & Railroad Magazine.

Stay up to date on this program, including when submissions open for next year’s list, and browse listees from past years (we’ve been highlighting endangered properties since 2006!) by vising the Seven to Save homepage.

Are you part of a group involved with one of our previous listees? We’d love to hear how you’re doing! Call us at (603) 224-2281 or email seventosave@nhpreservation.org.