Project Partners and Resorces
The Flying Yankee Association has created unique partnerships that will assist in preserving the Flying Yankee in the future. Specifically, relationships have been developed with organizations that will participate in and support the train's conservation. Each Project Partner has agreed to be actively involved in the project, while Project Resource organizations are providing knowledge and information to support the project.
Project Partner
With its long tradition of restoration and running excursions on historical routes in New Hampshire, the Conway Scenic RAilroad (CSRR) offers insight, experience, and a means to allow the Flying Yankee to run on one of its historical routes again. A Letter of Intent has been signed with PMH (CSRR parent company). That letter describes the support CSRR will provide the FYA during the restoration as well as its role in operating and maintaining the train after restoration. The FYA has also entered into a lease agreement with CSRR for land to construct a jointly-owned Museum building to house both a restoration space and a museum for the Yankee, detailing its operational history and its significant role in the development of high-speed passenger service in New England.
Project Partner
During its twenty-two-year service, the Train used various names based on its routes but was always part of just one railway - the Boston & Maine Railroad. The Boston & Maine Railroad Historical Society (BMRHS) remains the primary keeper of historical data, photographs, and articles regarding the Flying Yankee. They are an essential partner in providing historical data to the FYA.
Project Partner
Situated in Trego, Wisconsin, the Wisconsin Great Northern Railroad (WGNR) is rebuilding a sister “Zephyr” train also built in the 1930s, the Mark Twain Zephyr. Although a complete rebuild and not a restoration, the WGNR has numerous hours of experience with the streamliner's frame and reconstruction needs. Further, the WGNR is in the process of installing a replacement engine in the MTZ. The WGNR has pledged its support to the FYA’s efforts and therefore is a vital asset when restoring the Flying Yankee.
Project Resource
The Griffin Museum of Science + Industry in Chicago, Illinois, is home to the Flying Yankee’s sister streamliner, the Pioneer Zephyr. This preserved train was the first “Zephyr” type train to operate in the United States and set a speed record for travel between Denver and Chicago. The Flying Yankee is nearly identical in most aspects. The Pioneer Zephyr and MSI’s archives will serve as a valuable research source for the FYA.
Project Partner
Effective Grants LLC. is a consulting group in Boston that aids non-profit organizations seeking grant funding. Specifically, they will help organizations search for appropriate grants and then assist in navigating the application processes. If grant money is awarded, they will assist in any post-award requirements or reporting. They have agreed to work with the FYA to raise funds.
Project Partner
Hunter Research is a historical resource consulting firm. They provide a wide range of related services to organizations and groups seeking help with restoration and preservation projects. The company has well established working relationships with the state historic preservation offices (SHPOs) in the Middle Atlantic and Northeastern United States, understanding their review processes and reporting requirements. They meet the requirements of a 36 CFR 61 qualified professional. They will assist the FYA in setting up a documentation and reporting system to be used during restoration and preservation work. They will also monitor activity for compliance with SOI.
Project Partner
New Hampshire Preservation Alliance is a non-profit organization that assists individuals and communities throughout the state of New Hampshire to achieve their preservation goals. They provide a unique role in bringing together vetted contractors, consultants, craftspeople, services, and organizations that adhere to a preservation ethic to help in preservation and restoration projects statewide. They can also assist with sourcing potential grants for various projects and assist in the application process.
Project Resource
The Illinois Railway Museum is a non-profit museum formed in 1953 has one of the largest collections of railroad equipment in the nation. The extensive collection has several Budd built stainless steel passenger cars from the Chicago Burlington & Quincy from the same era as the Flying Yankee. Their information and restoration expertise will prove valuable to the FYA and have already provided assistance with Museum building design.
