Just returned from Flying Yankee open house. The complete Flying Yankee is currently undergoing a rebuild at the Hobo Railroad in Lincoln New Hampshire. They erected a very long tent to keep the weather off while working. The exterior stainless steel skin is in fine shape, the metal is bright, no serious dents or blemishes. All the trucks are out for rebuilding, putting the whole train up on blocks. The engine is out of the power car, but the generator is still there. They are talking about replacing the original Winton with something newer. One car has been redone very nicely, original green and cream paint job, all the seats reupholstered. The seats are an art deco design bent up out of tubing. They don't recline, but with new upholstered cushions they are comfy as a living room chair. Windows are all sealed, the train had air conditioning. The trail car has been stripped out and the original stainless steel interior shows. The construction is just like an aircraft except in stainless rather than aluminum. For something 70 years old, it looks right up to date. The original cost of the trainset was $260K. They have spent $2.6 Mil rebuilding her and they estimate that there is another $1 Mil to go. I put $10 in the donation jar on the way out...
David Starr