the whole donation thing from their website:
A personal request from Stoney Morrell, Chairman of the Board, to all rail fans, rail enthusiast, and those who appreciate the preservation of this outstanding example of technological innovation…. the FLYING YANKEE
.
Over the past six years you have all witnessed The Flying Yankee being transformed from a derelict sitting in Glen, NH in 1997 to a train that is today nearly two-thirds complete. To reach this point, we have spent nearly $2.5 million dollars in labor and materials. We are now entering the final phases of restoration, but we now need your help NOW to reach the end.
Why has it taken so long and cost so much???
The deterioration of the train was greater than realized at the onset of the project in November 1997. What appeared on the surface, did not reflect the extent of the degradation found as each of the three units was disassembled and evaluated. Three key factors have contributed to the financial challenges the Flying Yankee now faces:
First: The carbon steel beneath the stainless steel exterior of all three cars deteriorated far beyond initial estimates. Without major repairs the train would not be certified and able to run on Amtrak lines – a major objective of the restoration effort and our desire to make the Flying Yankee accessible to rail fans nationwide.
Second: Rebuilding the Winton 201A diesel engine. There were no replacement parts to be found. Critical items such as the pistons and cylinder liners, injectors had to be fabricated starting from scratch. This was far more complex and costly than estimated in 1997 or even as late as 2000. Using the original Winton prime mover has been a major commitment to accurate, historic restoration since the beginning of this project. At a cost of over $250K, it will be the only known locomotive in the world to operate with a Winton 201A diesel engine.
Third: The cost to repair the train’s four unique trucks and two traction motors not only exceeded the initial estimates, but the damage and cost to repair them was 250% greater than anticipated when actual repairs started. These critical items are now estimated at $200K.
What’s left to do and how much will it cost??
$2.3 million dollars is needed NOW! These funds will allow us to repay a previous $800,000 loan and provide an estimated $1.5 million dollars to complete the actual restoration of the Flying Yankee. Of this, funds will be spent on such items as the trucks and traction motors, complete structural repairs on the A and C cars, completion of the rebuild and install of the Winton 201A diesel engine, finishing the installation the new air brake system, the air conditioning system, FRA approved glazing for the cab, acceptance testing, complete documentation of all the repairs and systems and developing and publishing the operating and maintenance manuals.
Would you please consider making a donation to the Flying Yankee Restoration Group (FYRG)? Without your support, we may not be able to complete the restoration of the Flying Yankee. All donations will be applied exclusively to the restoration of the train. The FYRG is a 501-C-(3) non-profit organization and your donation is 100% tax deductible. Please make your donations payable to the Flying Yankee Restoration Group, PO Box 6000, Glen, NH 03838. If you have questions e-mail Paul Giblin at
[email protected] or call him at (603) 383-4186 ext. 117.
Our sincerest thanks for all your past support – for without it, we could not have reached this point in the restoration. I am asking for your support again to push us over the top and reach the end.
Stoney Morrell
The Flying Yankee Train, one of only three articulated Streamliners ever built, is