Delivered by Budd in February, 1935, the Boston & Maine’s Pioneer Zephyr was the third North American streamliner to be built, preceded by the Union Pacific’s M10000 and the Burlington’s Pioneer Zephyr. Similar to the Pioneer Zephyr, but eschewing the baggage compartment in favor of more passenger seating, the Flying Yankee went on a system-wide publicity tour before being placed in service on April 1, 1935.
The train’s initial schedule was a six day per week, 750 mile route over the Boston and Maine and the Maine Central. From Monday through Saturday, the Budd streamliner started its day in Portland, Maine, travelling to Boston and return, then to Bangor and return, and finally to Boston and return. Sundays were reserved for maintenance. Eventually, newer equipment would supplant the stainless steel Yankee, and it would serve on lesser routes, ending its career in 1957.
The streamliner was subsequently donated to Edaville for static display, where it is shown in this 1989 view, with the 1950’s Minuteman logo on its nose. The train is currently in New Hampshire, where it is being restored to operating condition. For more information see The Flying Yankee Restoration Group website.
