The original number plate belonging to the Boston & Maine’s Flying Yankee streamliner has been rediscovered within the Steamtown National Historic Site collection and has made its way back to New England. This stainless steel artifact is set to be reunited with the three-car train, which is currently undergoing restoration in New Hampshire.

The Flying Yankee, a product of the Budd Company in 1935, served New England for 22 years before its retirement in 1957. After being privately owned and showcased at the Edaville Railroad for four decades, New Hampshire acquired it in 1997. The non-profit Flying Yankee Association has been actively involved in the train’s restoration at the Conway Scenic Railroad since obtaining it from the state in 2024.

Bearing the number 6000, the plate measures 24 inches in length and approximately 8 inches in height. It was reportedly removed in the late 1950s upon its purchase by preservationist F. Nelson Blount. The plate eventually landed in the Steamtown collection in Scranton, Pa., where it was recently identified by park staff. Recognizing its meaning, the National Park Service employees arranged for its return to the Flying Yankee Association.

“We’re incredibly grateful to Steamtown for their efforts in reuniting this original piece of history with the Flying Yankee,” said brian LaPlant, President of the Flying Yankee Association. “This is more than a plate; it’s a powerful symbol of the train’s legacy and journey through time.”

the Flying Yankee group recently raised over $30,000 to fund the restoration of the train’s traction motors, with work expected to commence shortly. Additional details can be found at flyingyankee.org. -Justin Franz