In 1935 Lionel first cataloged the O Gauge Flying Yankee - a die-cast and chrome plated streamlined set replicating the famous Boston & Maine speedster that raced from Boston to Portland, Maine every morning. Originally configured with a No. 616W powered car, two No. 617 coaches and a trailing No. 618 observation car the Flying Yankees were offering in a number of different liveries.
Touted in the 1935 catalog to be the finest streamliner produced since Lionel's golden brown Union Pacific set, each of the chrome plated cars are connected to one another with a truck mounted vestibule allowing two cars to share a single connecting truck. Each car contains light sockets for interior illumination ensuring that these shiny runners look great day or night.
Returning to the rails in 2012, these all-new Lionel Corporation Tinplate offerings are configured with one No. 617 powered car, one No. 617 coach and one No. 618 observation. A separately sold No. 617 coach can be added to complete the set's original configuration.
Available in both Contemporary, sound-equipped trim or with a traditional AC motor and e-unit, the Flying Yankees are sure to amaze all who see them run. Unlike the original 1935 set, only these Lionel Corporation Tinplate Contemporary sest sport modern features like streaming smoke, a vibrant whistle and clanging bell, constant voltage lighting and a smooth drive train that can pull the consist's cars and several add-on coaches.
