BMCX 829 and 832 were built in 1949 by the Budd Company for the Southern Railway. They were used in
service throughout the southeastern United States in such trains as the "Crescent," the "Southerner" and the
"Piedmont" until 1979, when they were sold to Amtrak (which took over most American intercity passenger train
services in 1971). The cars were sold to Global Communications in 1982 and operated in excursion trains over
the Michigan Northern Railroad.
The Bluewater Michigan Chapter purchased the cars from Global in 1985. Coaches 829 and 832 are
constructed of stainless steel and weigh about 63 tons each. Originally equipped with steam ejector air
conditioning and steam heat, Bluewater replaced these systems with diesel engine-powered heat pumps. The
electrical systems consist of an axle-driven 32 volt DC generator charging a large bank of batteries, which in
turn provide power to the lights and other equipment. 829 recently had its seats reinstalled during a work
session and will soon be ready for excursion service.
829 & 832's Southern Herald 829 seats before Install Seats after Install
832's interior The current exterior view of both cars
service throughout the southeastern United States in such trains as the "Crescent," the "Southerner" and the
"Piedmont" until 1979, when they were sold to Amtrak (which took over most American intercity passenger train
services in 1971). The cars were sold to Global Communications in 1982 and operated in excursion trains over
the Michigan Northern Railroad.
The Bluewater Michigan Chapter purchased the cars from Global in 1985. Coaches 829 and 832 are
constructed of stainless steel and weigh about 63 tons each. Originally equipped with steam ejector air
conditioning and steam heat, Bluewater replaced these systems with diesel engine-powered heat pumps. The
electrical systems consist of an axle-driven 32 volt DC generator charging a large bank of batteries, which in
turn provide power to the lights and other equipment. 829 recently had its seats reinstalled during a work
session and will soon be ready for excursion service.
829 & 832's Southern Herald 829 seats before Install Seats after Install
832's interior The current exterior view of both cars
