BMCX 832 was built in 1949 by the Budd Company for the Southern Railway. It was used in service throughout the southeastern United
States in such trains as the "Crescent," the "Southerner" and the "Piedmont" until 1979, when it was sold to Amtrak (which took over most
American intercity passenger train services in 1971). The car was then sold to Global Communications in 1982 and operated in excursion
trains over the Michigan Northern Railroad.
The Bluewater Michigan Chapter purchased the car from Global in 1985. 832 is constructed of stainless steel and weighs about 63 tons.
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.
In 2010, Bluewater Michigan Chapter has started it's renovation work on Southern Railroad coach car #832. In January, we started
removing the seat backs and cushions. This project will proceed through the removal of seats, seat frames, floor and steam heating lines
between now and April 2011. This page will be updated as the restoration progresses.
832's current interior 832's Southern Herald The current exterior view of 832
States in such trains as the "Crescent," the "Southerner" and the "Piedmont" until 1979, when it was sold to Amtrak (which took over most
American intercity passenger train services in 1971). The car was then sold to Global Communications in 1982 and operated in excursion
trains over the Michigan Northern Railroad.
The Bluewater Michigan Chapter purchased the car from Global in 1985. 832 is constructed of stainless steel and weighs about 63 tons.
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.
In 2010, Bluewater Michigan Chapter has started it's renovation work on Southern Railroad coach car #832. In January, we started
removing the seat backs and cushions. This project will proceed through the removal of seats, seat frames, floor and steam heating lines
between now and April 2011. This page will be updated as the restoration progresses.
832's current interior 832's Southern Herald The current exterior view of 832
