Baggage-Dormitory car BMCX 9486 "Haverstraw Bay" was built in 1948 by Pullman-Standard as a 22 roomette
sleeping car for the New York Central Railroad. It was used in various NYC trains such as the "Commodore
Vanderbilt," the "Montreal Limited" and the "Wolverine" until it was sold in 1958 to the Canadian National
Railways, which renamed it "Valrita." It was used in various CNR trains such as the "Ocean Limited" in its
original configuration until 1974, when CNR replaced roomettes 15-22 with a baggage section, achieving its
current configuration. The car was later transferred to VIA Rail (which took over most of Canada's passenger
train services in 1978), who sold it at auction in 1983 to Global Communications as a part of a general
disposal of excess equipment.
Global returned the car to its original name and operated it in excursion trains over the Michigan Northern
Railroad. The Bluewater Michigan Chapter purchased the car from Global in 1985. BMCX 9486 is constructed
of carbon steel and weighs about 70 tons. It is equipped with electro-mechanical air conditioning and an
axle-driven 64 volt DC generator charging a bank of batteries. This car is used as a crew bunk car; for parts,
tools and supply storage during trips; and occasionally for baggage storage. It can also be used for souvenir
sales and as an open-window car on steam trips.
In 2001 Bluewater's volunteers performed a complete restoration on the vestibule of the car, which had
deteriorated after over 50 years of active service. Work completed included the replacement of all the
diamondplate, cutting out and replacing all rusted parts of the body, refurbishment of all latches and springs,
and a re-painting.
sleeping car for the New York Central Railroad. It was used in various NYC trains such as the "Commodore
Vanderbilt," the "Montreal Limited" and the "Wolverine" until it was sold in 1958 to the Canadian National
Railways, which renamed it "Valrita." It was used in various CNR trains such as the "Ocean Limited" in its
original configuration until 1974, when CNR replaced roomettes 15-22 with a baggage section, achieving its
current configuration. The car was later transferred to VIA Rail (which took over most of Canada's passenger
train services in 1978), who sold it at auction in 1983 to Global Communications as a part of a general
disposal of excess equipment.
Global returned the car to its original name and operated it in excursion trains over the Michigan Northern
Railroad. The Bluewater Michigan Chapter purchased the car from Global in 1985. BMCX 9486 is constructed
of carbon steel and weighs about 70 tons. It is equipped with electro-mechanical air conditioning and an
axle-driven 64 volt DC generator charging a bank of batteries. This car is used as a crew bunk car; for parts,
tools and supply storage during trips; and occasionally for baggage storage. It can also be used for souvenir
sales and as an open-window car on steam trips.
In 2001 Bluewater's volunteers performed a complete restoration on the vestibule of the car, which had
deteriorated after over 50 years of active service. Work completed included the replacement of all the
diamondplate, cutting out and replacing all rusted parts of the body, refurbishment of all latches and springs,
and a re-painting.
