Coaches BMCX 5226 and 5228 were built in 1937 by Canadian Car & Foundry for the Canadian National
Railways. They were used in various transcontinental, regional and local trains such as the "Continental
Limited," the "Inter-City Limited" and the "Maple Leaf" until 1984, when VIA Rail (which took over most of
Canada's passenger train services in 1978) sold the cars to a Michigan corporation at auction as a part of a
general disposal of excess equipment. These cars are operated as a part of The Bluewater Michigan Chapter's
car fleet.
5226 and 5228 are constructed of carbon steel and weigh about 68 tons. Originally, the passenger
compartments had smoking areas, separated from the main seating areas by glass panels and swinging doors.
Equipped as built with ice-activated air conditioning and steam heat, the owner 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. The present
owner restored them to their vintage appearance, including the CN green-and-black paint scheme.
Railways. They were used in various transcontinental, regional and local trains such as the "Continental
Limited," the "Inter-City Limited" and the "Maple Leaf" until 1984, when VIA Rail (which took over most of
Canada's passenger train services in 1978) sold the cars to a Michigan corporation at auction as a part of a
general disposal of excess equipment. These cars are operated as a part of The Bluewater Michigan Chapter's
car fleet.
5226 and 5228 are constructed of carbon steel and weigh about 68 tons. Originally, the passenger
compartments had smoking areas, separated from the main seating areas by glass panels and swinging doors.
Equipped as built with ice-activated air conditioning and steam heat, the owner 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. The present
owner restored them to their vintage appearance, including the CN green-and-black paint scheme.
