BMCX 6604 Tavern Lounge Observation was built by Budd in1947 for the Seaboard Air Line Railroad and was used
primarily in New York-Florida service in such trains as the "Silver Meteor" and the “Silver Star.” The car was configured
with a tavern section with 34 seats, a bar with its own icemaker, a room for the train hostess and an observation section
with 24 seats in individual upholstered chairs, writing desk,magazine rack and radio.
In 1971, the car was sold to Amtrak, the seating in the observation section was reconfigured to pedestal seats and
cocktail tables, and the hostess room was converted to a restroom. The car continued in New York-Florida service until
1983 when it was sold to Global Communications, which operated it in excursion trains over the Michigan Northern
Railroad. Bluewater Michigan Chapter NRHS purchased the car in 1998.
Car 6604 is approximately 85 feet long and weighs approximately 61 tons. In 2003, the original electro-mechanical air
conditioning equipment was replaced with two modern 3-ton compressors and related apparatus.
We are currently in the process of installing an electrical generator from StaCo to provide power to the car and future
plans are to restore the interior.
primarily in New York-Florida service in such trains as the "Silver Meteor" and the “Silver Star.” The car was configured
with a tavern section with 34 seats, a bar with its own icemaker, a room for the train hostess and an observation section
with 24 seats in individual upholstered chairs, writing desk,magazine rack and radio.
In 1971, the car was sold to Amtrak, the seating in the observation section was reconfigured to pedestal seats and
cocktail tables, and the hostess room was converted to a restroom. The car continued in New York-Florida service until
1983 when it was sold to Global Communications, which operated it in excursion trains over the Michigan Northern
Railroad. Bluewater Michigan Chapter NRHS purchased the car in 1998.
Car 6604 is approximately 85 feet long and weighs approximately 61 tons. In 2003, the original electro-mechanical air
conditioning equipment was replaced with two modern 3-ton compressors and related apparatus.
We are currently in the process of installing an electrical generator from StaCo to provide power to the car and future
plans are to restore the interior.
The square end of the car. A counter that separates the
two sections.
The round end of the car. The round end of the car (exterior)