Passenger cars - Economy class car (units 8100 to 8147)

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Model:
Economy class car

Built by:
Budd Car Company, Septa, and AMF

Built in:
1946-55

Acquired by VIA Rail in:
1978

Number of units in fleet:
43

Unit number(s):
8100 to 8147

Configuration:
62 seats, or 60 seats and a snack bar

Did you know?

  • Most of these cars were built in the 1950s for use by the CPR on their Canadian and Dominion trains.
  • VIA Rail acquired these stainless-steel cars in 1978, alongside similar cars acquired secondhand from various railroads in the United States to augment the fleet. However, cars 8130 to 8147 (built in 1946-1947) didn’t enter service until the early 1990s.
  • The majority of cars built during the 1950s era with other materials are no longer in service.
  • Some of these cars have been entirely rebuilt - except for the chassis - up to four times!
  • Although these cars are over 50 years old, they were built with a sturdy and lasting stainless steel construction, which makes them resistant to corrosion.
  • Thanks to VIA Rail's maintenance service, these cars can travel our railways for at least another quarter century.
  • At the end of the 80s, VIA launched a program to convert this steam-heated car to a more modern electric-heating system.

 

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