Australian Railway Historical Society (ACT Division)

Sleeping Car BHM 1738

BHM 1738 was built in 1939 as an open saloon sitting car for New South Wales Railways country services. Originally coded FN 2200, the car had two open saloons, each seating 39 passengers. Durng World War Two, the car was converted for use on one of two ambulance trains. Following the war, another conversion (in 1948) saw the inclusion of guard's accommodation and a recoding as HFN 2200. A further conversation in 1973 saw the car change again to become a BAM sleeping car with seven two-berth cabins and conductor accommodation. In 1981, the car was recoded BAM 1738. Along with the two berths, each compartment had wash facilities with hot and cold water, and there were toilets and showers at each end of the car. The compartments had electric (axle-driven) heating. The car was withdrawn from regular passenger services in November 1988 when overnight mail trains ceased operations in NSW. After receiving the car in 1989, the Society converted the conductor's compartment to accommodate a guard. It has been recoded to BHM 1738.

Click on picture for larger image; use your 'Back' button to return to this page    BAM sleeping car interior    BHM 1738 (ex-BAM 1738) with guard's area

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