This car was originally a 12-1 (12 Berths, 1 Compartment) and was named "Oshawa". It
retained this configuration for 30 years. In 1939 ice activated air conditioning was added.
During the post war period Canadian National undertook a massive rebuilding program
for its ageing fleet of heavyweight cars. The Oshawa was extensively rebuilt and emerged
as an 8-4 (8 berths, 4 compartments) with its clerestory roof modified to give it a
"modern " appearance and renumbered and renamed Bell Island. A total of 8 cars were
rebuilt into the Island series.
In 1980 Bell Island was withdrawn and put into work service as No. 54691. The car is
displayed at the West Coast Railway Heritage Park as it came out of work service. It is
in remarkable condition with most of the berths left intact and very much as they were in
passenger service.
This car will form part of the Park's Canadian National Passenger train of the roaring
Twenties along with Combine No. 7189, Coach No. 5161, Diner N0. 1246 and Parlour
Observation car No. 1090.
