#1129 Rebuild for Bike Aboard!

Built in 1954 for the Northern Pacific Railroad as a baggage car, #1129 spent many years traveling the rails of the Northwest and Midwest on long distance passenger trains from locations like Seattle and Chicago.  The car was later purchased by Amtrak in the early 1970’s and placed into baggage car service on long distance trains all over the United States.

The 3rd chapter of its career involved the tourist railroad industry, when it was acquired by Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and placed into service as a Bike hauling car; this chapter continued for several years until the car was sidelined for mechanical issues.

In 2013, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad was the recipient of a Transit In Parks Grant (TRIP) to rebuild one of its baggage cars for use on it’s increasingly popular Bike Aboard! Program.  The #1129 was chosen for this rebuild, and work began in early 2015 at our Fitzwater shops.

Some of the project highlights include the following:

• New structural side and end sills
• New side sheets
• Rebuilt couplers
• New 480v wiring
• New Wheels
• Rebuilt Brake system
• New interior flooring and insulation
• New interior side sheets & paint
• Buffer plate repairs & rubber tubing
• Exterior paint
• New Bike Racks

With the 4th chapter of its life just beginning, car #1129 will continue to operate for many years hauling Bike Aboard! Passengers throughout Cuyahoga Valley National Park.