This page is part of a series where the prototype is described in combination with showing HO scale models of the prototype.

The history of the B4 passenger cars starts in 1947 when the NSB took delivery of 30 passenger cars class Co2s. They were built by ASJ i Linköping in Sweden. These cars were the first passenger cars made of steel. The cars were setup as compartment cars with 10 compartments with each 8 seats. In 1970, when a new classification system was introduced, they became the class B10.

Between 1970 and 1975 13 of the B10 cars were rebuilt as class B4 and got the standard open coach seating. The seating capacity was the same, 80 seats. In comparison with the class B3 (also an open coach passenger car) the seating was less comfortable and not very modern. This is one of the key reasons why most of the B4 cars were later on rebuilt into other cars. The B4 cars were mostly used between Oslo and Kristiansand/Stavanger but were also found in other trains in the greater Oslo region. In the early 1990's a few were used between Trondheim and Bodø. It is not that likely they were used on the Rauma line.

In 1982/83 the B4 cars were modernized. First they got new trucks/bogies (type MD). The end of the cars were also changed to the standard gangway/corridor. Two B4 cars got the standard class B3 seats, in the same B3 seating arrangment of 56 seats. These two cars were classified as B4-2.

Starting in 1986 all the B4 cars were rebuilt into 3 different cars. The last B4 cars were in service until 1992.

• Intercity Special - class CB2
• "Barnetoget" - class CB3
• Bagage car - class F3

In the sections below, the various classes will be described in more detail.

The Intercity Spesial cars were used in the intercity trains between Lillehammer/Otta and Skien/Halden. The interior was completed rebuilt into two major compartments. One compartment had regular seats of the same type as used in the B3 coaches. These seats had some basic reclining capability. The other compartment was setup in an office/work setup with tables between the seats. To be able to use these cars the passengers were required to pay a surcharge ticket. The new CB2 Intercity Spesial cars were a great success, especially in the connections between the Vestfold (Skien) and Lillehammer/Otta.
Initially the rebuilt cars had the text "Intercity Spesial" on the sides of the cars. Later some of the cars got big blue spit with the same text. The two photos show both versions.

The CB2 cars were in service until about 2002. Two were sold to the Ofotbanen (OBAS). One, the 21226, was moved to Åndalsnes and it placed next to the station building as a train chapel.

NMJ introduced a series of HO models of the B4 and rebuilt passenger cars. So far the B4, CB2 and CB3 have seen great models. Below are the cars that are part of my collection.