Between 1855 and 1892, even private Swiss rail companies, the predecessors of the SBB, purchased 4- axle vestibule cars based on the 'American system'. In 1902 when the Swiss state railway was founded, there were still about 300 of these cars which were then taken over. In addition to third class cars, the SBB also took over numerous mixed class cars of the 2nd and 3rd class category as well as luggage cars. Together with the four-axle passenger train coaches, luggage cars of a corresponding design were also purchased. These were also taken over by the SBB on nationalisation but disappeared from the stock much faster than the passenger coaches. However, due to their large storage space, they were extremely suitable as service cars and for stationary use as a store. In contrast to Germany, a four-axle coach of American type remained in Switzerland. The BC4 with the number 4952 was renovated and can be inspected today in the Swiss Transport Museum in Lucerne.
