This article is considered accurate for the current version (1.58) of the game.
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An armoured train car with a mounted machinegun position for transporting infantry safely over long distances.
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— In-game description
The BMS Holdout (also known as an Infantry Car) is a lightly armored train car capable of transporting infantry over large distances. It is equipped with two mounts, where a tripod weapon can be mounted and fired.
The BMS Holdout has 3250 HP. It has "Light Armor" resistance: it can soak small arms fire and shrapnel, and it is immune to Flamethrowers. It can soak 12.7mm machine gun fire but not for long. Heavy explosives and anti-tank weaponry are a real threat to it. It takes 100 Basic Materials to fully repair it from 1% to 100% health with a Hammer.
Interactions
Couple two cars together - hold Shift + E and press Couple Cars (they must be touching/close together)
Decouple two connected cars - requires a Wrench used in the area between the two cars
Mounting a tripod weapon - press B then LMB on the vehicle
Must be holding the tripod weapon and the blueprint must be green
Dismounting a tripod weapon - open up the vehicle's menu and click the "Detach Tripod Weapon" button (located in the bottom right corner)
Depends on where the player is standing - will dismount the one the player is closest to
A train can have up to 15 cars connected, Locomotive(s) included.
The BMS Holdout is useful in protecting the train, especially when transporting large amounts of equipment towards frontline/midline depots, such as Seaports and Storage Depots. This is extremely important, especially if the equipment is high-value enough for armed escort, or traveling through undefended territory.
It is important to have a tripod weapon equipped that can quickly dispatch enemies if they get into close proximity. However, due the limited firing arc of the vehicle, it can only protect one side of the train, with its firing arc also depending on the shape of the railway track.
Trivia
When it was introduced in 1.50 Inferno, the BMS Holdout was stated that it could mount two tripod weapons, however, only one of these mounts were present, meaning it could only mount one tripod weapon.
This was resolved in Update 1.53, where two tripod weapons could be mounted (fulfilling its original design).
If there is no tripod weapon installed in the Gunner's seat, the seat cannot be hopped on.
Gallery
A BMS Holdout on a Railway Track with only one Tripod Weapon installed and manned