A 1950s railcar that was lovingly restored for a Norfolk heritage railway is up for a major national award. 

M56182 is a Class 104 driving coach and it was built in 1958 by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company.

It was part of modernisation plans that saw the construction of many diesel trains to take over from steam.

Eastern Daily Press: The sorry state of M56182 in 2008 following many years out of service Picture: Chris MoxonThe sorry state of M56182 in 2008 following many years out of service Picture: Chris Moxon (Image: North Norfolk Railway)

In September 2023, M56182 entered service on the North Norfolk Railway, which runs between Sheringham and Holt, after being brought back to its former glory by father-and-son team Paul and Chris Moxon, from Beeston Regis.

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Eastern Daily Press: Chris Moxon heralds the return to service of Class 104 DMU, M56182 by breaking a bottle of champagne on the vehicle’s bufferbeam Picture: Emma RomaineChris Moxon heralds the return to service of Class 104 DMU, M56182 by breaking a bottle of champagne on the vehicle’s bufferbeam Picture: Emma Romaine (Image: Emma Romaine)

Speaking last year when it launched, Chris Moxon said: “We are delighted to return M56182 to action and very pleased that the vehicle has proved popular with passengers – particularly the first-class saloon which affords an excellent driver’s-eye view of the line ahead!”

Graham Hukins, the railway’s commercial manager, added: "The coach is in pristine condition and it oozes period atmosphere."

Eastern Daily Press: Graham Hukins, the North Norfolk Railway commercial managerGraham Hukins, the North Norfolk Railway commercial manager (Image: Leigh Caudwell)

The vehicle had last carried passengers more than 36 years ago and Class 104s were the mainstay of the Norwich-Cromer-Sheringham services in the late 1970s. 

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The restoration included varnished woodwork and salvaged seats in the original style in the passenger saloons and repaired and renewed wiring and instruments on the driver's desk. 

The impressive transformation has been recognised nationally and M56182 is one of five finalists in The Railcar Association’s Railcar of the Year Award 2023. 

Eastern Daily Press: The restored passenger saloon Picture: Chris MoxonThe restored passenger saloon Picture: Chris Moxon (Image: Chris Moxon)

The award recognises restored vehicles that have returned to service over the last 12 months.

The other finalists are in Worth Valley, Wensleydale, Swanage and Llangollen. 

The Railcar Association includes owners of the around 250 Diesel Multiple Unit (DMU) vehicles that have been saved for preservation.

Vote for the North Norfolk Railway railcar at poll-maker.com/poll5039257x61084885-153