British Rail Class 104 DMU

Class 104 DMUs were built by the Birmingham Railway Carriage & Wagon Company as part of the British Railways’ modernisation plan that saw the construction of many diesel trains to take over from steam.

M56182

The Class 104 driving coach was built in 1958 and has been meticulously restored to close to its original condition complete with varnished woodwork in the passengers saloons and salvaged seats of the original style including the comfortable first class saloons. The vehicle’s frames have been overhauled, the wheels refurbished and rusty bodywork cut out and replaced prior to repainting in its original green livery with distinctive painted “whiskers” that were a modern touch at the time.

The wiring and instruments required for the driver’s desk have been repaired and renewed meaning the coach can once again be used as a driving car when coupled to a compatible motorcoach to make a two-car train that can be operated from either end – one of the time saving innovations that made this type of vehicle attractive to British Railways’ management in the 1950s.

The vehicle returned to service in early September 2023, 36 years after it last carried passengers. The restoration of M56182 was a labour of love for co-owners, father and son team, Paul & Chris Moxon who carried out the work in their spare time over nine-and-a-half years!

M56182 was runner up in the 2023 Railcar Association awards and highly commended in the Diesel & Electric Traction category of the prestigious 2024 Heritage Railway Awards.