For the first time since 1972 the unique Wickham trailer car E56171 has resumed its original appearance. It now has a full compliment of doors - reversing the modifications done to it when it was converted for departmental use.

Five of the six doors have had to be hand-made as two were missing altogether and only one of the four which remained was good enough to salvage.

The fitting of the doors marks the end of the major structural work to the exterior of the unit.

Glazing work has also been carried out including to the area formerly occupied by the enlarged toilet. This has now been returned to its original condition. The original toilet occupied a very small space at the back of the vehicle and will be very cramped when in use!

The reconditioned heaters have been fitted to both cars and some work done on the heater trunking.
The partition between the driver and the saloon which was damaged in the asbestos removal has been stripped down and repaired.
The final brake blocks have been fitted to the reconditioned bogies.
CAD drawings for the intermediate partitions have been produced and drawings for missing components, such as inside doors are being scaled from an official works drawing which has been discovered and which shows all the glass sizes fitted to the two vehicles.
Work has started to construct a prototype replica seat for trials.

The cab area is now beginning to look more like the original vehicle. The door has been returned to its original design and new gutters to the original pattern, including the sweep down over the front windows are in place.

Most of the refurbished components for the cab have been delivered. These include the air and axle light panel, instrument panel, heater panels and controls, brake valve, feed valve and switch panels. They are currently packaged up awaiting the construction of the cab roof dome.

Inside the cab the original "biscuit" colour is beginning to appear where refurbished parts are being fitted. The fitting of the cab doors has made this area suddenly seem much more advanced.