FOREST rail enthusiasts are celebrating after one of their railcars won a national award.

One of the Dean Forest Railway’s (DFR) diesel multiple units (DMU) was named Railcar of the Year by the Railcar Association.

The unit, E50619, dates back to the late 1950s and spent some of its working life in the Bristol area.

Each of the DFR’s four multiple units has had its cabs replaced by volunteers with E50619 being taken out of service over the winter of 2014-15 for its improvement.

After a repaint in the paint shop at the DFR’s Norchard base, a pristine E50619 went straight into service on a birthday charter.

Chris Walker, of the DFR, said: “The Railcar Association is formed of owners of preserved multiple units who are dedicated to the history, technology and preservation of first generation DMUs.

“In recent years they have run a vote for Railcar of the Year.

The winner for 2015 was announced as E50619, which is a fantastic achievement for all those who have contributed in whatever way to the successful and high quality refurbishment.

“It is also a great advert for the Dean Forest Railway.

“We are now all looking forward to later in 2016 where we can showcase E50619 along with our other four cars and hopefully a guest visitor, ‘bubble car’ Iris.