W56289 is one of just 10 Class 121 Trailer Cars, built to suppliment capacity working with the 'Bubble Car' Motor vehicles, also made by Pressed Steel, of which there were 16, these being similar to the Class 122 single car units built in 1958. The vehicle became 54289 in the renumbering scheme of May.

Originally built as a non-corridor Driving Trailer, 56289 was modified in 1988 at Doncaster Works with the addition of corridor connection gangway. It is believed this was done to allow further use with 'orphan' Class 116 DMBS 53083 to make set L210 based at Old Oak Common in 1989/90. 56289 is known to have had door locks overhauled at Selhurst in April 1990 and was withdrawn in December 1992.

Just two Class 121 Trailer Cars survive, the other being 56287 at the Colne Valley Railway. Affectionately known as 'Squeak', 56289 is often paired with resident Class 122, W55001, the pair making up Bubble & Squeak!

As of mid 2020, 56289 is being rebuilt having had a complete internal strip down and replacement floor. Cab end bodywork is also being undertaken along with a full internal refit.

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