AN appeal has been launched to restore a museum’s most-travelled train - which when in service travelled the equivalent of five trips to the moon and back.

During its busy life as a South East commuter train, the electric 2HAP train travelled more than 2.7 million miles and carried 5.3million commuters in and around London.

It was retired in 1995, having shuttled commuters around London for more than 35 years, and in 2006 it joined the national collection housed at the National Railway Museum, York, where it remains their most travelled train.

After being stored outside at Strawberry Hill and other locations, a dedicated team of volunteers from Network South East Railway joined forces with the museum to raise money to return it to display condition.

Among the 19 volunteers was Jim Chittock, from York Carriage Works, who worked on the units as a young man.

Launching the group’s appeal was the man credited with revolutionising commuter transport in the South East, Chris Green, a former director of Network South East.

Project Commuter aims to return it to display condition in time for the 30th anniversary of Network South East in June 2016.

Mr Green said: “Our aim is to cosmetically restore the vehicle back to its colourful 1986 livery in time to mark the 30th anniversary of the launch of Network South East that year.

“The 2HAP is fondly remembered by many who travelled in the South East in the 80s and 90s – love it or hate it, if you were in and around the capital at that time you couldn’t fail to notice its colourful appearance and improved facilities for travellers.”

For further information, including details of how to donate, visit; www.projectcommuter.org.uk