Class 507 Preservation Society secures new home base for EMU

THE SCHEME to preserve the pioneer Merseyrail Class 507 electric multiple unit is progressing well, with the Class 507 Preservation Society stating that it has identified a suitable home for the three-coach EMU when it is withdrawn from service later this year. Plans to secure the unit were first announced last autumn, when established preservationist Robert Hampton sought expressions of interest from other enthusiasts in setting up a preservation group to save one of the Class 507 EMUS from scrapping, with 507001 identified as being suitable. An inaugural meeting was held in November, with a committee formed to progress discussions with Merseytravel and Angel Trains, which own the remaining Class 507s, and both organisations are understood to be supportive of the scheme to preserve the first-built unit.

The C507PS society launched a membership scheme in late January to raise funds and attract active supporters, and around 50 members joined within the first couple of weeks.

Mr Hampton told Railways Illustrated in mid-february that the group has been in discussions regarding securing a new home for the EMU and said that a suitable base has been identified for the unit, although he was unable to identify where at this stage, due to agreements and details not being finalised. He hoped an announcement should be made in early March. Pioneer unit 507001 – which first entered service on Merseyrail in 1978 – was given a retro blue and grey vinyl wrap by Merseyrail in early December.

Although it is currently unknown exactly when the last of the Class 507s will be withdrawn, it is expected that 507001 will be one of the final members of the fleet to remain in service on the network.

It is proposed that the unit will retain its vinyl wrap following its preservation and will be kept in its as-withdrawn condition but will undergo deep cleaning and conservation to keep it in good order. Although it is understood to be in good overall condition, it is not initially proposed that the unit will be retained in operational condition, although options will be explored to allow it to be used in the future, including by locomotive-haulage or the installation of a mobile generator to allow it to be self-powered.

The Class 507 and 508 EMUS have served the Merseyrail network since their introduction in the late 1970s, with the last-remaining Class 508 – 508104 – withdrawn in January. The trains are being replaced by the new fleet of Stadler-built Class 777s. Mr Hampton was delighted with how the C507PS was moving forward and said that securing a home for the unit was the crucial part of the project. He also expressed his gratitude to Merseytravel and Angel Trains for their help and assistance during negotiations.

The society will soon be launching an appeal to raise funds towards the costs of transporting the unit to its new home and would welcome further members getting involved as either supporters, financial donors, or volunteers for when the unit enters preservation. Further information can be found at www.class507.org.uk

Kevin Delaney The Class 144 Pacer second-generation diesel multiple unit 144009 was in service at the East Lancashire Railway’s recent Winter Diesel Day. Still carrying its fictitious ‘Great Midlands Trains’ vinyl wrap which was applied to the DMU for a filming contract, the Pacer departs from Ramsbottom station with a service to Bury on February 10. 144009 was also recently used as the backdrop to a music video filmed at the ELR for Liam Gallagher and John Squire’s new single, Just Another Rainbow.

Kevin Delaney Subject to a preservation attempt by the Class 507 Preservation Society, pioneer Merseyrail Class 507 electric multiple unit 507001 prepares to depart from Freshfield station with a Hunts Cross to Southport service on December 20, 2023, while Stadler 777010 heads in the opposite direction. The Class 777s are expected to completely take over services on the Merseyrail network during 2024.