Merseyrail 50 Years of Progress 1971-2021

PUBLISHER: Class 502 Preservation Trust

PRICE: £7.80

WEBSITE: www.class502.org.uk/ shop/

THE MERSEYRAIL network is an often overlooked transport network by enthusiasts and people who never travel on it, but the Class 502 Preservation Trust has produced a great little booklet to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Merseyrail brand.

With a foreword from

Merseyrail’s chief operating officer, Zoe Hands, the book takes a look at the history of Merseyrail network from its inception through to the present day.

The network is the largest thirdrail electrified railway outside of London, featuring 69 stations and 75 route miles, serving Liverpool and the surrounding region.

As can be expected, the book features many images of the

EMUS that have worked over the network, predominantly the Class 507 and Class 508s, but with plenty of photos of the Class 502 and 503 EMUS that worked on the network before the new order were introduced by BR in 1978.

Now, as reported in the last issue of Railways Illustrated, time is becoming short for the 507s and 508s, as Merseyrail prepares to introduce a brand new fleet of hybrid battery/electric powered Stadler Class 777s, which are set to make their debut in service over the coming months.

The 48 page A4 format softback booklet is available from the

Class 502 Preservation Trust and is priced at just £7.80, which is a bargain for the amount of work that has clearly gone into its production.

The printing of some of the photos is slightly dark, but this did not detract from my enjoyment of the book.

With a well selected range of historic and general photos included, as well as a wide selection of maps, posters and publicity material, it is clear that a lot of time and research has been put into its production.

As with all well produced books, this booklet makes me want to go and explore this fascinating network and the publishers are to be congratulated on such an outstanding piece of work.

Highly recommended.

(AMC)