Merseyrail 507's/508's

[Wyrleybart]

The main difference between the two classes is that they have different compressors, the 507’s have one and the 508’s have two. The 508’s were originally 5080XX, but were renumbered to 5081XX to avoid confusion with the 507’s.

The 507’s (built 1978-80) have always been three cars long and have spent their entire lives in Merseyside, whereas the 508’s (built 1979-80) were originally four carriages and were reduced into three, with the spare trailer carriages being inserted into Class 455/7 units for extra capacity. The 508’s spent their lives initially in London, but the units gradually came up to Merseyside in the early 80’s, replacing the Class 503s.

All class 507/508’s are owned by Angel Trains and are expected to be towed away by ROG loco’s for scrap when they’re made redundant.

Many thanks "Liverpool 507"
Great answer

 

[Bod]

I believe 507020 has been in overhaul over the past month or so, and should be out very soon.
507028 recently received an overhaul a few months back and is fine for miles. I have noticed it does spend a lot of time at Kirkdale though, anyone confim what is up with 507028?

Thanks for this info as 507020 is one of the seven I want to travel on. Another irritant is 508136 which always seems to be sat unemployed at Birkenhead when I am in the vicinity.

 

[gka472l]

Two paths in RTT for this coming Sunday evening from Birkenhead North depot to Craven Arms, one at 2034, another at 2137...continuing to Sims at Newport at 0447 Monday morning....

 

[Ewan M]

Two paths in RTT for this coming Sunday evening from Birkenhead North depot to Craven Arms, one at 2034, another at 2137...continuing to Sims at Newport at 0447 Monday morning....

508110 + 508134 first ones to go

 

[Trains Trains]

How components underframe a

 

[Trains Trains]

The main difference between the two classes is that they have different compressors, the 507’s have one and the 508’s have two. The 508’s were originally 5080XX, but were renumbered to 5081XX to avoid confusion with the 507’s.

The 507’s (built 1978-80) have always been three cars long and have spent their entire lives in Merseyside, whereas the 508’s (built 1979-80) were originally four carriages and were reduced into three, with the spare trailer carriages being inserted into Class 455/7 units for extra capacity. The 508’s spent their lives initially in London, but the units gradually came up to Merseyside in the early 80’s, replacing the Class 503s.

All class 507/508’s are owned by Angel Trains and are expected to be towed away by ROG loco’s for scrap when they’re made redundant.

Yes, all going to Towbridge

 

[390112A]

Does anybody know what is happing with the move tonight? I was thinking of trying to catch it at Bidston.

 

[86247]

Just looked on RTT its running 29 minutes early at yorton,Leicester- Birkenhead north depot just to leave the depot at 2039.

 

[Trains Trains]

Does anybody know what is happing with the move tonight? I was thinking of trying to catch it at Bidston.

Not sure

 

[Ewan M]

Have we got the ID of the loco taking the two 508s to their doom?

 

[1874]

57312, just went through Penyffordd

 

[Trains Trains]

Can anyone attach a photo of them leaving?

 

[Liverpool 507]

Can anyone attach a photo of them leaving?

The move has attracted a number of people at Bidston. I’m sure some will!

 

[Pacef8]

I figured a few may turn up there although burton marsh would of made for a better photo unfortunately too dark now. 40 years is a long wait for “that” historical photo.

 

[Ewan M]

The two doomed 508s have now begun their final journey to Sims Newport

 

[Ewan M]

Here is 508134 in happier times!

 

[M28361M]

Not my video (credit to Engineering Focus on YouTube), but here they are passing through Neston. Thanks to those who braved the terrible weather to witness this moment.

 

[L401CJF]

We caught it at Heswall in the pouring rain. Gutted to see them go!

 

[Tynwald]

508010 was one of the earlier units to be transferred north. 508042/3 were the first then 003/014, then 010/41. might not be totaly correct as it it 38 years ago, but i got them ready at Strawberry Hill depot ready for transfer. I was the last person to drive them on Southern metals I believe.

 

[_toommm_]

I’m surprised to see no barrier wagons. Didn’t this cause/was rumoured to cause a SPAD with another ROG loco when it was dragging something on the MML?

Presumably the 507s and 507s are unbraked so the driver is just relying on the loco brake?

 

[Richard Scott]

I’m surprised to see no barrier wagons. Didn’t this cause/was rumoured to cause a SPAD with another ROG loco when it was dragging something on the MML?

Presumably the 507s and 507s are unbraked so the driver is just relying on the loco brake?

They will definitely be braked - must be an adaptor coupling used.

 

[8J]

They are. If you watch one of the YouTube videos, the spirax valve can be heard ticking, indicating that the units have a supply of main res air (presumably directly from the loco) to supply the train brakes.

 

[MR-507508]

Not my video (credit to Ned's Trains).
Watch right until the end, the perfect ending as 134 and 110 depart round the bend, off the Merseyrail network.

I was pleased when Merseyrail/Stadler decided to include this unit for the BLS tour in January (where it worked its last passenger service) and glad I could make it down to Bidston for its final departure off the network.

 

[Camden]

With the new units not entering service soon, what's the impact or potential impact on the network of this?

Are there many more that are due to leave?

 

[Liverpool 507]

With the new units not entering service soon, what's the impact or potential impact on the network of this?

Are there many more that are due to leave?

There aren’t any more planned for disposal at the moment.

 

[urbophile]

I remember that HM the Queen formally opened the Merseyrail network back in the 1970s, and rode in one of the then new trains. For some time after that I seem to think the unit, and the seat, she had travelled in was marked in some way. That is now ancient history (or myth) but I wonder if that particular unit has been scrapped yet, or if its fame will be recalled when its day comes.

 

[birchesgreen]

I read somewhere (maybe here! maybe not!) a while ago that some of the 507/8s would be kept on after the 777s were fully in service for peak time services as some station platforms were not long enough for doubled up 777s and viewing signals? Is this still true, or nonsense anyway?

 

[Tynwald]

I think it might have been a 313 she travelled in. If my memory serves me right 2 were sent up to trial before the 507 entered service.

 

[73001]

I read somewhere (maybe here! maybe not!) a while ago that some of the 507/8s would be kept on after the 777s were fully in service for peak time services as some station platforms were not long enough for doubled up 777s and viewing signals? Is this still true, or nonsense anyway?

There's a post suggesting 14 507s being kept for a while whilst they sort the signal positions etc.

 

[Statto]

508110 was the unit featured in Merseyrail publicity until the millenium, especially the front cover of timetables & maps, quite poignant that's one of the first to go to scrap.