Merseyrail legacy fleet updates (Class 507/508)

[Pacef8]

A 6 car has just gone past @9.15 and its empty chester bound !

 

[childwallblues]

Quite a rare sight today on the Wirral line, all diagrams operated by 6 cars.
Could this be the last time this happens for the 507/508 fleet - possibly next Saturday, although with the 20min frequency across the network not all diagrams maybe 6 cars.

6 car trains were needed in anticipation of the crowds for the Eurovision opening concert on St Georges Plateau in Liverpool last night.

There was a bridge bash today at about 1330 in the Bootle area which meant suspension if the Southport to Hunts Cross service. Replacement bus service was being set up when I left Liverpool Central at 1410 to catch a local bus home.

 

[The_Train]

Can anybody confirm that 508124 still exists (my records suggest it does) and that it is still in use at the moment please?

 

[L401CJF]

Can anybody confirm that 508124 still exists (my records suggest it does) and that it is still in use at the moment please?

It certainly does, not sure what it's on today but I saw it on an ECS from Birkenhead North to West Kirby around lunch time on 08/05 with 508117.

 

[Wezz]

Can anybody confirm that 508124 still exists (my records suggest it does) and that it is still in use at the moment please?

124 is still in service as far as I'm aware, not sure where it is right now though

 

[The_Train]

It certainly does, not sure what it's on today but I saw it on an ECS from Birkenhead North to West Kirby around lunch time on 08/05 with 508117.

124 is still in service as far as I'm aware, not sure where it is right now though

Thanks both, I won't be up there until tomorrow so will just have to hope it appears somewhere then so I can at least complete the set of what remains of the fleet

 

[L401CJF]

Fair few 6cars knocking around tonight. Apparently all New Brightons are 6car as are the majority of West Kirbys. Unsure on other lines.

 

[amwells]

I’m travelling to Chester and then into Liverpool on Saturday and still have 14 507/508s for sight (yes I’m not local!!) - where would be best to plonk myself to see as many as possible? Many thanks in advance

 

[pokemonsuper9]

I’m travelling to Chester and then into Liverpool on Saturday and still have 14 507/508s for sight (yes I’m not local!!) - where would be best to plonk myself to see as many as possible? Many thanks in advance

to be able to see both Northern and Wirral units you'd want either Moorfields or Liverpool Central, same amount of units overall since all journeys go through those two.
Can't narrow down either as better than the other, but someone else probably can

 

[Bevan Price]

to be able to see both Northern and Wirral units you'd want either Moorfields or Liverpool Central, same amount of units overall since all journeys go through those two.
Can't narrow down either as better than the other, but someone else probably can

If you have time, you would be better to get a local rover or Merseytravel Saveaway ticket, as units can be parked at Southport, New Brighton and/or West Kirby, and outside the depots at Kirkdale, and Birkenhead North (not visible from the station or nearby roads). Binoculars or camera with zoom lens recommended for identifying units in Kirkdale sidings, from Kirkdale station platform). Inevitably, a few units may be hidden inside depot buildings.
No units can be parked at Kirkby, Ormskirk, Chester or Ellesmere Port.

At Moorfields or Liverpool Central (Wirral line platforms) you will need about 90 minutes to see all working trains.
For Northern line trains, you will also see everything actually working in about 2 hours, but Sandhills (in the open air), it is much more pleasant to wait for a long time.

 

[pokemonsuper9]

At Moorfields or Liverpool Central (Wirral line platforms) you will need about 90 minutes to see all working trains.
For Northern line trains, you will also see everything actually working in about 2 hours,

Would it even be possible to see all diagrams that pass through a station like those with high/low level parts that can take a bit to get between, or would some end up missed out?
I wouldn't want to miss a unit going all the way out to Chester or Southport and wait ages for it to come back.

 

[Bevan Price]

Would it even be possible to see all diagrams that pass through a station like those with high/low level parts that can take a bit to get between, or would some end up missed out?
I wouldn't want to miss a unit going all the way out to Chester or Southport and wait ages for it to come back.

Don't risk it. It is a VERY long way between High Level and Low Level platforms, especially at Moorfields.

 

[amwells]

Thank you Bevan Price and pokemonsuper9, invaluable advice, I really appreciate it. Fingers crossed for Saturday - and the river sounds like a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon!

 

[Pacef8]

Dont forget the song contest is on with limited space .

 

[jamesst]

Bear in mind all day Saturday Wirral Line services are only stopping at Liverpool Central and Northern line services are only stopping at Moorfields due to the Eurovision event.
Therefore if you wanted to see what units we're running were your best options will likely be Sandhills for the Northern line and Hamilton Square for the Wirral.

 

[The_Train]

Can anyone confirm that 124 is running today? Don't need to know the diagram as I like the chase but I'd at least like to know it exists today please

 

[ls2270]

Can anyone confirm that 124 is running today? Don't need to know the diagram as I like the chase but I'd at least like to know it exists today please

Can’t see it working anywhere today!

 

[The_Train]

Can’t see it working anywhere today!

Not quite the news I wanted haha! Thanks for checking though

 

[childwallblues]

Can anyone confirm that 124 is running today? Don't need to know the diagram as I like the chase but I'd at least like to know it exists today please

I have been informed that it is not currently working but is stabled at West Kirby.

 

[The_Train]

I have been informed that it is not currently working but is stabled at West Kirby.

Thanks mate! Final unit for haulage so hopefully it has miles left to come back out to play on another day

 

[Wezz]

Bear in mind all day Saturday Wirral Line services are only stopping at Liverpool Central and Northern line services are only stopping at Moorfields due to the Eurovision event.
Therefore if you wanted to see what units we're running were your best options will likely be Sandhills for the Northern line and Hamilton Square for the Wirral.

I can confirm that the smoke doors to the Wirral Line at Moorfields will be closed on Saturday, nobody except railway staff and contractors will be allowed access to the Wirral Line platform.

Ham Sq and Liverpool Central will be the only places on the underground where you will be able to see what units will be on the Wirral services.

 

[The_Train]

Can anyone confirm that 124 is running today? Don't need to know the diagram as I like the chase but I'd at least like to know it exists today please

So it's been located working a Class 5 from West Kirby to Kirkdale Depot. Any gen on whether its coming out as a Eurovision capacity booster later?

 

[jamesst]

I can confirm that the smoke doors to the Wirral Line at Moorfields will be closed on Saturday, nobody except railway staff and contractors will be allowed access to the Wirral Line platform.

Ham Sq and Liverpool Central will be the only places on the underground where you will be able to see what units will be on the Wirral services.

Pretty sure I just said that!!

 

[315801]

I spotted 508125 at leasowe stn heading to west kirby at 12:57 today while I was driving to new brighton

 

[amwells]

Thank you for all the advice. Looks like it will be time at Hamilton Square then Sandhills with some trips in between!

 

[samrammstein]

It was mentioned in the 777 thread that 008 and 027 will be the next units to leave the network. 507008 was working 2C29 1315 CTR-LVC earlier today so should be on 5R47 CTR-RFY tonight, possibly going to Kirkdale as 5D45 thereafter.

 

[SuperLuke2334]

It was mentioned in the 777 thread that 008 and 027 will be the next units to leave the network. 507008 was working 2C29 1315 CTR-LVC earlier today so should be on 5R47 CTR-RFY tonight, possibly going to Kirkdale as 5D45 thereafter.

I was considering asking when these were going to be withdrawn, thanks for bringing it up! Does anyone know, as I heard the 28th for them leaving quoted previously...?

 

[prod_pep]

I was considering asking when these were going to be withdrawn, thanks for bringing it up! Does anyone know, as I heard the 28th for them leaving quoted previously...?

The 28th May is the proposed date of the scrap move IIRC. Usually the units are withdrawn the Monday or Tuesday prior, so 22nd-23rd May seems likely. Mind you, with the ongoing 777 problems and the temporary return of 507/8s to Kirkby, there might be a chance their withdrawal will be delayed slightly.

I've had a number of rides on 507008 recently and it still sounds superbly loud in coach 64412 and is a fine rider. The other one, 507027, is a reasonable ride but it's no 008.

 

[SuperLuke2334]

The 28th May is the proposed date of the scrap move IIRC. Usually the units are withdrawn the Monday or Tuesday prior, so 22nd-23rd May seems likely. Mind you, with the ongoing 777 problems and the temporary return of 507/8s to Kirkby, there might be a chance their withdrawal will be delayed slightly.

I've had a number of rides on 507008 recently and it still sounds superbly loud in coach 64412 and is a fine rider. The other one, 507027, is a reasonable ride but it's no 008.

Thank you . If they run out of miles of course then I doubt they can be delayed in withdrawal.

 

[samrammstein]

Something I recently noticed after 15 years of travel on Merseyrail is these BR York plates on the 508s, which are positioned low down on the carriage sides. Looking back through old photos I don't believe 507s have them. Hopefully some may be saved but I suppose the screws may be seized by now.