Merseyrail legacy fleet updates (Class 507/508)

[8A Rail]

508140 did indeed take its leave of the Merseyrail network in last night's steady rain. A few bits were robbed such as light fittings to keep the others going. This one was slightly sombre as 508140 was one of my favourite 508s and it ended its days riding well unlike 508143 which was appalling.

Not on this day though (9/8/22), failed at Hall Road and consequently being push by 507026 to Kirkdale, see: https://www.flickr.com/photos/8arail/52348614264/in/dateposted-public/

 

[L401CJF]

508140 did indeed take its leave of the Merseyrail network in last night's steady rain. A few bits were robbed such as light fittings to keep the others going. This one was slightly sombre as 508140 was one of my favourite 508s and it ended its days riding well unlike 508143 which was appalling.

Looking at the footage the door steps along with cab window handrails (rear cab) seem to have been nicked too.

 

[Nicholas Lewis]

Looking at the footage the door steps along with cab window handrails (rear cab) seem to have been nicked too.

Surely would have been sensible to just leave it at Kirkdale so anything could have been taken from it to keep the remaining fleet operational although are we getting to a point that they know more donors are going to be coming because short of a heavy overhaul they can't stay in traffic.

 

[MR-507508]

508140 did indeed take its leave of the Merseyrail network in last night's steady rain. A few bits were robbed such as light fittings to keep the others going. This one was slightly sombre as 508140 was one of my favourite 508s and it ended its days riding well unlike 508143 which was appalling.

Did any parts of 508134 or 508110 ever return to the network?
By parts, I am actually thinking of one or two bogies.
I remember seeing a photo of some bogies (2 I think) being delivered to Birkenhead North E.M.U.D. sometime last year, does anyone know if these were salvaged and escaped scrap from 508134 and/or 508110?

 

[315801]

I think the salvage of all usable parts including steps, collector shoes, cab desk equipment ( speedo, brake gauge etc ) and the motors if required should take place before units are sent away.

At least this would ensure that there are sufficient parts available if needed and bogies could always be sent back from newport in case a bogie swap was required.

 

[TrainTrackJack]

I think the salvage of all usable parts including steps, collector shoes, cab desk equipment ( speedo, brake gauge etc ) and the motors if required should take place before units are sent away.

See here, taken through the cab window at Crewe during the run round.

Looking at the footage the door steps along with cab window handrails (rear cab) seem to have been nicked too.

Yes, these had been removed.

508140 did indeed take its leave of the Merseyrail network in last night's steady rain. A few bits were robbed such as light fittings to keep the others going. This one was slightly sombre as 508140 was one of my favourite 508s and it ended its days riding well unlike 508143 which was appalling.

Several seats taken out too!
Oh, and as for the steady rain....
It was like a monsoon at Crewe!

 

[prod_pep]

The 507/8s' door steps are removed as standard practice whenever they are hauled outside the Merseyrail network.

Any parts to be retained as spares will have to be salvaged before the condemned unit is hauled away, as don't they have a 'total destruction order' placed upon them as other scrap units do?

 

[skyhigh]

Any parts to be retained as spares will have to be salvaged before the condemned unit is hauled away, as don't they have a 'total destruction order' placed upon them as other scrap units do?

There's no reason parts can't be removed at the scrapyard with agreement from them. As happened with at least the 91s that went to Newport, I believe.

 

[Jacob Porrett]

508140 has gone to Newport for scrap today.

 

[warwickshire]

37884 CEPHEUS on form with 508140 through Wem around 20 Late with 5q78 0849 Crewe to Newport Docks Simms with 37884 full throttle through the valley there. However 508140 has departed.

 

[WesternLancer]

Apols as I am sure it will be in the thread somewhere, but how long are 507s and 508s likely to still be in operation on Merseyrail?

Having recently had the chance to go to Sussex for a day on 313s, it occurs to me to wonder how long I have to enjoy 507s and 508s before withdrawal.

If a useful post up thread feel free to redirect me, but all advice welcome. Many thanks.

 

[Razorblades]

Apols as I am sure it will be in the thread somewhere, but how long are 507s and 508s likely to still be in operation on Merseyrail?

Having recently had the chance to go to Sussex for a day on 313s, it occurs to me to wonder how long I have to enjoy 507s and 508s before withdrawal.

If a useful post up thread feel free to redirect me, but all advice welcome. Many thanks.

Opinions vary, but you've undoubtedly got a few weeks left before the new fleet starts to phase-in. If I was a betting man, I reckon you'll have until May 2023 realistically.

 

[Sam 76]

Opinions vary, but you've undoubtedly got a few weeks left before the new fleet starts to phase-in. If I was a betting man, I reckon you'll have until May 2023 realistically.

I think really it will be at least late 2023 if not 2024. Most units aren’t in the country yet and will have to undergo the tests the current ones have done. I think Merseyrail themselves said it’s over a 15 month period if I’m not mistaken

 

[WesternLancer]

Opinions vary, but you've undoubtedly got a few weeks left before the new fleet starts to phase-in. If I was a betting man, I reckon you'll have until May 2023 realistically.

Thanks for that analysis - helpful to read. Was wondering to what extent the December timetable change might be a cut off, but sounds like it may not be that imminent...

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I think really it will be at least late 2023 if not 2024. Most units aren’t in the country yet and will have to undergo the tests the current ones have done. I think Merseyrail themselves said it’s over a 15 month period if I’m not mistaken

Thanks - again v helpful to read that take - tho I may try and plan a visit sooner rather than later maybe! But sounds like May 2023 timetable change is probably not even the cut off then.

 

[Sam 76]

Thanks for that analysis - helpful to read. Was wondering to what extent the December timetable change might be a cut off, but sounds like it may not be that imminent...

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Oct 2022 ==


Thanks - again v helpful to read that take - tho I may try and plan a visit sooner rather than later maybe! But sounds like May 2023 timetable change is probably not even the cut off then.

I would say that there will be a good number around after May 2023 even up to the end of the year. I commute on them each day and some of the 507’s getting refitted mechanically and a lick of paint at the moment so they are defo trying to extend their lives for more than a few months

 

[Vespa]

You may be looking at gradual change over of possibly three years as they get withdrawn once replacement counterpart 777 completed their fault free miles and handed over to Merseyrail.

Make the most of it, I would imagine there would be some farewell tours and ticket getting sold out, souvenirs for sale etc

 

[prod_pep]

They have mentioned a 15-month roll-out of the new stock which, even if the first 777 entered service tomorrow, would see us into 2024.

The 507 overhauls and paint touch-ups are out of necessity really as each unit progressively reaches a mileage limit. They generally get between five and six years out of a unit between overhauls, but I highly doubt they expect to have 507s still running in 2028 - we can dream!

Speaking of which, 507023 is now back in service having received its overhaul. Outside Birkenhead North depot yesterday was 507001 which I believe is approaching its turn (along with 507007 and 507027).

 

[Sam 76]

Yeah it will be interesting to see how quickly they are reduced to just 6 car peak services on the Southport and Chester services. I imagine that they could be like the 315s and just do that for a while before finally saying their farewell, having grown up with them all my life it will be very strange to see them go

 

[8A Rail]

I am a little surprised that some people have not mentioned that Merseyrail intend to keep 10 Class 507's operating until some NR works have been completed, such as work need to be carried out at Southport before that location is able of taking a pair of Class 777's. I think there is other work in the locations need to be carried out, this includes the remedial work at Liverpool Central Station next month. I certainly think that both Class 507 and Class 508 units will be around all of next year for sure and some have mentioned May 2023.

 

[Sam 76]

I am a little surprised that some people have not mentioned that Merseyrail intend to keep 10 Class 507's operating until some NR works have been completed, such as work need to be carried out at Southport before that location is able of taking a pair of Class 777's. I think there is other work in the locations need to be carried out, this includes the remedial work at Liverpool Central Station next month. I certainly think that both Class 507 and Class 508 units will be around all of next year for sure and some have mentioned May 2023.

Yep that’s the thing. So even if it’s 3 or 4 diagrams during the peaks they will be around for a while even if not all the time

 

[Skie]

I am a little surprised that some people have not mentioned that Merseyrail intend to keep 10 Class 507's operating until some NR works have been completed, such as work need to be carried out at Southport before that location is able of taking a pair of Class 777's. I think there is other work in the locations need to be carried out, this includes the remedial work at Liverpool Central Station next month. I certainly think that both Class 507 and Class 508 units will be around all of next year for sure and some have mentioned May 2023.

That may all be academic now. The delays to introduction have meant the NR works will be complete (or very close to compete) by the time the other diagrams are converted to 777 operation.

 

[Liverpool 507]

Southport Platform 3 will only be able to handle a single 777 set, even after the extension works at the block end of the platform.

 

[D821]

I was near Birkenhead North the other day and saw a lorry with a load of bogies on it pulling away, not sure if they were for the scrap or for refurbishment.

 

[Liverpool 507]

I was near Birkenhead North the other day and saw a lorry with a load of bogies on it pulling away, not sure if they were for the scrap or for refurbishment.

It was said at one point that Stadler where going to use Birkenhead North’s heavy maintenance shed as a bogie refurbishment facility for all other UK Stadler stock.

Presumably this would be once 507/8s are out of the picture.

 

[Sam 76]

Southport Platform 3 will only be able to handle a single 777 set, even after the extension works at the block end of the platform.

That’s so odd. Are they going to have to move the points and signal to accommodate ?

 

[Ribbleman]

That may all be academic now. The delays to introduction have meant the NR works will be complete (or very close to compete) by the time the other diagrams are converted to 777 operation.

At one point there were going to be 14 x Class 507 being kept on extended leases from Angel Trains after all the 777s had entered service. This was to be until NR had finished track and signalling alterations. However, as Skie points out, the continued delay to the 777s entering service may mean that retention of those 507s is unnecessary.

 

[WesternLancer]

I would say that there will be a good number around after May 2023 even up to the end of the year. I commute on them each day and some of the 507’s getting refitted mechanically and a lick of paint at the moment so they are defo trying to extend their lives for more than a few months

Thanks for that take.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Oct 2022 ==

You may be looking at gradual change over of possibly three years as they get withdrawn once replacement counterpart 777 completed their fault free miles and handed over to Merseyrail.

Make the most of it, I would imagine there would be some farewell tours and ticket getting sold out, souvenirs for sale etc

Thanks @Vespa - useful insight and appreciated.

== Doublepost prevention - post automatically merged: 18 Oct 2022 ==

They have mentioned a 15-month roll-out of the new stock which, even if the first 777 entered service tomorrow, would see us into 2024.

The 507 overhauls and paint touch-ups are out of necessity really as each unit progressively reaches a mileage limit. They generally get between five and six years out of a unit between overhauls, but I highly doubt they expect to have 507s still running in 2028 - we can dream!

Speaking of which, 507023 is now back in service having received its overhaul. Outside Birkenhead North depot yesterday was 507001 which I believe is approaching its turn (along with 507007 and 507027).

Also - many thanks, helpful to consider this.

In general, the whole thing has to be a good excuse to visit Liverpool IMHO - one of the world's greatest cities with such a superb heritage.

Occured to me to wonder if hosting eurovision was going to have an impact on the need for rolling stock - tho it does not sound like a new fleet will be able to be rolled out in time for that in May '23!

 

[AMD]

That’s so odd. Are they going to have to move the points and signal to accommodate ?

Platforms 2&3 are being extended into the concourse - the gateline is moving through 90deg so from the side of M&S to the back of the M to Go shop, with the buffers sitting just on the town side of where the gateline is right now. The back corner of the M to go shop is being chopped off to make it all fit as otherwise one of the wide gates would open almost onto the building - to give you an idea of where it's all going.

 

[Sam 76]

Platforms 2&3 are being extended into the concourse - the gateline is moving through 90deg so from the side of M&S to the back of the M to Go shop, with the buffers sitting just on the town side of where the gateline is right now. The back corner of the M to go shop is being chopped off to make it all fit as otherwise one of the wide gates would open almost onto the building - to give you an idea of where it's all going.

Ahh ok wow that’s a big job I suspect Southport will be shut for many weeks at some point then

 

[Liverpool 507]

Ahh ok wow that’s a big job I suspect Southport will be shut for many weeks at some point then

Merseyrail will probably start and terminate at Hillside. Northern may get away with using Platforms 5 and 6, with the side gate (London Street) used for access.