Merseyrail legacy fleet updates (Class 507/508)

[prod_pep]

will 508104 still be on the port branch tomorrow? also do you know where 507003 and 507001 will be tomorrow? hoping to ride them while they're still around

It looks like 508104 is booked to move (with 507021) to New Brighton in the early hours of tomorrow from Hooton: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:S41237/2024-01-15/detailed. This would put 104 on the New Brighton line and if withdrawal on Wednesday is still planned, it should begin another three-day stint on this route.

507001 is a banker for the Southport line tomorrow as it is still in the sidings there, whilst I think 507003 moved to New Brighton following its failure on Saturday so possibly that won't be in use.

 

[sansyy]

It looks like 508104 is booked to move (with 507021) to New Brighton in the early hours of tomorrow from Hooton: https://www.realtimetrains.co.uk/service/gb-nr:S41237/2024-01-15/detailed. This would put 104 on the New Brighton line and if withdrawal on Wednesday is still planned, it should begin another three-day stint on this route.

507001 is a banker for the Southport line tomorrow as it is still in the sidings there, whilst I think 507003 moved to New Brighton following its failure on Saturday so possibly that won't be in use.

cheers appreciate it

 

[RichardAsh1981]

The trackside network that provides a data uplink to the trains is apparently a bit behind where it should be. If that isn’t working then the trains WiFi will let you connect but wont have internet access. But also the onboard WiFi seems to be flakey anyway, probably the same Icomera junk present in other operators trains.

Several trains I tried to connect to had SSL certificate errors which prevented connection - and the domain names used were Icomera ones. This would seem to be a configuration issue (wrong certificate for the domain) rather than a technical fault.

The suspension in 507003's 64369 could do with adjustment; a lot of bottoming out encountered already.

Last thing: the track recording camera is only at one end, 64369.

Couple of pictures of that end of 507003 taken at Capenhurst on Thursday 11th.
Does anyone know more about the camera? On the 507/508 Facebook group it was said to be a thermal imager for the conductor rails / returns? It seems to be on the outside of the window, although I didn't get a good look.

 

[L401CJF]

Several trains I tried to connect to had SSL certificate errors which prevented connection - and the domain names used were Icomera ones. This would seem to be a configuration issue (wrong certificate for the domain) rather than a technical fault.


Couple of pictures of that end of 507003 taken at Capenhurst on Thursday 11th.
Does anyone know more about the camera? On the 507/508 Facebook group it was said to be a thermal imager for the conductor rails / returns? It seems to be on the outside of the window, although I didn't get a good look.

Don't know much about the camera itself, but in close up images I've seen the window has been removed and replaced with a metal sheet, rectangular hole cut out the middle with the camera mounted behind it.

Edit 15/01
Photo of 507021 at Chester early this morning having been stabled overnight with 777020. Nice to have a 507 ticking away in the background again!

 

[prod_pep]

508108 and 508114 have departed for scrap behind 37800, 11 early through Bidston at 0605.

also do you know where 507003 and 507001 will be tomorrow?

507003 is on the West Kirby line today, kicking off with the 06.21 rounder. I assume it replaced the 777 which failed yesterday evening at Birkenhead Park.

Speaking of which, my second Monday at Bidston at silly o'clock and 777 cancellations both times. This time, the first of the day, the 05.51 from Wekka is caped. Hopefully 507003 will show the new order how it's done!

507029 is off to West Kirby now to take up the dozy 777's duty, so two of the first three on this line are oldies. It should start with 2W03, the 07.06 circuit.

 

[MR-507508]

508108 and 508114 have departed for scrap behind 37800, 11 early through Bidston at 0605.


507003 is on the West Kirby line today, kicking off with the 06.21 rounder. I assume it replaced the 777 which failed yesterday evening at Birkenhead Park.

Speaking of which, my second Monday at Bidston at silly o'clock and 777 cancellations both times. This time, the first of the day, the 05.51 from Wekka is caped. Hopefully 507003 will show the new order how it's done!

507029 is off to West Kirby now to take up the dozy 777's duty, so two of the first three on this line are oldies. It should start with 2W03, the 07.06 circuit.

Any sign on what diagram 508104 is working today? On New Brighon I presume?

 

[prod_pep]

Any sign on what diagram 508104 is working today? On New Brighon I presume?

Yes, XX.08 departures on the New Brighton line. Other two are 507018 (XX.53 and 507010 (XX.38).

 

[RichardAsh1981]

507021 out on the 0845 departure from Bromborough towards Chester this morning. Seems to be a regular substitution on this diagram?

 

[Jamesrob637]

Realtime Trains | 0N38 1200 Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Birkenhead North E.M.U.D | 14/01/2024

Real-time train running information for 0N38 1200 departure from Derby R.T.C.(Network Rail) to Birkenhead North E.M.U.D on 14/01/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

Realtime Trains | 5Q78 0611 Birkenhead North E.M.U.D to Newport Docks (Simsgroup) | 15/01/2024

Real-time train running information for 5Q78 0611 departure from Birkenhead North E.M.U.D to Newport Docks (Simsgroup) on 15/01/2024. From Realtime Trains, an independent source of train running info for Great Britain.

www.realtimetrains.co.uk

It's on its way

 

[Neil Polo]

How do you get which set is doing the services? When I look at real-time trains I get the timetable numbers but not the set number.

 

[karlbbb]

How do you get which set is doing the services? When I look at real-time trains I get the timetable numbers but not the set number.

Either Merseyrail (or other rail) staff with access to internal systems which ID them, or they've simply been seen in person.

 

[DJH1971]

It's on its way

For the final remaining 508's I take it?

 

[Jamesrob637]

For the final remaining 508's I take it?

508108 & 508114 according to post #1497

 

[45076]

For the final remaining 508's I take it?

just the one left now 8004... sorry old habits 508104

 

[Merseytrainfan]

Does anyone know whether 5018104 is definitely going on Wednesday? Thanks!

 

[Wezz]

Does anyone know whether 5018104 is definitely going on Wednesday? Thanks!

She's being stood down at the end of service tomorrow night, unless she fails before then.

 

[Sam 76]

She's being stood down at the end of service tomorrow night, unless she fails before then.

It really is the end of an era

 

[mikecmac]

On the recent 508 farewell tour in October, a senior member of Merseyrail said that the final dates of 507 operation will be the weekend 11/12 May when it is planned to mark the occasion with a suitable farewell trip.

 

[Pacef8]

Presuming you can get it out of the depot or if it even lasts that long.

 

[prod_pep]

Presuming you can get it out of the depot or if it even lasts that long.

As it's a 507 tour and not a 777 one, I'm sure it will be fine. It's the latter class suffering from dire reliability.

 

[507001]

There were 4 pairs out on the Southport services before 507011+023 were involved in the incident at Freshfield 507013+507031. Do we know which pairs they were please? In the Eve 507013+507030 (swapped!) and 507033+507014 were out. 507001 was out on 1127 Southport Hunts Cross. 507003 didn't work back from West Kirby in the afternoon. 507029 507028+507017 were stabled at New Brighton.

 

[Snapper]

I managed to get out and catch 508104 on the New Brighton's today. Shame the set's been attacked by graffiti 'artists' There's pictures of it and some of the 507s here. https://paulbigland.blog/2024/01/15/rolling-blog-sunshine-interlude-2/

 

[507021]

She's being stood down at the end of service tomorrow night, unless she fails before then.

Is this definite, please? I'd need to alter my provisional plans for tomorrow to fit in a last ride, and I'd prefer not to unless it's definitely being withdrawn.

 

[prod_pep]

Is this definite, please? I'd need to alter my provisional plans for tomorrow to fit in a last ride, and I'd prefer not to unless it's definitely being withdrawn.

I've had two confirmations from reliable sources, so I'd say it is very likely indeed to be withdrawn tomorrow. 507004 is also set to be pulled.

 

[507021]

I've had two confirmations from reliable sources, so I'd say it is very likely indeed to be withdrawn tomorrow. 507004 is also set to be pulled.

Many thanks, hopefully I can catch up with both units tomorrow.

 

[Wezz]

Is this definite, please? I'd need to alter my provisional plans for tomorrow to fit in a last ride, and I'd prefer not to unless it's definitely being withdrawn.

It's confirmed to be withdrawn tomorrow night, confirmation has been given to staff as it marks the end of Class 508 operations.

 

[sansyy]

Me and my girlfriend was able to ride 508104 today at around 4pm, the graffiti was an unfortunate surprise but was nice to be able to catch it before its gone for good. Farewell class 508 you've done us proud with your reliability o7

 

[MR-507508]

It's confirmed to be withdrawn tomorrow night, confirmation has been given to staff as it marks the end of Class 508 operations.

I take it 508104 will be withdrawn after working '2N51 1853 New Brighton to New Brighton' this (Tuesday) evening?

If 507004 due to be withdrawn this (Tuesday) evening?
Any idea where this is working?

 

[cjbirkett]

It's confirmed to be withdrawn tomorrow night, confirmation has been given to staff as it marks the end of Class 508 operations.

Gutted at this I can only make it into Liverpool Wednesday morning, was really hoping it would stay out until Wednesday.

I'm presuming it will go onto North Tuesday night after service. If so there's no point me making the journey weds morning. If, however it only moves from New Brighton weds morning I would still consider going in just for one last look

 

[prod_pep]

Gutted at this I can only make it into Liverpool Wednesday morning, was really hoping it would stay out until Wednesday.

I'm presuming it will go onto North Tuesday night after service. If so there's no point me making the journey weds morning. If, however it only moves from New Brighton weds morning I would still consider going in just for one last look

Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, but if normal practice ensues tomorrow, 508104 should conclude with the 18.53 New Brighton circuit followed by 5B39 19.48 New Brighton - Birkenhead North Depot ECS shortly afterwards.