Merseyrail Class 507's and 508's

[Alan508]

Hi all very first post ..... I found out last night from one of our bosses that it has been agreed between ourselves and Angel trains that the 507's and 508's on our network (Merseyrail) are to have more modifications. This will be mainly below floor for example, New motor alternators etc. Improvements will also be made to the driving cab's by fitting new driver seats, Re-shaping the drivers desk for more room like the class 313's and also a new bigger footplate and also the introduction of air conditioning into the cabs.
I don't know if there will be any improvements to the passenger sections but I am aware that the units will be getting a re-paint or vinyl with some units to have advertising liveries applied.
I am unaware as to when this will start to take place but it will be going ahead as the money is available.
I was also informed that the money for the new rolling stock has been secured and it is between a final four companies to fight it out to get the contract to build the new units for Merseyrail.

 

[OxtedL]

Thanks for the info, an very high quality first post!

I'm intrigued that they're spending money on the trains when they're about to get new ones? Although all improvements have got to be a good thing...

 

[Juniper Driver]

Great 1980's units,similar to the class 315s which were new when I joined.The drivers at my depot still talk about them sometimes,based at Strawberry Hill at one time...Looks like a good job on the refurbishment.Still a refurbishment is only as good as the amount of money thrown into it.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/British_Rail_Class_508

 

[Alan508]

Hi the reason they are spending a few bob on them is because they have extended the contract with angel trains So that we keep the units for another 5 years or so. To keep them running to the current standard they are going to require a few mod's below floor.
Totally agree juniper driver, great 1980's units to be honest the pep's are great all round, they have character which a lot of modern rolling stock does not have !

 

[M60lad]

Is there a reason when the recent refurbishment was done on the Merseyrail Units that the windows was stopped from opening as wide as they used to and had blockes put in them stopping them opening as wide as they used to

 

[Juniper Driver]

Is there a reason when the recent refurbishment was done on the Merseyrail Units that the windows was stopped from opening as wide as they used to and had blocks put in them stopping them opening as wide as they used to

Same problem that plagued the 315s and 455...Passengers used to throw the seat backs out of them.A bit harder now as there is a narrower gap plus the seats have been changed anyway.