Merseyrail unit 777004

[Thommo 1]

Hi all,

I am attempting to go for my final Merseyrail unit next Wednesday, that being 777004
This is my third attempt at getting this, but it keeps avoiding me which I find strange.
I always spend enough time on Lime St until they all repeat, and then Sandhills, again until they repeat taking in both lines
Just wondering if anyone has spotted this unit recently, or know if for some reasons it’s out of service

Any information would be greatly appreciated

Regards
John

 

[pokemonsuper9]

I always spend enough time on Lime St until they all repeat, and then Sandhills, again until they repeat taking in both lines

Do you pass Kirkdale depot too? There's usually a few units there, you can get the numbers from the closer ones, maybe also Birkenhead North too

 

[Thommo 1]

No, I don’t but I will have to on the next visit if I have no joy on the network.
I do believe they stable a couple of sets at Southport during off peak hours too

On my last visit, I saw all the units bar 9, so it’s working out where they are at either stabling points or on depot of course
Realtime trains is of no use either as Merseyrail do not show their units on there

Cheers
John

 

[MR-507508]

No, I don’t but I will have to on the next visit if I have no joy on the network.
I do believe they stable a couple of sets at Southport during off peak hours too

On my last visit, I saw all the units bar 9, so it’s working out where they are at either stabling points or on depot of course
Realtime trains is of no use either as Merseyrail do not show their units on there

Cheers
John

777004 has been out of action since around March 2024. Its currently being used as a spare parts donor. If you go pass Kirkdale depot it's on full view and can see the evidence of this, with missing headlights to start. It's in a sorry state.

 

[childwallblues]

No, I don’t but I will have to on the next visit if I have no joy on the network.
I do believe they stable a couple of sets at Southport during off peak hours too

On my last visit, I saw all the units bar 9, so it’s working out where they are at either stabling points or on depot of course
Realtime trains is of no use either as Merseyrail do not show their units on there

Cheers
John

No sets in the sidings at Southport yesterday at about 1330.

 

[DJH1971]

777004 has been out of action since around March 2024. Its currently being used as a spare parts donor. If you go pass Kirkdale depot it's on full view and can see the evidence of this, with missing headlights to start. It's in a sorry state.

Is it likely to return to service or will Merseyrail order a replacement unit?

 

[Crossover]

Is it likely to return to service or will Merseyrail order a replacement unit?

It’ll return in time. It’s not unusual for sets to be used as a ‘Christmas Tree’

 

[Thommo 1]

Thanks for that priceless information. I would have had another blank day on platform ends had I not asked the question.
Thank you all for your inputs

John

 

[Thommo 1]

777004 has been out of action since around March 2024. Its currently being used as a spare parts donor. If you go pass Kirkdale depot it's on full view and can see the evidence of this, with missing headlights to start. It's in a sorry state.

Hi mate. Are all the side numbers visible as I always get these wherever possible as well as the front numbers. Can you see it clearly from the service train etc
Sorry to ask these questions but I’ve never been to Kirkdale before and as I’m going specifically for this unit only I don’t want to come back disappointed. I’m travelling a fair distance to get this unit

Cheers

 

[pokemonsuper9]

Hi mate. Are all the side numbers visible as I always get these wherever possible as well as the front numbers. Can you see it clearly from the service train etc
Sorry to ask these questions but I’ve never been to Kirkdale before and as I’m going specifically for this unit only I don’t want to come back disappointed. I’m travelling a fair distance to get this unit

Cheers

I don't know which track it is on now, in July 2024 (the last time I have it marked on a video) it was quite close to the running line (video not good enough to see number, but I read it out loud to my phone and took it down later).

In theory if you can see every diagram and every stabling point, you might be able to tick it off without specifically seeing its number since you will have seen all 53.

 

[Thommo 1]

Thanks for that Pokermonsuper9
Yes, in theory you could do it that way, however the first port of call would need to be Kirkdale. I must say it’s a little surprising to see a new unit being dismantled in this way, but there you go !
It is clear the unit is out of action as I have had 3 full days on the network covering all diagrams and not seen it. Kirkdale it is. Just hope it’s visible

Cheers

 

[MR-507508]

Thanks for that Pokermonsuper9
Yes, in theory you could do it that way, however the first port of call would need to be Kirkdale. I must say it’s a little surprising to see a new unit being dismantled in this way, but there you go !
It is clear the unit is out of action as I have had 3 full days on the network covering all diagrams and not seen it. Kirkdale it is. Just hope it’s visible

Cheers

Just to update. I have been passed Kirkdale just now and 777004 has been moved from the position I saw it yesterday (same position as in the photo above). By the looks of it, it appears its moved into one of the sheds at Kirkdale depot. Sorry to be the bearer of bad news.
I don't think you would be able to make out the side numbers from a passing train.

 

[Thommo 1]

I Thank you MR-507508,

Bearing your news in mind, I think it would be beneficial to leave this unit for the time being and wait for it to return to service, if it ever does
I would imagine it will, as it’s a really a brand new unit, and won’t surely be scrapped ??

Thank you again for this information
Any further updates would be most welcome

John C

 

[Tramfan]

It'll be returned to service eventually, they're not going to scrap a brand new unit.

 

[Thommo 1]

Yes, you’re right Tramfan, they won’t

 

[childwallblues]

I am pleased to say that I first saw 777004 at Southport on 23rd January 2023 and subsequently rode the unit on four occasions up to January 2024. A friend who works for Merseyrail has confirmed that it will eventually return to service but does not know the timescale.

 

[Bevan Price]

For units in the external sidings at Kirkdale, it would be useful to have some binoculars, and stand on the South (Liverpool) end of the Northbound platform.
(But no chance of seeing any units inside the buildings unless a door is open.
In addition to locations mentioned above, units can also be parked at New Brighton station.