What are the differences between Class 507s and 508s?

[D821]

I believe that as part of the Wirral Transport Museum moving to a new site as part of the Dock Branch Park development, they are preserving a 507 or 508. I just can't find where I read that.

 

[315801]

As far as I know 508111 has been gifted to the people of liverpool but I don't know about any of the 507s yet.

In my opinion I think 507001 & 002 should also be saved as they conveyed the Queen around the northern line on the 1st journey that was operated by class 507 units.

 

[D821]

Sorry, it's not Wirral Transport Museum but another museum to be ran by NGM:

Work starts on new park forming part of Birkenhead's regeneration

CLEARANCE work has started on the site of a new park forming part of Birkenhead's regeneration.

www.wirralglobe.co.uk

 

[Ribbleman]

In my understanding some 50x (not sure which) are going to be retained for peak Southport line 6-car work until the platform/signalling work is done to allow for 8-car working at Southport. I suspect on the other lines, if affected*, which are generally a bit quieter, they'll be able to get away with not running double sets at all, as a 4-car 777 has quite a bit more capacity (albeit mostly standing) than a 50x.

* I seem to recall the starting signal at Ormskirk is very close to the end of a 6-car so it probably needs work too, unless it's possible to solve it by moving the stopping position nearer the buffers.

The plan is, or was, to retain 14 x Class 507 units for peak hour work to Southport until NR had finished various works including signal re-siting and platform extensions, to allow 2 x Class 777 formations. 14 specific units were nominated, but the elongated project to bring the 777s into use may have changed matters. It is also still the intention to provide for 2 x 777 operation on other lines, most particularly that to Chester.

 

[prod_pep]

As far as I know 508111 has been gifted to the people of liverpool but I don't know about any of the 507s yet.

I don't think this is true. It has done the rounds of the Twitter rumour machine but that counts for nothing.

If a unit is saved, expect it to be a 507 - one of the last to be retained. 508111 is likely to be withdrawn before long.

Regarding retention of particular 507s, the previous list is now out of the window as 507029, not on that list, has just been overhauled. I'm hoping this means 507001 will be retained now as it was soon after 507029 in the previous overhaul cycle.