All Aboard to Save a Class 507 Train
Posted on 16th October 2023 at 5:07 pm
A rail enthusiast in Liverpool is asking the community to come together to secure a Merseyrail class 507 train for preservation.
Robert Hampton has launched The Class 507 Preservation Project, to gauge interest in preserving one of the venerable electric multiple units.
The class 507 trains have served the Liverpool City Region for 45 years. Since their introduction in 1978, they have carried countless Merseysiders to work, to school, on days out to the beach, and nights out on the town. One train even took the late Queen Elizabeth II on a royal visit to Kirkby. However, the introduction of the new class 777 trains means the old fleet's days are numbered. Several have already been sent to the scrapyard, and all will be gone by mid-2024.
The project welcomes interest from anyone willing to give their support, whether that is with engineering or railway know-how, help with administration tasks, or simply with a donation, however small. The Project would also be interested to hear from anyone who can offer a secure storage location for three 20-metre-long railway carriages.
Once enough people are on board, a crowdfunding effort will be launched, to raise the necessary funds to secure a complete three-car unit from its current owners, Angel Trains, and move it to a new location. At first the unit will be restored and overhauled for static display, with options kept open for future passenger carrying.
Robert Hampton commented: “The ‘507s’ are reaching the end of their useful lives, but after 45 years' service, they have earned their place in the region's transport history. Time is short and there are many obstacles to overcome, but preserving a set will ensure that these hard-working trains are not forgotten.”
Anyone interested in supporting this project can register their interest by visiting class507.org.uk and completing the online form.
About the project
The Class 507 Preservation Project is an initiative by Robert Hampton. A lifelong rail enthusiast, Robert has been involved in railway preservation since 2008. He was a founding member of the Friends of the 502 Group, which successfully rescued the preserved LMS class 502 electric multiple unit from the threat of scrapping.
More information about the Class 507 Preservation Project is at class507.org.uk or on Twitter/X @class_507.
