The Greatest Gathering is a Great Success
Posted on 4th August 2025 at 5:00 pm
507001’s visit to The Greatest Gathering has been an incredible success, with thousands of visitors coming to see our venerable unit.
We were fortunate to be able to get a shore supply to turn the lights on inside 507001. We were also able to fill the air tanks, so the familiar ticking sound from the Spirax valves echoed around the depot – little touches that made our train feel alive.
Inside the train, we had displays of memorabilia and ephemera from five decades of Merseyrail, from a ticket for the “Royal Train” in 1978, to the special maps produced for Eurovision in 2023. The cab was also open for visitors to sit in the driver’s seat.
Outside the train, our camshaft demonstrator attracted a lot of interest. A real 507 camshaft was on display, and operated to explain the intricate workings of this important piece of equipment which controls the motors of the train.
Open for the third and final day at The Greatest Gathering. Come and see our classic blue and grey Merseyrail train and learn about how it works with our camshaft demonstrator.
— Class 507 Preservation (@class507.org.uk) August 3, 2025 at 9:59 AM
The pit tours also proved extremely popular. Demand was so high that we dropped the pre-booking idea after the first day so that we could get more people through. Despite our best efforts, queues did build up at times and we are grateful to visitors for their patience – we hope it was worth the wait!
Over in the History, Heritage and Preservation Zone, our sales stand had a range of merchandise – both the familiar old favourites and some new items produced specially for the show.
Sales were brisk, but for those who couldn’t make it, don’t worry, we will have the items on sale through our online shop very soon.
Next to our sales stand we had the simulator, with a real Class 507 desk wired up to a computer courtesy of TS Controllers. We operated a pre-booking system to avoid queues building up, but the slots were booked up very quickly. We are sorry to those of you who we had to disappoint. We are hoping the simulator can be made portable and brought to future shows we attend, so watch this space for updates.
Our 507 simulator is a smash hit! The afternoon time slots will be released at 12.30pm, so if you’re at #TheGreatestGathering, stop by our stand then to reserve your place. Places are limited, so you need to be quick! pic.twitter.com/5Lff3sTIzZ
— Class 507 Preservation (@class_507) August 3, 2025
The most important part of the event was the people we met. The Greatest Gathering attracted everyone from hardcore rail enthusiasts to families on a day out. We had people from the Merseyside area who were just happy to see one of the “old trains” again. Some told us they had travelled to this show specifically to see 507001, which is lovely to hear.
Thanks to all who came to visit us aboard 507001 and on our stand. Thanks to Alstom and The Greatest Gathering team for organising an extraordinary event. Most of all, thanks to the incredible Class 507 Preservation Society volunteers who came to support us. Most, but not all, are pictured below. Thank you Team 507!
