Celebrating one year of preservation
Posted on 23rd January 2026 at 5:07 pm
Today marks one year since 507001 left Birkenhead North for Unimetals Newport, where it was split and each individual coach loaded onto trailers for onward transport to Alstom’s Litchurch Lane works.
Passing through Pontypool & New Inn.
— Class 507 Preservation (@class507.org.uk) January 23, 2025 at 11:49 AM
Our first year in preservation has been an eventful one — here are just a few of the highlights.
30th January 2025 – Greatest Gathering launch event
507001 was part of a launch line up that included Sir Nigel Gresley, British India Line and a specially-named Class 390 Pendolino, as Alstom welcomed dignitaries to Litchurch Lane to introduce the Greatest Gathering.
14th March 2025 – Apprentices visit 507001
Students from the University of Birmingham arrived at Litchurch Lane, where they were joined by apprentices from Alstom to see 507001 up close. Their visit was featured on BBC East Midlands Today.
13th June 2025 – 507001 powers up!
After six months of hard work by the society’s members, 507001 visited the test track at Litchurch Lane for the first time. This was a preliminary visit to power up the train, charge its batteries and check onboard systems. But it paved the way for further tests later in the year.
1st August 2025 – The Greatest Gathering
The largest assembly of railway vehicles in a generation took place in Derby over the first weekend of August. 30,000 visitors descended on Litchurch Lane, and from the crowds aboard 507001, it seemed like most of them visited our favourite EMU, with crowds queueing up for a unique chance to go under the train for a pit tour! There was also a chance to try out their train driving skills on our simulator.
Check out this YouTube playlist of some of our favourite videos from the weekend.
18th November 2025 – 507001 works under its own power for the first time
A historic milestone was reached in November when 507001 operated under its own power for the first time in preservation. This run, with the co-operation of Alstom’s test track team, proved our determination that 507001 will not be “stuffed and mounted”, but continue to operate as a working train in preservation.
8th December 2025 – 507001 carries passengers in preservation
At a special event to celebrate The Greatest Gathering’s success in raising thousands for Alstom’s charities, 507001 carried invited guests on a special ride on the test track. The BBC’s camera crews were there to record the event, and reporter Emily Williamson even got a coveted chance to drive 507001 for herself!
It has been a remarkable twelve months for the Class 507 Preservation Society. Thanks to our hardworking committee, our incredible members who have volunteered with us over the past year, and to Alstom for their generosity.
We are determined to keep up the momentum as we head into our second year. If you haven’t already, why not get aboard and support our journey? Become a member today!
