507001 runs for the third time in preservation
Posted on 3rd May 2026 at 12:00 pm
On 21st April, 507001 paid a further visit to the Alstom test track, marking the third time the unit has operated under its own power since entering preservation.
This is a further demonstration of our intent that 507001 will not be “stuffed and mounted” as a static museum exhibit, but will survive as a living, working train that can carry passengers.
We carried invited guests, including some of our Premium Members, as a thank you for their support over the past two years.
Also among the guests were members of the Southern Electric Traction Group, custodians of 4-VEP 3417 “Gordon Pettitt” and class 455 unit 5868. The SETG are the “gold standard” in EMU preservation so it was an honour to welcome them aboard. As well as having a ride and a chance to discuss the future for our respective units, we were able to offer a chance to drive the unit.
Minions on Tour, sampling the astonishing work that @class_507 are doing with the support of @AlstomUK – we’re wondering how long it’ll be until @Project_SETG455 & 3417 can come and play!! pic.twitter.com/4loCSBRqIb
— 423417_GordonPettitt (@Gordon_3417) April 21, 2026
Chris Howe, who has followed our progress through various videos on his Rail Focus YouTube channel, as well as an article in RAIL magazine, was on board and was one of several guests who had the opportunity to take the controls of 507001, under the expert supervision of our head of operations Jake D’Arcy.
Another YouTuber present on the day was Nick Badley, who also spoke to our head of engineering Tom Camps about our plans for the future.
A bonus treat for our guests came in the form of a preserved Leyland Leopard coach, formerly a part of Merseyside PTE’s fleet and superbly restored by the Merseyside Transport Trust. The vehicle was used to transport our guests around the site. At the end of the day the opportunity was taken to post these two icons of Merseyside transport, both bearing the famous PTE “Catherine wheel” symbol, next to each other.
We are grateful to the MTT for supplying the vehicle. Thanks also to all our “super-volunteers” who worked hard to prepare the train and steward the event, and of course to Alstom’s testing team at Derby for facilitating our access to the test track for the day.
If you’re impressed by what we’ve achieved with 507001, why not join us in our restoration work? The society is on the lookout for new members who can help out with the numerous tasks that need to be carried out regularly to keep 507001 in running order. Find out more here.
