I have recently read that unless merseyrail places the order for units that would be numbered 777053 - 777112 when the grand national race event is happening, the entire 52 unit fleet would all be required in liverpool leaving the wirral without a train service.
I would say that for the transition from 1 class of units to another, that merseyrail could do the transition the same way as was done when the 502 & 503 units were replaced.
The 507s were the first to arrive solely for the northern line and replaced the 502s.
Then the 508s began arriving and replaced the 503s.
My point is that all the 507/508 units could be transferred to the wirral upon completion of the delivery of units 777001 - 052 and then when 777053 - 112 start arriving then begin replacing the 507/508 units.
I definitely think that at least 1 of each class needs to be preserved because I think in 2024 or 2025 is 50 years since 507001s construction was completed in 1974/5 with 1 of the 508s formed as a 4 coach unit, granted they couldn't run as a 7 coach formation unless the start and terminus point for a tour was long enough to accommodate 7 coaches ( chester for example ).
(07/05/2020 12:33)313201 Wrote: [ -> ]I definitely think that at least 1 of each class needs to be preserved because I think in 2024 or 2025 is 50 years since 507001s construction was completed in 1974/5 with 1 of the 508s formed as a 4 coach unit, granted they couldn't run as a 7 coach formation unless the start and terminus point for a tour was long enough to accommodate 7 coaches ( chester for example ).
Yes, I couldn't agree more with saving at least one coach from each class. Even if it isn't a runner, something is better than nothing. It would be fantastic to do something with the carriages from 508101/121 outside the Emergency Services place in Seacombe. Other than the Connex-themed interiors and the cycle space, they're remarkably original. These would look fantastic restored to original blue and grey colours.
507001 was delivered on 29th September 1978 so it's approaching 42 years old, although one problem with the refurbished sets is how different they are from when new. Restoring one to original nick would be a heck of a job and would need a lot of part robbing from other PEP-derived trains (such as the 315s). I'd still love to see a 507 preserved, however.
On the Class 314 farewell tour there was some discussion about preserving one, and a fair few actually suggested not bothering if one couldn't be made to run. I don't understand that way of thinking: saving one from the cutter's torch is what matters. Still, the 314s never captured people's imagination in the way the 303s did; I think the same is true with the 507/8s compared with the 502/3s to an extent.
My thought was of keeping the now current internal mods and lights but returning at least 1 or both units to blue & grey and keeping the external head and tail lights as well as the brighter headlights
My understanding is that there is an option to buy more units but that would only be needed for expansion of the network such as Skelmersdale, 52 would be enough at the present time
(07/05/2020 12:33)313201 Wrote: [ -> ]I have recently read that unless merseyrail places the order for units that would be numbered 777053 - 777112 when the grand national race event is happening, the entire 52 unit fleet would all be required in liverpool leaving the wirral without a train service.
If you don't mind me asking, where did you find this out?
Hi Walton 46
I found that info in an article from rail magazine which was published on 28/01/2020.
There’s no chance of that happening. Even with network extensions to Skelmersdale and towards Wrexham, I would think no more than 60 sets would be bought
With 52 units there is enough to operate the Wirral and Northern Line on Grand National festival week , im led to believe it will be 50 or 51 out of 52 units on those days , this will be the only time when the availability will be have to be that high on a regular basis.
Dont forget a 4 car 777 (64.98 m) is 5.5 metres longer than the comparable 507/508 (59.4m).
(05/05/2020 21:57)507022 Wrote: [ -> ]777004
Has there been any confirmation that one of the new units will be arriving to Kirkdale depot this Wednesday evening?
There have been multiple paths booked on RTT over April from Dollands Moor sidings to Kirkdale and a continuous schedule booked from 17th June onwards. None of the ones booked in April ran and all paths are booked in as "runs as required".
It’s definitely due this week. A picture has appeared of it waiting at Altenrhein to depart for the UK.
I also believe 777005 is due to come the following week, but that could change due to Covid-19