@class_507

We are the Class 507 Preservation Society; we are preserving 507001 for future generations of Merseysiders.

 Liverpool
class507.org.uk/
Joined October 2023
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On 1st September, in test runs at Litchurch Lane, 507001 operated under its own power without a third rail, thanks to batteries fitted on board. This milestone development paves the way for potential operation on heritage railways. Find out more: class507.org.uk/2026/09/batt…
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How it started / How it's going On 25th October 1978, 507001 ran to Kirkby with a *very* special passenger on board. 48 years later, Liverpool's own Royal Train is looking as good as ever, thanks to the support of our members and our dedicated engineering team.
A black and white photo showing Queen Elizabeth II alighting from 507001 at Kirkby station with an entourage of dignitaries behind her.

ALT A black and white photo showing Queen Elizabeth II alighting from 507001 at Kirkby station with an entourage of dignitaries behind her.

507001 in V shop at Litchurch Lane works.

ALT 507001 in V shop at Litchurch Lane works.

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The engineering team are working on ‘winterising’ 507001. Some of this requires replacing worn and perished window seals and some breached window panes. The team have already achieved some of this but we have more to do! This work will help prevent water damage and corrosion.
Two members of Team 507 lean out of a window on 507001 where the glass has been removed

ALT Two members of Team 507 lean out of a window on 507001 where the glass has been removed

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Want to help us out with engineering tasks on 507001? We have lots of jobs that need doing, suitable for a range of skill levels. First step is to sign up as a member for just £30 for a year. class507.org.uk/membership/
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Available now from our website! (the book, not Graeme) ticketisland.co.uk/ticketi_s…
Graeme Gleaves@MrLangeloOct 21
When you need an ‘official’ publicity photo for your new book about trains, where else to take it but on a train.
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The first heritage railcar has departed from @LlangollenRail and we are open for business in the waiting room. Come and join us for a drive on the sim, a souvenir from our sales stand, or to catch up with Team 507!
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Our simulator was a big hit last time we brought it to @LlangollenRail, and this weekend (17/18 October) we'll be back for the Heritage Railcar Gala! Come to see us in the waiting room at Llangollen station to test your driving skills.
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We're proud that our head of engineering Tom Camps has been invited to give a lecture to the Derby Railway Engineering Society. He will present "Class 507 - From Prototype to Preservation" to the DRES tomorrow evening. dres.org.uk/hybrid-lecture-c…

Video Lecture: Class 507 – From Prototype to Preservation

Tom Camps from the Class 507 Preservation Society told the story of the PEP units that were developed in Derby in the 1970s alongside the HSTs. These trains brought a major updating of how a BR EMU…

dres.org.uk
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507001 had a visitor a couple of weeks ago, and he got to experience driving not just a train. But the battery powered 507! Take a look on YouTube at the time @geofftech drove 001. 🔋 🚊 youtube.com/shorts/rugmqfoly…

Driving The Class 507 Preserved Train

The Class 507 Preservation Society have a unit that is now battery ...

youtube.com
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We are heading back to @LlangollenRail for the Heritage Railcar Gala on 17th and 18th October. Come and ride the railway's beautiful heritage DMUs, then stop off at Llangollen station to see our stand and drive the simulator, built for us by TS Controllers. See you there!
Step into the cab of an ultra-realistic train simulator. • Drive with cab controls from a real Class 507 train! • Authentic Merseyrail route • Stop at the stations – be careful not to overshoot! • Watch out for red signals! • Don’t hit the buffers! £5 - 10 minute drive Souvenir certificate for every driver! Find us in the booking hall at Llangollen station on 17th and 18th October 2026. class507.org.uk/simulator

ALT Step into the cab of an ultra-realistic train simulator. • Drive with cab controls from a real Class 507 train! • Authentic Merseyrail route • Stop at the stations – be careful not to overshoot! • Watch out for red signals! • Don’t hit the buffers! £5 - 10 minute drive Souvenir certificate for every driver! Find us in the booking hall at Llangollen station on 17th and 18th October 2026. class507.org.uk/simulator

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Something interesting on the cover of this month’s @HeritageRailMag. 👀
Cover of Heritage Railway Magazine, with main picture depicting steam specials on the Severn Valley Railway. Bottom left headline reads “Battery conversion demonstrates EMU’s potential” with a picture of 507001.

ALT Cover of Heritage Railway Magazine, with main picture depicting steam specials on the Severn Valley Railway. Bottom left headline reads “Battery conversion demonstrates EMU’s potential” with a picture of 507001.

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Packing some shop orders ready to post out tomorrow. Get yours here: class507.org.uk/shop
Copy of PEP Prototype Trains book and the Class 507 2027 calendar, partially packed inside mailing envelopes

ALT Copy of PEP Prototype Trains book and the Class 507 2027 calendar, partially packed inside mailing envelopes

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Now it can be told: the story of the PEPs, from the prototypes to the production units based on them, including our own class 507. This new book from Graeme Gleaves is now available in our online shop. Buy from us to support the preservation of 507001. ticketisland.co.uk/ticketi_s…
Photo of the book "PEP Prototype Trains: Classes 313, 314, 315, 507, 508 (The Class of 1972)"

ALT Photo of the book "PEP Prototype Trains: Classes 313, 314, 315, 507, 508 (The Class of 1972)"

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We made the cover! If you pick up the October issue of @RailExpress, look out for a report on our battery trials!
Photo of the masthead of Rail Express, showing "CLASS 507 CONVERTED TO BATTERY EMU" with a photo of 507001.

ALT Photo of the masthead of Rail Express, showing "CLASS 507 CONVERTED TO BATTERY EMU" with a photo of 507001.

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Congratulations to the @greatestgather team! We are proud to have been part of this once-in-a-lifetime event.
Alstom UK & Ireland@AlstomUKSep 18
We're delighted that @greatestgather has been named National Winner of the @railway200 Event of the Year at the #NationalRailAwards 2026! 🏆 Thank you to everyone who helped us stage the world's largest-ever railway festival. More 👉 ow.ly/f09950ZP7fg @RAIL
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Did you see the big premiere of @JakeOnRailways battery documentary yesterday? If you haven't seen it yet, check it out now! (If you have seen it, watch it again!)
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Watch on YouTube here 👉 youtu.be/kRkZ78Le9Lg

'Look, no third rail!' - First ever preserved EMU converted to...

In this video, see a detailed insight into one of the most historic...

youtube.com
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PREMIERING NOW: YouTuber and C507PS member @JakeOnRailways has a detailed look at 507001’s first test runs under battery power. Watch members of Team 507 talk about the work we’ve done, and see this iconic train move *without* a third rail! youtu.be/kRkZ78Le9Lg

'Look, no third rail!' - First ever preserved EMU converted to...

In this video, see a detailed insight into one of the most historic...

youtube.com
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The wait is over! Our 2027 calendar has arrived, with 12 wonderful images contributed by our talented members and railway enthusiasts. Enjoy a year of 507s and 508s on your wall for just £10+postage.
Front cover of 2027 calendar depicting 507001 in Litchurch Lane works

ALT Front cover of 2027 calendar depicting 507001 in Litchurch Lane works

September 2027 page of calendar showing 507001 at New Brighton during the "Wirral Swan Song" railtour

ALT September 2027 page of calendar showing 507001 at New Brighton during the "Wirral Swan Song" railtour

Back cover of calendar showing thumbnails of all 12 months.

ALT Back cover of calendar showing thumbnails of all 12 months.

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Order now at class507.org.uk/shop
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It’s two years since the “Wirral Swan Song” railtour, when 507001 and 507003 made a (very loud!) farewell salute to the Wirral Line. Were you on this tour, or did you follow it around the network? What are your memories of the day? @BLSFixtures @Merseyrail
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