Farewell tour planned for 1970s train fleet

The Merseyrail 507 fleet is being replaced with a more modernised network

One of a fleet of 1970s trains which served Merseyside for more than 40 years will ride the tracks for a final time in a farewell tour.

Merseyrail’s Class 507 fleet, which began operating in the region in 1978, are being replaced by a more modern Class 777 service.

Rail enthusiasts will have the opportunity to ride the trains on the Wirral and Liverpool lines for a final time at two tours organised by Merseyrail and the Branch Line Society.

One fan purchased a Merseyrail Class 507 train in May in the hopes of moving it to a museum.

Sally Ralston, head of community and engagement at Merseyrail, said: “These trains are much-loved by people not just from within the Liverpool city region, but across the whole of the UK".

Swan song

The first tour, called the Wirral Swan Song, will take place on 15 September on the Wirral line.

Starting at Hooton at 09:20 BST, the special service will call at all destinations on the Wirral line before returning to Hooton at 18:00 BST.

Proceeds of the ticket sales will benefit Merseyrail’s current charity partners including Centre 56, the Rescue Me Animal Sanctuary, Blackburne House and Parkinson’s Wirral.

The second and final farewell tour of the 507 fleet, currently leased from Angel Trains, will take place later in the year - with a date yet to be confirmed.