A History & Review of the class 507s - Soon to be gone! | Stragglers class 507

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you for the recent support - do check out my failed franchises series on operators that can be deemed a failure by the public & industry!

[@MikeyCondon-kv7cy]

507001 will be the only survivor of the class 507 due to it going for preservation soon

[@dermitseinenzuegen]

I think I was lucky to ride one of the 507s on my class trip in Summer 23. Didnt saw a single 777. Through the tunnel under the mersey, enjoying the 507 sound was GREAT! It also was my first british trains experience. Btw, I am from Berlin

[@Vanmanyo]

Ah cool! British trains are amazing, though I do love Germany (I took it for one of my subjects for my GCSES (UK big exams)!)

[@cam43002]

The mersyrail tunnels will never feel the same after the sounds of the 507/508s running round them

[@DC4260Productions]

I hope that 507001 (or any 507, really) is saved for preservation.

[@kieranstravels]

This is a brilliant video van! I'm glad to see your growth as a creator, your videos have always been great. Another fun fact, the Merseyrail New Electrics board is still around, and often is brought on MR railtours.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you!!

[@TomCro73]

Thanks for the video! Regarding accessibility, bear in mind that all Merseyrail stations are staffed and if a mobility impaired user needs help, a wheelchair ramp will generally be deployed at the door as soon as the train arrives. The territory enjoys temperate weather - A/C is almost never needed, and wouldn't have been specified if the company was serious about reducing energy consumption. The 507s/508s have served Merseyrail superbly for over 4 decades and continue to be popular with commuters - who've learned the hard way just how many teething problems are still to be resolved on the 777s. Though the worst feature is the branding - apparently management decided that the Merseyrail moniker needed replacing, so picked "Metro" from a catalogue of 1980s cliches. But despite hard seating, they're impressive units that will serve the region well... albeit, having a tough act to follow!

[@Vanmanyo]

I would say AC definitely is needed! Being in tunnels during summer means the temperatures are very very high! British summer overground is still very hot so AC is a great addition!

[@TomCro73]

@@Vanmanyo So with all respect, you've no clue what you're talking about regarding the platform temperatures on Merseyrail tunnel vs above ground stations, nor the local climate. Can we agree on that?

[@Vanmanyo]

@@TomCro73 Well I've been on Merseyrail in the Summer and the tunnels can be incredibly warm, just like tehe tube!

[@TomCro73]

@@Vanmanyo Really not comparable with the tube, where tunnel & on-platform temperatures can approach 40degC during heatwaves. Subterranean Merseyrail lines can indeed get toasty, but (happily) nothing quite like they do in the capital!

[@JackGourdon-je4ze]

wow this is very interesting, i cant wait for more videos vanmanyo! 9:17 hmm

[@jamesheath4845]

Longer format is great! We're all here for the nerding

[@Vanmanyo]

Cheers! Who isn't here for nerding!!???

[@gwrydd]

The seats are amazing compared to the 777’s as someone often going from limestreet to Chester id happily have a 507/8 than a 777

[@Vanmanyo]

I would take the 777 over the 507 for literally every other aspect though!

[@Clivestravelandtrains]

Excellent film young man - I envy some of your editing skills! I roared with laughter when you said "If you like the 507s maybe you like old trains too much" - and I thought "cheeky boy!" A more neutral comment could be "The 507s certainly have a sentimental appeal" which would offend no-one. Just a frendly tip, as I love your style. Keep going and developing.

[@Vanmanyo]

I was prepared for the incoming enslaught! Thank you though. I was definitely pusing it with that comment but I think it's about time we let go of the 507s! Thank you again :D

[@kaitlyn__L]

Haha I'm closer in age to Van Man than you Clive (from various franchise clues I think I'm ~10 years his senior), but I was thinking something similar! I've always got a soft-spot in my heart for the class 150/313 and its relatives. They were a clear statement about the way of the future, with clean, simple lines (and no visible exterior tubing) which contrasted heavily against the bulbous-fronted midcentury stylings of their predecessors. I love those guys too, especially with their large headlamps and giant front numbers! But they were very much of their time, while these units led the way. Less automotive, more aeronautic. Less pneumatic, more electric. And honestly, while I crave level boarding and will be happy when FLIRTs inevitably run on most suburban and commuter routes... I was a bit sad when the 314s got replaced with 320s. The 320s are fine, they're even not that different to use, but the front (the "face") just doesn't have the same charm. And they don't sound quite as interesting :)

[@Clivestravelandtrains]

@@kaitlyn__L Ha-ha an age is only a number! I'm 70 just for the record, and I regularly post films on my own KZbin channel, proving that you're never too old to try anything (until your body/brain inevitably give up on you!). Thanks for your well-considered comment.

[@Awws1e]

While travelling back from holiday, I decided to stop in Liverpool to try and ride the 507 before it was retired. I was successful and I must say I am a huge fan of the trains. They are really comfortable and great for short and long distances. I also got chance to ride the class 777, and I found them to be really uncomfortable. The lights were too bright and the seats were way too hard. I ended up waiting for a 507 for about 30 mins at Liverpool Central because I didn't want to ride the 777 any longer. I hope they retire the 777's and keep the 507's in passenger service for another 30 years!

[@Ollie1660]

These videos are great mate, good job

[@Vanmanyo]

Cheers!

[@NolanChance-ux6sd]

Nice one Van!

[@robshorts]

The interior lighting is still fluorescent lighting following refurbishment, albeit recessed into the ceiling behind panels. LED technology wasn't quite ready in 2005 when these units were refurbished. Good video!

[@Vanmanyo]

Cheers Rob! To be honest it still looks pretty decent even today!

[@robshorts]

@@Vanmanyo I'm something of a lighting geek tbh, most folk aren't bothered so long as the lighting is doing its job. I did enjoy the video, thanks for making it.

[@Vanmanyo]

@@robshorts haha we all have our specialities - that certainly is a cool one though!

[@lovefive5733]

A great video, I've subscribed. Thank you 😊

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you so much!

[@lovefive5733]

@@Vanmanyo your welcome

[@TFW-507]

Something you missed is 507001 has the potential to be preserved with the 507 preservation group. Another thing is the fact that the 508s and 7s were stored at the now disused Birkenhead mollington street depot before transfer to Birkenhead north. And the Southport line is part of the northern line so it is not all 777 workings. Apart from that, nice video!

[@Vanmanyo]

Ah thank you! I'm not a Liverpudlian so I don't know the whole network! Hope you enjoyed 😆

[@RandomUsername3040]

Enjoy your series Good Videos

[@Vanmanyo]

Thanks!

[@Spekerlovesspace427]

dang 507021 getting a lot of pictures taken of it

[@nathanw9770]

Would be cool to see a video on the 508s especially since i know they were used on the South Eastern a while ago.

[@Vanmanyo]

I agree it would be cool! Sadly, I don't think there would be enough information to warrant a whole video, also they have now all been retired so I wouldn't be able to 'review' them! It could be something I do as a spin off in the future though

[@WillDaytodmorden]

Some HSTs still in operation along with mk3 carriages may well be older than the class 507s

[@Vanmanyo]

I believe the only ones in service are from the early 80s Vs 507s and late 70s!

[@BACConcordeproductions]

luckily, the Northern line still has 507's as I have been on one yesterday

[@Vanmanyo]

Ah cool! They still have a few months left in them I think! Do consider subscirbing if you did enjoy!!

[@SirKenchalot]

Interesting video and I like the more in depth style. I didn't know there were 3rd rail tracks out of KX back then. Also, why are these sort of trains designated class 3xx when running out of KX, 4xx when out of Waterloo and 5xx in Liverpool? So what's the next oldest rolling stock in the UK (besides the 1972/3 tube stock) and when will that be going?

[@Vanmanyo]

Thank you! KGX doesn't actually have 3rd rail, but the 313s are actually AC and DC (I mentioned this mistake in the description!). I'm not sure why the 507s are designated 5XXs! Perhaps the mk3s are 3rd oldest?

[@SirKenchalot]

@@VanmanyoThat's a point, aren't he HSTs as a whole older than the 507s being built int he 1970s?

[@Vanmanyo]

@@SirKenchalot I believe all the HSTs still in service are younger locos from the early 80s! The 507s are late 70s

[@Andrewjg_89]

Soon it’ll be the end of the Class 508. With more Class 777s coming into service across the Merseyrail network.

[@cadewilliamson1849]

Only the 777/1 have batterys fitted and are classed as ipemu the 777/0 are just emu powered only by the 3rd rail.

[@Vanmanyo]

Thanks! I knew only some of them had it but not sure how many, cheers for clarifying - hope you enjoyed

[@aoxby8037]

Commenting for the algorithm.

[@Vanmanyo]

I will reply for it too 🫡

[@poopoodealer8975]

Commenting for the CLASS ONE SIX FIVE

[@class313]

3rd rail can be legally expanded. That's just a myth that it can't be

[@Vanmanyo]

Maybe legally, but the ORR have stated they want to avoid extending 3rd rail where possible!

[@class313]

@@Vanmanyo That's not strictly true either. It's down to the project to make the required safety case for third rail extension

[@Vanmanyo]

@@class313 I think the ORR would reject it either way. We haven't seen third rail extensions in a while - I don't blame the ORR though

[@class313]

@@Vanmanyo I'm just saying what you said on the video isn't strictly correct, you asked people to point out inaccuracies after all

[@Vanmanyo]

@@class313 I sure did and I thank you for your comment! I was just saying that third rail still won't ever be expanded, regardless of legality!

[@lukejennings3128]

Kinda sad i grew up witb 507/8s and its now 777 units that are actually quite uncomfortable

[@Vanmanyo]

I'll be sad when the trains I grew up with retire! However, we just have to accept that the 777s are the overall better trains!

[@poopoodealer8975]

​@@Vanmanyodon't worry @Vanmanyo the class 165 will NOT RETIRE on my hawk like WATCH

[@Rob_Star]

Class 777 are shit!

[@Vanmanyo]

Compared to the 507s I think they are huge upgrades except for the seats! I think for the accessibility alone they are an improvement

[@poopoodealer8975]

I AGREE @Rob_Star Compared the the blue seated GLORY of the 165, the class 777 DOESNT STAND A CHANCE, the number SEVEN represents luck, but I think the LUCKY number should be changed to "165" BECAUSE the class 165 is THE GREATEST train ever made

[@Vanmanyo]

@@poopoodealer8975 I think you are attached to the class 165 a bit too much

[@poopoodealer8975]

@@Vanmanyo no no no NO NO NO NO

[@DefaultMale_]

9:12 The southport line IS (part of) the northern line I believe you meant the wirral line. The southport line is my line so I still have a few months left of daily commuting before these are gone for good

[@Vanmanyo]

Yep I did, thank you! I'm not a Merseyrail guy!