View source for British Rail Class 507

{{Short description|Class of electric multiple unit train}}
{{More citations needed|date=December 2009}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=January 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=February 2017}}
{{Infobox train
| background = #FFFF00
| name = <span style="color:black;">British Rail Class 507</span>
| image = 507021 Bidston.jpg
| imagealt = 
| caption = [[Merseyrail]] Class 507 at {{rws|Bidston}} in 2023
| interiorimage = Interior of Merseyrail British Rail Class 507.jpg
| interiorimagealt = 
| interiorcaption = The interior of a refurbished Class 507 unit
| stocktype =
| service = 1 November 1978{{snd}}28 November 2024<ref name=Maund82 /><ref name="Merseyside's Royal Train Departs">{{cite web |title=Merseyside's Royal Train Departs for Preservation |url=https://www.class507.org.uk/news/2025-01-02-merseyside-royal-train-preservation.php |website=Class 507 Preservation Society |access-date=2 January 2025 |date=2 January 2025 |archive-date=2 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250102214138/https://www.class507.org.uk/news/2025-01-02-merseyside-royal-train-preservation.php |url-status=live }}</ref>
| manufacturer = [[British Rail Engineering Limited]]
| ordernumber = {{ubl|30906 ({{abbr|BDMSO|Battery (for auxiliaries), Driver's cab, Motor car, Standard class, Open saloon}} vehicles)|30907 ({{abbr|TSO|Trailer car, Standard class, Open saloon}} vehicles)|30908 ({{abbr|DMSO|Driver's cab, Motor car, Standard class, Open saloon}} vehicles)<ref name=P5-1>{{cite book |last=Fox |first=Peter |title=British Railways Pocket Book No. 4: Electric Multiple Units |edition=7th |year=1994 |pages=85–86 |publisher=Platform 5 Publishing |publication-place=Sheffield |isbn=978-1-872524-60-3 |oclc=655645349}}</ref>}}
| factory = [[Holgate Road carriage works, York|Holgate Road Works]], [[York]]
| family = [[British Rail Classes 445 and 446|BREL 1972]]
| replaced = {{ubl|[[British Rail Class 502|Class 502]]|[[British Rail Class 503|Class 503]]}}
| yearconstruction = 1978–1980<ref name=P5-1 />
| refurbishment = 2002–2005 {{avoid wrap|at [[Alstom]] [[Eastleigh Works|Eastleigh]]}}
| yearscrapped = 2023–2025
| numberbuilt = 33
| numberpreserved = 1<!-- cited in Fleet Details table-->
| numberscrapped = 32<!-- cited in Fleet Details table-->
| successor = [[British Rail Class 777|Class 777]]
| formation = {{ubl|3 cars per unit:|{{abbr|BDMSO|Battery (for auxiliaries), Driver's cab, Motor car, Standard class, Open saloon}}-{{abbr|TSO|Trailer car, Standard class, Open saloon}}-{{abbr|DMSO|Driver's cab, Motor car, Standard class, Open saloon}}<ref name=P5-1 />}}
| diagram = {{ubl|BDMSO vehicles: EI202|TSO vehicles: EH205|DMSO vehicles: EA201<ref name=P5-1 />}}
| code = 
| fleetnumbers = 507001–507033<ref name=P5-1 />
| capacity = {{ubl|As built: 234 seats|As modified: 222 seats|As refurbished: 192 seats}}
| owner = [[Angel Trains]]<ref>{{cite book |editor1-last=Sherratt |editor1-first=Philip |title=Modern Railways: Review 2023 |date=2023 |publisher=Key Publishing |location=Stamford |isbn=978-1-80282-569-5 |pages=18–19 |chapter=ROSCO Fleets}}</ref>
| operator = [[Merseyrail]]
| depots = {{ubl|[[Birkenhead North TMD|Birkenhead North]] ([[Wirral Peninsula|Wirral]])|[[Kirkdale TMD|Kirkdale]] ([[Liverpool]])|[[Hall Road TMD|Hall Road]] ([[Blundellsands]])<ref name=P5-1 /><ref name=Marsden2008-137>{{cite book |last1=Marsden |first1=C. J. |title=The DC Electrics |date=2008 |page=137 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |location=Hersham |isbn=978-0-86093-615-2 |oclc=318668763}}</ref>}}
| lines = {{ubl|[[Northern line (Merseyrail)|Northern line]]|[[Wirral line]]}}
| carbody = [[Steel]] underframe and body frame, {{avoid wrap|[[aluminium]] body and roof}}
| trainlength = 
| carlength = {{ubl|DM vehs.: {{convert|19.800|m|ftin||abbr=on}}|Trailers: {{convert|19.920|m|ftin||abbr=on}}}}
| width = {{ubli|indent=1em|Over Body: {{convert|2.820|m|ftin|abbr=on}}| Over Tread plates: {{convert|3.023|m|ftin|abbr=on}}<ref name=P5-1 />}}
| height = {{convert|3.582|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| floorheight = {{convert|1.146|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| platformheight = 
| entrylevelorstep = 
| doors = Double-leaf pocket sliding, {{avoid wrap|each {{cvt|1.288|m|ftin}} wide}} {{avoid wrap|(2 per side per car)}}
| wheeldiameter = 
| wheelbase = Over bogie centres:<br />{{convert|14.170|m|ftin||abbr=on}}
| maxspeed = {{convert|75|mph|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{ubli|indent=1em|BDMSO vehs.: {{convert|37.06|t|t LT ST|order=out|abbr=on}}|TSO vehs.: {{convert|25.60|t|t LT ST|order=out|abbr=on}}|DMSO vehs.: {{convert|35.62|t|t LT ST|order=out|abbr=on}}<ref name=P5-1 />}}
| axleload = 
| traction = 
| traction motors = 8 × [[General Electric Company|GEC]] G310AZ<br />{{avoid wrap|({{convert|110|hp|kW|order=flip|abbr=on}} each,}} {{avoid wrap|4 per motor car)}}
| poweroutput = {{convert|880|hp|kW|0|order=flip|abbr=on}}
| tractiveeffort = 
| transmission = 
| acceleration = 
| deceleration = 
| aux = 
| powersupply = 
| hvac = Electric heating (ducted warm air)
| electricsystem = [[List of railway electrification systems#Conductor rail systems|600–750 V]] [[Direct current|DC]] [[third rail]]<ref name=P5-1 />
| collectionmethod = [[Current collector#Contact shoe|Contact shoe]]
| uicclass = Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′
| bogies = BREL BX1<ref name=P5-1 />
| minimum curve = {{convert|3.5|chain|m ftin|sigfig=3|order=out|abbr=on}}
| brakes = [[Electro-pneumatic brake system on British railway trains|Electro-pneumatic]] ([[Disc brake#Rail and aircraft|disc]]) {{avoid wrap|and [[Dynamic braking#Rheostatic braking|rheostatic]]}}<ref name=P5-1 />
| safety = {{ubl|[[Automatic warning system (railways)|AWS]]|[[Train Protection & Warning System|TPWS]]}}
| coupling = [[Tightlock coupling|Tightlock]]
| multipleworking = Within class, {{avoid wrap|and with [[British Rail Class 508|Class 508]]}}
| gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
| notes = Specifications as at August 1982<ref name=BMRG1>{{cite book |url= http://www.barrowmoremrg.co.uk/BRBDocuments/Diagram_Book_210_for_Issue.pdf |title=Vehicle Diagram Book No. 210 for Electric Multiple Units (including A.P.T.) |at=EA201, EH205, EI202 (in work pp. 10–11, 272–273, 388–389) |date=August 1982<!--DATE OF CITED DIAGRAM, NOT ENTIRE BOOK--> |publisher=Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department, British Railways Board |place=Derby |access-date=25 April 2023 |archive-date=21 January 2015 |via=Barrowmore MRG |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150121172506/http://www.barrowmoremrg.co.uk/BRBDocuments/Diagram_Book_210_for_Issue.pdf |url-status=dead}}</ref> except where otherwise noted.
}}

The '''British Rail Class 507'''  [[electric multiple unit]] (EMU) passenger trains  were built by [[British Rail Engineering Limited]] at [[Holgate Road carriage works]] in two batches from 1978 to 1980. They are a variant of [[British Rail]]'s standard 1972 design for suburban EMUs derived from [[British Rail Class 445|PEP]] stock, which eventually encompassed 755 vehicles over five classes ([[British Rail Class 313|313]], [[British Rail Class 314|314]], [[British Rail Class 315|315]], 507 and [[British Rail Class 508|508]]).<ref>{{cite magazine|title= The twilight zone |magazine=[[Railways Illustrated]] |issue=249|date=November 2023|pages=50–53}}</ref> They worked on the [[Merseyrail]] network from new until their retirement in November 2024. Between 2002 and 2005, all units were refurbished by [[Alstom]]'s [[Eastleigh Works]].

Following the withdrawal of the Class 313 fleet in 2023, the Class 507 fleet were the oldest units operating on the mainline rail network in Great Britain until their withdrawal in 2024.<ref>{{cite magazine|title=Inaugural meeting held by the Class 507 Preservation Society|department=Heritage News |magazine= [[Railways Illustrated]] |issue=252|date=February 2024|page=33}}</ref> However, the even older [[London Underground 1972 Stock|1972 Stock]] and [[London Underground 1973 Stock|1973 Stock]] are still in service on [[London Underground]]'s Bakerloo and Piccadilly lines.

==History==
With the [[British Rail Class 502|Class 502]] units life-expired, unable to cope with the demands of the new ''Link'' tunnel and approaching 40{{nbsp}}years old, by 1977 a replacement was sought. Owing to the success of the [[British Rail Class 313|Class 313]] fleet on suburban services from [[London King's Cross railway station|King's Cross]], four sets were temporarily transferred to [[Merseyside]] and based at [[Hall Road TMD]]. Sets 313013/063<ref>{{cite magazine |magazine=[[Today's Railways UK]] |issue=123|date=March 2012|issn=1750-6905}}</ref> were used for clearance trials on the [[Southport]], [[Ormskirk]] and [[Kirkby]]-[[Garston, Merseyside|Garston]] lines. The results showed that a similar type of stock would be suitable for the Merseyrail [[Northern line (Merseyrail)|Northern line]].

Initially, 47 sets were ordered (507001–507047) but cost issues forced this number to be reduced to 38 units, then 30 by early 1978 when the first sets were under construction. Ultimately, 33 units were built between September 1978 and October 1979.
The first set was delivered to [[Birkenhead North TMD|Birkenhead North depot]] during September 1978,<ref name=Maund82>{{cite book |title=Merseyrail Electrics: The Inside Story |first=T. B. |last=Maund |publisher=NBC Books |year=2001 |oclc=655126526 |page=82}}</ref> with the first test run taking place on 9 October 1978.<ref name=Maund82 />

On 25 October 1978, a Royal Special involving units 507001 and 507002 conveyed [[Elizabeth II|The Queen]] and several other VIPs on a special service between [[Moorfields railway station|Moorfields]] and [[Kirkby railway station|Kirkby]]. Following the journey, she declared the new-look Merseyrail network officially open.<ref>{{cite book|title=The Story of Merseyrail|author=Merseyside Passenger Transport Executive and British Rail|date=December 1978|oclc=8740619}}</ref> The first passenger working occurred on 1 November 1978, with unit 507001 working the 07:39 [[Southport railway station|Southport]]-[[Liverpool Central railway station|Liverpool Central]] with a commemorative [[Headboard (train)|headboard]].<ref name=Maund82 /> It worked between [[Liverpool]] and Southport for the remainder of the day, while unit 507002 operated between Liverpool and Ormskirk. Further Class 507 units steadily entered service and the Class 502 was, in turn, withdrawn. By mid-1980, Northern line services were entirely in the hands of the Class 507 and all of the sets were in service by October 1980.<ref name=Maund82 /> A host of new liveries appeared following sectorisation of [[British Rail]].

Following [[Privatisation of British Rail|privatisation]], the Class 507 units were used interchangeably between both the Northern line and the [[Wirral line]], working a further four routes regularly. The remaining 32 units were refurbished by [[Eastleigh Works|Alstom Eastleigh]] during 2002–2005. They received new interiors, CCTV, light clusters [[dot matrix display]]s and the 2+3 seating was replaced with 2+2 seats.<ref>{{cite magazine |url=http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/merseyrail-train-refurbishment.html|title=Merseyrail train refurbishment |magazine=[[Railway Gazette International]] |date=1 October 2002|access-date=1 December 2015|archive-date=12 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151212092832/http://www.railwaygazette.com/news/single-view/view/merseyrail-train-refurbishment.html|url-status=live}}</ref> Unit 507033 was the last Merseyside set to be refurbished, entering service having been named ''Cllr George Howard'' in August 2005.<ref>{{cite magazine |title=Merseyrail 507/508 refurbishment complete |magazine=[[Today's Railways UK|Entrain]] |issue=45 |date=September 2005 |page=57}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Final 507 for Merseyrail |magazine=[[Rail Magazine]] |issue=520 |date=17 August 2005 |page=46}}</ref>

The first of two Class 507 farewell tours took place on 15 September 2024. The second farewell tour took place on 3 November 2024.<ref name="Milner-2024">{{cite magazine|last=Milner|first=Chris|title=Second Class 507 farewell tour planned|department=Railtours|magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]]|issue=1483|volume=170|date=October 2024|page=80}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/end-era-merseyrail-old-trains-30289783|title=End of an era for Merseyrail as old trains take their final journeys|newspaper=Liverpool Echo|date=3 November 2024|last=Haygarth|first=Dan|accessdate=12 November 2024|archive-date=11 November 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241111175627/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/end-era-merseyrail-old-trains-30289783|url-status=live}}</ref>

The Class 507 was withdrawn on 28 November 2024.<ref name="Merseyside's Royal Train Departs" />

==Description==
{{Multiple issues|
{{One source|section|date=February 2023}}
{{More citations needed|section|date=July 2024}}
}}
Class 507 units are formed of three cars, and numbered 507001 to 507033.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Class 507/8 – Angel Trains |url=https://angeltrains.co.uk/fleet/class-507/ |access-date=20 June 2023 |website=angeltrains.co.uk |archive-date=4 September 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210904235554/https://angeltrains.co.uk/fleet/class-507/ |url-status=live }}</ref> Original plans were drawn up for 47; later 38 Class 507 units to be built, but costs enforced a reduction in the number. Sets are made up of two driving motor cars ('A' DMSO with the compressor; 'B' BDMSO with the battery) and a trailer.

Originally, each three-car set seated 234 passengers, this figure being reduced to 222 following interior modifications during the 1990s. After the introduction of high back seats during refurbishment in 2004/2005 this was reduced to 192 with space for cyclists and disabled people improved.

The Class 507 (and 508) replaced [[London, Midland and Scottish Railway|LMS]]-designed [[British Rail Class 502|Class 502]] EMUs on the Northern line and [[British Rail Class 503|Class 503]] EMUs on the Wirral line.

==Operations==
The Class 507 units operated services on the Merseyrail network. Sets were used interchangeably between the Northern line and the Wirral line from 1997. Between 2023 and 2024 the class was slowly been withdrawn from service, being replaced by the [[British Rail Class 777|Class 777]].<ref name="Merseyside's Royal Train Departs" /><ref name="Milner-2024" />

==Replacement==
Merseyrail expected that the Class 507 and 508 units would be withdrawn around 2014 and replaced by a new EMU, but this was postponed following a refurbishment. In May 2012, [[Merseytravel]] announced that it had formally begun a project for replacement.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/newsarticle.asp?articleid=1962&catid=1 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120813013837/http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/newsarticle.asp?articleid=1962&catid=1 |title= Merseytravel signals go ahead for new trains |access-date=17 May 2012 |archive-date=13 August 2012 |date=14 May 2012|publisher= Merseytravel}}</ref> The fleet received a refresh package including external re-livery, internal enhancements and engineering work.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/business/merseyrail-hits-two-year-high-7057247|title=Best Merseyrail service for two years|date=1 May 2014|newspaper=Liverpool Echo|first=Neil|last=Hodgson|access-date=2 December 2015|archive-date=3 March 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220507/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/business/merseyrail-hits-two-year-high-7057247|url-status=live}}</ref>

In January 2016, Merseytravel announced the short list of companies bidding to build new trains which will replace the Class 507 and 508 on the Merseyrail network.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/Another-step-towards-new-Merseyrail-trains-as-bidder-shortlist-announced.aspx|title=Merseyrail trains bidder shortlist announced|access-date=21 January 2016|archive-date=29 January 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129135823/http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/Another-step-towards-new-Merseyrail-trains-as-bidder-shortlist-announced.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> In December 2016, Merseytravel announced that [[Stadler Rail|Stadler]] had won the £460{{nbsp}}million contract and that the new {{brc|777}} trains would be delivered from summer 2019 with all the old trains replaced by 2021.{{Citation needed|date=May 2023}} The first unit entered service late in January 2023.<ref name="dday">{{cite news |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/live-updates-first-new-merseyrail-26045701 |newspaper=[[Liverpool Echo]] |title=Live updates as first new Merseyrail train finally welcomes passengers |date=23 January 2023 |access-date=23 January 2023 |first1=Ellen |last1=Kirwin |first2=Liam |last2=Thorp |archive-date=23 January 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230123085948/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/live-updates-first-new-merseyrail-26045701 |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Preservation==
In March 2024, the Class 507 Preservation Society reached an agreement to preserve 507001<ref>{{Cite magazine|title=Liverpool Class 507 which carried Elizabeth II is saved|magazine=[[Heritage Railway]]|issue=318|date=12 April 2024|page=14}}</ref> after the chairman of the society bought the unit for £1 from [[Angel Trains]].<ref name="manbuys">{{cite news |title=Man buys 1970s train for £1 to save it from scrap |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx88nq5jy57o |work=BBC News |publisher=BBC |access-date=26 May 2024 |date=26 May 2024 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526084553/https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cx88nq5jy57o |url-status=live }}</ref> A [[crowdfunding]] campaign to raise £10,000 to move the train by road to the Nant Mawr visitor centre at the [[Tanat Valley Light Railway]] was set up by the society in May 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=Class 507 Crowdfunder launched |url=https://www.class507.org.uk/news/2024-05-13-crowdfunder.php |website=Class 507 Preservation Society |access-date=26 May 2024 |date=13 May 2024 |archive-date=26 May 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240526094844/https://www.class507.org.uk/news/2024-05-13-crowdfunder.php |url-status=live}}</ref> 

On 23 January 2025, 507001 arrived at Unimetals Newport where it was then taken by road to [[Alstom|Alstom's]] [[Derby Litchurch Lane Works|Litchurch Lane Works]] in Derby,<ref>{{Cite web |title=507001 arrives at Derby for the Greatest Gathering « Class 507 Preservation Society |url=https://www.class507.org.uk/news/2025-02-04-preserved-derby-greatest-gathering.php |access-date=16 February 2025 |website=www.class507.org.uk}}</ref> arriving on 27 January 2025 in preparation for its display at [[Alstom|Alstom's]] The Greatest Gathering event in August 2025.<ref>{{Cite web |last=RailUK-admin |date=30 January 2025 |title=Alstom to host Britain's biggest rail celebration as part of Railway 200 |url=https://railuk.com/general-interest/alstom-to-host-britains-biggest-rail-celebration-as-part-of-railway-200/ |access-date=16 February 2025 |website=Rail UK |archive-date=31 January 2025 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20250131170423/https://railuk.com/general-interest/alstom-to-host-britains-biggest-rail-celebration-as-part-of-railway-200/ |url-status=live }}</ref>

A DMSO coach from 507028 has been placed in the new Merseyside Fire & Rescue Service Training School at Aintree Fire Station.<ref>{{Cite journal |last1=Taylor |first1=M. |last2=Oakford |first2=G. |last3=Appleton |first3=D. |last4=Fielding |first4=J. |date=23 April 2022 |title=Fire Prevention Targeting by Merseyside Fire and Rescue Service in UK |journal=Fire Technology |volume=58 |issue=4 |pages=1827–1837 |doi=10.1007/s10694-022-01249-8 |issn=0015-2684|doi-access=free}}</ref>

==Accidents and incidents==
* Unit 507022 was written off as a result of a serious collision with unit 507004 at Kirkdale TMD on 30 September 1991.<ref name="Rail160" />
* On 30 June 2009, unit 507002 ran away from Kirkdale TMD under power{{snd}}but not under the control of a driver{{snd}} and reached an estimated speed of {{cvt|30|mph}} before being derailed at a set of points that joined the depot to the main line.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/merseyside/8126325.stm |title=Runaway train rolls out of Depot |access-date= 30 June 2008 |date=30 June 2009 |work=BBC News |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109012210/http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/uk_news/england/merseyside/8126325.stm |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2009/06/30/liverpool-northern-line-at-a-standstill-after-train-derailment-reports-100252-24023910/ |title=Railway commuter train derails in 'handbrake' accident |access-date=30 June 2009 |date= 30 June 2009 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109012248/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/railway-commuter-misery-after-merseyrail-3453537 |url-status=live}}</ref> Following the derailment, the train came to rest blocking the main line at a position where a passenger-carrying train had passed only seconds before.<ref name="2009prosecution">{{cite news |title=Merseyrail operator fined £85,000 for runaway train incident |url=http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.10413 |publisher=Office of Rail Regulation |date=23 May 2011 |access-date=28 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110607051906/http://www.rail-reg.gov.uk/server/show/ConWebDoc.10413 |archive-date=7 June 2011 |url-status=dead}}</ref> The incident was caused by a failure by depot workers to apply to the train's brakes before isolating the train from the traction current supply when conducting diagnostic testing. When the isolation was subsequently removed, the train's traction supply was re-energised and it proceeded to move under its own power.<ref name="2009prosecution" /> Merseyrail pleaded guilty to breaching the [[Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974]] by failing to ensure that its workers met the required safety standards, and was ordered to pay a fine of £85,000 and legal costs of £20,970.15.<ref name="2009prosecution" /><ref>{{cite news |title=Runaway train costs Merseyrail £100,000 after company admits safety breaches which nearly led to disaster |first=Ben |last=Rossington |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/liverpool-news/local-news/2011/05/24/runaway-train-costs-merseyrail-100-000-after-company-admits-safety-breaches-which-nearly-led-to-disaster-100252-28750190/ |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |date=24 May 2011 |access-date=28 May 2011 |archive-date=9 January 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210109012238/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/runaway-train-costs-merseyrail-100000-3375601 |url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Tuplin |first1=Richard |last2=Morrison |first2=Brian |date=30 May 2011 |title=Merseyrail Electrics fined over H&S issues |magazine=Railway Herald |issue=269 |page=4 |issn=1751-8091 |url=http://www.rharchive.info/Issue269HIGH.pdf |access-date=29 May 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111007190135/http://www.rharchive.info/Issue269HIGH.pdf |archive-date=7 October 2011 |url-status=usurped}}</ref>
* On 13 March 2021, unit 507006 was the lead unit of a train that overran the buffer stop and [[Kirkby train crash|derailed at Kirkby station]]. Twelve people sustained minor injuries and the unit was written-off.<ref>{{cite news |last=Traynor |first=Luke |title=Train driver taken to hospital after derailment at Kirkby station |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/train-driver-taken-hospital-after-20142373 |work=[[Liverpool Echo]] |date=13 March 2021 |access-date=18 March 2021 |archive-date=14 March 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210314002446/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/train-driver-taken-hospital-after-20142373 |url-status=live }}</ref> The [[Rail Accident Investigation Branch]] found that the driver failed to apply the brakes at the appropriate time, due to being distracted.<ref name="RAIB0321">{{cite book |title=Rail Accident Report 07/2022: Buffer stop collision at Kirkby, Merseyside, 13 March 2021 |date=August 2022 |publisher=Rail Accident Investigation Branch, Department for Transport |location=Derby |url=https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1097804/R072022_220811_Kirkby.pdf |access-date=24 April 2023 |archive-date=3 April 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230403195205/https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/1097804/R072022_220811_Kirkby.pdf |url-status=live }}</ref>

==Fleet details==
{|class="wikitable"
!Class
!Status
!Qty.
!Year built
!Cars per unit
!Unit nos.
!Sources
|-
! rowspan="3" |507
|Preserved
| align="center" |1
| rowspan="3" align="center" |1978–1980
| rowspan="3" align="center" |3
|507001
|<ref name="Merseyside's Royal Train Departs" />
|-
|Non-railway use
|align=center|2 Vehicles
|507028{{notetag|vehicles 64432 and 71369.<ref name="RailwaysIllustrated257">{{cite magazine |title= Merseyrail Class 507s down to single figures as Stadler 777 takeover approaches final phase |department=News | magazine= [[Railways Illustrated]] |issue=257|date=July 2024|page=14}}</ref>}}
|<ref name="RailwaysIllustrated257" />
|-
|Scrapped
|align=center|32
|507002–507033,{{notetag|1 vehicle of 507028 only.<ref name="RailwaysIllustrated257" />}}
|<ref name="Rail160">{{cite magazine |title=Steve Knight reviews the latest Merseyrail stock news |magazine=[[Rail Magazine]] |issue=160 |date=30 October 1991 |page=9}}</ref><ref name="RailwaysIllustrated257"/><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Pritchard|first=Robert|title=Merseyrail 507 run down continues|department= Rolling Stock News|magazine=[[Today's Railways UK]] |issue=268|date=June 2024|page=62}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Russell|first=David|title=Class 507 |department=Units|magazine=[[Rail Express]] |issue=336|date=May 2024|page=25}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|title=Merseyrail Class 507s head for scrap... '777s' into store|department=Network News|magazine= [[Rail Magazine]] |issue=1003|date=21 February 2024|page=25}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Final road trip |magazine=Rail Express |publisher=Mortons Media Group |location=Horncastle |issue=306 |date=November 2021 |page=11}}</ref><ref name="RE329">{{cite magazine|title= Merseyrail Class 777s expand operations |magazine=[[Rail Express]] |issue=329  |date=October 2023 |page=20}}</ref><ref name="TRM1467">{{cite magazine |title= Stock Update | magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]] |issue=1467 |date=June 2023| page=93}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title= Stock Update|magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]] |issue=September 2023 |page=97}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title= Merseyrail stock taken for scrap  |magazine=[[Rail Magazine]] |issue=988|date=26 July 2023 |page=9}}</ref><ref name="RE324">{{cite magazine |last1=Russell |first1=David |title=Class 508<!--508 is correct--> |department=Units |magazine=Rail Express |date=May 2023 |issue=324 |page=21 |publisher=Mortons Media Group |location=Horncastle |issn=1362-234X}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |title=Class 507 |department=Unit Focus |last1=Bendall |first1=S. |last2=Coward |first2=A. |magazine=Railways Illustrated |issue=245 |date=July 2023 |page=20 |publisher=Mortons Media Group |location=Horncastle |issn=1479-2230}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Butlin|first=Ashley|title=Multiple Units|department=Stock Update|magazine= [[The Railway Magazine]] |issue=1467|volume=170|date=March 2024|page=89}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last= Butlin |first= Ashley |title=Multiple Units|department=Stock Update|magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]] |issue=1477|volume=170|date= April 2024|page=83}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine |last=Butlin|first=Ashley|title= Multiple Units |department=Stock Update | magazine= [[The Railway Magazine]] |issue=1479|volume=170|date=June 2024|page=97}}</ref><ref name="Milner-2024"/><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Butlin|first=Ashley|title=Multiple Units|department=Stock Update|magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]]|volume=171|issue=1486|date= January 2025|page=82}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|last=Butlin|first=Ashley|title=Multiple Units|magazine=[[The Railway Magazine]]|department=Stock Update|volume=171|issue=1487|date=February 2025|page=88}}</ref>
|}

===Vehicle numbering===
Individual vehicles are numbered in the following ranges:<ref name="Marsden2007">{{cite book |last1=Marsden |first1=C. J. |title=Traction Recognition |date=2007 |page=246 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |location=Hersham |isbn=978-0-7110-3277-4 |oclc=230804946 |ol=16902750M}}</ref>
{| class="wikitable"
!BDMSO
!TSO
!DMSO
|-
|align=center|64367–64399
|align=center|71342–71374
|align=center|64405–64437
|}

===Liveries===
Class 507 units have appeared in a number of liveries:
* British Rail blue and grey, 1978
* Merseyrail{{snd}}Capital of Culture, 2008–2009; four units with graphics overlaid on the Merseyrail refurbished livery.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/2071749.Trains_take_fast_track_to_Capital_of_Culture/|title=Trains take fast track to Capital of Culture|work=Wirral Globe|date=25 February 2008|access-date=16 February 2016|archive-date=20 December 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220080310/http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/2071749.Trains_take_fast_track_to_Capital_of_Culture/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Merseyrail{{snd}}Good Communications, January 2014–2025; six different designs on a mix of yellow and grey backgrounds.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merseyrail.org/seasonal/new-look-trains.aspx|work=Merseyrail|title=New Look Trains|access-date=5 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607002137/http://www.merseyrail.org/seasonal/new-look-trains.aspx|archive-date=7 June 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/2014/02/good-communications-designs-new-look-merseyrail-trains/|work=Prolific North|title=Good Communications designs new-look Merseyrail trains|date=17 February 2014 |access-date=5 June 2014|archive-date=6 June 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606211726/http://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/2014/02/good-communications-designs-new-look-merseyrail-trains/|url-status=live}}</ref>
* Merseyrail – Liverpool Hope University, {{citation needed span|date=December 2023|text= circa 2010}}–2024 applied to unit 507002 as promotion for Liverpool Hope University.<ref name="TRUK267">{{cite magazine|last1=Beardsley|first1=Ian|last2=Pritchard|first2=Robert|title=Two more 507s for disposal|department=Rolling Stock News|magazine=[[Today's Railways UK]] |issue=267|date=May 2024|page=63}}</ref>
* Merseyrail – Heritage (BR Blue and Grey), 2023 onwards; applied to unit 507001 to celebrate 45 years of passenger service.<ref>{{Cite news |last=White |first=Chloe |date=1 December 2023 |title=Merseyrail reveals celebratory heritage livery wrap for Class 507001 |url=https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/12/merseyrail-reveals-celebratory-heritage-livery-wrap-for-class-507001.html |publisher=RailAdvent |access-date=2 December 2023 |archive-date=2 December 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231202225114/https://www.railadvent.co.uk/2023/12/merseyrail-reveals-celebratory-heritage-livery-wrap-for-class-507001.html |url-status=live }}</ref>

{{gallery|title=Class 507 liveries|align=center
|507004 011 Freshfield.jpg|Class 507 in BR blue with Merseyrail logos, 1986
|507026-Merseyrail-CIMG2752 (33880764244).jpg|Original Merseyrail livery in 2005
|Train, Wallasey Grove Road Railway Station (geograph 2985752).jpg|Merseyrail refurbished livery in 2012
|Southport - Merseyrail 507014 departing.JPG|''Good Communications'' grey variant in 2015
|Merseyrail Class 507, 507016, Liverpool Lime Street railway station (geograph 4499499).jpg|''Good Communications'' yellow variant in 2015
|Merseyrail Class 507, 507002, Aughton Park railway station (geograph 3786751).jpg|[[Liverpool Hope University]] livery in 2013
|507001 at Brunswick 2024-06-22.jpg|Heritage BR Blue and Grey livery in 2024
}}

=== Named units ===
Named units were as follows:
* 507008 – ''[[Harold Wilson]]''<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/Train-named-in-honour-of-Harold-Wilson.aspx|title=Train named in honour of Harold Wilson|work=Merseytravel|date=13 March 2013|access-date=2 December 2015|archive-date=5 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151205023648/http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/Train-named-in-honour-of-Harold-Wilson.aspx|url-status=live}}</ref> 
* 507009 – ''[[Dixie Dean]]'' <ref>{{cite magazine |title=STOCK CHANGES |magazine=[[Today's Railways UK]] |issue=260 |date=October 2023 |page=63}}</ref>
* 507016 – ''Merseyrail – celebrating the first ten years 2003–2013''<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolconfidential.co.uk/News-and-Comment/Merseyrail-in-talks-over-brand-new-train-fleet|title=Merseyrail in talks over brand new train fleet|work=Liverpool Confidential|date=8 October 2013|access-date=2 December 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141129065142/http://www.liverpoolconfidential.co.uk/News-and-Comment/Merseyrail-in-talks-over-brand-new-train-fleet|archive-date=29 November 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref>
* 507020 – ''[[John Peel]]''<ref>{{cite magazine|last1=Bendall|first1=Simon|last2=Coward|first2=Andy|title=Naming Update|department= Fleet Review|magazine=[[Railways Illustrated]] |issue=256|date=1 June 2024|page=25}}</ref> 
* 507023 – ''Operations Inspector Stuart Mason''<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseyrail-railway-man-stuart-mason-3341422|title=Merseyrail railway man Stuart Mason to have train named in his honour|first=David|last=Bartlett|date=2 May 2013|website=Liverpool Echo|access-date=17 November 2024|archive-date=19 November 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211119100203/https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseyrail-railway-man-stuart-mason-3341422|url-status=live}}</ref>
* 507026 – ''Councillor George Howard''<ref name="Railways Illustrated249">{{cite magazine|title= Naming Update |magazine=[[Railways Illustrated]] |issue=249|date=November 2023|page=25}}</ref>
* 507033 – ''Councillor Jack Spriggs''<ref>{{cite magazine |last1=Bendall|first1=Simon|last2=Coward|first2=Andy|title=Naming Update |department=News| magazine= [[Railways Illustrated]] |issue=258|date=August 2024|page=20}}</ref>

== Notes ==
{{reflist|group=note}}

== References ==
{{reflist}}

== Further reading ==
{{Commons category|British Rail Class 507}}
* {{cite book |last1=Hilbert |first1=M. |title=Merseyrail Electric |date=2016 |publisher=Fonthill Media |isbn=978-1-78155-513-2 |oclc=931803421}}
* {{cite book |last1=Marsden |first1=C. J. |title=EMUs |series=Motive Power Recognition |volume=2 |date=1982 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |location=London |isbn=978-0-7110-1165-6 |pages=128–129 |oclc=16537600}}
* {{cite book |last1=Marsden |first1=C. J. |title=Traction Recognition |date=2011 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |location=Hersham |isbn=978-0-7110-3494-5 |pages=266–267 |edition=2nd |oclc=751525080}}

{{PEP-derived}}
{{British Rail EMU}}

[[Category:British Rail electric multiple units|507]]
[[Category:BREL products|507]]
[[Category:Rail transport in Merseyside]]
[[Category:Train-related introductions in 1978]]
[[Category:600 V DC multiple units]]
[[Category:750 V DC multiple units]]