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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 1h

We are heading back to the Llangollen Railway 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 stock up on Class 507 merchandise 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

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 30/09/2026

Something interesting on the cover of this month’s Heritage Railway magazine. 👀

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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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 27/09/2026

Packing some shop orders ready to post out tomorrow. Get yours here: www.class507.org.uk/shop

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

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 24/09/2026

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. www.ticketisland.co.uk/ticketi_slpo...

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

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 21/09/2026

We made the cover! If you pick up the October issue of Rail Express, 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.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 17/09/2026

Did you see the big premiere of our battery documentary yesterday? If you haven't seen it yet, check it out now at youtu.be/kRkZ78Le9Lg (If you have seen it, watch it again!)

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 16/09/2026

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. Order now at www.class507.org.uk/shop/

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

Back cover of calendar showing thumbnails of all 12 months.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 15/09/2026

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?

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 12/09/2026

Tom Talks Trains… Tom our Head of Engineering, met with some Network Rail and ALSTOM Graduates. This was an interesting overview of 507001. Fancy seeing more of this discussion? More to follow soon #class507preservation #NetworkRail #ALSTOM

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 11/09/2026

We were pleased to welcome some Network Rail graduate trainees aboard 507001 at Alstom Derby today. Our team gave them a whistle-stop tour of the train’s inner workings, demonstrating how our unit is a useful teaching tool for the next generation of the railway family.

Tom Camps explaining about 507001 to a team of trainees

Some of the graduate trainees inside the passenger saloon of 507001

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 06/09/2026

An excellent day at Derby giving 507001 a wash and brush up. Great to see some new faces for their first work party too. If you want to be part of #Team507, head to our website to sign up: class507.org.uk/membership/

Derby work party volunteers pose in front of 507001 at the end of the day.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 06/09/2026

Buckets, sponges and cloths at the ready. 🧼 Today some of our volunteers are at Derby, helping to give 507001 good clean!

Volunteers working at the side of 507001 with buckets and sponges, cleaning

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 02/09/2026

On 1st September, in test runs at Litchurch Lane, 507001 successfully 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: www.class507.org.uk/2026/09/batt...

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 01/09/2026

We have some BIG NEWS for you tomorrow at 5:07pm. Trust us, you do not want to miss this announcement!

507001 reflected in a pool of water at Litchurch Lane works.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 01/09/2026

We’re at Litchurch Lane works for some very special 507 operations! Stay tuned for more.

507001 on an outside siding track at Litchurch Lane works

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 29/08/2026

We've been rather quiet on social media recently, but there has been lots going on behind the scenes. Keep an eye on our feed, because we have some exciting things to share with you in September! #Team507

An atmospheric shot of 507001 on a siding outside one of the depot buildings at Litchurch Lane works under an overcast dusk sky. One of the doors is half-open and some equipment - which may be important - is visible inside the vestibule.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 03/08/2026

🥁 Roll up, roll up… eBay bidders, get your cards ready! Our latest batch of railway memorabilia has just gone live! Happy bidding, and thank you for helping us preserve an important part of Britain’s railway heritage. www.ebay.co.uk/usr/korky_th...

A bodyside indicator light from Class 507029
A fan temperature controller
A brake hose from a Class 442
Plus other railway items.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 01/08/2026

It's a year since The Greatest Gathering! From 1-3 August 2025 we welcomed thousands of visitors to 507001 at Alstom's works in Derby, as part of this once in a generation railway event. The pit tours and simulator were big hits! Thanks to Team 507 for all their hard work at the show.

Photo of 507001 in V Shop alongside a Networker, 455 and class 47. A sign advertises pit tours.

Shaun under the train showing visitors around the pit.

The simulator being driven by a young would-be train driver

The Class 507 Preservation Society team gathered around a table in an office overlooking V Shop (with 507001 visible in the background). They all look tired but happy.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 30/07/2026

What’s the one thing you’ve always wanted to know about 507001? Now’s your chance to ask! Reply with a question and our PEPxperts will answer as many as we can through videos on our social media channels. No question is too big, too small, or too technical. Fire away!

Image of 507001 outside Litchurch Lane works on a sunny day with a few wispy clouds in an otherwise blue sky.

Text reads: "What's the one thing you'd like to know about 507001? Ask our 507001 PEPxperts! We'll answer your questions through videos on our social media channels"

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 08/07/2026

Before the 507, there was the 502. This Sunday, the Class 502 Preservation Trust will be opening their doors to the public at the MTT’s Burscough base. It’s a chance to see the amazing progress they have made on restoring this classic LMS electric train. www.class502.org.uk/news-blog/20...

Photo of the motor coach of the preserved class 502, with new steel welded in.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 05/07/2026

Back for day two of the Llangollen Railway Classic Transport Festival! If you’re coming to visit today, be sure to come and see us in the waiting room at Llangollen station before or after your train.

Sign at entrance to Llangollen station reading “welcome to Llangollen Railway since 1865”

Entrance to Waiting Room at Llangollen station with 507 banner by the doorway

Sign on Waiting Room door. “Class 507 Simulator. £5 for a ten minute drive. Due to demand you may need to book a 10 minute slot. Speak to a member of the team to reserve.”

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 04/07/2026

Ready to welcome you at the Llangollen Railway Classic Transport Weekend! Find us in the waiting room at Llangollen station today and tomorrow. Come and see us to book a simulator slot.

George and Simon pose with the sim and stand in the waiting room at Llangollen station.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 03/07/2026

We gave some Llangollen Railway crew a sneak preview of our sim today while we were setting up. If you’re visiting the Classic Transport Weekend tomorrow or Sunday, here is a full guide to the event: llangollen-railway.co.uk/news/your-gu...

Charlie the steam driver tries his hand at driving the 507 simulator in the waiting room at Llangollen station.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 27/06/2026

A recent inspection of the ceiling panels on 507001 allowed a rare glimpse of what lies beneath (or above). Pleased to report that it is all in very good condition up there!

View of 507001 saloon with ceiling panels removed, exposing wiring and equipment.

A further view of 507001 saloon with ceiling panels near the sliding doors removed, exposing wiring and equipment.

View of 507001 saloon with ceiling panels removed and light fittings opened, exposing wiring and equipment.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 11/06/2026

#OnThisDay in 2006, Liverpool South Parkway opened to the public. The new station replaced the old Garston and Allerton stations, offering easy interchange between Merseyrail and main line services, and bus links to John Lennon AIrport. On opening day, 507011 calls with the 1156 to Hunts Cross.

Merseyrail unit 507011 in "tiger stripe" livery calls at the Hunts Cross-bound platform at Liverpool South Parkway. There are passengers waiting on the opposite platform for their train.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 07/06/2026

We are at the NWVRT’s open day until 5 today. Come and see us among the vintage buses and have a drive on our sim for just £5! Shuttle buses operating from Headbolt Lane station

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 01/06/2026

Join us this Sunday 7th June at the North West Vehicle Restoration Trust’s Summer Open Day. We will be there with our sales stand and the 507 cab simulator! Plus plenty of vintage bus rides and other groups attending too!

NorthWestVRT
Unit 2, Charley Wood Road, Kirkby Industrial Estate, Kirkby, Merseyside. L33 7SG

2026 Summer Open Day

• Regular, free trips on vintage buses to Knowsley, Prescot and Kirkby
• Feeder service to Headbolt Lane Station
• Visiting vehicles
• Newly restored buses revealed
• Refreshments, selection of stalls and much more!

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 09/05/2026

‘Ello ‘Ello ‘Ello, what’s going on here then? 👮 Thanks to everyone who came to see us today, including Derbyshire Constabulary!

Police Community Support Officer tries the 507 simulator

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 09/05/2026

Some say when he drove a 507, he somehow put it into notch 5 🤔 If you’re in the Derby are today, come and see our simulator at Great Northern Classics. www.greatnorthernclassics.co.uk/planes-train...

A man dressed in a Stig-like outfit at the control of the 507 sim

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 07/05/2026

We were pleased to welcome students from Repton School recently as part of a visit to Alstom's Litchurch Lane works in Derby. They had a tour of 507001, allowing them to compare its historic engineering approach with the modern trains elsewhere on site. Hope you enjoyed it!

Tom from the Class 507 Preservation Society talks to a group of students in the pit underneath 507001.

A student sits in the cab of 507001 at Litchurch Lane works.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 05/05/2026

The Class 507 Preservation Society will be at the Great Northern Classics "Planes Trains & Automobiles" event in Derby this Saturday 9th May. Drive our 507 simulator and see the Destination Station and our camshaft demonstrator. More info: www.greatnorthernclassics.co.uk/planes-train...

Great Northern Classics Planes Trains & Automobiles.

Featuring Rolls-Royce Enthusiasts Club. Vintage Cars. Train Simulator. Rolls-Royce Merlin Engine Fire Up. Racing Simulators. Slot Cars

9th May - 10am start

In aid of Derbyshire Children's Holiday Centre.

Sponsored by Manthorpe Engineering and L.E.A.D. IT Services

£3 Per Person. Under 16s Go Free
Or £15 Per Car

274 - 278 Osmaston Road, Derby, DE24 8AE

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 23/04/2026

You've seen what Team 507 has achieved. Want to join in and help keep our classic electric train in peak operating condition? Do you have engineering or mechanical skills we could use? We are on the lookout for new members to volunteer with us! www.class507.org.uk/2026/03/your...

Tom with electrical parts and tools scattered around 507001.

Working on the electrical components of 507001

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 21/04/2026

…but not before we posed two Merseyside transport icons together. 507001 alongside the Merseyside Transport Trust’s preserved Leyland Tiger coach. 😍

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 21/04/2026

The end of a fantastic day! Thanks to all who came to visit us, and thanks to our amazing Team 507 super-volunteers. And special thanks of course to the testing team at Alstom for facilitating the day.

507001 on the test track watched by visitors

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 21/04/2026

On board the fastest 3rd rail EMU in preservation!

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 21/04/2026

Another Merseyside transport icon is visiting Derby today. This MPTE Leyland Tiger coach comes courtesy of the Merseyside Transport Trust.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 21/04/2026

We were honoured to have some minions from the SETG @gordon3417.bsky.social on board today. Here’s driver Steve reacting to driving a proper train 😉

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 21/04/2026

Lee, our guard for the day, gives the signal for us to depart on the test track!

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 18/04/2026

Camshaft testing! Tom takes power, and the camshaft has been in full power, so it runs back to position A. He then shuts off, the camshaft then goes into dynamic brake mode, so BC1/2 (brake contactors) and the line contactor go in, and the camshaft notches down. We repeat this several times.

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 08/04/2026

Today we welcomed society members to Litchurch Lane. They enjoyed a tour of some of Alstom’s train manufacturing facilities, and of course, a visit to 507001 complete with simulator. A thorough enjoyable day for all involved!

Members of the Class 507 Preservation Society stand in front of 507001 at Alstom Litchurch Lane.

507001 in the sunshine at Litchurch Lane works

A visitor drives the sim on board 507001

Some of the many parts that we had on show and on offer for sale, including a cab dashboard from. 507

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 08/04/2026

Ready to welcome some visitors at Litchurch Lane today!

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 07/04/2026

A train so shiny you can (sort of) see your face in it. 🤩 Thanks to all the team who came down over Easter weekend to help out on cleaning duties.

Close up of 507001 in blue livery with a member of Team 507 reflected in it

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Class 507 Preservation @class507.org.uk · 06/04/2026

He knows the 507s inside and out, but can Tom, our Head of Engineering, actually drive one? We put him to the test on our 507 simulator at the weekend.

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