Raise funds to move a Merseyrail Class 507 train by road to a new home in North West Shropshire, where it can be preserved for the future.
by Class 507 Preservation Society in Oswestry, Shropshire, United Kingdom
With an additional £5,000 we can buy a generator to power up the train's auxiliary systems such as lights, and keep its batteries charged. While this won't allow it to move under its own power, it will look and sound like it's sitting in a station, ready to start its next journey.
We can also start to equip our workshop with the tools we need to keep on top of the train's ongoing maintenance.
Since its introduction in 1978, the Merseyrail class 507 fleet has conveyed generations of Merseysiders — to work, to school, to days out at the seaside, to nights out on the town.
The introduction of the new class 777 units means that the venerable fleet — built by British Rail Engineering Limited at Holgate Road Works, York — will soon disappear. Several units have already been scrapped, and the rest will be gone within the next twelve months.
The Class 507 Preservation Society has been formed to preserve an example of the class to ensure that the class's contribution to the region's railway history is not forgotten.
The unit we have selected, 507001, has a special place in railway history. Not only is it the first of its class and thus the oldest still in service, but it also served as a Royal Train. On 25th October 1978, it carried Queen Elizabeth II on a special journey from Liverpool Moorfields to Kirkby. It has recently been restored to British Rail blue and grey livery to commemorate its long service, becoming something of a celebrity among rail enthusiasts.
Why we are fundraising
We have found a home at the Tanat Valley Railway in North West Shropshire. The current owners of 507001, Angel Trains, have agreed to transfer the unit to our ownership when it is withdrawn later this year. However, we must pay the costs of moving the unit by road to its new home. We have been quoted in the region of £10,000 for the road movement of three vehicles to the Tanat Valley Railway.
Once the unit is safely at Nant Mawr, we will keep it in good condition as a static exhibit. Although there is no third rail at Tanat, we wish to use the unit as hauled stock if possible. In the meantime, we will use a generator to power up the auxiliary systems from time to time, and a compressor to keep the air systems operational.
However, none of that will be possible if we don't raise the funds to move the train. Your support is greatly appreciated!
Important: Rules on Names
For the rewards which involve displaying people's names on the unit or online, the following rules apply:
Final decision on acceptable names will rest with the C507PS committee.
Image of pin badge (for £20 reward):-
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