And then there was one (508) - Merseyrail moments, 4th January 2024

January 4th 2024 was a particularly significant day to record as 508 104 became the last of its class operating in passenger use. Three 508 units made it past 31st December 2023 - 104, 108 and 114 all found use in the first few days of 2024 despite their derogation to run apparently ending on New Years Eve.
108 and 114 were stood down after service on the 3rd . 108 had already been taken into Birkenhead North Depot by 7 am, but I did catch 114 making its way through James Street to be similarly stripped of parts before departing for scrap. Silly as it may be It was all getting quite emotional. The driver of the train decided to open the window and have a chat with me from the cab which was very kind and much appreciated.
508 104 duly became "last man standing" It was in fine song and operating all day on the Southport line. Several other "unusual" bits occurred too making for a varied (long!) video.
Lots of people were out either on 104 or at virtually every foot/level crossing on the Southport line to see the last 508 standing, and celebrity 507 001 and 002 also working the line. The drivers obliged with plenty tones to please the audience!
104 lasted until January 16th in service. Therefore, this video represents my last journeys aboard a class of train that I have an intensely emotional attachment to. A hugely significant and comforting companion has unfortunately departed my life, and things will never be the same again.
508s, you have done well my friends. Thank you for the memories.
The remaining 507s now carry on the torch from their somewhat quirkier cousins until around May (latest estimates) so make the most of all those lovely noises whilst you can. I'm sure there's many others feeling heartstrings tug as these venerable, iconic machines slowly but surely leave the building.
To The Timestamps! (unit list in the comments)
0:00:01 - We first head out to Birkenhead North for a short break before continuing to Wallasey Village. Retro 507 001 can be seen on North depot.
0:08:44 - Another stop off at North then to Hamilton Square for comings, goings and camera malarkay
0:11:55 - a 507 has successfully infiltrated the Ellesmere Port line. We head to James Street with some more activity there.
0:17:08 - EMOTIONAL FAREWELL ALERT - Having been stood down the previous evening 508 114 makes its way off the stock interchange line into James Street heading to North Depot for its date with the scrapman. The driver kindly takes time out for a chat before the compressors start up turning me into a teary wreck. Some nice arcing from the third rail as she leaves.
0:20:11 - With immense luck as I get onto Moorfields Northern line none other than 508 104, now the LAST REMAINING 508 on the network is approaching for Southport.(you can tell 104 as it has a distinctive fan noise in one coach). Well we're obviously going to go video crazy aren't we! Cue lots of bewildered normals as I parade around the train without caring
0:34:20 - Don't know if the RAF were aware of the significance but the fly by of a transporter as we approach Hightown is a nice touch. We continue to film excessively!
0:57:30 - Eventually prise myself off at Sandhills. Head to Kirkdale and 507 001 is now outside the depot here!
1:01:06 - Arrive on the Wirral at Central as a 777 has just disgraced itself. The following train runs semi fast between Birkenhead and Hooton to make up time - my first time doing this on a 777
1:13:14 - An Easyjet departure heralds 507 032 so we take a trip out to Ellesmere Port and back to Hamilton Square
1:24:17 - Another trip out to Wallasey Village - note the retro saveaway sign (ECW bodied Leyland Olympian anyone?). 507 023 takes us back into town. At Hamilton Square it's announced that a 777 has failed on the loop and we will be terminating at James Street! First time in platform 2 on a service train for me!
1:29:18 - P2 at James Street. Nice! We head back under the water (to say we'd done it!)
1:32:12 - We pick back up at Moorfields and guess what's on the next Southport? 508 104, WOOHOO! More compressor frolics abound and plenty people out photographing as 507 001 has now gone into service on the Southports too. We have a dusk jaunt up to Southport and back to Hightown. This is becoming my personal "508 sunset".
1:41:09 - The last time THAT will happen to me :-(
1:46:28 - 508 104 leaves Hightown after my last ever ride on the class. I leave the camera on for ages as she sings goodbye to me through the tracks. Incredibly emotional. A northbound arrival breaks the spell and then 507 001 rolls in next taking me back to being 8 years old with my Gran. We hop up to Formby (you can hear some tonez too!)
1:50:57 - Back at Liverpool Central. My phone has about 3% charge when 508 104 rolls in (advertised as a 6-car disgruntling the passengers) heading back to Southport. Everyone piles on and the compressors do their thing. 104 departs for Moorfields and the 508s depart my life. God i'll miss them.

[@DrIndy-xs7qw]

Good to see you're still enjoying the rails after all these years. They should make you the UK's Honorary Rail Ambassador 🙂

[@cjbirkett]

Hi Indy! Many thanks for the kind comment and thanks as always for your epic Christmas Card! There a lot more professional video guys out there than me but I enjoy taking footage - especially of the trains in this video which are now 45 years old and being withdrawn - yes my local trains are the oldest in the country! Very attached to these trains as i've grown up with them. Progress can't be stopped and all that but it's still a shame that they have to depart.
Really hope all is good with you, take care and thanks again!

[@IAmHappyInLife]

And now this too has gone for scraps

[@cjbirkett]

UNITS SEEN ON 4TH JANUARY:
Chester services - 777 003/006/013/023/030
Ellesmere Port Services - -507 032, 777 007/019
New Brighton Services - 507 016/023/029 777 036
West Kirby Services - 777 010/014/015/020/028
Southport/Hunts X Services - 507 001/002/007/011/014/015/017/018, 508 104, 777 016
Kirkby Services - 777 146/148/152
Ormskirk Services - 777 004/012/017/026/031
Miscellaneous - 507 003, 508 108, 777 014, 507 001 (Birkenhead North Depot), 508 114 (James Street ecs) 507 004, 777 011, 777 021 (Southport sidings/wall sidings)

[@cjbirkett]

www.crowdfunder.co.uk/p/preserve-a-class-507-emu
please consider donating to hopefully secure a home for 507 001 after retirement from service