History was made in Derby this week after preserved Merseyrail unit 507 001 completed its first runs under third-rail power in preservation. The landmark moment took place on Tuesday 18 November at Alstom’s test track, where the unit successfully undertook a series of controlled movements powered directly from the energised rail.

The achievement is the latest milestone for the Class 507 Preservation Society, whose volunteers have spent months restoring the train to full working order. Around 6,000 people toured the unit during Alstom’s “Greatest Gathering” event in the summer, but since then the team has been focused on getting 507 001 back into operational condition rather than leaving it as a static exhibit.

The Class 507 fleet served Merseyside for more than 46 years, with the final passenger service operated on 28 November 2024. A week later, a transfer move involving 507 003 and 507 029 marked the last time any of the units travelled under their own power on the mainline. After severe weather and a landslide delayed its journey into preservation, 507 001 was finally handed over in January 2025 and moved to Derby for public display and future restoration.

Volunteers began extensive safety and systems checks in August, ensuring brakes, traction equipment and other onboard systems remained serviceable. Their efforts culminated this week when, shortly after 1.30pm, the power controller was eased into notch one and the unit moved off at 5mph—the first time it had drawn power in more than a year. A full-length run of the track followed, with the train stopping precisely to plan. Further tests gradually increased the speed to 20mph, making 507 001 the fastest preserved EMU currently operating.

Chairman of the Class 507 Preservation Society, Robert Hampton, said:

“The test track run proves our determination that – contrary to what some naysayers believe – 507 001 will not be ‘stuffed and mounted’ but preserved as a living, working train. Tuesday’s run is a testament to our hardworking volunteers, as well as to the work of those who created the PEP-family of trains in the 1970s. Their design has truly stood the test of time.”

Head of Operations, Jake D’Arcy, added:

“We are incredibly grateful for the opportunity to have operated 507 001 under its own power on the test track at Derby. The support afforded to us by Alstom’s operations team and all the staff at Litchurch Lane has been fantastic. Whilst on the test track, the test team drivers reported that the train performed well, although they were slightly bemused by our old train which features both a power and a brake handle – in stark contrast to the state of the art traction that they drive on a day to day basis.
Our own team of engineering and operations specialists worked collaboratively with Alstom for this to happen and I would like to thank everyone for their efforts.”

Head of Engineering, Tom Camps, said:

“We were aware of issues with the Motor-Alternator running fast during the farewell tour of the unit and testing pointed towards a defective control card. This has been repaired and the main control circuit was recalibrated, however the only way to test this was on the 3rd rail test track. Some further tweaks are needed, but this is to be expected on a train that has worked hard for over 40 year; generally the train is in good electrical health."

With its first powered test run completed, the preservation society is now planning further trials at Derby, potentially making full use of the test track’s capabilities. The unit will also continue to serve as a valuable hands-on learning tool for engineering apprentices and graduates during its stay at Litchurch Lane.

Visit the Class 507 Preservation Society by clicking here.

Image: Class 507 Preservation Society