Gateway Merseyside On New Life For 502 Train
Gateway Merseyside On New Life For 502 Train to restore to its original condition.
- (1888PressRelease) March 10, 2012 - A rotting train, once at the cutting edge of rail travel, is to be given a new lease of life by enthusiasts. The LMS-designed Class 502 Electric Multiple Unit (EMU) was the most advanced of its time, when it started life in the forties on the suburban lines around Liverpool. Replacing the existing steam-hauled carriages, they had significant improvements - automatic sliding doors, higher speeds and increased frequency. "The train is a part of Liverpool's history," said a staff member at Gateway Merseyside, a local sales and marketing company, "It's a shame to see it abandoned and left to disuse, as it really was quite important."
This 502, saved from the scrapyard in 1980, is the last remaining of its type. It was acquired in 2009 by the Friends of the 502 group, after they found out there was no longer anywhere to store it in the National Railway Museum. The group took it into storage at a site in Tebay, Cumbria, saying it was a "shame to see it go to scrap," The group hopes to restore the train to "almost original condition."
The train currently resides on the side of the M6, with broken windows and peeled paint. Duncan Reed, from Friends of the 502, said "We are hoping to bring it back to a state where we can run it on the Merseyrail network actually hauling passengers. It will take a while and quite a few thousand pounds, but if we aim high, then that's the way to go."
Our source at Gateway Merseyside said, "The group are putting a lot of love and effort into what is a real part of local history. To see the train actually running and carrying passengers will be fantastic." After 40 years of service, the 502 was moved to a new route on the Merseyrail, which took its toll on the electric vehicle. The steep gradients on the line and increased use proved too difficult for the train and it was withdrawn from service on 1 September 1980. However, one of the units was preserved in case it could run again in the future, and it went on display at Steamport railway centre in Southport. In 1997 when the museum closed, the train then moved to Kineton where it was stored outside. It was this time spent outside that led to its deterioration through corrosion.
Mr Reed said: "I think it is not just part of Merseyside's history, but also, it's the forerunner of modern train design so it seems like an important unit historically. We're hoping to get it restored to almost original condition."
Large sections of its bodywork will be replaced, together with a full re-wire, refurbishment of all the interior woodwork and seats and work on the wheels, bogies and traction motors.
Our source at Gateway Merseyside said, "I think it's very inspiring when a group of people get together like this to take on such a large project. I can imagine it will be very rewarding, and I wish them all the best of luck."
The group say the full restoration is expected to take "a few years".
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-17222184
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