British Rail Class 507 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids British Rail Class 507 |
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Pioneer set no. 507001 at Hunts Cross illustrated in the new post-refurbishment Merseyrail livery.
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| In service | 1978 - Current |
| Manufacturer | BREL York |
| Refurbishment | 32 Merseyrail sets 2002-2005 BRML Eastleigh |
| Number built | 33 trainsets |
| Formation | 3 cars per trainset |
| Capacity | 192 seats (refurbished) 232 seats (unrefurbished) |
| Operator(s) | Merseyrail |
| Specifications | |
| Car length | 19.80 m |
| Width | 3.58 m |
| Height | 2.82 m |
| Maximum speed | 75 mph (121 km/h) |
| Weight | 104.5 t |
| Power output | 656 kW |
| Electric system(s) | 750 V DC 3rd rail |
| Track gauge | 1,435 mm |
The British Rail Class 507 is a type of electric train. These trains were built by a company called BREL at their factory in York. They were made between 1978 and 1979.
The Class 507 trains were part of a bigger plan. This plan was to create a standard design for suburban electric trains. In total, 755 trains were built using this design. The Class 507 was special because it was the first type that only used 750V DC power from a third rail. These trains have been running on the Merseyrail network since they were new. They are still in use today, after being updated and refurbished.
Contents
What is the Class 507 Train?
The Class 507 is an electric multiple unit (EMU). This means it's a train made of several connected cars. Each car has its own motors. This allows the train to run without a separate locomotive. These trains are designed for shorter journeys. They are often used for commuting in and around cities.
History and Design of the Class 507
The Class 507 trains were built in the late 1970s. They were part of a series of trains based on a 1972 design. This design aimed to create similar trains for different parts of the UK. The 507s were unique because they were specifically made for the 750V DC third rail system. This system powers trains through an extra rail on the ground.
These trains have three cars in each set. They were built to carry many passengers. Over the years, most of the 507 trains have been refurbished. This means they were updated inside and out. The updates made them more modern and comfortable for passengers. This work was done by Alstom at Eastleigh Works.
Where Do Class 507 Trains Operate?
Class 507 trains have always operated on the Merseyrail network. This network serves the Merseyside area in England. They are a familiar sight for people traveling in cities like Liverpool. These trains help thousands of people get to work, school, and other places every day. They are an important part of public transport in the region.
Related Trains and Networks
Images for kids
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507004 and 507011 in BR blue and grey with Merseyrail logo, seen at Freshfield in 1986.
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507026 in the Merseyrail Revised livery, at Moorfields railway station in 2005.
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