Since the Sun 25 Aug 2024 timetable change, with Southport services only running to Liverpool Central, the use of the then remaining six units had been very limited, with reliability of the new Class 777 EMUs much improved. As such, I was looking forward to our railtour. Driving to Hooton, the 418 space car park was very busy. The local Council rather than Merseyrail runs it and make a charge, albeit very little.

Our train was waiting in the little-used Hooton bay P1 - which was once a through platform on the Down Main - 507003 leading with celebrity 507001, painted in a form of the original BR livery - it looks good. It's due for preservation at the Tanat Valley Light Railway. On the leading unit, I was in the trailer coach ('E') with some familiar faces (Martha, our Bookings Officer, tends to put our members together in the seating plan) and we left promptly at 09.20. The 230 seats sold out very quickly and were very reasonably priced. Capacity was based on comfort in the train and making sure everyone could easily use station facilities as they are not designed for 8 hours of railtouring. Tickets were quickly checked and, as well as the excellent brochure, we were all given yellow wristbands as happens at many heritage railway galas.






We set off and made our way to Chester stopping to pick passengers up at Capenhurst (!). The TfW Chester Depot was passed full of new Class 197 DMUs and we entered Chester P7 (that was never in doubt as it is the only one with third rail!) via the second crossover. Our train continued to the end of P7a, the Crewe end, very unusual for third rail use as P7b is normally used. Doors were opened and photos taken before we hurried back to Hooton P3 for a quick reversal. Having drivers both ends made for many quick such moves throughout the tour. The train used the crossover to the Down Helsby line to turnback in Ellesmere Port P1, used by all Merseyrail services. The other non-electrified P2 sees little use by Northern Rail only (a sparse service with many cancellations); I wonder what its future holds.












After a further photo stop / leg stretch, that little bit taller, we returned to Hooton weaving through P2 to gain the Liverpool end trailing crossover. Heading through suburban Wirral, the train entered the tunnel system at Hamilton Square. Even on a Sunday, Merseyrail is busy, so thanks to Merseyrail's train planning team for the smooth run our tour took. Rather than travel via the loop line, we crawled past the atmospheric James Street P2, still used in emergencies and during engineering work, to access the former main route.

This is now the Stock Transfer Line to the Northern Line at Paradise Jn, presumably named after Paradise Street above. We ran into Liverpool Central P2 where more passengers boarded and toilets were available. Our next target was Kirkdale Depot, run by Stadler and now for maintenance rather than stabling. Also noticeable were the increasing crowds at stations photographing our train, which had caused much interest thanks to social and local media. They followed us throughout the day.

The depot was full of Class 777s, keeping the spotters very busy as we entered the Wash Line which, for once, did not operate for our train. A swift reversal led us deep into the depot on the line next to the Wheel Lathe, which we settled on calling Line 15. (TRACK maps 4 p40A 2022). I needed it, despite doing many previous tours. Even as a Southport guard I only occasionally took trains on or off the Depot and even then they wouldn't let me select required track! Thanks to Merseyrail and Stadler for juggling stock around to allow our move. Leaving via the South Run Round Line, we made our way back to Liverpool Central passing P2 to enter the cavernous reversing siding beyond the station. Great plans existed in the 1970s to develop Liverpool's rail network; this siding would have become a through line to Edge Hill, the tunnel portal was constructed. At least the Link and Loop Lines were built, maybe one day though...












To gain another crossover, we returned via P1 and made our way slowly back to the deep level lines, a further chance to admire the artwork on James Street P2 (visible from opposite P3 if you are passing). Back under the river, we veered left at Hamilton Square, via the newer diveunder beneath the Chester line to make for New Brighton. There are three sidings and it was Siding 2 that we used before heading to P1 for a lunch break. A local bakery had been requisitioned by Merseyrail to provide quality complimentary hot drinks and cakes for all the participants at New Brighton station during the extended lunch break. I wandered down to the seafront, busy with shoppers but not day trippers as it constantly rained all day. The walk back to the station was steeper than I remembered and our train had changed platforms due, I am told, to some late running (not a windscreen wiper fault for once). No rare track missed, thankfully. Crowds of often young enthusiasts - perhaps more common and diverse than in the past - gathered round the cabs looking inside and enjoying the use of horns, a feature of the day.



Break over, our next target was the former depot, soon to be largely a stabling and cleaning point at Birkenhead North. Entering past the new wash plant we very slowly and carefully ran into Road 6. As well as Merseyrail stock, two TfW Class 230s for the Bidston to Wrexham line lurked in the gloom.

Reversing, we regained the main line to complete our tour of the Wirral by heading towards West Kirby. First, of course, we reversed at Hoylake to gain the trailing crossover usually used when the Open Golf Championship takes place here, as the line is then closed beyond Hoylake. A fast run took us to Bidston where we entered the stabling siding, formerly a through route to New Brighton. I just about remember the line being open and, even when young, thinking I should do it but never did. It formed the third side of the triangle once and had an hourly DMU service between New Brighton and Wrexham Central.



Returning via the crossover to the Down Line, we headed off to West Kirby, firstly visiting Siding 1, then running into P2 ten minutes early. Again, crowds gathered round our train. I wonder what the 'Normals' on the adjacent Class 777 made of it all. An adjacent leisure centre very kindly let us use their toilets.












Then it was time for the final leg and we returned to Liverpool via Birkenhead North P1, which has little passenger use, around the Liverpool Loop then reversal into Siding 1 (now the only one) by Birkenhead Central. This gave us a good look into the long disused Carriage Shed, largely intact with much track.

Two further weaves at Rock Ferry and Hooton allowed yet more crossovers to be scored before we reversed back into Hooton P1, where the 'Wirral Swan Song' had started 8½ hours earlier. Much hooting at Hooton then took place, as I left the train and said my farewells to the 507s, hopefully not my last journey with our 3 Nov tour and other runs still possible but soon these fine units will finish running.






Thanks to all at Merseyrail and our Society for such a successful, enjoyable and well run day. In addition to the great track on offer and Class 507 running, although no swans were heard singing, a very pleasing £8,400 was raised for Merseyrail's nominated charities: ●Centre 56, a domestic abuse charity in North Liverpool. ●Rescue Me local animal sanctuary. ●Blackburne House supporting vulnerable local women. ●Parkinson's Wirral providing local support for those with Parkinson's Disease, their families and carers.