I've lived in Merseyside since 1997, so the iconic Class 507 & 508 EMUs on the Merseyrail system were part of everyday life travelling around the area. As this farewell railtour started from my local station, only 20 mins walk from where I live, doing the tour was a 'no brainer' - it had to be done. The tickets went on sale; within 45 mins the tour was three quarters full and within 21 hours it was sold out. [A few more places went on sale 4 days later.]

Come the day, my other half had travelled over and we walked to Southport station to find crowds of people waiting outside, with the roller shutter doors down at the Chapel Street entrance as it was before the first service train. Amongst the throng was our esteemed North West BLN Editor, John Cameron.

Once we gained access to the station concourse, I don't think the gate staff knew what hit them with throngs of participants trying to pass through the gates with e-tickets or, like us, printed A4 paper tickets. Our ride for the day was berthed in P1, blue and grey celebrity 507001 leading out of Southport with yellow and grey 507023 on the rear. Luckily, Liz and I were allocated to Coach 'A' right at the front in 507001. The usual pictures were taken and we were away on time at 08.15, nonstop to Hall Road to pickup passengers, then Liverpool Central P1, Liverpool South Parkway and Hunts Cross for a last pickup. There we did the very rare P3 (for an electric train) on the Up Cheshire mainline to Manchester. An impromptu photo stop 'developed' as we took the chance while the drivers changed ends. Then it was 'all aboard' and back on the train again heading to Liverpool Central and through P2 non-stop.

Moorfields was uncharacteristically very quiet for a change, hardly anyone about except the usual army of photographers and people videoing the tour's progress around the network. Next, it was off to Kirkby for another reversal, then a spirited run back to Sandhills reversing siding to, very appropriately, reverse.

Ormskirk was the next port of call, with the added bonus of an unexpected photo stop at Maghull North as our tour was running slightly early. Then we were all back on and off to Ormskirk for another photo stop. Luckily, now being at the back of the train meant that we could jump out and take our pics before the tsunami of people arrived filling up the platform. There was even time here (as it was also a PNB stop) for people to make it up on to the road over bridge for a shot. Next on the agenda was Aintree for the crossover, then a run to Maghull reversing in P2 (Down Ormskirk) for the crossover to regain the Up line back to Liverpool via Walton. After we were through Kirkdale Tunnels No1 (497yd) and No2 (210yd) - once with four tracks here - our 'Sefton Sparkler' took the facing crossover at Kirkdale North Jn to access Kirkdale Depot via the connecting line behind Kirkdale P2. This time we traversed Depot Road No25, the highest numbered and to the end of course (TRACKmaps 4 p40A 2022). Reversing back out, our tour left the Depot via the South Runround Line and returned to the main line at Kirkdale South Jn.






This was followed by a nonstop run back to Liverpool Central to gain access to the Reversing Siding. In there, we saw a Class 777 EMU pass us on the Down Southport, albeit in the dark. Road clear, we departed and went back through Liverpool Central P2, with a fast nonstop run to Southport P2 for a 1½ hour lunch and comfort break, a chance to stretch our legs. Complimentary hot drinks were kindly provided for participants by Merseyrail. Our train was also repositioned into P3 during the break, giving participants the chance to do all the electrified platforms at Southport during the day. To add to the interest and entertainment, the Multi-Purpose Vehicle then arrived into P2. Its 'purpose' today was as the water cannon leaf fall Rail Head Treatment Train.



We left P3 at 14.26 and headed to just past East Bank Street overbridge and reversed at Signal 112. Then, it was back to the station but this time accessing Wall Siding alongside Southport P1 track. Next on the agenda, our train returned to Signal 112 and reversed into Birkdale Siding No3. This was followed by yet another spirited non-stop run towards Bootle, actually just past the overbridge for the old North Mersey Branch to Aintree, where we reversed over Marsh Lane trailing crossover (3m 52ch), much to the amusement of the local Normals. They were staring at us from their lineside houses through the curtains, wondering why we were sitting there then suddenly reversing back the way we had come.



This time it was off to Formby (By George!) to do the crossover there, then return nonstop through to Liverpool Central P1 to Hunts Cross but this time P2. This was much to the bemusement of the many Normals waiting at Central, which was rather busy. For the last time ever on a Class 507 Merseyrail tour, we returned to Southport, as darkness fell (with yet another non-stop run through Central P1). Hall Road Wallside Siding was visited on the way, once the former Depot headshunt. This was followed by a fast run back to Southport where the Sefton Sparkler fizzled out in P2. Overall, it was another great day with enthusiastic members and locals on the train - a great atmosphere. Liz and I did some brilliant new track and what a great send off for the Class 507s. Thanks to the many various people involved for a memorable tour. With ticket and onboard sales, the raffle (a pack of extra large sparklers was one of the prizes), buffet sales etc, over £13,000 was raised and shared by four Merseyrail supported charities.