FRIENDS OF THE 502 GROUP

We are thrilled to announce that Railways Illustrated has named our book, Merseyrail: 50 Years of Progress, their “Product of the Month” in the December 2021 issue.

“With a well selected range of historic and general photos included, as well as a wide selection of maps, posters and publicity material, it is clear that a lot of time and research has been put into its production…The publishers are to be congratulated on such an outstanding piece of work.”

Many thanks to Railways Illustrated for featuring us and giving us such a glowing review! The full review can be found in the December 2021 issue of Railways Illustrated magazine, which is on newsstands now.

If you haven’t already, pick up a copy of Merseyrail: 50 Years of Progress from class502.org.uk/shop for just £7.80 (including UK P&P).

We are pleased to announce that 502 Group member and accomplished local author Martyn Hilbert will be presenting “Merseyrail: 50 Years of Progress” to the Tramway & Light Railway Society’s Merseyside branch on Monday 15th November.

Martyn co-authored our Merseyrail 50 book as well as other recent works on Greater Manchester’s trains and the class 142 “Pacers”.

The venue is Sefton Park Community Association, 3 Croxteth Drive, Liverpool L17 3AG. Admission is £3 which includes refreshments served at a midpoint break. All are welcome to attend. The meeting convenes at 7.30pm.

We are proud to present our new book: Merseyrail: 50 Years of Progress, which is available to buy now.

Commemorating fifty years since the “Merseyrail” brand name first appeared on the region’s rail network, this book comprises 48 pages of A4, containing many rare and unseen photographs spanning the network’s history. The 502s, 503s, 507s, 508s and 777s are all represented. It includes a foreword from Zoe Hands, Chief Operating Officer of Merseyrail.

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A special video produced by one of our members, celebrates fifty years of progress on the region’s rail network.

Our group has produced a book to commemorate this milestone. Details of price and how to purchase will be announced shortly.

We are very pleased to confirm that we will be bringing our society stand to our first show in nearly 18 months, after COVID decimated our schedule for much of 2020 and 2021.

The Liverpool Model Railway Society‘s annual exhibition was not held in 2020, for obvious reasons. However, with the lifting of restrictions, the society have decided to press ahead with this year’s show, which will be held at the Old Christ Church, Waterloo Road, L22 1RE, on the weekend of 4/5 September 2021.

Admission is just £5 for adults and £2 for children (under fives go free).

For more information please see the Liverpool Model Railway Society website. We hope to see you there!

Here is our new promotional video, showcasing the history of these classic electric trains, and giving more information on the restoration efforts. Hope you enjoy!

Today, 12th July, would have been the annual Merseyside Transport Trust open day at Burscough. Unfortunately, with the country still under restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the MTT had no choice but to cancel this year’s event.

In lieu of a physical event, we thought we would share some images from previous open days to remind you of what we are doing and the progress we have made. Some more pictures are available on our Facebook page: facebook.com/502group.

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We were pleased to welcome railway vlogger Joel D Hardy to Burscough on Sunday. His video of his visit is below. Thanks for stopping by, Joel!

Please do check out the rest of Joel’s videos from the railways of Merseyside and beyond on YouTube channel.

All of us at the Friends of the 502 Group were deeply saddened by the news that one of our members, John Eccles, passed away on 24th January 2020. Our treasurer, Tony Kuivala, pays tribute:

John lived in Formby/Southport all of his life. His active interest in the London Midland & Scottish Railway Electric Multiple Units (now known as Class 502 Units) that ran from Liverpool Exchange Station to Southport Chapel Street Station commenced (as he told me recently) from when he was in his pram. Throughout the 1950’s and 1960’s John kept considerable records of their workings as he travelled to and from Liverpool.

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Thanks to all our friends and supporters throughout the year. 2020 promises to be an exciting year for the group, we are looking forward to some interesting events. Until then though – Merry Christmas!