FRIENDS OF THE 502 GROUP

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!

We’re sorry to hear of the death of one of our founder members, Neil Squires, last Friday. Neil served as our first Secretary and was a major driving force behind the Friends of the 502 Group in those early years. Our thoughts are with all who knew him.

Southport Model Railway Society have been very supportive of us over the years, and we are happy to return the favour by sharing this crowdfunding appeal.

Very few stations survive from the 1840’s, but we are fortunate that by a quirk of fate (the original line being extended around the corner into the present site of Southport station in Chapel Street), Southport’s original Eastbank Lane Station has survived.

Although Southport Model Railway Society restored the building in 1987, and Network Rail recently restored it externally, the interior is not at present safe to receive visitors, and the anticipated crowdfunded work will allow this.

This is a crowdfunded project, and payment will only be taken if the project reaches its target of £1,639 by 21 December 2019. Please visit www.spacehive.com/southportoriginalstation for more information and to pledge.

It’s been a while, but our online shop is back and restocked with our new merchandise, showing the beautiful new illustration produced exclusively for us by Jonathan Clay. Mugs, mouse mats and framed prints are available now.

We also have a page of railway books and DVDs to purchase via an Amazon affiliate link, with a small percentage of each sale going to benefit the 502 Group.

If you haven’t been able to get to one of our shows recently, this is your chance to get your hands on some merchandise. Please visit us now at class502.org.uk/shop to make your purchase!

It’s nearly that time again, when the Merseyside Transport Trust throws open the doors of their Burscough headquarters and allows the public in to see their collection of vehicles.

This year’s open day takes place on 14th July from 10.30am to 4.00pm.

Of course, the 502 Group will be there too, ready to show visitors around our historic train. If you want to see what we have been up to this past year, the open day is the perfect opportunity. Group members will be on hand to answer any questions you might have, and our usual range of merchandise will be on sale.

The MTT’s base is located just off Tollgate Road, Burscough, L40 8TG. As usual, a frequent shuttle bus service will operate from Ormskirk bus station and Burscough Bridge railway station, offering easy access by public transport.

For more info, visit MTTrust.co.uk.

The Friends of the 502 Group would like to offer our thanks to Ormskirk Paints who have recently contributed £100 of materials towards the renovation of the unit.

If you need paint or other DIY essentials, please do stop by at 95 Burscough Street, Ormskirk, L39 2EL.