Wow what a fantastic video, how did I miss this until now.....My Friday night is turning into a proper nostalgia fest. I'm gong to be watching this one on repeat, actually my youngest sons just joined me so I'll show him. Love it MW, one of your best.
Thanks glad you liked it. Don't no if it will convince all those that wrongly blame the council for it's demise.which was my aim for this one. But I have tried
Absolutely the perfect vid for me. Just a shame there is no pic of the old Freshfield footbridge. There’s also a strange effect looking from Formby towards Freshfield. When there were the old crossing gates you’d see the gates close across Victoria Road and a train round the bend and arrive into Freshfield station. Then there would be a brief flicker of shadow as it passed under the footbridge. Then the train would appear stationary even though it was on its way to Formby station until it eventually got near enough to see it was moving. Also the fairly uncommon signals at Formby platform 2 with both home and distant signals due to the close proximity of the signal boxes. Very sad about the death of the Colonel which you respectfully mentioned. As a small boy I loved stomping up the metal footbridge at Wicks Lane, my parents and Grandma would have a terrible time trying to drag me off the top of the bridge on the way to and from the shops. As I’ve mentioned in other vids Grandma lived in College Ave, number 18 as was before that vile thing which replaced it was built. I will watch this vid many times in the future, it will be top on my watch later list. FANTASTIC!
I know what you mean about the effect of the trains appearing stationary. The crossing accidents are a sad reality of level crossings. I personally was on a train involved in one at fisherman's crossing, a very upsetting experience.
@@MerseywailI’m sorry to hear that. When I visit my parents in Southport we drive to Ainsdale then walk the beach to the Fisherman’s Path then walk back to Freshfield and get the train to Ainsdale. It is a well protected crossing in a slightly not straight position. I was watching a cab ride Liverpool to Southport vid on YT from 1990 (that lovely jointed track!) and it’s mentioned about a number of people taking their lives on that crossing. I’ll edit this with a link to the vid (EDIT: ruclips.net/video/1mx1ATImcuE/видео.html). I’m surprised what with Wicks and Barkfield replacement footbridges that one hasn’t been installed here as well.
@@eddherring4972 I think the problem at fisherman's is it's sometimes used by horses although a suitable bridge could be built. The fatality I experienced was a accident though sadly most aren't. Though even if a bridge was built it would just move the problem elsewhere. Better mental health provision is what's really needed. I had the video in your link on VHS . It's from the now defunct Railscene company,. Good to be able to watch it again. You can see how much has changed since the 80s
Seeing the plaque with Steamport brings back memories, like Carnforth I believe it's long gone. Great vid, thanks - really like the pictures of the Power House.
Thanks. Yes steamport has gone but most of what was there moved to the docks at Preston and is now the Ribble steam railway. Well worth a visit. Since making the video I have found more pictures of the powerhouse, always the way !!
Yet again another most informative video on Mersey rail. I had many a Sunday day trip too Freshfields from Urmston Manchester but unfortunately it was in my late Dads Ford Anglia lol 😆
Another great video! As always, I fear the need of a "Friends Of The 507/8 Group" is ever increasing as more and more 507s and 508s are sent to scrap... Surely a sour time to be a P.E.P. enthusiast.
It will be a sad day when they last run. There's been lots of calls for a example to be saved. Sadly nobody is willing to get organised with like minded people and just get one saved.
@@Merseywail Do you think it would be video-worthy to raise awareness? I'm sure there are north-west train youtubers out there (or train channels in general) you could collab with to spread the word? Then again, I'm not a youtuber so it's probably easier said than done.
@@caramelldansen2204 it could be worth a try. I do plan to do a video on the Merseyside PEPs. It will focus more on their history. It could inspire someone. I don't really know many RUclipsrs to do a colab with though I have seen it done.
@@Merseywail For a while, Nick Badley was sorta the Merseyrail version of Geoff Marshall, so perhaps that could be your first port of call? I guess the worst they could do to you is say no...? I wish I could help, but I'm in no organisations and have no platform. 😞
What do you think of the new Class 777 Merseyrail trains that some have entered service and will operate on battery mode to Headbolt Lane that the new station is to be completed before the end of this year. And the Class 777s to run battery mode to and from Headbolt Lane to Liverpool.
I am OK with them, though I will miss the 507s & 508s. I still miss the 502s & 503s though. The seats are not as comfortable as the 507s but there's a far better view through the windows at most seats. The old 502 503s still had the best seats & window views though
While I'm not fully against them (they're better than diesels, I guess?) you'd think, instead of silly batteries that would need to be replaced after not too long (not to mention the environmental impact), Merseyrail would buck up and take this as an opportunity to start the transition to OLE. Permanent infrastructure will always beat temporary stopgap measure. Then again, privatisation has meant subpar stopgap measures become the permanent norm (remember Pacers, anyone?). We need permanent wires, not temporary gizmos. With being stuck with the third rail system, any meaningful expansion is going to be significantly hampered due to new third rail projects being legally prohibited, batteries only allowing so much range, and OLE being wholly ignored by Merseyrail. Sorry for the rant, but my love for Merseyside and its railways means I tend to hold Merseyrail to standards it likely won't live up to! 😅 Let's hope the provisions for OLE on the 777s spells a little potential!!!
@@caramelldansen2204 I think the decision to not go for OLE was because of funding, it was cheaper to go with the batteries and the budget wasn't big enough to install the OLE
Wow what a fantastic video, how did I miss this until now.....My Friday night is turning into a proper nostalgia fest. I'm gong to be watching this one on repeat, actually my youngest sons just joined me so I'll show him. Love it MW, one of your best.
Thanks glad you liked it. Don't no if it will convince all those that wrongly blame the council for it's demise.which was my aim for this one. But I have tried
Very informative and interesting Thank You.
Thank you, it was enjoyable to do
A super video, well put together and well presented. Thank you.
Thanks, it's a pleasure doing them
Absolutely the perfect vid for me. Just a shame there is no pic of the old Freshfield footbridge. There’s also a strange effect looking from Formby towards Freshfield. When there were the old crossing gates you’d see the gates close across Victoria Road and a train round the bend and arrive into Freshfield station. Then there would be a brief flicker of shadow as it passed under the footbridge. Then the train would appear stationary even though it was on its way to Formby station until it eventually got near enough to see it was moving.
Also the fairly uncommon signals at Formby platform 2 with both home and distant signals due to the close proximity of the signal boxes.
Very sad about the death of the Colonel which you respectfully mentioned.
As a small boy I loved stomping up the metal footbridge at Wicks Lane, my parents and Grandma would have a terrible time trying to drag me off the top of the bridge on the way to and from the shops.
As I’ve mentioned in other vids Grandma lived in College Ave, number 18 as was before that vile thing which replaced it was built.
I will watch this vid many times in the future, it will be top on my watch later list. FANTASTIC!
I know what you mean about the effect of the trains appearing stationary. The crossing accidents are a sad reality of level crossings. I personally was on a train involved in one at fisherman's crossing, a very upsetting experience.
@@MerseywailI’m sorry to hear that. When I visit my parents in Southport we drive to Ainsdale then walk the beach to the Fisherman’s Path then walk back to Freshfield and get the train to Ainsdale. It is a well protected crossing in a slightly not straight position. I was watching a cab ride Liverpool to Southport vid on YT from 1990 (that lovely jointed track!) and it’s mentioned about a number of people taking their lives on that crossing. I’ll edit this with a link to the vid (EDIT: ruclips.net/video/1mx1ATImcuE/видео.html). I’m surprised what with Wicks and Barkfield replacement footbridges that one hasn’t been installed here as well.
@@eddherring4972 I think the problem at fisherman's is it's sometimes used by horses although a suitable bridge could be built. The fatality I experienced was a accident though sadly most aren't. Though even if a bridge was built it would just move the problem elsewhere. Better mental health provision is what's really needed. I had the video in your link on VHS . It's from the now defunct Railscene company,. Good to be able to watch it again. You can see how much has changed since the 80s
@@Merseywail you are quite right, a bridge doesn’t solve mental health issues, I was very short sighted to mention it.
@@eddherring4972 not at all. It would solve the fisherman's crossing issue. It's just an unfortunate fact of life that these things happen
This series of videos are always of great quality. Always look forward to the next one.
Thanks. I think I need to retire so I can concentrate on doing them
Seeing the plaque with Steamport brings back memories, like Carnforth I believe it's long gone.
Great vid, thanks - really like the pictures of the Power House.
Thanks. Yes steamport has gone but most of what was there moved to the docks at Preston and is now the Ribble steam railway. Well worth a visit. Since making the video I have found more pictures of the powerhouse, always the way !!
Yet again another most informative video on Mersey rail. I had many a Sunday day trip too Freshfields from Urmston Manchester but unfortunately it was in my late Dads Ford Anglia lol
😆
Freshfield, more than Formby was a regular for us in the 70s. We would often go exploring in the sand dunes
Great stuff as always.
Many thanks
Another great video!
As always, I fear the need of a "Friends Of The 507/8 Group" is ever increasing as more and more 507s and 508s are sent to scrap... Surely a sour time to be a P.E.P. enthusiast.
It will be a sad day when they last run. There's been lots of calls for a example to be saved. Sadly nobody is willing to get organised with like minded people and just get one saved.
@@Merseywail Do you think it would be video-worthy to raise awareness? I'm sure there are north-west train youtubers out there (or train channels in general) you could collab with to spread the word? Then again, I'm not a youtuber so it's probably easier said than done.
@@caramelldansen2204 it could be worth a try. I do plan to do a video on the Merseyside PEPs. It will focus more on their history. It could inspire someone. I don't really know many RUclipsrs to do a colab with though I have seen it done.
@@Merseywail For a while, Nick Badley was sorta the Merseyrail version of Geoff Marshall, so perhaps that could be your first port of call? I guess the worst they could do to you is say no...? I wish I could help, but I'm in no organisations and have no platform. 😞
Well done Sir, very impressive video
Thank you,. I enjoyed doing it .
Very interesting. Thanks for creating!
Thank you. A lot of railway history for such a small town
Great 😊👌 video
Cheers, I enjoy doing these
What do you think of the new Class 777 Merseyrail trains that some have entered service and will operate on battery mode to Headbolt Lane that the new station is to be completed before the end of this year. And the Class 777s to run battery mode to and from Headbolt Lane to Liverpool.
I am OK with them, though I will miss the 507s & 508s. I still miss the 502s & 503s though. The seats are not as comfortable as the 507s but there's a far better view through the windows at most seats. The old 502 503s still had the best seats & window views though
While I'm not fully against them (they're better than diesels, I guess?) you'd think, instead of silly batteries that would need to be replaced after not too long (not to mention the environmental impact), Merseyrail would buck up and take this as an opportunity to start the transition to OLE. Permanent infrastructure will always beat temporary stopgap measure.
Then again, privatisation has meant subpar stopgap measures become the permanent norm (remember Pacers, anyone?). We need permanent wires, not temporary gizmos. With being stuck with the third rail system, any meaningful expansion is going to be significantly hampered due to new third rail projects being legally prohibited, batteries only allowing so much range, and OLE being wholly ignored by Merseyrail.
Sorry for the rant, but my love for Merseyside and its railways means I tend to hold Merseyrail to standards it likely won't live up to! 😅 Let's hope the provisions for OLE on the 777s spells a little potential!!!
@@caramelldansen2204 I think the decision to not go for OLE was because of funding, it was cheaper to go with the batteries and the budget wasn't big enough to install the OLE
@@SpudderRail That's the problem, isn't it? The money's there for motorways and war and oil subsidies. 😔
@@caramelldansen2204 Aye, but the railways? the government says pfft dream on
I’ve been on this line.
A very popular line. Thankfully it escaped the Beeching axe