British Rail Class 508
{{Short description|Class of electric multiple unit train}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=April 2025}}
{{Use British English|date=March 2017}}
{{Refimprove|date=December 2009}}
{{Infobox train
| background =
| name = British Rail Class 508
| image = 20190820-Merseyrail-508131.jpg
| caption = Merseyrail Class 508 at {{rws|Hightown}}
| imagesize = 300px
| interiorimage = 508139 Interior.jpg
| interiorcaption = The interior of a Merseyrail-refurbished Class 508 unit
| stocktype =
| service = 17 December 1979{{snd}}16 January 2024{{cite magazine |last=Russell |first=David |title=Final Merseyrail Class 508 withdrawn |department=Units |magazine=Rail Express |issue=334 |date=March 2024 |page=22}}
| manufacturer = British Rail Engineering Limited
| ordernumber = {{ubl|30979 ({{abbr|DMSO|Driver's cab, Motor car, Standard class, Open saloon}} vehicles)|30980 ({{abbr|TSO|Trailer car, Standard class, Open saloon}} vehicles)|30981 ({{abbr|BDMSO|Battery (for auxiliaries), Driver's cab, Motor car, Standard class, Open saloon}} vehicles){{cite book |last1=Fox |first1=P. |title=British Railways Pocket Book No. 4: Electric Multiple Units |edition=7th |year=1994 |page=86 |publisher=Platform 5 Publishing |publication-place=Sheffield |isbn=978-1-872524-60-3 |oclc=655645349}}}}
| factory = Holgate Road Works, York
| family = BREL 1972
| replaced = {{brc|503}}
| yearconstruction = 1979–1980
| yearservice =
| refurbishment = {{ubli|indent=1em|2002–2004 at Alstom Eastleigh {{nowrap|(27 Merseyrail units only)}}|2007–2008 at Wabtec Doncaster {{nowrap|(6 Southeastern units only)}}{{cite book |last1=Marsden |first1=C. J. |title=Traction Recognition |date=2007 |pages=228, 248–251 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |location=Hersham |isbn=978-0-7110-3277-4 |oclc=230804946 |ol=16902750M}}}}
| yearscrapped =
| numberbuilt = 43
| numberpreserved =
| numberscrapped = 41
| successor = {{ubl|{{brc|378}} (London Overground)|{{brc|466}} (Southeastern)|{{brc|777}} (Merseyrail)}}
| formation = {{ubl|As built, 4 cars per unit:|{{abbr|DMSO|Driver's cab, Motor car, Standard class, Open saloon}}-{{abbr|TSO|Trailer car, Standard class, Open saloon}}-TSO-{{abbr|BDMSO|Battery (for auxiliaries), Driver's cab, Motor car, Standard class, Open saloon}}|After 3-car conversion:|DMSO-TSO-BDMSO}}
| diagram = {{ubl|DMSO vehicles: EA208|TSO vehicles: EH218|BDMSO vehicles: EI203}}
| fleetnumbers = {{ubl|508/0: 508001–508043|508/1: 508101–508143|508/2: 508201–508212{{cite web |url=http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Recognition%20Tech%20Data%20EMU/EMU_508.html |title=Class 508 |work=The Railway Centre |access-date=31 January 2016 |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724190140/http://www.therailwaycentre.com/Recognition%20Tech%20Data%20EMU/EMU_508.html |archive-date=24 July 2008}}}}
| capacity = {{ubl|As built: 320 seats|As three-car: 234 seats|Three-car modified: 222 seats|508/2 units: 219 seats|As refurbished: 192 seats}}
| owner = Angel Trains{{cite book |editor1-last=Sherratt |editor1-first=Philip |title=Modern Railways: Review 2023 |date=2023 |publisher=Key Publishing |location=Stamford |isbn=978-1-80282-569-5 |pages=18–19 |chapter=ROSCO Fleets}}
| operator = {{ubl|British Rail|Connex South Eastern|London Overground|South Eastern Trains|Merseyrail|Southeastern|Silverlink}}
| depots = {{ubl|Birkenhead North (Wirral){{cite book |last1=Maund |first1=T. B. |title=Merseyrail Electrics: The Inside Story |date=2001 |pages=78, 82, 85 |publisher=NBC Books |oclc=655126526}}|Gillingham (Kent)| Hall Road (Blundellsands)|Kirkdale (Liverpool)}}
| lines = {{ubl|Wirral line|Northern line}}
| carbody = Steel underframe and body frame, aluminium body and roof
| trainlength =
| carlength = {{ubl|DM vehs.: {{convert|19.800|m|ftin||abbr=on}}|Trailers: {{convert|19.920|m|ftin||abbr=on}}}}
| width = {{convert|2.820|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| height = {{convert|3.582|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| floorheight = {{convert|1.146|m|ftin|abbr=on}}
| platformheight =
| doors = Double-leaf pocket sliding, {{avoid wrap|each {{cvt|1.288|m|ftin}} wide}} {{avoid wrap|(2 per side per car)}}
| wheeldiameter =
| wheelbase = Over bogie centres:
{{convert|14.170|m|ftin||abbr=on}}
| maxspeed = {{convert|75|mph|km/h|round=5|abbr=on}}
| weight = {{ubli|indent=1em|DMSO vehicles: {{convert|36.15|t|t LT ST|order=out|abbr=on}}|TSO vehicles: {{convert|26.72|t|t LT ST|order=out|abbr=on}}|BDMSO vehicles: {{convert|36.61|t|t LT ST|order=out|abbr=on}}}}
| axleload =
| traction =
| traction motors = {{ubl|8 × GEC G310AZ|or 8 × Brush TM61-53|{{avoid wrap|({{convert|110|hp|kW|order=flip|abbr=on}} each,}} {{avoid wrap|4 per motor car)}}}}
| poweroutput = {{convert|656|kW|hp||abbr=on}}
| tractiveeffort =
| acceleration =
| deceleration =
| aux =
| powersupply =
| hvac = Electric heating (ducted warm air)
| electricsystem = 750–850 V DC third rail
| collectionmethod = Contact shoe
| uicclass = Bo′Bo′+2′2′+Bo′Bo′
| bogies = BREL BX1
| minimum curve = {{convert|3.5|chain|m ftin|sigfig=3|order=out|abbr=on}}
| brakes = Electro-pneumatic (disc) {{avoid wrap|and rheostatic}}
| coupling = Tightlock
| multipleworking = {{ubl|508/3: within subclass, {{avoid wrap|and with {{brc|313}}}}{{cite book |title=EMUs: A History |isbn=978-1-4456-4983-2 |last1=Llewelyn |first1=Hugh |date=2016 |pages=520–521 |publisher=Amberley Publishing |place=Stroud |oclc=1064706206}}|Others: within class, {{avoid wrap|and with {{brc|507}}}}}}
| gauge = {{Track gauge|sg|allk=on}}
| notes = Specifications as at August 1982{{cite book |url= http://www.barrowmoremrg.co.uk/BRBDocuments/Diagram_Book_210_for_Issue.pdf |title=Vehicle Diagram Book No. 210 for Electric Multiple Units (including A.P.T.) |at=EA208, EH218, EI203 (in work pp. 18–19, 290–291, 390–391) |date=August 1982 |publisher=Mechanical & Electrical Engineering Department, British Railways Board |place=Derby |access-date=28 April 2023 |archive-date=21 January 2015 |via=Barrowmore MRG |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150121172506/http://www.barrowmoremrg.co.uk/BRBDocuments/Diagram_Book_210_for_Issue.pdf |format=PDF}} except where otherwise noted. The additional TSO vehicles, removed as part of three-car conversion, were inserted into {{brc|455|7}} units.
}}
The British Rail Class 508 (4PER) electric multiple unit (EMU) passenger trains were built by British Rail Engineering Limited, at Holgate Road carriage works, York, in 1979 and 1980. They were a variant of British Rail's standard 1972 design for suburban EMUs, eventually encompassing 755 vehicles and five classes ({{brc|313|n}}/{{brc|314|n}}/{{brc|315|n}}/{{brc|507|n}}/508).{{cite magazine |title=The twilight zone |magazine=Railways Illustrated |issue=249 |date=November 2023 |pages=50–53}} They mostly worked on the Merseyrail network from 1982 until withdrawal on 16 January 2024.
Description
The class was developed for Merseyside, following extensive trials and testing of the 4Pep/2Pep stock that was built in the early 1970s. Testing of {{brc|313}} took place on the Northern line on Merseyside, using 313013/063{{cite book |last1=Cadwallader |first1=J. |last2=Jenkins |first2=M. |title=Merseyside Electrics |date=2010 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |location=Hersham |isbn=978-0-7110-3417-4 |page=42 |oclc=455806364}} which were loaned from the Great Northern Line of the Eastern Region to Hall Road TMD. Original plans were drawn up for 58 Class 508s to be constructed, although costing issues limited the eventual number to 43. Following planning and building, British Rail diverted the 508s to work alongside much older first-generation 4Sub EMUs in the {{rws|London Waterloo}} area. The first unit was delivered to Strawberry Hill depot on 9 August 1979. Based at Wimbledon Traincare Depot, they soon became problematic due to their non-standard dimensions and brake problems caused by leaf fall.{{cite magazine |title=Readers' round-up |magazine=Rail Enthusiast |publisher=EMAP National Publications |date=February–March 1982 |page=51 |issn=0262-561X |oclc=49957965}}
Once a new build of {{brc|455}} EMUs was completed, the Class 508s were sent slowly to their originally intended home on the Merseyrail network. Driver training began at Kirkdale on 17 February 1982 and the first Class 508 began service on the Northern line the following month. The first Wirral line service commenced on 8 June 1984 and the Class 508s had completely displaced the {{brc|503}} fleet by the end of March 1985. The fleet was then working in parallel with the already well-established fleet of {{brc|507}} EMUs across the River Mersey, which had been working on Merseyside since 1978.
Operations
=Silverlink/London Overground=
Silverlink leased three 508/0s in 2003 for operation on the Watford DC Line to assist its fleet of {{brc|313}} EMUs. They were modified to make them inter-operable with 313s and were reclassified as Class 508/3. These were withdrawn following the delivery of {{brc|378|Capitalstar}} units, and the 508/3s were scrapped in 2013.
=Merseyrail=
In the late 1980s under British Rail, the entire class of 43 units operated on the Merseyrail network,{{cite book |title=British Rail Motive Power Combined Volume |date=1989 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |isbn=0711018499 |location=London |pages=152, 153}} By 2010, the number operated by Merseyrail had been reduced to 27 units.{{cite book |last=Marsden |first=Colin |title=Rail Guide 2010 |date=2010 |publisher=Ian Allan Publishing |location=London |isbn=978-0-7110-3457-0 |page=89}} and were primarily maintained at Birkenhead North TMD, with minor maintenance being undertaken at Kirkdale TMD.
A farewell tour for the Class 508 operated using units 508139 and 508141 took place on 29 October 2023,{{cite magazine |title= BLS and Merseyrail operate farewell tour |magazine=Today's Railways UK |issue=262 |date=December 2023 |page=58}} and the class was withdrawn from service on 16 January 2024.
=Southeastern=
Connex South Eastern leased twelve Class 508s freed up by capacity reductions on Merseyrail services in 1996, for operation on specific Kent services that would replace slam-door 4CEP units.{{cite web |url=http://www.kentrail.org.uk/class_508.htm |title=Class 508 |work=Kent Rail |access-date=2 December 2015 |archive-date=27 November 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151127033351/http://www.kentrail.org.uk/class_508.htm |url-status=live}} They were refurbished at Eastleigh Works, including the installation of 2+2 seating and wheel-in cycle racks in the centre cars, and reclassified as the Class 508/2 (508201-212).{{cite web |url=http://extra.southernelectric.org.uk/features/final-workings/508/index.html |title=Farewell Class 508s - The Final Months - Introduction |website=Southern Electric Group |access-date=6 June 2022}} Their main duties included {{rws|London Bridge}} to {{rws|Tunbridge Wells}}, {{rws|Paddock Wood}} to {{rws|Strood}}, {{rws|Maidstone West}} to {{rws|Three Bridges}} and {{rws|Sittingbourne}} to {{rws|Sheerness-on-Sea}}, as well as {{rws|Grove Park}} to {{rws|Bromley North}} for a short period. Units were based at Gillingham Depot.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}
Due to their comfort and ride quality, alongside the lack of toilets and first class facilities, which were felt as a downgrade from the slam-door units they replaced, the Class 508s were unpopular with passengers. In 2005, one unit was refurbished by interim operator South Eastern Trains to improve external appearances, with a black, white and yellow livery.{{Citation needed|date=April 2023}}
Replacement
=Southeastern=
In September 2006 new operator Southeastern announced that a cascade of rolling stock would see {{brc|466}} units replace the 508s on the Sheerness and Medway Valley lines in the December 2006 timetable.{{cite web |url=http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/news.php?id=38&u=news.php&lm=remindpass |title=New Southeastern timetable begins in December |date=5 September 2006 |access-date=4 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20061006132551/http://www.southeasternrailway.co.uk/news.php?id=38&u=news.php&lm=remindpass |archive-date=6 October 2006}} Following this timetable change, the fleet's diagrams were reduced to six serviceable units, resulting in five sets being placed in "warm store" at Chart Leacon TMD, and one unit was cannibalised. With the transfer of the Tonbridge to London via Redhill services to Southern, Southeastern placed its remaining Class 508 units in store in December 2008.{{cite magazine |date=2 December 2008 |title= It's all change as new trains spark 'cascade' |url=https://www.railnews.co.uk/news/2008/12/02-new-trains-cascade.html |magazine=Railnews |access-date=6 June 2022}}
Network Rail's Route Utilisation Strategy for Merseyside has called for an expansion to Merseyrail's current fleet to allow for both additional services and lengthening of trains to six cars. In December 2009 it was reported by various sources that the former Southeastern and London Overground units would be transferred to Merseyrail.{{cite magazine |last=Broadbent |first=Steve |date=December 2008 |title=Merseyside RUS addresses serious growth issues |magazine=Rail |issue=607 |pages=10–11 |location=Peterborough |issn=0953-4563}}{{cite web |url=http://www.nwrail.org.uk/nw0912a.htm |title= North Wales Coast Railway Noticeboard |access-date=5 December 2009 |date=4 December 2009 |publisher=Charlie Hulme}}{{Dead link|date=November 2018 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes}}
=Merseyrail=
In May 2012, Merseytravel announced that it was beginning a project for replacement of the Class 508 and 507.{{cite web |url=http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/Another-step-towards-new-Merseyrail-trains-as-bidder-shortlist-announced.aspx |title=Another step towards new Merseyrail trains as bidder shortlist announced |access-date=11 January 2016 |date=11 January 2016 |publisher=Merseytravel |archive-date=29 January 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160129135823/http://www.merseytravel.gov.uk/about-us/media-centre/news/Pages/Another-step-towards-new-Merseyrail-trains-as-bidder-shortlist-announced.aspx |url-status=live}}{{cite news |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-18056511 |title=Merseyrail trains to be replaced |work=BBC News |date=14 May 2012 |access-date=6 February 2017 |archive-date=28 February 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170228014626/http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-merseyside-18056511 |url-status=live}} The lease on the Class 507s and 508s had been extended to 2018. As part of the agreement with Angel Trains, the fleet received a refresh package including external re-livery, internal enhancements and engineering work.{{cite news |url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/business/merseyrail-hits-two-year-high-7057247 |title=Best Merseyrail service for two years |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |first=Neil |last=Hodgson |date=1 May 2014 |access-date=6 February 2017 |archive-date=3 March 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160303220507/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/business/merseyrail-hits-two-year-high-7057247 |url-status=live}}
In January 2016, Merseytravel announced the short list of companies bidding to build new trains which will replace the Class 507 and Class 508s on the Merseyrail network. In December 2016, Merseytravel announced that Stadler had won the £460{{nbsp}}million contract and that the new {{brc|777}} trains were to be delivered from summer 2019 with all the old trains replaced by 2021.{{cite news|url=http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseytravel-reveals-new-460m-train-12332902 |title=Merseytravel reveals new £460m train fleet plans - with no train guards |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |first=Alistair |last=Houghton |date=16 December 2016 |access-date=6 February 2017 |archive-date=14 March 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170314135121/http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/merseytravel-reveals-new-460m-train-12332902 |url-status=live}} The first unit entered service late in January 2023.{{cite news |url=https://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/news/liverpool-news/live-updates-first-new-merseyrail-26045701 |newspaper=Liverpool Echo |title=Live updates as first new Merseyrail train finally welcomes passengers |date=23 January 2023 |access-date=23 January 2023 |first1=Ellen |last1=Kirwin |first2=Liam |last2=Thorp}}
The last Class 508 unit was sent for scrap in February 2024.{{cite magazine |date=21 February 2024 |title=Merseyrail Class 507s head for scrap… '777s' into store |department=Network News |magazine=Rail Magazine |page=25 |issue=1003}}
Accidents and incidents
- On 21 April 1982, unit 508031 was running the 06:34 service from {{rws|London Waterloo}} crashed at {{rws|Shepperton}}, demolishing barriers and a wall. The train also slid into some new pedestrian crossing lights, rendering them unusable. The crash was initially believed to be the result of braking tests the previous night, which involved applying grease to the tracks, and that the grease may not have been sufficiently cleaned off. It was later found that the train's brakes were faulty.{{Cite web |url=http://www.villagematters.co.uk/shepperton-matters/2013/03/the-shepperton-train-crash |title=The Shepperton Train Crash |website=Shepperton Matters |date=5 March 2013 |access-date=18 March 2020}}
- On 26 October 2005, unit 508124, forming 2W43 17:06 {{rws|West Kirby}} return via {{rws|Liverpool Lime Street}}, derailed {{cvt|200|m}} short of {{rws|Liverpool Central}}, caused by track gauge widening due to poor track condition. There were no serious injuries. The RAIB report cited incompatibility between Class 508 (and 507) EMUs and the Liverpool Loop track as a causal factor, along with maintenance and other track design concerns.{{cite web |url=http://raib.gov.uk/publications/investigation_reports/reports_2006/report142006.cfm |title=Derailment near Liverpool Central underground station 26 October 2005 |access-date=23 April 2011 |date=11 August 2006 |publisher=RAIB |archive-date=3 June 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110603043732/http://www.raib.gov.uk/publications/investigation_reports/reports_2006/report142006.cfm |url-status=live |at=paragraphs 185–195}}
- On 6 March 2007, a Class 508/3 unit, forming the 05:00 {{rws|Tonbridge}} to {{rws|Gatwick Airport}}, derailed near Crowhurst, Surrey, after hitting a fallen tree on the line. None of the eight people on board were hurt.{{cite news |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6421929.stm |title=Train derails after hitting tree |access-date=3 March 2008 |date=6 March 2007 |work=BBC News |archive-date=25 March 2007 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070325010104/http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/6421929.stm |url-status=live}}
Fleet details
File:Liwet 64664 (32262626494).jpg]]
| class="wikitable"
!Class !Operator !Status !Qty. !Year built !Cars per unit !Unit nos. !Year converted |
| 508/1
|Scrapped | align="center" |28 | rowspan="4" |1979–1980 | rowspan="4" |3 |508103-508104, 508108, 508110-508112, 508114-508115, 508117-508118, 508120, 508122-508128, 508130-508131, 508134, 508136-508141, 508143 |
|---|
| rowspan="2" |508/2
| rowspan="2" | Connex South Eastern |Scrapped | align="center" |10 |508201–508206, 508208–508211{{efn|group=fleet|Trailer vehicle 64649 from 508201 and trailer vehicle 74712 from 508209, are at the Emergency Services Training Centre Seacombe.{{cite magazine |title=Southern '313s' – is the end now in sight? |magazine=Rail Magazine |publisher=Bauer Consumer Media |place=Peterborough |issue=977 |date=22 February 2023 |pages=38–43}}}} |
| | align="center" |2
|508207,{{efn|group=fleet|Trailer vehicles 64664 and 64707 were converted for use Trains as translator coaches.}} 508212{{efn|group=fleet|At the Fire Service College, Moreton-in-Marsh.}} |
| 508/3
|Scrapped | align="center" |3 |508301–508303{{Citation needed|date=June 2024}} |
Notes
{{notelist|group=fleet}}
=Vehicle numbering=
=Liveries=
File:21.04.84 Hampton Court 508.018 (6500213341).jpg
Class 508 units appeared in a large number of liveries:
- Merseyrail refurbished, 2003–2015; silver, with vertical curved yellow stripes at the cab ends, and yellow passenger doors.
- Silverlink Metro, 2003–2007; purple, green and yellow, applied when they were modified in 2003. Adhesive labels marked "London Overground" were applied when the fleet was transferred to that operator.
- South Eastern Trains, 2005–2006; white and grey with a black window band and yellow doors.
- Southeastern, 2006–2008; white and grey with a black window band and lilac/blue doors, similar to that carried by the Class {{brc|465|n}}/{{brc|466|n}} fleet.
- Merseyrail{{snd}}Capital of Culture, 2008–2009; four units with graphics overlaid on the Merseyrail refurbished livery.{{cite news |url=http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/2071749.Trains_take_fast_track_to_Capital_of_Culture/ |title=Trains take fast track to Capital of Culture |work=Wirral Globe |date=25 February 2008 |access-date=16 February 2016 |archive-date=20 December 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161220080310/http://www.wirralglobe.co.uk/news/2071749.Trains_take_fast_track_to_Capital_of_Culture/ |url-status=live}}
- Merseyrail{{snd}}The Beatles Story, October 2011–2023 (508111 only); text and graphics on a blue background advertising The Beatles Story exhibition at the Albert Dock in Liverpool.{{cite web |title=Stewart Signs wrap The Beatles Story train for Merseytravel's ultimate Ticket to Ride! |url=http://www.stewartsigns.co.uk/blog/2011/10/stewart-signs-wrap-the-beatles-story-train-for-merseytravels-ultimate-ticket-to-ride/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607000734/http://www.stewartsigns.co.uk/blog/2011/10/stewart-signs-wrap-the-beatles-story-train-for-merseytravels-ultimate-ticket-to-ride/ |archive-date=7 June 2014 |access-date=5 June 2014 |work=Stewart Signs}}
- Merseyrail{{snd}}Good Communications, January 2014–2024; six different designs on a mix of yellow and grey backgrounds.{{cite web |url=http://www.merseyrail.org/seasonal/new-look-trains.aspx |work=Merseyrail |title=New Look Trains |access-date=5 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140607002137/http://www.merseyrail.org/seasonal/new-look-trains.aspx |archive-date=7 June 2014}}{{cite web |url=http://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/2014/02/good-communications-designs-new-look-merseyrail-trains/ |work=Prolific North |title=Good Communications designs new-look Merseyrail trains |date=17 February 2014 |access-date=5 June 2014 |archive-date=6 June 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140606211726/http://www.prolificnorth.co.uk/2014/02/good-communications-designs-new-look-merseyrail-trains/ |url-status=live}}
508138 at Hall Road.jpg|Original Merseyrail livery in 2001
508301 at Euston.jpg|Silverlink livery in 2007, with Overground labelling.
508207 East Croydon.jpg|Southeastern livery in 2007
Beatles train, Hillside Railway Station (geograph 2993523).jpg|The Beatles Story in 2012
New Livery Class 508, 508108, Moreton railway station (geograph 4012885).jpg|Good Communications in 2014
=Named units=
- 508111 – The Beatles{{cite magazine |title= Naming Update |magazine=Railways Illustrated |issue=249 |date=November 2023 |page=25}}
- 508123 – William Roscoe{{cite magazine |title=Stock Changes |magazine=Today's Railways UK |issue=260 |date=April 2023 |page=63}}
- 508136 – Wilfred Owen MC{{cite magazine |last=Butlin |first=Ashley |date=January 2024 |title=Multiplie Units |department=Stock Update |magazine=The Railway Magazine |page=81 |volume=170 |issue=1474}} (formerly Capital of Culture{{cite web |url=http://therailwaycentre.com/Nemeplates/C.html |title=The Encyclopedia of Modern Traction Names: C |work=The Railway Centre |url-status=usurped |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090208031335/http://therailwaycentre.com/Nemeplates/C.html |archive-date=8 February 2009}})
References
{{Reflist}}
Further reading
{{Commons category|British Rail Class 508}}
- {{cite book |last1=Hilbert |first1=M. |title=Merseyrail Electric |date=2016 |publisher=Fonthill Media |isbn=978-1-78155-513-2 |oclc=931803421}}
- {{cite magazine |title=Connex '508s' go to work on Isle of Sheppey line |first=L. |last=West |magazine=Rail Magazine |issue=338 |publisher=EMAP Apex Publications |date=26 August – 8 September 1998 |page=15 |issn=0953-4563 |oclc=49953699}}
{{PEP-derived}}
{{British Rail EMU}}
Category:Rail transport in Merseyside