I’ve worked for Merseyrail for 18 years and you taught me a few things. Nice one.

Brilliant video, you're doing what I used to do in the seventies armed with a 50p merseyrover ticket.. unlimited travel from 6pm Friday night till last service Sunday.. The reason you go up to go down at moorfields Is it was to be part of the abandoned Liverpool pedway scheme . A series of pedestrian walkways linking the city by pavements at 1st floor level , there are still bits of it at st Johns market, Williamson square, and the pier head /goree/the strand. Well worth checking out

It's great to see Secrets videos of other cities in the UK. It's also a shame that the Liverpool Overhead Railway didn't survive.

I think that Part 2 is in order, Nick. You have certainly got enough intel to do some more. I would implore you to cover the City Line too. I talk a little bit about Ormskirk station on my own 'Secrets of Ormskirk Town' video. It might even be helpful to do a bit on the expansion of the Northern Line, since it is being proposed that both Ormskirk and Kirkby won't be interchange termini with the new trains on the way. We could be getting yellow and grey trains into both Preston and Wigan Wallgate in the not too distant future.

As both a Merseyside film maker and someone who frequently travels on these lines, this video was extremely cool and a joy to watch!

Great video. I grew up in Rock Ferry in the 1960s so I remember when the trains terminated at Liverpool Central. I recall the old Exchange station was dirty & the Southport trains were different from the rolling stock on the Wirral. My parents never owned a car as we had such a great transport infrastructure on our doorstep.

Thank you very much what a excellent British English speaker you are, you helped me to learn British English too.

The _City Line_ *is* a part of Merseyrail. The stations have the same signage and livery as Merseyrail and ticketing. When commuter trains run by other operators enter Merseytravel's area they become City Line trains. The Line is on the Merseyrail maps.

Recon you'll blow up soon, keep at it. You have a great voice for these types of videos, not being rude but theres a lot of people who mumble into the mic without conviction

Very good video, one thing that you missed is the abandoned platforms of Upton-by-Chester between Bache and Capenhurst on the Chester line.

Nice video. It brought back lots of memories. I lived in Merseyside during the 70s; we lived “over the water” in Rock Ferry and I worked in Liverpool, so I used the Merseyrail every day. Sometimes we went down to Chester for the afternoon, and the contrast between (what seemed to be) the modern electric trains to Liverpool and the old DMUs from Rock Ferry to Chester was very noticeable. Today, of course, it’s the electric trains that feel old, whereas a ride in a heritage DMU would be a treat. But it’s good to see how the network has been maintained & extended. Well done Merseyrail!

Enjoyed that Nick. I'd just point out that although Merseyrail terminates at Hunts Cross and Kirkby you can connect with Northern diesels to Manchester, Wigan and Lancashire at the same stations. Likewise at Ormskirk for Preston. Platform 2 at James Street is still in use; usually when there's a problem on the loop. I used the platform on Thursday 4 Aug 22.

I lived in Birkenhead and worked in Liverpool from 1989 to 1991 so interesting to see the changes, well done.

You just popped up on my KZfaq and I really enjoyed and learnt stuff on my daily route to work. Well done. I would love to see more abandoned stations. Like the Lanchester station and maybe walks under the old lines. Like Crown Street station

▪Merseyrail is the second oldest urban underground railway in the world. ▪It also has the first ever deep level stations - as mentioned. ▪Part of the City Line runs on 1830 alignments and through 1836 tunnels. ▪I believe the Northern Line also runs on alignments from the 1840s. I _believe_ older than anything in London. ▪If and when the 1829 Wapping Tunnel is used that will be the oldest underground part of any urban railway in the world. ▪The oldest _used_ station in the world is the 1830 Broad Green station on the City Line. ▪The Overhead Railway ran inland to Aintree to stations use by the current Merseyrail. So a pretty unique metro. The Battery trains will add to that uniqueness.

Great video, fascinating to understand more about these stations, appreciated the additional insight

Even though I knew all these secrets already, this was still a great video to watch!

The Liverpool Lime St to Wigan Line, via St Helens, which is on the _City Line,_ was to be fully integrated into Merseyrail Electrics i the original plan. It was diesel run until 2015, when it was electrified. They use cast off Thameslink trains that had overhead wires and 3rd rail. The 3rd rail boot was removed. It was envisaged that the service would be run by Merseyrail Electrics rather than Northern. But as the Wapping tunnel from Central station to Edge Hill was not used, there is no way to get the trains to stabling/maintenance depots at Kirkdale and Birkenhead. So they stayed with Northern. Getting the Wapping Tunnel used would fully integrate the network. This is essential. Expanding overcrowded Central station and reusing the Wapping tunnel would mean even Manchester trains could run into Liverpool's underground section - shopping and business quarters. Or even to James St (cruise liner service).

Really interesting video chap… you are doing what I used to do in the 70s. I used to ride the Merseyrail network before the loop line and the old Cheshire lines Liverpool, Central to Warrington line was reopened as far as Garston and then into to Hunts Cross. So much to say as your video wants to make me jump in and add something here and there … I could tell you a lot of what I learnt but it would take so much time …. But great video and nice to see a young man with appetite for preserving our history.

This is great Nick, thanks. I was born in Southport and lived in Maghull as a kid so its very nice to see them now. I must take a trip to Merseyside again soon

Awesome! Really enjoyed this and learned a lot! Very well presented and put together.

Brilliant video. I use these trains often and it's nice to learn more about the lines.

At 4:03 before you reach Birkenhead Park Station there is an old "Home Guard" Depot used during the war. It is on the junction of Beckwith Street and Arthur Street, there is only a fence around it now, but that is where the base was. Looking on a map, it has new flats built right next to it or on part of it now. This served as a maintenance store for years.

Very clear and concise. I worked on the Ormskirk and Wigan lines a long time ago.

I think you covered it Nick👍 fantastic video, the area is one in transition, hopefully going the right way.. …good to hear about the extension from Kirkby 👍 Great channel, Darren

Great video Nick - thanks for taking the time to film it & putting it together so well - just subscribed too 😃

I'll say what I said on another video of yours: it's a delight to see our wonderful network get some much-deserved attention. I'm gonna miss the old 507/8s... ;-;

Marshall quality. Thank you for making and sharing this.

Amazing work and just awesome to see

Great video, of course this was filmed in 2022 and "Pre Eurovision" which is going to bring a new dimension to Liverpool and an influx of visitors like never before - including me and I look forwards to riding the new trains too!

Excellent and very well presented. You should come up to the North East and do a program on the Tyne & Wear metro… although it was only introduced in 1980…. There is plenty of history as it uses some of the disused steam train coastal stations.

Just one thing there was the Seacombe Branch but that wasn’t electrified but it used to connect near the 3 way split on the NB, WK and Birkenhead North

THat water street entrance is interesting and James Street is amazing.

I have been meaning to check Liverpool of my list of city's visit and with the trains going sooner rather than later might be a good idea. This was a great video, would be cool to see some more in-depth look at Merseyside transit. Maybe then and now with the Overhead railway. Can't wait for anything else if it this level of quality.

Very informative and enjoyable. Thank you.

Stunning video! Really enjoyed watching. As a Little Sutton resident I've learned an interesting fact about our station there!

Just been in Liverpool (by canal boat!) and went up to Birkdale to watch cricket at Southport CC - certainly a nice station. Despite often travelling on Merseyrail and walking round the city centre on visits I didn't know the Exchange facade was still there. Interesting stuff!

I'm sure the City Line is included in the Merseyrail Daysaver ticket, in case anyone is worried. Also t here are still some 508 carriages in use in some 455 units used by South Western Railway from when the 508s were shortened from 4 to 3 carriages when they went north as Merseyrail couldn't use 8 carriage sets. We'll lose them when the 701 units are finally put into used. I wonder if that will be before the 777s are.

I like secrets if it is a old one i still love your videos and your Merseyrail videos are insane

Really enjoyed this Nick, great work 😉

Nice one Nick, I always try to get a ride on the Merseyrail whenever I visit Liverpool (even if it is just a short hop from Lime St to James St) and it will be a shame to see the PEP stock going :(

Think I've found my new favorite KZfaqr

Enjoyable video. Just a few extra things. The Southport line was electrified in 1904. Ormskirk got electric services in 1913. There were also two electrified branches, the North mersey via Marsh Lane and strand Rd, (Bootle new strand) & Aintree. And from Southport as far as Crossens on the west lancs line. Kirkby was electrified in 1977. The original plan at Lime Street was to have the escalators direct from the loop platform to the main line station, but this was changed at the planning stage to what we have now. At Hunts Cross the original plans would have had the line continue via Gateacre, Bell Vale, Broad Green, edge hill & back to Central via another underground station by the Catholic cathedral. There also would have been a North East loop via North mersey and West Derby

Really enjoyed this video and I learnt a few things! Should’ve went to Ormskirk though

Hey Nick. Here’s a cool fact. After Seaforth & Litherland on the Northern line, There is a level crossing after each station.

Nice. I get off at Moorfields a lot to go to the nearby cigar shop. I read somewhere the ticket hall at the station is one storey above the ground because an elevated walkway was originally due to be built across the street to link up to the station.

Great video, you really do know the secrets of the Mersey rail.

Always used the "secret" lift at Lime Street - when we bunked off school, we'd go to HMV and Probe Records - then to the Army and Navy stores. Using the lift meant we bypassed the ticket collectors thus getting a free ride.

Excellent video ! Well done !

It's a great idea to explore secrets of the biggest electric network outside the South East to be on 3rd rail. It's the only one that I know of to survive, as the 3rd rail electric system in Tyne and Wear was decommissioned in the 1960's with the overhead electrified Metro opened there in the early 1980's. The Manchester - Bury line was 3rd rail but this was changed to overhead electric and incorporated in the tram system for Manchester, opened in the early 1990's

Very informative, learned something new

Moorfields first floor entrance was built because there were plans to have elevated pedestrian walkways all around Liverpool but these plans didn’t happen. The elevation was dropped from the plans of Moorfields but the station had already been built.

Also originally the class 507s were usually confined to the Northern Line with the class 508s being usually confined to the Wirral Line but since the late 1990s both EMU classes have become intermixed on both these Merseyrail lines.

and at West Kirby, there was the adjacent joint station which ran along the coast to Neston and then via Hadlow Road to Hooton (closed in 1954) Now the Wirral Way Public footpath

Really enjoyed the video - lots of interesting stuff

You did a great job with this one. Nothing wrong with being inspired by Geoff either. +1 sub from me - keep the videos coming!

honestly not surprised that little sutton is empty always, i live pretty close to that station and there's basically nothing to do there, other than a mccolls, and maybe a pub if you're lucky

Very interesting video 👍 Thanks for sharing

Hello I’m a really big PEP fan and it’s a shame that the 507s and 508s are being scrapped. I hope somebody preserves one of each of them. Also I have tonnes of footage of Merseyrail trains. I also saw the TfW trains at Birkenhead North Depot (TMD). Also know every Merseyrail station off by heart.

Great work

Well done!

Thanks! Very interesting

Great Job!

I believe that The old Signal Box at Birkdale now has listed Building Status.

Great video and you should do a merseyrail video on the Kayla bibby concept map for 2030, i love how the line from Blackpool to southport could be done and the semi fast services too :)

You mirrored geoff perfectly!

Nice video.Look forward to the next.subbed and liked

I thought Upton was the most unused station on Merseyrail. Great video by the way mate.

Before the Merseyrail days British Rail operated DMUs from the old central station to Gateacre via. Hunts Cross and the Halewood Triangle. You can still see this route on Google Maps as it is a Sustrans cycle way. I think the line used to go north up to Aintree and the docks. It handled a lot of steam hauled freight which went past my house both night and day.

Wow! So interesting 😃

I use to live on wirral and seeing again is crazy. but I live in port Glasgow now and the views are beautiful

Also at James Street station is the junction where the spur connecting the Wirral Line with the Northern Line runs as this was the original route of the Wirral Railway from James Street into Liverpool Central prior to the opening of the Merseyrail Loop/Link system in 1977. This line is not used in normal service but it is used for stock transfers between the Wirral and Northern lines and vice-versa. Also of note is that the class 508s are the only EMUs to have served two different Waterloo stations - the Waterloo in London (between 1979 and 1984) and the Waterloo in Liverpool (from 1984 to the present).

You missed out the faded London Underground Roundel on the side of the building just outside of Sandhills on the left heading towards Southport.

Total legend

Did you know why moorfields station has an escalated booking hall, it was part of the walkways in the sky from the 60s! Not sure if any of the walkways still exist today, I'm sure there will be information on internet for it. Great video 👍

Great video

Good work Nick. Well done. I often wondered why Geoff never covered Merseyside. He did Glasgow and Newcastle, but forgot about Liverpool !!!

Very Interesting

Great video. Nice work! 👌

Great video Your editing makes it all look so seamless, but it all must have taken an age to film and then edit, so good work

Brilliant honestly enjoyed it, shame you missed the train at Walton

Nice video, I enjoyed it. Great to see that the old Liverpool Exchange building is stll standing.

Headbolt Lane will not be electrified (initially), so will be accessed by new trains on battery power - with power rails running up to Kirkby.

Nice video!

Nice one ….💙

Nice vid! 😃

Merseyrail is a great network. If my memory serves me correctly, the trains in the 60s used to have the old manually opened doors (extend arm out through drop-down window and then twist door handle), first and 2nd class compartments, and string nets acting as the luggage racks. It was a great shame when Exchange Station closed.

I am trying to think how the rail network compared to the Tram Network for competition. I think Liverpool Corporation may have been too hasty to withdraw trams, they went out quite a distance.

Good video, however I wish you had took a bit more time to talk about the Water Street tunnel. It’s such a quirky and unique part of the network and real time capsule.

absolutely Brilliant young man. i know the Merseyrail network well and this was fascinating. you researched well and presented well, with good editing all round. i wondered if you live local or just came from somewhere else to do this?

I bet skinny little siddy holloway would love the merseyrail underground stations since she so loves ceramic tiles...

Thanks Nick for video! And as for the Ukrainian railfan it was interesting to watch it.

Very interesting

Sorry if already mentioned, but the tower at Hamilton Square used to house the hydraulics for the lift systems

didn't bother going to Ormskirk then and also missed saying about the possibility of a connection to Wigan and one possibly to Skelmasdale from Kirkby's new station at headbolt lane. A part two on the cards in the future ? you could add about the war horses at Lathom Hall for WW1. Good video well presented and edited.

Ooh, look, james street station's had a face lift, it didn't look like that last time I was there, and inside they had far too insanely HOT infra red lamps, I hope they've got rid of them now. And the long subway entrance has had some improvement too, much brighter now, it wasn't anything like that when I last walked in it, it was dark and filthy.

What if geoff lived in Liverpool instead:

Great video! Just wondering if you are sure that the escalator was turned into a staircase? In the 60s and 70s, London Underground didn't install some escalators because of the cost (both of electricity and machinery), and installed stairs instead. These have then (in some cases) been retroactively fitted with escalators because they were designed that way.

Very informative & interesting! Would've loved more footage & description of the disused platforms and stations, like you did with the station closed for Liverpool Parkway station. Also the fast forward walking segments give me a headache.

One thing you totally missed on the Southport line. Just on the Liverpool side of the station at Hightown southbound is a concrete cattledock