OS grid SJ345939 Type EMU, Sandite Owner Merseyrail | Depot code(s) KK (1976-) Original British Rail Opened 1976 | |
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Location Liverpool, United Kingdom | ||
Merseyrail kirkdale tmd may 2016
Kirkdale TMD (code KK) is a Traction Maintenance Depot located beside Kirkdale railway station in north Liverpool, England. It is the largest depot on the Merseyrail network, located on the Northern Line and is used primarily for stabling units, carrying out minor repair works and cleaning units both outside and in.
Contents
Although the Kirkdale is the largest depot, most heavy maintenance is carried out at Birkenhead North TMD. Units transfer between the two depots by travelling into Liverpool Central Platform 2, changing ends, then taking the single track, bi-directional Stock Transfer Line to James Street Platform 2, before continuing towards Birkenhead.
History
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The site was originally used for Bank Hall motive power depot, which closed in 1966. The original depot was adjoined by a large area of sidings with more than 30 roads but, following the end of express trains from Liverpool Exchange in May 1970, these were rarely used. In 1976, when the new "Link" tunnel was being built to replace Liverpool Exchange, the sidings were lifted and transformed into a modern maintenance depot, which was named after the nearby station. A new shed with four roads was constructed, with inspection pits under the tracks. Each road is long enough to house two 3-car sets coupled together. Also constructed was a new carriage wash plant so that units could be driven through and cleaned within minutes; this is the only active washing plant on Merseyrail, the other at Birkenhead North TMD having been destroyed by consistent vandalism.
Recent
In 2006, a new wheel lathe was installed at the depot in an area formerly used for storage of departmental equipment. The new lathe has ended the need to tow train sets to the lathe at Allerton TMD near Hunts Cross railway station with a Class 08 shunter.
Merseyrail is due to have its entire fleet of 507 and 508 EMUs replaced between 2019-2021. As part of the £460 million pound project, both Kirkdale TMD and Birkenhead North TMD will be upgraded to be capable of maintaining the new fleet.
Allocation
The Class 507 and Class 508 electric multiple units are based at Kirkdale depot, regularly stabled in the back sidings near Bank Hall railway station. In 2006, a new small shunter was allocated to the depot to take sets into the new wheel lathe.
Previously, battery locomotives and Class 73 locos have been stored at the depot in the past for sandite duties in the winter. Network Rail stables the MPV diesel unit(s) here occasionally during the leaf fall season.