in first class 2+1, and all seats aligned properly with the windows, which were generous arrangements for such short journeys. The Class 508 units introduced as their successors in 1985 were notably less attractive in these respects. The first class seats, which occupied most of the length of the trailer car, were retained unaltered when first class accommodation was discontinued, and from having been little used for much of the trains' lifetime became the most popular accommodation. Maintenance The main maintenance depot was at Birkenhead North, dedicated to the units. Careful attention allowed them to remain in good condition right up to their final withdrawal in 1985, unlike some other units elsewhere in the country at this time. Every four years, major overhauls, including full repaints, were conducted at Horwich Works, near Bolton. Along with other North-West EMUs, a set would be formed up at Birkenhead North with a match wagon and hauled by locomotive to Horwich. Until 1962, sets were hauled to Horwich via the West Kirby to Hooton Line and, later on, the route was via the Mid-Wirral Line. Formation It was normal for the trains to operate as 6-car sets at peak times, reduced to 3-car sets off-peak. As all routes doubled their frequency at peak times as well, much of the stock spent a considerable amount of time out of service. There was no major stabling point on the system, various sidings dispersed around the network being used. For much of the trains' life, effort was put into deciding whether to leave the off-peak formations as 6-car on any day. For instance, during Christmas shopping weeks, or fine Summer Sundays, when the network used to handle much additional traffic from Liverpool and Birkenhead, to the seaside town termini of New Brighton and West Kirby. Numbering British Railways numbers were: Driving Motor Brake Second (DMBS) M28672M-M28690M (19 cars 1938, Metro Cammell). M28371M-M28394M (24 cars 1956, Metro Cammell). Trailer Second (TS) (Trailer Composite (TC) prior to mid-1970s) M29702M-M29720M (19 cars 1938, 29702-12 by Metro Cammell, 29713-20 by BRCW). 29708/17 destroyed 1941. M29821M-M29846M (26 cars 1956, 29821-30 by BRCW, 29833-46 by Metro Cammell). 29831-2 by BRCW as war replacements. Driving Trailer Second (DTS) M29271M-M29289M (19 cars 1938, BRCW). 29277/86 destroyed 1941. M29131M-M29156M (26 cars 1956, 29131-54 by BRCW). 29155-6 by BRCW as war replacements. Livery The units were introduced with an all-over maroon livery by the LMS. From 1949