M8: the very versatile EMU

[WMAveteran]

Many sources including RAILFAN & RAILROAD are reporting that two of 342 new M8 EMU cars have arrived at Connecticut DOT for testing.  They are built by Kawasaki to use 600 volt d.c. third rail power, 12,500 volt a.c. power from catenary and 25,000 volt a.c. power from catenary.  Is there anyplace under wire they won't go?   

[WayneNYC]

Yeah - That pair arrived a couple of months ago.  I imagine that another pair may be on property by now.  One thing for sure is that they can't come fast enough.  Metro-North's Harlem and Hudson lines already had their new (M7-A) cars few a few years now.  Those poor New Haven line folks have been suffering as that fleet is largely comprised of elderly M-2 cars.  The M-8 is a strange looking animal, but I hope the testing goes well so that they can move forward to getting them in service.

[WMAveteran]

I have always liked the M2's and I will miss them.  I wonder if they will have a "farewell to the M2's ride" when they are retired from service? 

[WayneNYC]

I have always liked the M2's and I will miss them.  I wonder if they will have a "farewell to the M2's ride" when they are retired from service? 

Same here.  I feel like I grew up with them.  During my middle school years I used to watch them (and Harlem line trains) as the tracks were behind the school.  The M2 were workhorses for so many years.  Later the M4 and M6 cars came along, but there's just a few of both.