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Discussion relating to the operations of MTA MetroNorth Railroad including west of Hudson operations and discussion of CtDOT sponsored rail operations such as Shore Line East and the Springfield to New Haven Hartford Line

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 #1563401  by Traingeek3629
 
Any updates? As far as I know there haven't been recent test runs and Lamont is cutting some SLE funding.
 #1575770  by Traingeek3629
 
With all Shore Line East trains terminating/originating in New London, there's a very good chance this is the end of the M8s on SLE project.
 #1576112  by njtmnrrbuff
 
Yes, we have to wonder the running of all Ctrail SLE trains to NLC will be a permanent thing which could lower chances greatly of M8s running on the SLE trains. The next alternative might be this and this would be years from now. After more of Amtrak's Siemens intercity trainsets enter revenue service, there won't be any need for the Sprinters to run on the majority of the Amtrak trains that run on the NEC other than the long distance trains. After many of the Sprinters are pulled from Amtrak service, perhaps CDOT can look into using the Sprinters on Shore Line East trains. Those engines can accelerate very well, even with a four car single level train. We have to just see if they would be compatible for use with whatever replaces the Mafersa cars.
 #1576113  by gregorygrice
 
njtmnrrbuff wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 10:20 am Yes, we have to wonder the running of all Ctrail SLE trains to NLC will be a permanent thing which could lower chances greatly of M8s running on the SLE trains. The next alternative might be this and this would be years from now. After more of Amtrak's Siemens intercity trainsets enter revenue service, there won't be any need for the Sprinters to run on the majority of the Amtrak trains that run on the NEC other than the long distance trains. After many of the Sprinters are pulled from Amtrak service, perhaps CDOT can look into using the Sprinters on Shore Line East trains. Those engines can accelerate very well, even with a four car single level train. We have to just see if they would be compatible for use with whatever replaces the Mafersa cars.
The ACS-64s are not being pulled from Regionals. The new trainsets are designed to be pulled by them.

Also keep in mind that having all SLE trains to New London does not mean M8s can't still be used for the service. They would just have to board and detrain passengers the same way the Acela that stops there does.
 #1576126  by njtmnrrbuff
 
Not sure about that about the Sprinters. Time will tell what exactly happens. It's still a couple of years away. Anyway back to M8s-on the other hand, yes, the M8s would have to have passengers board and detrain the same way as those getting on and off the Acelas. I think Ctrail will probably run as few cars as possible on M8 sets-the ones that aren't running west of New Haven.
 #1578237  by Pensyfan19
 
Taken on August 12th testing ACES.

 #1578691  by gregorygrice
 
west point wrote: Sat Aug 21, 2021 1:16 pm Any idea how many M-8s are equipped for voltage changing. ? Any special unit numbers ?
All M8s are capable of changing to NHB voltage. They do not work on the lower voltage west of GATE Interlocking which is why they are paying for third rail GATE to Harold for NYP service.
 #1578700  by MattW
 
I don't believe it's the voltage but the frequency that causes an issue with NYPS. West of GATE is 25Hz which requires a larger transformer core than the 60Hz found east of there.
 #1578708  by west point
 
I sense some confusion and mis understanding of my question.
1. Was not questioning the frequency change NYP to Gate 25 Hz 12 Kv to 12.5 Kv 60 Hz east of Gate to New Haven..
2. All M-8s delivered until recently were single CAT Voltage capable 12.5 Kv 60 Hz only. 25 Hz Requires a much bigger heavier transformer for same power output. There is only a 500 Volt difference on either side of Gate. That is not the problem but Frequency is a problem.
3. The M-8s are dual voltage but the second voltage is 750 V DC with under running shoes for the DC into GCT. The under running shoes will need to be capable of overrunning DC on track from Gate to NYP.
4. Amtrak east of New haven CAT is 25 Kv 60 Hz AC
5. To operate on the Amtrak east of New haven SLE M-8s Will require installation of tap changing on the transformers.

The question becomes what M-8s have had tap changing transformers installed for the SLE and are they all in one numbering sequence separate from the regular MNRR M-8s for GCT ?
 #1583070  by Silverliner II
 
gregorygrice wrote: Sat Jul 17, 2021 10:43 am The ACS-64s are not being pulled from Regionals. The new trainsets are designed to be pulled by them.

Also keep in mind that having all SLE trains to New London does not mean M8s can't still be used for the service. They would just have to board and detrain passengers the same way the Acela that stops there does.
Regarding the new trainsets, based on info I read both in Railpace and from an Amtrak source last month, all the new trainsets will be coming with dual-mode locomotives. Depending on which service they will be assigned to, it will either be AC catenary/diesel, or third rail/diesel. They'll only need enough Sprinters to cover the long distance trains (Silver Service, Crescent, and Cardinal).
Amtrak Siemens Set Breakdown.jpg
Amtrak Siemens Set Breakdown.jpg (334.63 KiB) Viewed 1119 times
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