M8 | Tracking the Light

Sometime last summer, I read a press release proclaiming something to effect that Metro-North’s New Haven Line electric service was now completely operated with the new Kawasaki M8 multiple units, and that all of old Metropolitan cars had been withdrawn.

I thought I did.

Recent trips along the old New Haven seemed to have confirmed this transformation.

So, I was quite surprised the other day when a ghost train arrived at Metro-North’s West Haven Station!

This is great contrast: old cars at the new station. Notice that I carefully included the date in the sign. Lumix LX7 photograph. — This is great contrast: old Metropolitan cars at the new station. Notice that I carefully included the date in the sign. Lumix LX7 photograph.

Real passengers boarded and it whizzed away toward Grand Central.

Fascinating!

My father and I were supposed to have boarded, as we were on our way to New York. ‘Why didn’t you get on?’

‘What? Ride a ghost train?!’ I’ll wait for the M-8.’ (In truth I was so surprised, my primary thought was to take a photo.)

For my next trick, I’m heading out the Boston & Albany west-end to catch some of the A1 Berkshires on the move. I’ll report back.

Tracking the Light Sees Ghosts!

Tracking the Light Posts New Photos Every Day!

Metro-North and the State of Connecticut have received 405 M8 electric cars from Kawasaki. These now dominate commuter operations on the New Haven Line.

On Sunday November 8, 2015, I spent the day making photos underwire, and exposed many detailed digital photos of the new electrics using my FujiFilm X-T1.

These cars are unique to Metro-North’s electrified New Haven Line suburban trains. Yet, after a few hours, they can get a bit repetitive.

My challenge was remaining interested in the subject, while searching from new angles and new ways to portray the cars on the move.

Which of these photographs is your favorite?