Metro-North Railroad Kawasaki M8 EMU V1.0 for OpenBVE

This train is highly detailed and advanced. Keep reading for full details.

The M8 electric multiple unit was built in the between the 2000s and early 2010s for the Metro-North Commuter Railroad. Seating layout is not 100% accurate as of this release.

In addition, hours of coding were put in to animating the 3D engineer's cab. Note that the cab's train status and diagnostic displays are semi-animated/semi-functional, as is the AC - DC mode selector switch.

Finally, note the placement of the cab doors throughout the consist; the end cars will have their cab doors closed, while the middle cars have them open.

The cab signalling on version 1.0 is not yet functional, but as soon as a route is coded that can make use of the cab signalling system, a plugin will be drafted and this pack will be updated to version 2.0.

Version 2.0 will also include animated destination signage, a detailed lavatory, and updated door sounds and seating layout.


Credits list:
-Sounds: Fan Railer (Mike Kam)[general sound programmer] & William McMorris [high quality announcement chime, buzzer sound, & combined throttle/brake controller "click"]
-Engineer's Cab (3D): Manuel Alejandro Mejias Palacios
-Exterior model: Manuel Alejandro Mejias Palacios
-Physics: Fan Railer (Mike Kam)
-Project coordinator & BETA tester: Fan Railer (Mike Kam)
-Invaluable reference material (for physics): Gregory Grice
-File compression: Max Diamond (Dj Hammers)

IMPORTANT: Please do not redistribute this train pack. This pack is only to be made available via sanctioned sites, ie, BVEstation & Fan Railer's Mediafire page.

Technical information:

Power system:  750 VDC Third Rail ; 12.5 kV 60 Hz AC / 25 kV 60 Hz AC Catenary
Axles arrangement: Bo'Bo'
Service weight (empty motor; average): 144,291 lbs
Starting acceleration (MIN PWR; P1): 0.5 mph/s
Starting acceleration (MAX PWR; P6): 2.0 mph/s
Continuous acceleration: 2.0 mph/s @ 35 mph ; 0.47856 mph/s @ 100 mph
Minimum reduction brake rate (MIN BK; B1): 0.75 mph/s
Full service brake rate (MAX BK; B4): 3.0 mph/s
Emergency brake rate (EMER): 3.355 mph/s
Propulsion system: Mitsubishi Electric - Sojitz (Melco) AC propulsion
Traction motor rating: 270 hp
Rated power (per car): 1080 hp
Service speed: 80 mph
Maximum design speed: 100 mph
Gauge: 4 ft 8.5 in
Length between couplers: 85 ft 0 in
Vehicle Width: 10 ft 6 in
Rail to Roof Height: 12 ft 11.5 in to ~ 14 ft
Distance Between Truck Centers: 59 ft 6 in
Truck Wheel Base: 8 ft 6 in
Wheel Diameter (New): 36 in


Essential Operating Tips:
For openBVE purposes, this train has 6 power points, one for each major cab signal limit. Each point will increase acceleration proportionally.
P1 - 15 mph (24 km/h); 0.5 mph/s
P2 - 30 mph (32 km/h) 
P3 - 45 mph (72 km/h)
P4 - 60 mph (96 km/h)
P5 - 80 mph (128 km/h); 2.0 mph/s
P6 - 100 mph (160 km/h); 2.0 mph/s

For openBVE purposes, this train has 4 service brake points, each increasing the brake rate by increments of 0.75 mph/s.
B1 - B3 are dynamic/regenerative brake only.
B4 blends in friction brakes to achieve full service brake rate of 3.0 mph/s.

IMPORTANT; How to operate the pantograph (switch between AC-DC and vice versa):
Hit "3" to turn ATS off and lower pantograph (AC-DC), hit "2" to turn ATS on and raise pantograph (DC-AC). It is recommended that you only make the AC-DC switch while moving. Do not make the DC-AC switch while moving, as activating the ATS from "off state" will immediately apply emergency brakes; thus, only raise the pantograph when the train is stopped. Hopefully, a plugin for V2.0 will remove this requirement.
