Before everyone totally trashes this train take into account that MTH will no longer being offering tinplate trains after these are complete.
The number 8 came from the amount of parts MTH had at the factory to offer the complete train.
I won't be one of the 8 that will be interested, but why make fun of those who will enjoy this set?
For the record, I would like a traditional 400E someday to pull my small collection of 200 and 500 series cars. Have to put those old Lionel Z's to work somewhere.