Train Sim World 2: LIRR M3 EMU Loco Add-On is a simulation title that adds the Long Island Rail Road M3 electric-multiple-unit to the existing Long Island Rail Road route in Train Sim World 2 on PC. This add-on focuses on realistic operation of a stainless-steel commuter train that draws power from the third-rail system and runs in two-car married pairs.
Gameplay
The core loop centers on controlling the M3 EMU with accurate vehicle dynamics delivered through the SimuGraph engine. Players manage acceleration from four 160-horsepower traction motors, monitor third-rail current collection, and handle braking while respecting the route's speed limits up to 80 mph. The driving cab features detailed controls and instruments that match the real equipment, allowing precise adjustments during station stops and line running.
Sound design draws from field recordings of the actual locomotives, reproducing traction motor whine, compressor activity, and track noise under varying loads. The 85-foot stainless-steel cars receive visual treatment that reflects their yellow, gray, and silver livery, and the physics model accounts for the train's weight distribution and truck design on General Steel GSI bogies.
Operation requires attention to the electrified infrastructure of the Long Island Rail Road, including proper handling of the DC power supply and coordination with signals and speed restrictions along the route. The add-on emphasizes procedural realism over arcade elements, rewarding consistent throttle and brake inputs that match the documented performance characteristics of the M3 fleet.
Game Modes
Three dedicated scenarios place the M3 EMU in specific operational situations on the Long Island Rail Road route. These scenarios test different aspects of commuter service, such as schedule adherence and passenger stops, while an interactive training module introduces the cab layout and basic procedures.
Timetable Mode allows the M3 to appear in the broader schedule of the Long Island Rail Road route, where players can select services and run them according to the published timetable. This mode integrates the add-on locomotive into the existing route ecosystem without requiring separate session setup.
All modes rely on the base Train Sim World 2 framework for route navigation and environmental simulation, with the M3 handling tuned specifically for the third-rail sections of the LIRR network.
The LIRR M3 EMU Details
The M3 cars entered service in the mid-1980s as an expansion of the earlier M1 fleet. Built by Budd, each pair measures 85 feet in length and operates on DC current collected from the third rail. The propulsion system uses four traction motors per car mounted on GSI trucks, delivering the documented top speed while maintaining the stainless-steel body construction that remains visible in the simulation.
Although the related M1 units were withdrawn in 2007, the M3 fleet continues in revenue service, and the add-on recreates its current appearance and performance envelope. The model supports both coupled operation as married pairs and the standard two-car configuration used on the route.
Is It Worth Playing?
Player reception on Steam stands at mixed, with 52 percent positive ratings from a small number of reviews. Some users note accurate modeling of the cab and sounds, while others report issues with textures, resolution, and occasional driving bugs that affect the experience.
The add-on suits players who already own Train Sim World 2 and the Long Island Rail Road route and want to expand their roster with a classic commuter EMU. It provides focused content through the included scenarios, training module, and timetable integration rather than broad new systems.
Those seeking realistic electric-multiple-unit operation on a well-established route may find value in the documented performance and handling. Players sensitive to reported technical shortcomings may prefer to wait for patches or explore other locomotives within the same base game.
