Train Sim World 4: LIRR Commuter: New York - Long Beach, Hempstead & Hicksville.
Reviewing this route is like visiting an old friend–an old friend that has grown bigger, busier and better. The added track length and services mean you’ll see more trains. LIRR is almost unique in the fact that two trains will sometimes be allowed to enter the same block of track (as long as their paths don't converge), and I found myself pulling right up behind another train on more than one occasion.
I immediately noted that both the M9 and the M7 (and the M3 if you own it) units no longer have the necessity to charge the brakes before the doors will operate, which is a good thing, because although charging the brakes was a simple procedure it became a chore. Now you simply apply the brakes to "Max" and the brake pipe pressure automatically fills and the doors and the train are operable. The LIRR units were a pleasure to drive previously, and they just became easier.
Another change, and one that will probably be less popular, is that the safety system alerter is on by default, this simply has to be acknowledged every time it beeps at you (to keep you awake) with a press of 'B' (the circle button on PlayStation.)
The ATC (Automatic Train Control) and ACSES (Advanced Civil Speed Enforcement System) systems are also on (by stipulation of the licensors, the MTA, so don't moan at DTG) and these monitor your speed with regard to the route's speed limits and will stop the train if you overspeed for more than a few seconds. As well as indicating the route's base speed limits, ACSES is designed to prevent train-to-train collisions and protect work crews with temporary speed restrictions.
At times it can sound like you're in your kitchen, and the timers are going off on the cooker, the microwave and the air fryer while the smoke alarm is going off–and you left the door open on the fridge... Oh, and the conductor will also give you a couple of buzzes to let you know it's safe to leave as well! If this sounds too complicated or "naggy" then a .pdf of the manual can be found >here< and even better, there's a quick in-game tutorial and a more detailed video tutorial >here< which shows how simple the operation & management of the various systems actually is.
Yes, this all might sound complicated but the basic rule is "do not exceed the lowest speed indicated" (either on the dashboard or on the HUD.) Recovering a train from an ATC triggered stop is easy enough; you apply max brake on the combined throttle/brake lever, wait about 10 seconds for the brake pipe to charge and the emergency brakes to release and then apply some power again–you don't even have to reset the reverser. Not being able to disable the safety systems may be a turn off for some, so be warned.
There are several interesting scenarios in the 9 supplied, the pick of which is probably "Double Duty" that sees you taking on the role of conductor and checking passenger's tickets and also operating the doors & buzzing the driver to let him know it's safe to depart.
We found (and reported) a minor graphical glitch on the M9 during the “Double Duty” Scenario; The flexible gangway connection (I imagine it to be made out of heavy-duty rubber IRL) is kinked inwards and partially blocks the gangway between two coaches. Other than that, we found no other issues with this new route.
LIRR Commuter looks really nice, the trackside detail is very good and the amount of activity is much more apparent than the original LIRR, or indeed New York–Trenton.
The beeping and bleeping can irritate and gameplay this fussy may not be everyone's "cup of joe", but with practice you get used to the safety systems, become a better driver, read the signals and thus decrease the amount of bleeps. LIRR Commuter is another quality expansion for the gargantuan Train Sim World 4.
Many thanks to Dovetail Games and Lick PR.