You’ll soon have the opportunity to take the controls of a “Big Apple” railroading classic – with the Long Island Rail Road’s M3 electric-multiple-unit “EMUs” for Train Sim World!

During the late 1960s and early 1970s in a major fleet renewal program, New York’s Long Island Rail Road, with funding from the State of New York and fledgling Metropolitan Transportation Authority, purchased 770 M1 EMUs constructed by Budd and equipped with General Electric components. Christened “Metropolitans,” the M1s immediately became the workhorses of LIRR’s expansive electric commuter operations.

The era was a time of change and enhancements on the LIRR, as the railroad modestly expanded its electrified trackage and boosted its third-rail-delivered D. C. power from 650 to 750 volts. With its commuter business expanding and additional electrified trackage to serve, in 1984-1986, LIRR and MTA returned to Budd to acquire 174 similar M3 EMUs.

LIRR’s M3 cars stretch 85-feet in length and are constructed of stainless steel. The cars operate on the D. C. current from LIRR’s third-rail system and are powered by four 160-horsepower traction motors riding in General Steel GSI trucks. The versatile EMUs, built in two-car “married pairs,” operate at speeds up to 80 mph on the LIRR.

The LIRR M1 and M3 EMUs also served as the design base for more than 300 blue-and-silver M1A and M3A EMUs which served MTA’s Metro-North Commuter Railroad.

Dressed in yellow, gray, and silver, the LIRR M1 and M3 EMUs have become railroading classics and while the M1s were retired in 2007, the LIRR M3s soldier on and are expected to remain in service for a number of years to come.

And now you can soon experience the challenges of operating the memorable LIRR M3 EMUs on Train Sim World’s Long Island Rail Road route!

The upcoming TSW LIRR M3 is a superb re-creation of the distinctive Budd-built electrics and will feature exacting details, fully interactive and realistic controls, and true-to-life performance. And you’ll have the opportunity to put the electrics through their paces hauling Big Apple commuters in a variety of interesting scenarios and timetabled services!

Please note: The TSW Long Island Rail Road Route Add-On is required, as a separate purchase, in order to utilize the content featured in this add-on.

Stay tuned here at Dovetail Live and get ready to experience the marvelous Metropolitans – with the Long Island Rail Road M3 EMUs, coming soon to Train Sim World! – Gary Dolzall