The Locomotive: Metrolink F59PHR
Derived from the GP59 freight locomotive, the F59PH was designed in the 1980s to deliver new passenger diesel equipment to emerging commuter networks. Kitted out with 3000 horsepower and Head End Power, the F59PH was among the top brass of locomotives, making them a clear candidate to work in tandem with modern cars and capable of handling busy schedules
First settling into service in Toronto, Canada, the early 1990s saw a fleet of locos ordered for Metrolink to embark out of Los Angeles and run across their sprawling Californian network. As years have rolled by, so has technology, but despite two newer diesel types in traffic today, the F59PH hangs on as the F59PHR – a rebuilt variant which can meet modern emission standards, hence the “R” designation in the name.
As part of their age, the Metrolink F59PHRs still hang onto their classic white undercoat, a stark contrast to the silver sheen of their passenger equipment. The F59PHR comes accompanied with bombardier bi-level cars in their grey liveries and the accompanying Conductor Mode.
The Routes:
San Bernardino Line + Antelope Valley Line
San Bernardino Line
The F59PHR will be available to operate in timetable mode across both Metrolink routes available for Train Sim World 5.
In San Bernardino Line, included in Train Sim World 5: Standard Edition, Metrolink trains power through the LA suburbs and out along the east-west route to San Bernardino via 57 miles of track and 15 stations (16 total).
At LA, trains pass by the freeway and run effectively alongside the road traffic, before branching out of the city. Built up residential areas and industry fade out into a landscape of smaller towns served by Metrolink’s commuter services, passing by Kaiser Mill and the Auto Club Speedway station, which only serves passengers on race days!
Antelope Valley Line
The Antelope Valley Line was part of Train Sim World 4: Standard Edition and is now available as a separate route Add-on for Train Sim World 5.
The real-world route has origins in the late 1800s and closed to passenger and freight traffic in the 1970s before being reopened as a commuter rail service in the early 1990s.
Trains also depart the impressive Los Angeles Union Station but this time head off in the direction of Santa Clarita to the north, before turning east toward Palmdale and north again to Lancaster via a brand-new station at Vista Canyon.
Using Train Sim World 5’s Route Hopping feature, players with both routes will be able to ‘hop’ between them at LA Union Station. This feature is also available at San Bernardino Depot for players that own Cajon Pass.
The result is potential gameplay sessions involving three Metrolink passenger locomotives and services across two of their routes – from San Bernardino through to Lancaster, with a break at LA Union Station.
Free Roam will also allow players to spawn in the F59PHR onto other USA routes in their collection or the Candian National Oakville Subdivision route Add-on, where these locomotives originally ran under another operator prior to their move to California.
Antelope Valley Line is available at 80% off on both Epic Games and PlayStation until 24th and 26th February 2025 respectively.
Schedule and Scenarios
The F59PHR substitutes into passenger services on both San Bernardino Line and Antelope Valley Line, mixing things up with the F125 and MP36PH-3C locomotives. There will be three Scenarios to play on Antelope Valley Line.
These feature:
- A service where one of the locomotives is taken out of service for scrapping
- A celebration of a service anniversary prior to the introduction of the newer locomotives
- A service involving the recovery of a failed locomotive
Train Sim World 5: Metrolink F59PHR loco Add-on is out now for Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 5, Epic Games Store, and Steam for $16.99/£12.99/€15.99
https://store.steampowered.com/app/3260370/Train_Sim_World_5_Metrolink_F59PHR_Loco_AddOn/
Missed the Preview Stream? Head back to Youtube and Twitch and catch up with Matt and Harry as they head through California across both Metrolink routes:
[previewyoutube=D8ndSdOL7Y8;full][/previewyoutube]
Note: due to some internet gremlins, the first 16 minutes of the stream were cut off. You can view this short portion of the stream separately.
You can also read the answers to the Preview Stream Q&A Thread on the Forums.
