In Train Simulator Classic, the Northeast Corridor (NEC): New York – New Haven route is a high-speed masterclass in American railroading. Covering approximately 75 miles of the nation’s busiest rail artery, this expansion captures the transition from the glass towers of Manhattan to the coastal charm of Connecticut.
As of January 2026, this route remains a vital “link” in the simulation, especially for players looking to recreate the full Amtrak experience between Washington, D.C., and Boston.
📍 The Route: Two Cities, Two Terminals
This is one of the few routes in the game to feature two distinct, world-famous starting points in a single city.
- Grand Central Terminal: The underground heart of the Metro-North operation. Drivers navigate the Park Avenue Tunnel and the Park Avenue Viaduct before heading north.
- New York Penn Station: The Amtrak hub. Trains depart through the East River Tunnels, passing the massive Sunnyside Yard (192 acres) before crossing the legendary Hell Gate Bridge.
- The New Haven Line: The lines merge at New Rochelle and run along the Long Island Sound through Stamford and Bridgeport, terminating at New Haven Union Station.
- Included Branches: Features the Yankee Branch (serving Yankee Stadium) and the high-wealth New Canaan Branch.
🚆 Rolling Stock: High-Speed & Heavy Haul
The route package provides the core motive power needed for both commuter and freight operations.
- Amtrak ACS-64 “Cities Sprinter”: The star of the show. This 8,600 hp electric locomotive is designed for 125 mph operations. It features advanced in-cab signaling (ATC/ACSES) which is essential for staying on schedule without triggering an emergency brake application.
- CSX SD40-2: Representing the freight side of the corridor, this locomotive is used for manifest runs and switching duties around Oak Point Yard and the Fresh Pond branch.
- Amfleet I Coaches: Includes standard, cafe, and business class variants for authentic Northeast Regional consists.
⚙️ Essential Community Enhancements
Because the route was originally released in 2014, the 2026 enthusiast often uses these additions to bring it up to modern standards:
- Metro-North Kawasaki M8 EMU: Highly recommended as a secondary purchase. This is the primary commuter train for the New Haven Line and features switchable power modes (3rd rail to overhead catenary).
- Open NEC Mod: A free community rescripting project that overhauls the safety systems (ACSES/ATC) for the ACS-64 and M8, making them significantly more realistic and bug-free.
- NoOne’s Improvement Pack: A popular texture and tree swap available on Train Sim Community that refreshes the 10-year-old scenery assets.
🛒 January 2026 Pricing
The route is currently part of the Steam Winter Sale (ending January 5, 2026).
| Item | Standard Price | Sale Price (Jan 2026) |
| NEC: New York – New Haven | $24.99 | $5.99 (75% Off) |
| Metro-North Kawasaki M8 EMU | $19.99 | $5.99 (70% Off) |
| NEC Scenario Pack 01 | $9.99 | $4.99 (50% Off) |
