Long island has only 1 Loco and is passenger only. RSN has mix of passenger and freight, 3 locos and 2 of the loco dlcs work with it.
I got LIRR before I got RSN. On LIRR I enjoy the challenge of the safety systems, something I can’t do on RSN because I am c**p at PZB (I don’t fully understand it). I only got RSN because it was on offer around Xmas but I am glad I did. It’s very scenic
Try the safety systems for the ACS-64, you can have a clear track but still have to go slow as crap. Now I don't understand the systems for that locomotive but still like it.
I noticed they are both on sale at the moment so might buy both, but now the new dlc is coming out on the 23rd I'm back to square one of which one to buy lol. Still slightly leaning to RSN.
Learn the safety systems on RSN. Well worth it. Start off aknowledge at green yellow signals also slow down to 45kph. Acknowledge Speed changes. Learn from there. I dont know all the different signals yet, but doing these things should get you from A-B without stopping. Also using AFB is very useful.