Quick Links
Part Two of Loco Motive ends on a suspenseful note. After finally hearing Lady Unterwald’s will, we are sent back in time to step into the shoes of Herman Merman, a novelist who talks a lot but struggles to follow through.
Part Three Overview
In Part Three, we delve deeper into Herman’s journey on the Reuss Express. We discover his erratic behavior and learn how he contributed to the challenges that Arthur faced in earlier sections. The complexity of the game increases, but don’t worry—we’re here to help you navigate through it and provide solutions along the way.
How to Disable the Board
After the cutscenes, you’ll find yourself controlling Herman in his publisher’s office, where your task is to get Herman’s manuscript approved. However, the AI-powered board is blocking your path.
Start by grabbing a paper cup from the water cooler in the background. Pouring water into the board’s slot won’t damage it, so it’s worth a shot. If you do this, make sure to refill the cup afterward.
Next, on the right side of the office, collect the Herman Merman doll from the window sill and pick up some packing popcorn from the floor.
Then, place some popcorn on the window sill under the pigeon. Step away, and this will cause the pigeon to flutter down, distracting the publishers. Use this moment to snatch the stationery pot from the table while the publisher on the right is busy shooing the pigeon away.
Now, use the letter opener on the Herman Merman doll to get some sawdust. Combine this sawdust with the water from the cup to create a paste.
Finally, pour the paste into the board’s slot. This will break the board, compelling the publishers to actually review the manuscripts in front of them.
How to Get Herman’s Manuscript Accepted
Recognizing that Herman’s manuscript isn’t the best, we need to improve it. Although you can find out what each publisher prefers by speaking to them, it’s not strictly necessary.
Collect the manuscripts available in the bin and the in-tray. The one from the in-tray is wrapped—open it with the letter opener to find Dirk Chiselton’s manuscript.
With all three manuscripts collected, take a closer look at the in-tray. Place the manuscripts in the top tray in this order:
- Herman’s adventure manuscript
- The romance manuscript from the waste bin
- Dirk Chiselton’s manuscript
The publishers will only read the sections of the compiled works that pique their interest, leading to the acceptance of the manuscript.
Following Mr. Liu
After the scenes conclude, feel free to chat with Lady Unterwald, but to advance the story, exit the room to follow Mr. Liu and discover his intentions.
Before leaving, make sure to examine and grab some chilis from the plant brought by Mr. Liu.
After the interaction with Arista and the twins, head to the Lounge Carriage on the left to see Mr. Liu entering a backstage area.
How to Get Backstage
Speak with the stage manager to learn that you need to be "on the list" to access the backstage area and also pass a small quiz.
To the left of the band on stage, you’ll find the setlist. Steal this setlist and check it in your inventory—it reveals the band’s name (Balboa Swing) and their song lineup:
- Railroad Rhythm
- Boxcar Boogie
- Whistle Stop Swing
- My Love Is On The Line
- Freight Train Blues
Use this information to ace the stage manager’s quiz, which will earn you a signed business card. However, this alone won’t get you backstage.
Next, go to the Sleeper Carriage and meet Donny. Discuss his ‘services’ until you learn about his forgery services, which require an example of the person’s handwriting.
Give Donny the business card you obtained, and he’ll explain how to get a forged guest list: you need to get something from Mr. Masson. After additional dialogue with Donny, you’ll receive the Rosebud recipe. Now we understand why Mr. Masson was so intoxicated in the previous segment!
You’ll also acquire a string of pearls during this interaction.
How to Get Mr. Masson Drunk
Proceed to the Dining Carriage and hand the Rosebud recipe over to the bartender. Unfortunately, Mr. Masson insists he won’t drink until he has his food.
To ensure he stays busy, your task is to shut down the kitchen. Recall how it was described in earlier parts? Let’s make that chaos happen! The cooks mentioned a disastrous health inspection—you need to play the role of the health inspector.
To gear up, visit the Lounge Carriage and talk to the child there. She has a detective kit with an official badge, which would be useful. You can trade for this kit, provided you fulfill her requirements.
How to Trade for the Kid’s Detective Kit
Combine Dirk Chiselton’s cover with the adventure manuscript to create a fake Dirk Chiselton manuscript.
Hand the fake manuscript to the kid, and in return, you’ll receive the detective kit. However, the badge does not look convincing enough yet.
Return to Donny’s quarters and request him to forge the detective badge into a more authentic-looking item. Once done, you can enter the kitchen, posing as a health inspector.
How to Shut Down the Kitchen
As the faux health inspector, your mission is to disrupt each cook’s routine.
From right to left:
- The first cook is fearful of rodents. Slip the string of pearls into the oyster bag to summon Donny’s mouse into the kitchen.
- The cook on the right usually tastes the soup but is currently too scared. Add some chilis to the soup and ask the central cook if you can sample it.
- For the third cook, turn the water on the right side of the kitchen. Quickly turn off the stove and then increase the gas flow with the large gas canister next to the stove.
After following these steps in order, the kitchen will close, automatically taking you back to the Dining Carriage.
Now, Mr. Masson will be ready for a drink. Present the Rosebud recipe to the bartender again, and you’ll witness Mr. Masson indulge.
He will drop a magnet from his pocket—collect it and give it to Donny.
Switching the Guest Lists
Donny will provide you with a forged guest list. Use this on the actual guest list in the Lounge Carriage to gain entry to the backstage area.
What to Do Backstage
Once backstage, you’ll notice that Mr. Liu is absent. Talk to both the singer and the band about Mr. Liu until you exhaust all relevant conversation options, then try to exit the area to conclude this part of the adventure.
