Sidetracked is the 67th main mission chain in GTA V (Grand Theft Auto 5). This walkthrough shows how to get all Gold Medals in Sidetracked for 100% completion.
NOTE: This is a heist prep mission for the Obvious Approach on “The Big Score“. If you choose the Subtle Approach, you will not have access to this mission.
Gold Medal Requirements:
- Mission Time: Complete within 04:30
- Undetected: Steal the train without being detected
Walkthrough Video
Starting Location: Sidetracked
- Location: Varies
- Quest Giver: Lester (by phone text)
- Requirement: Complete “Planning the Big Score” and select the Obvious Approach for “The Big Score“
- Can Be Started By: Franklin, Michael, Trevor
Incapacitate the Railway Workers
You’re working against the clock, so skip the cutscenes!
- Mission Time: Complete within 04:30
Luckily the clock hasn’t started yet, since you could be anywhere when Lester sends you a text with his plan to steal a train. Use the Interaction menu to create a waypoint for the Davis Quarry where you’ll find it.
As you approach the train station, you will call Michael. This is where the clock will start, and you can save some time right off the top by hanging up on Michael. Stop on the side of the road by the overpass and break out your sniper rifle.
This brings up a good point about avoiding detection for the next Gold Medal requirement:
- Undetected: Steal the train without being detected
While the wording of the objective says ‘incapacitate’, technically speaking ‘dead’ is pretty much the ultimate incapacity, while also definitely impeding their ability to detect you. Shoot the worker in the control room, and then the one on the platform.
Get to the Signal Box
Hop back in your truck, drive off the side of the hill onto the tracks, then get out at the station and head for the control room.
Once inside, press 
/ 
at the control panel to switch the tracks so that the approaching train will be diverted onto a siding where Michael can pick it up.
Wait for a Train to Stop in the Sidings
Not much to do now but wait for the cinematic, then skip it. Once you have control again, switch to Michael.
Pick Up the Freight Engine
Michael lifts off from the Sandy Shores airstrip in a Skylift. Head towards the objective marker, and line up with the engine.
Once above and lined up, start to descend, and when you’re close enough you’ll be prompted to press / to activate the Skylift’s electromagnet. You really don’t have to line up that precisely to get the prompt (within roughly about 15 degrees to either side of center), and the game gives the magnet a generous range which you can use to your advantage to save precious seconds on unnecessary maneuvers. As soon as you see the prompt, activate the magnet and the engine will fly up and align itself perfectly to the Skylift.
Take the Freight Engine to Trevor’s Airstrip
Once you’ve grabbed the engine, gain a bit of altitude and head back to the airstrip. As you approach you’ll see that there is now a semi with a flatbed trailer parked near the runway.
Lower the Engine Onto the Trailer
Line up and descend towards the trailer, and you’ll see that the game gives you a similar generous range to drop the trailer.
As long as you’re generally lined up and low enough, you’ll get the / prompt to deactivate the electromagnet and the engine will align itself and drop perfectly onto the trailer.
Pick Up a Flatbed Carriage
Head back to Trevor and this time grab any of the flatbed cars that were behind the engine.
Take the Flatbed to Trevor’s Airstrip
Finally, head back to the airstrip and you’ll find a new truck with a waiting trailer for your railcar. As soon as you drop the flatbed onto the trailer, the mission will end.
This finishes Sidetracked in GTA V.
For all other Missions refer to GTA V Walkthrough.
This walkthrough has been updated for the Enhanced Version on PC / PS5 / PS4 / Xbox Series S/X and is also still applicable to the Legacy version.
Leave a Reply