1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties (2013)

1862: Railway Mania in The Eastern Counties

“1862: Railway Mania in The Eastern Counties” is an 18xx board game set in East Anglia, England. The game is published by GMT Games and was released in 2019. It is designed to accommodate 2 to 6 players and has a playing time of 60 to 120 minutes.

Why is 1862: Railway Mania in The Eastern Counties Popular?

The game is popular among 18xx enthusiasts for several reasons:
– Company-packed board: The game features a densely populated board with 16 of the 20 companies represented. This allows for a variety of strategies and interactions among players.
– Solo mode: The game includes a solo mode, making it accessible for solo players who want to enjoy the game without opponents.
– Historical theme: The game is set in the Victorian era of railway mania, which adds an element of immersion and historical context to the gameplay.

Game Components of 1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties

Game Board: A trifold board featuring a map of East Anglia.

Train Cards: 34 cards representing different types of trains (local, freight, express).

Phase Cards: 8 cards that mark the different phases of the game.

Train Manifest Cards: 2 cards.

Company Certificates: 160 certificates for 20 railway companies.

Track Tiles: 8 sheets of tiles for building railway networks.

Player Aid Cards: 2 double-sided cards.

Tokens: 4 sheets of various tokens.

Paper Money: £15,000.

Rule Booklet: Includes solitaire rules and errata.

How To Setup 1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties

To set up the game, players randomly select 16 out of 20 available railway companies for each game, with only eight available at the start. Each company starts with a randomly chosen permit to run one of three different types of trains. Players invest in the available companies, and the game begins with the first stock round. The board is laid out with the map of East Anglia, and track tiles, station markers, and other components are placed according to the initial setup rules.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Mechanics

Auction/Bidding: Players bid for companies during the “Parliament Round”.

Network and Route Building: Players build railway networks using track tiles.

Stock Holding: Players invest in and manage railway company shares.

Tile Placement: Players place track tiles to extend their railways.

Market: Players manage financial transactions and dividends.

Game Objective

The objective is to gain wealth by investing in railway companies, building railway networks, and running trains to generate revenue. The game ends after the last band of trains is bought, and the wealthiest player, based on their share holdings and personal wealth, is declared the winner.

Player Experience

Playing **1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties** can be a complex and challenging experience, even for veteran players of the 18xx series. The game introduces unique mechanics such as the absence of private companies, staggered company releases, and different types of trains. The small map can sometimes leave players with limited options, and the game requires meticulous strategy and interaction with other players. Despite its complexity, the game is praised for its unique design and the depth of decision-making required.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Introduces several new mechanics to the 18xx series, such as different train types and the “Parliament Round”.

Deep Strategy: Requires careful planning and strategic decision-making.

High-Quality Components: Features a well-designed board and high-quality counter stock.

Replayability: Each game is unique due to the random selection of companies and train permits.

Cons

Complexity: Can be overwhelming, especially for new players to the 18xx series.

Long Playtime: Games can last 4-8 hours, although experienced players can finish sooner.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires multiple plays to fully understand and master the game’s strategies.

Personal Thoughts on 1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties

**1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties** is not for the faint of heart. It is a game that will appeal to experienced players of the 18xx series who are looking for a new and challenging experience. New players to the series may find it daunting, but those willing to dive deep and invest time into learning its nuances will be rewarded with a rich and engaging gameplay experience. It is ideal for players who enjoy complex economic and strategic games, and who are ready to navigate the intricacies of railway management in 19th-century England.

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