Boxcars (1974) Board Game – Board Game Guys

Boxcars is a classic board game that was released in in 1974. It is designed for 2 to 6 players, with the ideal number of players being 3. The game is centered around economic and transportation themes, focusing on managing trains and cargo delivery. Boxcars features a roll-and-move mechanism, where players roll dice to advance their trains on the board.

Game Components of Boxcars

Board: A single-piece board unfolding to reveal a map of the United States with routes of 28 historic railroads traced on it.

Railroad Herald Logos: The edge of the board is encircled with heralds/logos of assorted railroads, though these are not used during gameplay.

Spinner: A cardboard square and a clear plastic circle used to determine destinations, with static electricity issues.

Property Cards: Representing railroad properties.

Play Money: Used for transactions and fees.

Destination and Payoff Chart: For assigning destinations and calculating payouts.

How To Setup Boxcars

To set up Boxcars, players unfold the large game board, which displays a map of the United States with various railroad routes. Each player selects a starting city and receives a set amount of play money. The spinner is prepared for use in determining destinations. Players are also given the railroad property cards and other necessary components.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Destination Selection: Players use a spinner to determine their destination cities.

Route Flexibility: Players can reuse routes as many times as desired.

Trading and Auctions: Players can trade, sell, or auction railroad properties at any time.

Track Use Fees: Players must pay fees to use railroad routes owned by opponents.

Game Objective: The goal is to accumulate $200,000 and return to the starting city.

Player Experience

Playing Boxcars involves a mix of strategy and luck. The game is known for its lengthy gameplay and potential for player elimination, which can make it less appealing to some players. The ability to reuse routes and engage in trading and auctions adds a layer of complexity and negotiation.

Pros

Historical Accuracy: The game features a detailed map with 28 historic railroads.

Strategic Depth: Allows for trading, selling, and auctioning of railroad properties.

Unique Mechanics: The spinner adds a random element to destination selection.

Cons

Lengthy Gameplay: Games can be slow and long.

Player Elimination: Players can be eliminated, which may not be enjoyable for everyone.

Static Electricity Issue: The spinner can be unreliable due to static electricity.

Personal Thoughts on Boxcars

Boxcars is ideal for fans of railroad-themed games and those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay. However, it may not be the best choice for players seeking quick, fast-paced games or those who dislike the possibility of early elimination. The game’s unique mechanics and historical elements make it a niche favorite, but its drawbacks, such as the lengthy gameplay and unreliable spinner, should be considered before diving in.

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