1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties (2013) Board Game

1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties is a board game that is set during the railway boom of the 19th century in England. It is based on the historical period known as the Railway Mania, where there was a frenzy of railway building and speculation, particularly in the Eastern Counties of England.

Game Components of 1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties

Map: A trifold game board featuring a subset of the United Kingdom, including London and other major cities.

Companies: 20 railway companies, with 16 randomly selected for each game.

Trains: Three types of trains – local, freight, and express – each with different objectives and building requirements.

Stock Certificates: Half-size playing cards.

Track Tiles and Station Tokens: High-quality counter stock.

Player Aid Sheets: Double-sided sheets for tracking rules and train upgrades.

How To Setup 1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties

Setup involves randomly selecting 16 out of 20 railway companies for the game. Players then invest in these companies during the initial stock round. The game starts with a “Parliament Round” where players can bid to float their preferred companies. Each company begins with a randomly chosen permit to run one of the three types of trains.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Company Formation: Players can start companies through bidding or waiting for the stock round.

Train Types: Local trains earn revenue from cities and small towns, freight trains run end-to-end routes, and express trains have specific requirements.

Track Laying: Players lay tracks on the board, placing station markers to generate revenue.

Stock Market: A semi-linear stock market with multiple stock jumps.

Company Mergers: Players can merge companies they control with other companies.

Objective: The game ends after the last band of trains is bought; the wealthiest player, including shares but not company money, wins.

Player Experience

Playing **1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties** can be a daunting experience, especially for new players. The game is known for its complexity and unique mechanics, which can make it challenging to grasp basic strategies. Even experienced players might find it time-consuming, with games lasting around 4-6 hours. However, for those who enjoy deep strategic gameplay and are willing to invest the time, it offers a highly competitive and engaging experience.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: Introduces three types of trains and a parliament round for company formation.

High Replayability: Random selection of companies and train permits ensures each game is unique.

Solo Play: Includes comprehensive solo rules, making it a great option for solo players.

High-Quality Components: Mounted game board, half-size playing cards, and high-quality counter stock.

Cons

Complexity: One of the most complex 18xx games, making it difficult for new players to learn.

Long Playtime: Games can last 4-6 hours, which may deter some players.

Steep Learning Curve: Requires multiple plays to understand the nuances of the game.

Personal Thoughts on 1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties

**1862: Railway Mania in the Eastern Counties** is not the best introduction to the 18xx series for new players due to its complexity. However, for experienced players who are looking for a challenging and unique train game, it offers a rich and competitive environment. The game’s ability to be played solo is a significant bonus, but it is clearly designed for players who are already familiar with the 18xx system and are eager to dive into something more intricate.

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