Tracks to Telluride (1994) – Board Game Guys

Tracks to Telluride

“Tracks to Telluride” is a railroad board game centered on the construction of railroad tracks and servicing mines along those tracks. The game is set in 19th century Colorado and was inspired by real-life railway construction during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The game was developed by John Bohrer, with playtesting by the Edgewood Gaming Group, the Trout to Telluride Club, and the Pittsburgh Smoking Engineers. It was first published in 1994, with an expansion, “Advanced Tracks to Telluride,” published in 1995.

Why is Tracks to Telluride Popular?

“Tracks to Telluride” is popular and significant due to its unique board construction mechanism, which consists of four sheets joined at each corner. The game is rich in history and offers a challenging and immersive experience for players. It has gained a strong following among board game enthusiasts and has been well-received by the board game community.

Game Components of Tracks to Telluride

Game Board: A unique, patented board construction consisting of four sheets joined at one corner and rotated out to fully display.

Crayons: Used to draw narrow- and standard-gauge track on the hex map.

Track Pieces: For constructing railroad tracks.

Mine Contracts: For servicing mines.

Lawyer Cards: To inhibit opponents’ progress.

Player Tokens: To mark players’ progress and ownership.

How To Setup Tracks to Telluride

To set up the game, players first assemble the board by rotating the four interconnected sheets into a full display. Each player chooses a token and places it on the starting point. Players then receive a set of crayons and any initial track pieces or mine contracts. The lawyer cards are shuffled and placed within reach.

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Game Category: Railroad game, Economic game

Mechanics: Crayon Rail System, Area Control, Resource Management

Objective: Players aim to construct railroad tracks, service mines, and earn income by contracting mines and entering cities first. The game involves strategic use of lawyers to block opponents’ progress.

Player Experience

Playing **Tracks to Telluride** is a immersive experience that combines strategic planning with a touch of historical context. Players must balance the need to expand their railroad network with the challenge of navigating through difficult mountain passes. The game’s unique use of crayons to draw tracks adds a creative and tactile element, making it engaging and visually appealing.

Pros

Unique Mechanics: The Crayon Rail System provides a fresh and engaging way to build tracks.

Strategic Depth: The game requires careful planning and strategic use of resources.

Historical Setting: The game is set in a specific historical period, adding educational value.

Interactive: The use of lawyer cards introduces a social element, allowing players to interact and hinder each other.

Cons

Complex Setup: The unique board mechanism can be time-consuming to set up.

Lengthy Gameplay: The game can last up to 120 minutes, which may be daunting for some players.

Niche Appeal: The game’s theme and mechanics might not appeal to all types of gamers.

Personal Thoughts on Tracks to Telluride

**Tracks to Telluride** is ideal for fans of railroad and economic games who appreciate complex strategies and unique mechanics. It is suited for players aged 13 and up, particularly those who enjoy games with a strong historical context and a high level of interactivity. While it may not be the best fit for casual or new gamers due to its complexity and length, it offers a rich and rewarding experience for those willing to dive in.

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