Railways of England and Wales
- Designer Martin Wallace
- Publisher Eagle-Gryphon Games
- Illustration Paul Niemeyer , David Oram
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Start for freeWhat to Expect
Set in mid-19th century England, you manage small railway companies merging into larger ones. You strategically build your rail network using tile placement, bid for valuable routes via auction and open drafting, and transport goods with pick-up and deliver mechanics. The expansion offers two rule sets: one aligning with Railways of the World gameplay and a new share and economic engine system by Martin Wallace, delivering complex economic gameplay.
Who Is This Game For?
This expansion targets experienced players familiar with railway and economic strategy games. With a playtime of around 120 minutes, it demands patience and strategic thinking. Suitable for ages 10 and up, it is not recommended for beginners without prior gaming experience.
How It Works
Players use Auction/Bidding to compete for routes, while Network and Route Building with Tile Placement lets them expand their railways. Open Drafting allows selecting tiles or cards from a shared pool, and Pick-up and Deliver manages goods transportation. The second rule set introduces a share and economic system influencing company growth and income.
What Makes It Special
Designed by Martin Wallace and nominated for the 2009 Golden Geek Best Board Game Expansion, this expansion adds a new economic layer to Railways of the World. It is often compared to Railways of Great Britain (2013) and shares similarities with Steam Barons in its advanced share system.
Awards
2009
- 2010 Juego del Año Tico — Nominated
Pro
- Combines Auction/Bidding and Network Building
- Two distinct rule sets for variety
- Designed by Martin Wallace
- Nominated for Golden Geek Best Board Game Expansion 2009
Contra
- Complex rules and long playtime (~120 minutes)
- Only suitable for experienced players
- No solo mode available
Setting & Atmosphäre
The game is set in 19th century England and Wales, during the era when small railway companies merged into major corporations shaping the transport network.
Tipp für Einsteiger
Take time to learn the mechanics and start with the simpler rule set before trying the economic version.
Häufige Fragen
Can I play this solo?
No, Railways of England and Wales supports 2 to 5 players and does not include a solo mode.
How long does a game really take?
Gameplay typically lasts about 120 minutes, plus time for setup and explanation.
What prior experience do I need?
The game targets experienced players familiar with complex strategy and railway themes.
How does this compare to similar games?
It uniquely combines classic railway mechanics with a share and economic system, setting it apart.
Is this suitable for families?
Due to complexity and length, it is better suited for experienced players rather than families with young children.
What mechanic makes it special?
The blend of Auction/Bidding, Network and Route Building, and an advanced share system stands out.
Fazit
Railways of England and Wales is a valuable expansion for experienced players seeking complex economic and strategic railway gameplay. It is less suitable for newcomers due to its complexity.
