Product Description
18 India is an exciting operational railroad board game designed for 2 to 5 players aged 12 and above, and it typically takes around 3 hours to complete a game session. Inspired by Francis Tresham's 1829 Mainline, this game offers a unique experience. While Tresham introduced some new mechanics in 1829 Mainline, many of them involve in - game randomness, which might not appeal to all players. In 18 India, these random elements are cleverly transformed into a high level of pre - game variability, giving each game a distinct character. This game truly makes players rethink 18XX standards, especially in aspects like train management and investments. India has a rich railroad history. It all started in 1837 when The Red Hill Railway used the country's first steam - powered locomotive to transport stones for road work to Madras (now Chennai). In 1845, the Madras Railway became India's first incorporated railway. Then, in 1853, a 14 - carriage train carried 400 passengers on a 21 - mile journey pulled by three steam locomotives, marking the start of passenger railway service in India. Today, India boasts the world's fourth - largest railway network. The 18 India game comes with a great set of components. It includes a mounted map board sized 22' x 34', which depicts the Indian subcontinent with various cities and railway routes. There are 210 track tiles for constructing and upgrading railway routes on the map. You'll also find 125 wooden tokens representing trains, stations, and other game elements. There are 253 cards, including company shares, train cards, and other operational elements. Additionally, there are 20 company charters for managing railway companies' operations and finances, and a comprehensive 20 - page rulebook that details all the game rules and mechanics.
To play 18 India, first, set up the game by laying out the mounted map board on a flat surface. Place the track tiles, wooden tokens, cards, and company charters nearby. Read through the 20 - page rulebook to understand the rules and mechanics. The game is for 2 to 5 players aged 12 and above, and it usually takes about 3 hours to play. Each player will need to manage trains, make investments, and construct railway routes on the map using the track tiles. When it comes to using the wooden tokens, use them to represent trains, stations, etc., as described in the rulebook. The cards are used for various in - game actions, like trading company shares. As for company charters, use them to manage the operations and finances of your railway companies. During the game, pay attention to the pre - game variability. It will give each game a different feel, so be ready to adapt your strategies. When handling the components, be gentle to avoid damaging the map board, track tiles, wooden tokens, and cards. After the game, store all the components in a dry place. You can use the provided box or a suitable container to keep everything organized for the next game session.
