1858: The Railways of Iberia (2011)

About this game

A mid-size 18xx game set in Spain and Portugal. Features include: two gauges of track; 22 private companies which build track and are exchanged for shares in public companies; 5-share and 10-share public companies; four types of train; and a two-stage obsolescence of trains. In stock rounds, privates are auctioned and public company shares are exchanged or bought. In operating rounds, companies lay or upgrade track, place station markers, earn revenues, buy new trains (or trains from other companies), and issue/redeem shares to/from the bank pool. As the game progresses, new train types allow better track to be laid and phase out older trains. The game ends when the bank runs out of money: the winner is the richest player (in cash and share values).

Does it fit your group?

• Group size. Works with 3 to 6.
• Rules load. At 3.8/5 this is a heavy game — read the rulebook before people arrive.
• Age. The publisher suggests 12 and up. That rates the rules rather than the artwork, so judge the box yourself for younger players.