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1826 is set in France and Belgium and reflects the full period of
Franco-Belgian railroading, from the origins to the present day. Both
countries developed their railroad systems under close Government
supervision and this is reflected in the game. The two major French
nationalizations are covered, as are the post-war electrification and the
introduction of high-speed rail (the TGV).
1826 is a moderately complex game, designed for experienced players who are
looking for something different than the usual round of 1830, 1856 and 1870.
Due to the nature of the French political environment, this is not a game
for extensive stock market manipulations, nor is it primarily a game of
financial management. 1826 is an operationally-centered game in which
technology management--getting the right trains on the right companies--is
key.
Companies are incrementally funded, and can buy and sell their own stock.
Companies start out as five-share companies and can convert to ten-share
companies upon reaching their destination. The first four train classes,
including the first-generation permanent trains, have a range in hexes (2,
4, 6 or 10) rather than cities: the last two train classes, which are
permanent, have a range in cities. There are two merger corporations, one of
which may form relatively early (when the green tiles become available) and
the other somewhat later (its first opportunity to form is when brown tiles
become available). |