# Railway Rivals

## General Info
- **Year Published**: 1979
- **BGG Rating**: 6.7
- **BGG Rank**: #6864
- **Players**: 2-6 (Best with: 3)
- **Duration**: 90 min
- **Weight**: 2.33 / 5
- **Designers**: David G. Watts
- **Artists**: Andrew Poole, David G. Watts
- **Publishers**: Fairmount Gaming Simulations Co., Games Workshop Ltd., Rostherne Games
- **Categories**: Racing, Trains
- **Mechanics**: Line Drawing

## Verdict
If you enjoy the idea of drawing your own railways and competing in exciting races, Railway Rivals is a gem! It's a classic game with a unique twist.Creative route buildingFun random racesDual-sided board (UK/US)High replay valueRelies on drawing skillLuck in racesRECOMMENDED

## Description
Railway Rivals is a classic that throws you straight onto the tracks for a railway race! Think of it as the grandfather of many modern train games, where the fun lies in drawing your own lines on the hexagonal board. You use marker pens that wipe off easily with a damp cloth, so don't worry about making a mess. The game works in phases: first, you spend some cash to lay down your routes, connecting cities and filling your pockets. Once a certain number of cities are linked, the race begins! Cities are drawn randomly, and whoever finishes first and second gets some extra cash. After a few races, it's time to expand the network again, build more tracks, and head into the next competition. Building over mountains costs more, but can shorten the route. And check this out: you can build parallel lines to others for a fee, or even connect to an opponent's track and rent its use when it's your turn to race. The board comes with a UK map on one side and a US map on the other, both full of fun challenges that ensure every game is different. Creator David Watts even released extra maps for those who want more! The reimplemented version is Dampfross. It's a game that, despite its simplicity, offers good doses of strategy and fun for anyone who enjoys trains and a good competition.

## FAQ
### How many players can join?
Railway Rivals is for 2 to 6 players, so you can play with the whole gang or just with a friend.

### How long does a game take?
Games typically last around 90 minutes, a good amount of time to build your network and win some races.

### Is the game complicated to learn?
No, the rules are quite straightforward, focusing on drawing lines and racing. It's an accessible game with an interesting strategic layer.

### What components come with the game?
The core game includes a hexagonal board (with two maps, UK and US), markers for drawing lines, and dice for the races.

### Who is this game best suited for?
It's perfect for those who enjoy train games, route drawing, and a competition with a touch of luck. Great for families and groups looking for something different.

### Can I play with children?
Yes, the line-drawing mechanic and simple races make it suitable for older children, with supervision for strategy.

### Is it possible to play solo?
Originally, it wasn't designed for solo play, but with community creativity, there might be variants or scenarios available for solo gaming.