1825 Unit 1

About this board game

1825 Unit 1 is a modular 18xx railway game for 2–5 players, with a listed playing time of approximately 180 minutes. Released in 1995, it is Francis Tresham’s revised version of 1829.

The game is part of a three-unit system. Unit 1 and Unit 2 broadly cover the same area as the 1829 southern board, while Unit 3 covers most of the remainder of England and Scotland. Expansion kits add extra money, trains, tiles, companies, and phases, with regional kits extending the setting into areas of England, Scotland, and Wales not included in the base units.

Its rules remain rooted in 1829 while introducing a range of improvements. Survey parties are optional, and track construction works much like it does in many other 18xx games. The stock market is also familiar, but high dividends can produce multiple upward market leaps.

• Trains may run to, but not through, stations occupied by a token.
• Company shares become available in bands of the same value.
• Each band opens when one of the companies in the preceding band is sold out.

A single unit typically lasts about 1½ to 3 hours and accommodates around 2–4 players. Combining units and expansions increases both the player count and playing time: two units with all expansions can support 3–6 players, with 7 officially possible, and last roughly 4–8 hours. All three units support 4–9 players and take considerably longer.

With its modular structure, evolving stock market, and emphasis on railway development and company shares, 1825 Unit 1 offers a flexible way to experience Tresham’s revised 18xx design.