18NY: The Formation of the New York Central Railroad

About this board game

18NY: The Formation of the New York Central Railroad is an 18xx railroad game for 2–6 players, with a play time of approximately 300 minutes. Set in New York State and surrounding areas, it combines stock trading, train operations, and track building in a race to finish with the greatest net worth.

Players compete through a changing sequence of Stock Rounds and Operating Rounds. During Stock Rounds, players and share companies may buy or sell stock in minor and share companies, open new companies, or take over existing ones.

During Operating Rounds, each minor and share company conducts business. Companies lay track, place stations, and buy trains, steadily developing their position as the game progresses.

• Stock play: Buy and sell stock, open companies, and take over existing ones.
• Company operations: Lay track, place stations, and purchase trains.
• 18xx progression: Stock and operating rounds begin by alternating, then increasingly include more operating rounds between stock rounds.

The changing round structure gives the game a developing pace. Early play alternates between investment decisions and company operations, while later play places greater emphasis on operating the railroads.

At the end of the game, success is measured by each player’s total net worth in cash and stock. First released in 2011, 18NY offers a substantial railroad investment and management experience for groups seeking a long-form 18xx game set in New York and its surrounding areas.