Harzbahn 1873

About this board game

Harzbahn 1873 is an 18xx variant for 2–5 players, with games lasting about 300 minutes. Set in the Harz mountain range of northern Germany, it models narrow-gauge railroads alongside mines and other industrial plants.

The game begins with 15 independent mines relying on horse-drawn delivery, while early railways push track through difficult terrain with weak engines. Players must weigh investment in the rail network against investment in the mines as connections gradually improve the flow of products and profits.

Mining companies change the economic picture. Fragmented mines can join forces, forming companies that pay better than independent operations but have limited capital. Public mining companies can then acquire additional mines, creating opportunities for owners while reshaping control of the industry.

Rail companies face their own challenges, including purchasing routes and extending lines across demanding terrain. Once connected to mines and other plants, they can begin turning a profit, but protecting their markets and expanding toward new ones requires careful management. Some companies may fail through overextension, while prudent management and longer routes can deliver substantial shareholder returns.

• Manage up to 7 public railroad companies.
• Develop 15 private mining companies and up to 5 public mining companies.
• Connect static mines and plants to the railroad network.
• Use distinctive systems for train operations, route determination, and revenue calculation.

With its focus on both rail infrastructure and mining consolidation, Harzbahn 1873 stands apart from more conventional 18xx designs. Its central question is persistent throughout the game: should limited resources strengthen the rails, the mines, or the companies that bring them together?