Any Rail Baron Players here?

[rah]

And if you have to sell it after getting a big one, you can sometimes make a profit.

[Urban Ranger]

That's true.

What about the 3 railroads connecting NW (CMStP&P, NP, and GN)? I always go for CMStP&P first, even though it connects fewer cities and is the most expensive. What about you?

[rah]

NP. It's cheaper, has the most coverage, and it still connects easy. If i have the WP, i'll splurge for the GN.
The CMStP&P is only prefered if it's a 6 man game and connecting is a real problem.

[Urban Ranger]

CMStP&P is more efficient though.

[rah]

But it doesn't go to portland. The number one probo city in the northwest.

[Ming]

Yeah... the CMSTP&P is nice in a 5 or 6 person game.

But portland is big... and the NP or GN can be easily hooked and give better coverage. the one or two squares you save aren't worth it if you have to go to Fargo or Portland

[rah]

Hooking the NP with the CB&Q can be real nice. Especially if you have the ATS&F.

[Ming]

The CN&W and NP combo costs $28 K. For the extra $10K over the cost of the CMSTP&P... You get to the following additional cities:

Fargo
Omaha
Rapid City (which you lock)
Casper
Billings
Portland

And still get all 6 cities that the CMSTP&P gets to.
It also makes the Northwest a lot more "comfortable" to call for a long run

[-Jrabbit]

CMSTP&P is fast but not thorough -- and it's harder to hook (no CB&Q option). If you're not going to calling the NW region, it's fine. If you have the UP without the WP, it's the preferred rail.

Overall, (in general) I agree that the NP is the best of the lot -- the most flexible, fine coverage, inexpensive, and fast enough.

I sometimes buy the C&NW first. It makes all the others better, provides a lock, and takes away the only cheap hook.

[Ming]

Harder to hook?????

It is the only one of the three that goes to Chicago

[-Jrabbit]

OK, sorry, technically the CMSTP&P doesn't need a hook. But having every return trip from a NW destination go through Chicago *can be* a major pain.

[rah]

Especially if you're doing a seattle - LA run and your only other rail west is the ATS&F

[Ming]

Originally posted by -Jrabbit
OK, sorry, technically the CMSTP&P doesn't need a hook. But having every return trip from a NW destination go through Chicago *can be* a major pain.

That I agree with... not the harder to hook line

[Urban Ranger]

Yesterday I had a solo game on the Rail Baron Player. After awhile, I noticed the B&O was still avilable while I already had the PA and one of the big western rails, so I grabbed that, which proved to be enough of an edge to win.

[rah]

That has happened more in the normal 4 player game. If someone thinks they can stall on the B&O and C&O to harvest another area, the person with the PA buys it and get's two benefits. The phil, baltimore, pitts, lock, and watching the other two fight for the C&O.

But sometimes having both will encourage people to take the NYC if possible to avoid you for being a pig.