Rails of New England Board Game - Train Strategy for Family Game Night

I'm a long-time fan of the 18xx-series of games. Not that this is like that, but just so's you understand that I am a fan of complex railroad-themed games. The requirement is to build a business empire as you're building the transportation network (by buying depots in various towns and cities) to serve that empire. Each player represents a state in New England that is trying to develop into Massachusetts as well as linking with the greater world via New York City and/or Montreal. Additional income comes from earning state mail contracts, state subsidies and controlling specific tourist destinations. Your income is determined by having these routes, owning businesses in towns you have depots in (which usually increases if you've got a presence in the major exporting cities of Boston, NYC and Montreal) and, finally, the overall economic situation (Depression, Normal or Prosperity). Each turn, Events may occur that further affect income. Additionally, the game covers three phases that represent different advancing technological eras. At the end, the player with the most money - as determined by cash, business cost, route and subsidy value and the number of depots - wins.Actually, though the large number of pieces and components may intimidate you, the game play can be quickly and easily grasped. The game duration is rated for 3 hours. More will be required for new players or for players who tend to strategize slowly (there are a number of ways you can try to go with your strategy and tactics, so there is a bit of pausing and pondering). There is some degree of interaction with other players as most cities can only hold 2 depots, so it's first-come, first-served at certain gate-way locations.As it is, this games hits a number of sweet spots of mine, so though I've only played it twice, I really, really like it. My only problem is finding enough people interested in the kind of game who have the time available to play it.What I like about this game is, it keeps all the positive aspects of train games intact, and removes the negative ones. There are other train games where stock transactions can cripple your hard work, and after hours of play, it leaves a bitter taste. Here, your work is rarely lost. Yes, there are a few action cards that can cause a forced sale or close some depots, but by and large the huge losses I've experienced in other train games don't happen. Be prepared for a long gaming session on this one, we find about 1.5 hours per person is about right, so a 4 player game takes about 6 hours to complete. It helps during such a game to take a break about every 5 turns for 15 min. or so, in our experience. Also, be sure to go online and get the latest rules once you purchase the game, there are a few things included there that they completely forgot to mention. Despite these minor rules flaws, we enjoy this game, and the price is a steal for the amount of time you'll spend playing it.as a native Rhode Islander, i have an especial liking for this game.best 3-player scenario eliminates Vermont and NH;4-player, eliminate either VT or NH.institute bidding rules for selecting positions --home-brew them, don't use the ones on BGG.This game engine should be adapted to a separate edition forSE USA -- i, for one, would surely buy it!