FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions - [RBP Help Contents]
For a more extensive FAQ, visit the RB Fanatics Web site at http://www.railgamefans.com.
Q. I reinstalled Windows, but my old RBP registration passcode doesn't work. Help!
A. Solutions are described in the Lost Registration section of the registration topic.
Q. Where can I buy a copy of the old RB board game?
A. As of this writing, the board game is out of print. If you need a copy, we recommend searching at eBay.com; usually a few used and new copies are available there. Alternatively, you can find free print-your-own game components at RailGameFans.com.
Q. Why does RBP ask me every turn if I want it to suggest a route? Can it just do so?
A. Yes, in the Game Options window, toggle on Automatic Suggest Route. If you'd like RBP to also automatically move your train, try the Automove feature. Note that you can disable the arrival and opponent purchase message windows via checkboxes in the Display Settings window.
Q. If I like the suggested route, what's the easiest way to tell RBP I want to use it?
A. The easiest is to press the Spacebar. There are also other ways: 1) click the right mouse button on the map, and choose "Use Suggested + Done", 2) click on the last thick tunnel symbol, then click OK (done); 3) Shift+Click the OK (done) button; 4) press Shift+Enter; 5) press Ctrl+G; or 6) press Alt+d.
Q. The suggested route is interfering with my ability to choose a different route. Help!
A. Press Ctrl+C to clear the suggested route, or choose the Turn, Suggest Route, Clear pull-down menu.
Q. Where multiple RRs parallel each other between two dots, how can I select one RR in particular for travel?
A. When marking your route, if you Shift+Click on the next destination dot, RBP will display a list of the RRs. You can then click in the list on the RR you want. Or, if RBP does not pick the RR you prefer to move upon, click again on the same dot to switch your planned movement to the next parallel RR.
Q. How come I can't win? RBP's gotta be cheating...
A. Yes, RBP may be tough to beat, but the random elements in the game (dice and destinations) are not 'fixed' in any way. To make the game easier to win, use fewer players, and set their skill level to Avg or lower. Try playing against Geo Pullman: he is not as good a player as the other barons. Also, note that while the various suggestion features in the software (suggest a route, RR purchase advice, etc.) are helpful, if you always accept the advice, you'll be playing no better than the AI. You need to think differently (i.e. better) than the AI to win. As a last resort, make all your AI opponents the IA Newby type...he purchases RRs randomly and is quite easy to trounce.
Q. How does RBP calculate the game score?
A. This is described in the Hall of Fame topic.
Q. RBP crashed mid-way through the game. What's the problem?
A. Millions of games have been played to completion with RBP so far. The most likely cause of a mid-game crash is the display driver for your copy of Windows. Try changing your Windows Control Panel, Display settings to some other resolution (screen size) and/or color depth, then restart RBP. If the problem goes away, it means the drivers for the resolution and/or color depth you had been using contain bugs. You might be able to obtain updates from Microsoft or your device's manufacturer. If the problem continues, in order to investigate, we will need a copy of the game saved just before the crash.
Q. Did Avalon Hill know about RBP?
A. Yes, we first told AH of our efforts in 1997. We demonstrated RBP to them, given them a copy to test, and in 1997, formally proposed enhancing the game for the mass market. We have distributed RBP with their permission, and have acquired the Rail Baron trademark.
For more questions and answers, see the FAQs at our Web site http://www.railgamefans.com