Version 2.8.6 of RAILROAD MANAGER brings a new coach, the early american bogey coach “B4”. At first sight nothing spectacular, it really is a game changer, as it is available already from 1855 – in all standard missions! This posting explains why.

In reality, coaches with large single cabin emerged in northern america, while in europe featured many side-door compartments, so nobody could simply go from one compartment to another except on stations, not even speaking of changing coaches (for example going for the dining car).

The bogeys made those coaches heavier, but the rolling comfort was strictly better. And more passengers could be transported. That’s exactly what the new coach is all about.

Have a look at the best possible passenger trains in 19th century in our game so far:

The Southern Pacific steam loco could haul three green or blue coaches 2nd class plus at maximum one blue-pink coach 3rd/4th class, which are slightly heavier and transport five more passengers. The shown combination with 30+30+30+35 passengers is the largest possible during most early missions. But it’s slow, because the locomotive is more meant for freight trains. Use trains like this for short or commuter lines.

For fast trains, this combination is better:

The Cöln-Mindener steam loco (built 1870) is the fastest you can get in the 19th century. It can go up to 85 km/h but only with the coaches available later (Saxonian C3, 1895).
The 1B can only haul two small passenger coaches, at best one 2nd class plus one 3rd/4th class, which sums up to 65 passengers. This train is great for longer lines. Make sure it does not interfer with slower trains on the same track!

Now let’s talk about the new bogey coach!

It has room for 40 passengers with a maximum speed of 60 kph and is slightly heavier. The blue Cöln Mindener loco cannot haul two of them – but one plus one smaller coach:

This combination has a capacity of 70 which is 5 more than before with same speed and upkeep, so this train is strictly better! And because the new coach is available in all standard missions, you can basically improve all your scores as you can transport more passengers in the same time!

Of course the combination with the american steam loco is also possible:

This train also takes 5 more passengers than the best before, shown above.

Now have fun playing with the new coach, also with newer locos, and go for the high scores! Can you beat for example 1603 points in Riverland/Passengers or 1286 points in North Germany/Passengers? We’ll see!