0. Recent changes

  Version 2.xx is not compatible with 1.xx.  Although many changes are made internally, 
there are two significant changes for users.  
  When you start a new game, click "File" menu and select "New Game" instead of "Load Game".  
Saved data with initial setup are now included in module extensions, and external 18??.sav 
files under 18xx_sav folder are not used from now on.  
  Auto-reporting is improved and is now always activated regardless of player's preferences.  

  To run v18xx, it is recommended to have 256MB RAM or more for Win machines.  Version 2.12 
does not require 512MB, and runs much faster than version 2.11 or earlier.  


1. Quick start

1.1 Install JAVA 1.4.x or higher
  Go to http://java.sun.com/j2se/1.4.2/download.html, download latest version of J2SE, 
and install it.  Say yes to "desktop integration".

1.2 Install VASSAL
  Go to http://www.vassalengine.org/, and install latest version of VASSAL by clicking 
"Red V on green hex" icon in the left upper corner.  Say yes to "allow full access?".

1.3 Install v18xx
  Extract v18xx.zip, then copy v18xx folder to "C:\Program Files\VASSAL\".
  You will have:
    C:\Program Files\VASSAL\v18xx\18xx_ext\18??.mdx
    C:\Program Files\VASSAL\v18xx\18xx.mod
    C:\Program Files\VASSAL\v18xx\Copyright.txt
    C:\Program Files\VASSAL\v18xx\History.txt
    C:\Program Files\VASSAL\v18xx\Readme.txt
    C:\Program Files\VASSAL\v18xx\User's Guide.html
    C:\Program Files\VASSAL\v18xx\v18xx.jnlp

1.4 Launch v18xx
  Double click v18xx.jnlp.
  If you installed v18xx to a folder other than "C:\Program Files\VASSAL\", double click 
VASSAL icon on desktop and click "Play Module" to select 18xx.mod.

1.5 Begin new game
  See "Quick Start" in help menu.


2. Known problems

2.1 Non-hexagoneal tiles/Non-round station
  When tiles/stations are cliked, they are not hexagoneal/round.  Although it is easy to make 
them hexagoneal/round, VASSAL/v18xx runs much slower.  

2.2 Solved

2.3 Can be avoided in VASSAL 2.0 or higher
  Before moving charters, select all pieces as a group.  Selected pieces can be moved together.  
 
2.4 Solved

2.5 Unix
  In closed beta test, a Unix PC can not load saved data file.  Not all Unix, I believe.

2.6 Hex grid numbering
  Hex grid numbering is different from what it should be.  This is VASSAL limitation, 
and will not be solved until VASSAL supports grid numbering with increment by 2.

2.7 Solved

2.8 Text Label traits slows down v18xx
  Due to this problem, v18xx ver. 2.11 or earlier requires large RAM and runs slowly.  
Version 2.12 or later is free from it, I believe.  


3. Useful links

3.1 Written in English

3.2 Wirtten in Japanese
  A Home Of Game Apes   http://www.takasawas.jp/gameapes/index.php?Vassal
  �D�y���j�Q�[���F�̉�  http://www9.ocn.ne.jp/~saphisgc/VASL.htm