Prussian Rails debuted in 2008 as Preußische Ostbahn, the second game in Winsome's Historic Railroads System, then was reprinted as German Railways.
Prussian Rails builds upon the system established in Wabash Cannonball and takes the gameplay to Germany, 1840-1870, introducing an innovative player order mechanism to the system. In addition, each railroad has a special characteristic, based upon its history:
- Preußische Ostbahn - May build up to 4 track; 20 black track; Königsberg start.
- Niederschlesische - No City Penalty; 17 brown track; Breslau start.
- Sächsische - May build up to 2 track; 11 orange track; Leipzig start.
- Bayerische - Track cost -1 per hex; 16 blue track; München start.
- Main-Weser - Double one City Income; 14 yellow track; Kassel start.
- Badische - One free rural track/build; 15 red track; Mannheim start.
- Köln-Mindener - $5 maximum expediture/build; 12 purple track; Essen start.
- Berlin-Hamburger - Must connect both to receive Dividends; 13 green track; Wittenberge start.