This game is largely based on the rules of 1830, but has a number of new elements that make it a standalone game. First, the 6 private companies, all of which have a specific function, will be auctioned among the 3 to 6 players. Then the 8 railway companies can be opened. The special feature of 18BL are the rail buses, which are available as an alternative to the normal locomotives. The rail busses reflect passenger transport by rail in rural areas of the Bergisch Land, which was not attractive enough for the use of normal passenger trains. The challenge for 18BL is to find the right mix of locomotives and rail busses according to the available rail network and the connected cities and towns.