It offers a very different story arc and experience from its predecessor. As in its predecessor, you must develop, build and establish your industries and network in an effort to exploit low or high market demands. The game is played over two halves: the Canal Era (years 1770-1830) and the Rail Era (years 1830-1870). To win the game, score the most VPs. VPs are counted at the end of each half for the canals, rails and established (flipped) industry tiles.

Each round, players take turns according to the turn order track, receiving two actions to perform any of the following actions (found in the original game):

1. Build – Pay required resources and place an industry tile.
2. Network – Add a rail or canal link to expand your network.
3. Develop – Increase the VP value of an industry.
4. Sell – Sell your cotton, manufactured goods and pottery.
5. Loan – Take a £30 loan and reduce your income.
6. Scout – Discard three cards and take a wild location and wild industry card (A new action in Brass Birmingham that replaces Double Action Build in the original Brass).