This program starts off with a comprehensive history of the 1218 as well as the Norfolk & Western Railroad itself. Some of the narration involved is particularly concise. After that part is over the main part of the program is as follows:

April 21, 1987: Birmingham, AL to Atlanta, GA
April 22, 1987: Atlanta, GA to Salisbury, NC
April 23, 1987: Salisbury, NC to Roanoke, VA
April 25, 1987: Roanoke, VA to Bluefield, VA Round-Trip
April 26, 1987: Roanoke, VA to Lynchburg, VA Round-Trip (Morning)
Roanoke, VA to Walton, VA (Afternoon)

The majority of the program is on the weekend excursions out of Roanoke. The excursions are interesting in that they are at opposite ends of the spectrum when it comes to weather. On Saturday's trip the weather was wretched with torrential rain and floods such that the excursion was almost cut short. But in spite of that, the excursion was extremely successful. On Sunday's excursion, the weather was completely the opposite as it was sunny and there was no rain at all. There is even aerial footage of 1218 and in-cab footage of 1218 on Sunday's trip.

The only downside to this program is that some of the footage is used from other sources. For example, most of the contemporary scenes (especially from Birmingham to Roanoke) is from the program "The Awesome A Part 1" by Berkshire Productions.

Additional remarks by Nikhil Murthy:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Definitely!
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

My most favorite video, lots of great information about the Norfolk Western railroad an its locomotives

Additional remarks by conductorjack:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value: Excellent Value!
Recommend to others? A "Must Have"!

I first saw "18 Wheels of Steel" when it was originally produced in VHS tape format in the late 1980s. This DVD is a faithful reproduction of the VHS tape. Footage taken of N&W 1218 when it was first restored and taken out onto the mainlines was put together to celebrate its restoration. There is also some original footage of construction of these giant locomotives alongside their brothers and sisters at the Roanoke Shops. A clear and concise commentary accompanies this record of events, with some interesting facts about the N&W and 1218 as well. Some of the filmed sequences portray 1218 in all her glory, with some wonderful sounds of that chime whistle so distinct on the N&W echoing across the deep valleys and forest. Sit back with a hot cuppa and enjoy the ride.

Additional remarks by Gavin Thrum:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Good.
DVD Value: Good Value
Recommend to others? Definitely.

This DVD has some great scenes in the rain. It also does a great job of bringing the energy of steam as the camera moves from helicopter to cab to trackside.

Additional remarks by Ben:
Narration: Just enough.
Would kids enjoy this? Maybe.
Image quality: Excellent!
DVD Value:: Fair.
Recommend to others? Yes.