Available engines are the Sterling, Consolidation, and the American. The Consolidation being the only engine which can navigate the incline to the 1st cities to be connected, of 4 to 16. The incline being a height of at least 3 full train lengths, half of the incline of 13-16. It might be better for only 4-5 consist, but a player needs every "penny".
The terrain is basically very hilly, which helps to "chew" up the revenue in laying track. There is a close port for commodities, but the requirement of connecting existing track, doesn't offer much chance to the other distant 2 ports that are available.
It takes a lot of meditation and calculations, and as the creator indicates, a lot of patience.
Give it a try and Good Luck in your endeavors.
![salute :salute:](./images/smilies/salute.gif)
![worship {,0,}](./images/smilies/worshippy.gif)