Okay...
Thanks to the help I've received from you folks, the Great Pacific Railway is rolling over the plains. I've tested it as far as Cheyenne and Reno and I'm tweaking the prices and stuff now.
Here's how it works so far:
As you make connections, you are awarded land grants and US government bonds. The land grants are worth more later (if you can hold onto them) and the bonds eventually must be repaid (for a lot more than they brought you). Track is allocated per month with additional lots available later. You can beat the actual time to the Golden Spike, but you'll have to work at it. :)
Construction in winter is almost impossible (+1000% price increase). Track-laying costs and maintenance are high anyway (+50% until the connection is made).
You are allowed to build and buy industry; I reversed myself on that. Until the Golden Spike is driven you should not exceed $500k annually in industrial profits or the public will think you are scamming their money. After all, you are supposed to build a railroad, not an industrial empire!
I am working out the events for the Credit Mobilier and the resulting scandals. You will have the choice of being completely clean and losing influence with the government, taking the historical path or REALLY wallowing in the slush funds. :)
You have four years - yes, four years
- to build it. Then you'd better figure out how to run the thing at a profit so you can pay off all your creditors!
Events for alkaline water west of Rawlins, snowsheds, Indian attacks, fires and labor strikes will be added.
Please let me have your comments and suggestions... it isn't quite ready to beta-test, but it will be soon.