A lot can be even better, when it comes to making a profit. Big cities and the military both like their nightcaps. Alcohol is a new industry in The Second Century, and it can be a very profitable one as well. It provides a great use for all the produce that needed a full steel-cannery cycle to use before, or it can be used as a secondary outlet for grain or sugar. Use em and Lose em.
Managers tend to be an underestimated asset.
They don t mind being hired just long enough for you to take advantage of their abilities. Hire one to lower stock prices just before you buy up your stock, then maybe replace him with an expansionist that will make track laying costs lower and expansion cheaper. Finally, switch to an efficiency manager to lower your fuel or maintenance costs once your empire is largely built. Pamper your customers. They like to travel far, but they like to enjoy it.