Gap years vs. streaks

[Baldy's Boss]

Another playing-technique question.How many value streaks of consecutive profit,or consecutive profit growth,as opposed to allowing occasional years of loss when heavy investment is made?

My Little Old World Red Railroad game just had a gap year.It's my first game to start from before the 1920s (hence Old) and in a much smaller world than I usually play (hence Little).
Building the passenger route from Breestable to Bandown Castle took a lot of construction money and populating it even more vehicle money.It also added significantly to the maintenance bills.But it seems sure to pay off in the long run.

Any comments on the general practice,or on this case?

[Chrill]

In the beginning of games I always lose money for at least 2-3 years while hovering just on the limit of max loan before I slow down my construction. At that point, money quickly stops being an issue.

[Baldy's Boss]

You don't share my determination to retire bank debt quickly.
I can understand one's profit streak not starting for a while but a mature company can still spend more than it takes in...as long as it's discretionary rather than fixed costs that can be overcome.
The investment in the passenger-mail line between Breestable Woods (odd name for a station sited by ripping up a street through a developed area) and Bandown Castle certainly seems to be offering a good return.