Lin Ting-sheng had just taken over the family business from his father at age 25. Actually, he hoped to take this opportunity to transition into the business of manufacturing train cars. The bid was unsuccessful and left him in debt, but the government deeply appreciated his efforts and he became one of the top local businessmen.
當時年僅 25 歲、初掌家族企業的第 2 代林挺生，原本想藉此取得製造火車的商機，雖然未能如願且背了一身債務，但卻深得國民政府欣賞，成為新一代台籍菁英中的「紅頂商人」。