I know this is blasphemy to some. But it's also the practical reality. Over four years ago, I started accepting the fact that the model railroads I want to build in the future will best exist virtually instead of physically. VR or AR glasses can achieve the virtual model railroad experience, but my preference is for a glasses-free 3D screen. With just one screen per operator, you could have an unlimited shadowbox model railroad that looks real but that you can't touch; a single screen could display whatever scene on the model railroad is in operation at any given moment; and each scene could have a different scale depending on what makes most sense. The screen technology is already here. Just need to get the price point down a bit. Here is a thorough exploration of the most impressive screen currently.
Back in 2022, when I first started seriously thinking about this, I hadn't considered how good AI would get at coding so quickly. But now, I can see that, when the time comes, I'll be able to vibe code the software required to make a virtual model railroad into existence. As for the throttle/game controller, using a conventional game controller or a phone as a remote gamepad would be the simplest solution.
Since most of my modeling is already done digitally for 3D printing, once the tech is ready, I'll be able to make the transition easily. Now, just because a virtual model railroad is ideal in terms of cost, space, realism, and flawless operations, doesn't mean physical models no longer have any appeal. Physical models are still cool and fascinating. But I've already stopped accumulating physical models for a future physical layout. I'm only accumulating physical models that I want to have around for display or use right now. My focus is instead on accumulating more and more information and digital forms of all the models I want on my future virtual layouts.
