On the subject of "intricate" modeling discussed above.
In my professional life, when someone asks me if the idea that have can be done, my response is YES I can design anything you want. If the customer has an UNLIMITED budget it's no problem.
The response would be, well how much do you think it will cost?
I would say without getting it all designed, and getting quotes I can take a guess, "I am shooting from the hip". On the other hand, by past experience, I usually can be within 20%. Also be advised, since we haven't done it before, it is going to add to the lead time. That's because we don't have "references" to use, and it will require many new parts, and engineering analysis, to be sure it actually will work as intended. I am not making excuses or dragging my feet, I just want you to understand the implications of what you are asking. Oh and BTW if the analysis indicates a problem we may not be able to do it! There is this pesky thing called the Laws of Physics. I can design anything but THAT DOESN'T mean it can be built!
This is why I ask so many question before I start to "execute" a project. With the products I designed you didn't get a second chance to get it right. I saw a lot of co-workers have to "fall on their swords". People get upset when you make a $10M dollar mistake. Go figure.
Hopefully my O Scale Empire won't cost THAT much, but the way I have been buying stuff who knows. BTW at some points the checks are gonna bounce, my pockets aren't that deep. I am a design engineer, not an investment banker, or wall street trader.
Thanks to ALL that have posted!
