I had a 1.6" scale Little Engines Pacific converted to Harriman "Light" complete with all brass Vanderbilt tender. 700#. I could move it in my pickup. I was happy to own it, and even happier to see it leave. I now have two 1" scale 0-4-0s and a nice coal fired SP 0-6-0. I'd rather fly than drive them.
The way I see it, unless you are exceptional, leisure time cannot be split between live steam and aviation. Same with sailboats. I would love to be a sailboat guy, or to be able to drive a live steamer once a year. There is a skillset involved that I do not have.