I play with my trains, Vinny, and I do it pretty much as you describe. Atlas track, ballasted, etc., Menards buildings, Plasticville Airport terminal and hangar, along with the milk car, baggage platform, rotating beacon, radar, barrel loader, ad nauseum. I admire those who can do realistic scenery, but I cannot (or, I haven't been educated).
Playing with trains takes me back to the happier, carefree times in my life, before having to worry about "will she like me or not," or, I hope that noise under the hood isn't expensive, so why can't I be happy, right? I PROUDLY state that I play with my trains.