I will probably make myself unpopular here. Being a bit of a Luddite, I have yet to be convinced that 3D printing is 'proper' modelling. Having spent a lifetime of making card mock-ups to check size/fit then cutting, filing, scraping various thicknesses of Plasticard to shape various parts I do not see having a computer and 3D printer do it all for you as somehow quite legitimate....
David
I think the key component is time, whatever your manufacturing technique, what makes a model something wondrous to behold is that the great ones reflect the time and effort that has been put into it by the creator.
The manufacturing process may be simplified but the time has to be made up in the design and planning stage. My railway CAD models don't have that much detail in them but I bet the basic mock up for my Beyer build probably used somewhere between 15 - 20 hours of design work. The benefit is I build all the plasticard parts once. It's my modern version of the cardboard mock up if you will. You only need to look at Sid's CAD model for his GWR tank in the build contest thread or his wagons to see how much detail can begin to be put in, then we're talking dozens of hours of modelling. Something as detailed as an LGB loco is probably hundreds if not thousands.
Additionally I would add it's just another skill one has to practice like any art. Your creations David, have been an ongoing source of inspiration for me but I wouldn't expect to pick up a fresh piece of plasticard and produce anything like it on my first go. I wouldn't expect there are many people in here who could open up a copy of Creo or Solidworks and create an accurate representation of something on their first go either.
To put things in perspective, my last big project at work was designing the front end bodywork and radiator/oil cooler cowling for the new Triumph Rocket. I think if I were to add it all up it would total something over 2500 hours of CAD work. The various injection moulding and HPDC machines that make it can probably knock the whole lot out in under 30 seconds
Just to round off, I hope both of you keep posting photos of your efforts. Both are inspiring to me in different ways.