Mike,
Sorry to hear you've been bitten by the 7-1/2" gauge bug. But then it can happen to the best of us. I've got a combination mill/lathe and have dabbled with making the big stuff. No steamer yet, but I have a battery powered 2 axle loco with radio control and an outside brace boxcar (scratch built) that I take to the Comanche & Indian Gap once a year.
I've not been very active with Trainz either, but then it kind of comes and goes, depending on unrelated life events. Good to hear you are well.
David