After downloading some routes that appeared to offer some interesting landscapes, I noticed that they all looked like they were made from plans for a model railway. Compact, loops, with stations within walking distance from each other or just over a ridge of high ground or behind some scenery. Some routes did say inspired by or even mentioned fantasy so that could be expected. But if the route names existing or real places, I expect the route to actually follow the prototype as far as distance and direction is concerned. Details can be simplified so the whole yard, town or other area doesn't have to be complete but at least be representative of the real thing. The Canadian Rocky Mountains and the Darjeeling Himalayan Railway come to mind.
Is it because many route creators are inspired by route plans in rail magazines with in a basement mindset where a route goes around and around while point to point is a rare layout or because it is just easier to do?
Is it because many route creators are inspired by route plans in rail magazines with in a basement mindset where a route goes around and around while point to point is a rare layout or because it is just easier to do?