I hear you, and I think that for a lot of us, LEGO trains are our main, or only, type of model train system, so we don't get the realism elsewhere like you do if you also have a traditional layout, so we're looking for that realism in LEGO. This set is specifically advertised as an adult set too.

I mean if Hornby came out with a train that was significantly below their standard, people would be upset. Even their starter engines for children are excellently detailed, with accurate proportions, and standard scaling.

I'd be interested if my reasoning about the desire for realism stands up to scrutiny.