In the “game with train themes” department, it would be interesting to find an engine with actual already available resources to make one demo sample of either. One thing I could learn is the interaction model.

As far as 3D engines go, Godot seems like a viable choice for my needs. That or a full “do it yourself” LibGDX-based approach like I was trying for Tracks.

Eventually it all boils down to assets. That’s the key thing, and the one weakness I strongly have. Looking at both above: The train shunting puzzle is within my reach; except I’m not keen on the end result and thus consider not worth the effort going there; and the large popular game is out of my reach, the number of 3d assets being way beyond my abilities.

It’s also the same usual problem: I’m looking at a bunch of game demos, and realize I don’t really want to spend that much time to get that level of result (the usual 80/80 rule applies here). And I don’t want a me-too result either.