I'm gonna reply to this...
No, not chicken. I bought Vone's book many years ago and gave it a try. I found it to be too much like work to be fun. Possibly the route builder (RE) itself although, I also found that there is a ton of extra content throughout the world, (trees,flowers,ground textures, etc.,etc.,etc.) to make a route look real.
Now, there is also 'landscaping' and knowing which tree grows beside which bush and what flowers belong and don't.
Nope, too much work involved for me so, I've let those who enjoy doing it, do it.
I even tip my hat to those who build 'em, because I know how hard it is to make a good looking route and have it work.
It's an art form like a painting you hang on your wall.
I'll stick with model building. It keeps me refined and within a single screen area. Much easier for me to deal with.
You route builders are a unique bunch and I commend all of you. Keep it up.
We model builders need someplace to run our models on.
Have fun!