Making the first sub tunnels over 20 years ago, I basically had nothing to work with.
Steve, you're an "old school" modeler, one of those awesome types who can make something out of literally nothing. 20 years ago, I was an "out of the box" modeler, not changing or painting the items I placed on my layouts.
What has raised my level of modeling:
1. The internet. Now I can search the internet for pictures and for items in a way that was simply not possible 20 years ago. Steve, your subway layout was one of the ones I found on the internet that gave me ideas and inspiration for my own project. Without the internet I would have never learned about your work.
2. Super-detailed and delicate laser-cut and 3D printed parts. The platform fences, stairs and railings I installed, for instance, are laser cut and reasonably priced. 20 Years ago, that kind of detail was only available in brass. The subway entrance kiosk I will be installing, and the column footings, are 3D printed. I would not have been able to include these items on my layout otherwise.
3. Inexpensive ink jet printers and computers. My station walls and period advertising were all printed using an ink jet printer, and were sized, edited and arranged on an inexpensive laptop using PowerPoint.
4. LED lighting. So small, low power, inexpensive and low heat.
5. Fast-setting CA glues. So much easier than epoxy.
I still am learning basic things like how to cut balsa sheets, drill tiny holes, paint details, etc. etc., but the advancements I've mentioned have helped me raise my level of modeling so I can enjoy your very kind words. Thank you.