Computers have really revolutionized that hobby. I left it just before it became universal. Many hours spent on my back under plywood soldering copper conductors together.
I was a little discouraged because I own a large collection of N scale brass steam locomotives, and it was not practical to install decoders in them. Maybe that's changed.
One material I do still use.
With all due respect to Woodlands Scenic, a company called Arizona Rock and Mineral makes really nice ballast for N scale. It's extremely fine, nicely graded, and it mixes readily. They also make good snow.
I also find that the dozen or so "boxcar red" colors I still have do make good ship bottom colors.
And Polly Scale is IMO very nice paint. The first acrylic I ever used, and still one of the best. I use Steam Power Black, Grimy Black and Engine Black on my ships as well.