It doesn't matter what size you model at, so model at a size you feel comfortable and then scale the model in-game or when you export.

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--Matt

If you mean what polygon count you should aim for? keep it as low as possible, it will depend on the game engine and the hardware tho.
Apparently the character models for gears of war on the 360 were around 10,000 polys each. animated characters on the ps2 were around 1200 polys. I'd say your train should be around 500 max because it doesnt need to deform or animate at all.

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It all depends (polys) on how much space on screen the train will dominate. If its a racing game and its a prop on the side of the road, 500 sounds about right... but if its a First Person shooter and the player is gonna use it as cover and get up close, you may consider going even higher... if they player is gonna get on the train... well then you need internal details etc!!!

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a 3d artist's journal
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