Animating *everything*...

Did I overdo it?

Not at all!

Brilliant Joey! That's very inventive indeed. It makes one wonder where it will all end, once the driving cab is left behind and we move into the passenger space. I hope we won't be watching a flushing toilet next!

All the same, before everyone gets carried away by making everything move that possibly might move. And not to detract from the delight and surprise of this excellent demonstration. on the topic title "animating everything" I would offer an opinion from my designers chair.
For practical purposes in material for general release the 'tricks and novelties' ought to be kept to a minimum. Just because "it can be done" isn't the same as "it should be done". Overuse of novelty effects will soon wear thin, there must also be a point beyond which the performance is degraded by having too many features to juggle, especially on the more modest spec PCs. Never lose sight that good design is inextricably linked to functionality and fitness for purpose, not solely aesthetics.

@Graymac: Agreed. Certainly hope no one will animate the motors of a DMU!

why? its easy and fun to watch

Animated doors?

Which brings me to a question, how far should we be simulating objects? Currently I use the train door state to determine if the PEDs should be open or closed. Do I have to add in code to stipulate that the train must be within 2m to open, as the current solution allows the door to open regardless of the position of the trains?

That would constitute a safety feature, which is perfectly legitimate. If it allows realistic operation it is worth considering. If, in your example, the real train would not allow the doors to open then your train should do the same if possible.