Back in 1976 when I was doing N scale eastern logging, and got my Heisler to work, I certainly felt that way. I didn't know ANYBODY else that was doing that, certainly not to prototype.
N scale logging didn't really 'catch on' until Atlas did the Shay. But that fired up the demand for my Climax A kit for certain.
Now, I'm doing Climax A's, only in Nn3, and that's out there with a rather small group.
I think Hal Reigger, RIP, gets credit for NCAT overhead catenary modeling of his Milwaukee Road stuff with live wire.