Hi Doug,
I also play VSF, you will see Smokestacks puffing smoke in the Mars Canals very soon!
You are right about the suspension of disbelief, but I suggest you to buy these lovely steamboats,
they have good prices and meant for war gamers. Pieces are loose and they sometime end up where you don't expect.
have a look at PMC on ebay, I hope they sell well so they will make new models for me!!!
cheers