Over the years, and through many different layouts, I have tried to model street running track using various methods. Most of these used some sort of plaster and turned out with mixed results.

I have seen styrene used for roadways with good affect but was faced with an area 18 x 44 inches with two curved tracks running through. 

I have an older Atlas N scale GP-9, part or stock #4330. It runs ok but newer units are a whole lot smoother.

So I am wondering if it is possible to do a re-motor and gear job on these or just replace it with a new or newer unit. If replacement of the unit with a newer one how do you know how new it is?

Any thoughts or ideas would be really appreciated. Thanks

Jack

Hi from the UK,

Upfront declaration: I am a DCC sound novice.

I recently bought a Atlas Genset. I believe it's one of their earlier releases. It's the CSX #1302 (Atlas Ref 10 001 195). Ive been looking at adding DCC & sound to it. I've found information about using the Soundtraxx TSU-PNP decoder and their speaker, however, after reading Joe Fugate's editorial about decoder standardisation, I'd like to find a ESU Loksound solution as the only other loco I've got is the Rapido B36-7 which came with a Loksound decoder.

So what are the opinions, virtues, etc of the first Tsunami verses the Tsunami 2 sound decoders.

I've been offered a deal on the #1's from a gentleman who likes to replace the older ones with the number 2's.

If I am not a real 'rivet counter' about sounds, what else do I lose??