I never really left the old stuff. The new stuff interests me sometimes; but it's usually short lived interest and use. I like the parked pressure cyclings on tenders more than run sounds. I might leave one parked on a side with the bell on for an ambiance. (I've heard bells ring non-stop for hours in real life too; plenty real)
It sucks paying $100s for boards you don't want when a $15 option you do want is ignored. I haven't looked hard at an engine catalog since "mandatory sound" began.
The e unit doesn't have to buzz; some just don't buzz 
. TMCC open frame motors have the old PW feel when used conventionally too. If the guts toast you swap in an e unit or wire it fwd only just like old times 
It's can motors I don't like or trust as much. Two have been nicer than PW in some ways though. The can motor GG-1s are best (I said uncle.finally), and a Baby Berk that's been smooth and responsive (older berk jr). (Jr could be faster 🤔) It took some time to like them.
The tmcc E33 open frame is smoother and quiter than old ones. Magntraction too.
The cans CAN still be fun though. My little MPC RI dc-dockside with bridge rectifier for ac, lots of weights, metal plow, run cab fwd etc, etc. pulls a "stupid" amount for it's size and aesthetic quality.(first motor died fast, but the new has been abused near daily for many years now (7?)
In the last 8 years I met a lot of 20 something year olds waiting on a renter here. Those that showed interest, talked of maybe doing a layout, etc., but none really had any interest in the new stuff; controls nor sounds.
The Tin Wins with them...then Post War engines that whistle/smoke, then operating cars/stuff, and advertising/nostalgic aspect of billboard cars / etc.. A motorhead /rat crowd, 80mph+ Ruttman Indian downstairs etc.... and a phone in every hand 🙄
I wouldn't mind "A BIG RED BUTTON" app to emergency stop with at times but I don't want to look, it's not "hands on".
I can't wait for screens that FEEL 3d.... that I might go for.... only maybe
Wow...nearly two hours of fighting spellwreck and auto-composer up there. So monotonous time faded.
