There two sources of noise track and engine. I find track noise annoying because it can drown out the engine sounds. Fastrack is the worst. Followed by tubular track. If you are using command control, you can reduce engine noise or run quiet. I find The You Tube videos of conventional trains on tubular track very annoying. I guess when I was a kid it was ok but with the modern sound systems, I want to hear the engine. I use Atlas on Homasote and have no track noise except the clickity clack. With MTH you can go into doppler mode, and the sound will fade as the train gets further away. Hope that helps.
Art
