we would have had a lot of fun as kids together
can't remember all the mods but something with a train transformer or something like that made my slot cars shoot off the track into an explosive crash
I do remember adding LED lights to a lot of my layouts.. the old style fat plastic kind with stiff wire leads.. my uncle taught me how to solder when I was like 10yo or so, wasn't an electronic toy in sight that was safe
and my folks took me to radio shack and hobby stores for parts and supplies when we were in the city..
my most proud modification was on a pair of Tyco engines.. took four to make two twin engine powerhouses.. pull enough cars they would tip over in a turn, even 22 radius!
the engine was in the front and the rear truck was just a cast dummy to conduct power from the opposite rail.. I took the engine out of a donor, swapped the brush assignment so it would run backwards but the same way as the other engine flipped around.. they came with three axle trucks, the center axle was a dummy.. I had all three axles with traction tires on the insulated side and steel flanges on the conductor side, front and back.. two wires connected the engines to supply both conductors to each engine.. custom lead weights from fishing tackle made 'em heavy and hard pullers
might have given one away but pretty sure at least one of them is still in the box.. they were yellow and orange Chattanooga I think.. man, that's been over 30 years ago!
brings back fond memories of childhood, only wish my kids could enjoy a fraction of what I did.. video games and the like are not allowed in our house and Mrs. Bee's rule is no tv or electronics allowed 10am to 6pm on weekends.. we play sports and support their hobbies and crafts and such, so we're trying but outside influences from the other kids makes it tough!