LOL to the snapping of the topdeck next! (luckily I've got enough ali to make another of those too!) -if/when it comes to it..
I've not tried a hydra drive on it (although I've got an old spare from an XX). Am running on carpet, and I thought the 'advantage' of hydradrive was on more bumpy tracks as it helped keep the momentum of the motor high on landings... But saying that, on a high grip surface like carpet, it sounds like not a bad idea... Must give it a try..