i can the light finger press and when I set up for Christmas again I'll surely try that.
Considering it's a steamer, "flipping the engine the other way", well, that ain't going to be possible.
It has 2 traction tires on the driver wheels. Since I only bought the 2 add-on cars after 2 or 3 Christmas layout run time I don't know if it could have pulled more than the original 3 cars when brand new. I suppose the next logical thing to try is what you say: replace the tires and see.
As for dirty track, not on my layout. never happen. I'm really particular about having clean rails. If I suspect anything I do the old finger-swipe test.
thanks - walt
Just thought of this, I should have started this thread on the tin-plate forum. Maybe I will reference it somehowoverthere.