Glad the problem is basically fixed. Maybe a way to give the express engine more traction is to either put more weights in the cab like the 4-6-0 or buy traction tires for it. My 4x8 HO layout also has a weird slope right as it enters the yard where an S curve is. Due to the the cars hitting the side of the curve causes friction making the loco strain or slip more. Those two problems combined makes trains harder to pull when going through there so I elevated it a bit on some cardboard under the green felt. Now the problem is fixed. By the way have you ever tried to incorporate Rhodes or valentine in your layout? The space by the scrapyard looks like it would be big enough for a few buildings and a station. maybe the Cornwall oil facility could go there or something. Just throwing out ideas.