Thanks for the tips, guys.  Here is a video of the train running if you are interested.  My son is thrilled.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1lV12ZBMxRE

Thanks,  I haven't run it yet.  I have ordered the additional track and will try it next weekend probably.  It struggled before but did have a mild grade.  No grade at all this time and it is indoors.  I'll try that first.  Thanks for your help.

I have a ten year old G scale set (Tweetsie Railroad) that I ran on about a 30' track years ago for my autistic son.  We moved several years ago and I am finally putting it together again but it will be 8' longer so I know I will have power issues.  It runs the hollow steel track and I am trying to figure out how to increase power in a cost effective way that is simple for an inexperienced railroader.  Thanks in advance for any advice.  This is G scale by the way.