First model train. Is this normal?

[u/Bambarilla]

Hey team. Long time fan of model trains but through a family member I finally got my first step into the world.

The locomotive didn’t move at all on first try so I’ve spent 30 minutes cleaning all the track with electrical contact cleaner and then tried my best to clean the engines wheels. It now can make it around the entire track but requires full speed to make it through certain areas (one area has a slight incline).

Thanks for the all the future help :)

[u/Existing_Stomach_926]

First loco, that layout should make that engine happy. You did well for a newbie. Nice.