tomy gordon can't go up inclines?

here is the underside of gordon. don't mind the missing screw(s) as they are sitting in a truck safe and sound. there is a stripped screw at the front and one in the holes behind his driving wheels

[Super]

Upon closer looks at your video and pictures there is a chance that this Gordon has been repaired and gone into quite a bit. The stripped screw heads is the first indication and up closer inspection it looks like he has been re-wired also as I don't think (although I could be wrong) that Tomy used two red wires between the engine and tender plus they look to be a larger gauge wire. I wouldn't think any of this would affect the inclines as in the video the motor looks strong as the wheels are turning and don't look to be slipping.

I would really like to see the inside of him as I suspect repairs and possible missing parts/weights. Have you tried to use a small flathead screwdriver to loosen the stripped screws?

i have never gone inside gordon, i'll try the flathead now

the small flathead doesn't fit into the front and it's too wide to get in 

oops forgot i wasn't in edit
oh well, here is the demonstration
converter making picture darker lol
the only screwdriver that fits is a phillips screwdriver, i reckon i had a flathead but it's too big

[Super]

You probably don't have a flathead small enough. Some times a triangle screwbit would be worth a try too but I assume you don't have them. Darn, I would really like to get inside and work on this fellow.

some people suggest putting super glue on it and getting the driver to grip however i'm worried that i won't be able to get it off
also, gordon has a missing coupling rod due to me fitting new traction tyres and needing to remove them
sadly, i broke the little clip that goes into the hole and it is far too difficult to stick the two tiny pieces back together. where can i obtain spare parts?

[Super]

I wouldn't try the Super Glue method as it may just fuse the screw to the plastic.
Custom Trackmasters has a YouTube video about stripped screws and the extractor set he has is pretty inexpensive on Amazon but I am not sure those extractors would fit in those screws in the back (motor screws) because they are set so deep.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ljAr3FMvLOk 
Amazon Link

As far as parts, everyone has the same problem of locating them. Sometimes is easier to on Ebay to find a junk Gordon or in this case, an older Henry to use as a donor train for parts. In your case not only would you get the side rods you need but also some good replacement screws if you ever get these out. Btw, we have suggestions here on removing side rods without damaging the peg for the hole.

yeah i saw the removal thread and did exactly that. however i didn't have curved end tweezers so that may of been the problem. luckily, the other side rod came off just fine
actually i have a trackmaster henry, would that work on gordon
talking about a 2009 one

[Super]

I have also, in the past, place a drop of fine oil on the 'bulb' part of the rod before trying to gently pull on it to help it slip through the hole. Custom Trackmasters uses a small curved prybar that seems to work for him.

am i just weak or is this coupling rod being really hard to push in?
update: smashed it in with a hammer.. and suceeded!

did another test with no wagons, couldn't get up the 1 level curved tracks or the 1 level sloped track