Hang on hang on... we're all relaxed and sleepy over here on the Gauge. We do try to help, honest!
No idea what you're on about, but you mention grooved plates on the track... are you sure they were 'on' the track, and not grooves cut into the track (e.g. with a Dremel) to increase friction? Steep grades would give you a mu problem, which is overcome (normally) by increasing either the weight of the loco (downside: reduction of useful pulling ability), or by roughening up the track or wheels (downside: more muck and less electrical conductivity). In extreme cases on the prototype, wheels almost like cogs, or extra tracks, or central tracks with horizontally-mounted wheels either side of them would assist mountain railways...
Do you have a picture or a diagram of what you're suggesting?