I sent my loco to Bachmann, and they replaced it. They didnt mention whether the loco was faulty or had wrong factory settings. The whole thing took about 3 weeks. I finally have my new Acela Exp working!

I grabbed someone's brand new Acela HHP-8 656 loco, and tested it on my HO layout, and I noticed it was faster than my replaced Acela Exp loco. At the highest speed setting, the HHP-8 would catch up with the Acela after a bunch of laps (both running solo). Any thoughts on that?

Thanks for all your suggestions!

The set is brand new.Yep, I do believe the loco is faulty, I don't hear any hum from the engine but the directional lights seem to work. I will try to return it to Bachmann and hopefully get a replacement.

Thanks for your suggestions, Jonathan.

I do not have a DCC command controller (EZ command controller that you mentioned). I have just the plain DC controller that comes with the set. It has just the direction switch and the speed knob. Do I have to get a DCC controller to get the train to move?

I bought a new HO Spectrum Bachmann Acela exp DCC onboard and followed all the instructions.

Connected the EZ track, checked the wiring, connected the power.

When I turn the knob on the Bachmann included controller, the engine headlights and ditch lights all light up, but the loco itself wont move. When I place the other coaches and the tail unit on the track, they light up properly. So I assume the power to the tracks is not an issue.

However which way I turn the knobs the loco wont move. I checked the internal switch for rail/panto operation. Flipped that back and forth, and went through several trials, no luck.

Any help would be great! This is my first at model railroading.