Len, Thanks so much or the explanation.  I'm not sure what a "dummy plug" is, but considering the trains owner, I probably need one.  I don't see anything on the locomotive.  It's an N-scale ATSF locomotive, but I don't think it has one.  I'm glad to hear that the lower speed is normal for DSS equipped locomotives.  Thanks

no, it was brand new out of the box.  It was sitting in a hobby shop for several years, but it is brand new.  the controller gradually increases the speed but only to about half the speed of what my other non-DCC train runs.   the one i'm comparing it to is much older (1970's vintage).  Not sure if the new one needs to be run in, but I've run it for a few hours (on and off) now and it seems to maintain the same top speed.  Thanks for the help.  It's all new to me.  Thanks

I have a DC track and controller, and just purchased a DCC enabled locomotive, because my plans are to grow into a DCC setup.  The locomotive says its backwards compatible and can be used with a DC controller, which it does, but it only runs at half speed.  Is this normal?  I'm new to this and there's so much to learn.  thanks