Thanks for the encouragement, suggestions and links to related info.

I took the line(s) of least resistance...called Bachmann service line (I think I woke up the old guy who answered) and was told it would take 6-8 weeks for them to "get to it".  Called Walthers, talked with both Service and Sales and obtained a Return Authorization for an exchange/replacement unit.  No troubles at all!  They confirmed that it "should" run on normal DC trackage and that there is an issue with it.  It went out in today's mail.

As for my layout planning...I was going to do the bus wiring from the get go even while running regular DC and check every section of track for continuity and power feed....part of the reason for getting a new engine in the first place. (I actually did a variant of the bus wiring on my last layout in 1960 so each 3 foot flex track had a power feed, not relying on track connectors)
It will then be ready for DCC and sound when I get comfortable with those systems.
The layout will only be 5 x 10 and is based on the Lilliput Logger plan shown in the Aug 1998 MR.  I am altering it to include a narrow gauge logging area along with the standard HO gauge for "normal" traffic.  The layout is designed to become part of a growing empire if I decide to go there later, but for now this will certainly be enough of a challenge.
Building acoustic guitars for nearly 2 decades has kept my woodworking, finishing and fine detail skills intact so now it just the old eyes that may slow me down.  I hope to cultivate some "John Allen" skills throughout this project as photos of his work used to adorn the walls of my layout room (basement) circa the late 1950's.

Thanks again for all the responses.

Thanks for the links and input on the engine, richg.

I think I will remove the body shell as suggested, disconnect the decoder system and try to energize the motor directly.  If that works, then I guess a call to Bachmann's Customer Service line is in order tomorrow.
Doubt they even have my warranty registration card yet.

As mentioned, the engine is brand new, just out of the box and there are no instructions saying there is a need to do any changing of circuitry to run on basic DC.  In their words "it is 100% backward compatible with DC"

Thanks again and please have patience with my "learning curve"!

The engine is brand new, from Walther's.
Tried touching the wheels with leads, at varied "throttles"...low to full tilt.  Nothing, not a hum, no lights, absolutely nada...just like when sitting on the track.

I have put a multimeter across both the tracks and the leads and get rising readings as I run the throttle from stop to full power.

Is there a static check for the engine?  Wouldn't the microprocessor be the equivalent of a "broken" wire so the meter won't give a reading for continuity?

Like I said...I have a LOT of catching up to do since 1960's wiring and control circuitry.

Hello all.
I'm returning to HO after more than 50 years...my last layout was dismantled in 1960 at age 15!

I have been designing a new small "starter" layout and for my first new engine I purchased an 0-6-0T Bachmann swithcher.  It's equipped with DCC (which I will eventaually be incorporating on the layout) but states in the paperwork that it is 100% backward compatible with DC operation.
However, when I tried it on a section of test track with a normal DC power pack...nothing.

Now I know I have a lot to catch up on, but have I misunderstood the Bachmann paperwork?  There is nothing in the box addressing any changes needed.  Do I need to "disconnect" some part of the DCC to get it to work on a regular DC powerpack? Or am I more lost than I think I am?