Spectrum 4-8-2 loco DOA

[spg]

I just received a new Bachmann Spectrum 4-8-2 loco (vendor stated it's DCC equipped) and it's not working on my layout. I'm not getting any indication of power to the engine. The headlight doesn't even glow. I'm running DC. All of my other engines run fine. Since I haven't switched to DCC (yet) can a DCC engine run on a DC track?

Can I return the loco directly to Bachmann or do I have to return it to the vendor?

Any help would be appreciated. Thanks

[Frisco]

All Bachmann DCC equiped locomotives can run on DC or DCC. You should send it back to Bachmann if you can't fix the problem. If you have the receite and it was purchesed less than 1 year ago you don't have to pay anything otherwise there is about a $20 charge.

[richG]

I would return the loco to Bachmann. If not, here is how you can search the Bachmann forums for info.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php?action=search2

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php?action=search2

I usually search only the General and HO forums. Lot of reading but the answer might be there. Think of it as a learning experience.

It is a known fact that Spectrum steamers have an issue with tender wiring which might be your problem. Sometimes a short is caused and the loco does not run or the lights work.

Look at the messages about meters. It sounds like you need one.

Do some home work and give us more details. Engine does not run does not tell us much.

Here is some wiring info by Yampa Bob. If you it trace out, you can see where a short can occur.
So far, it seems like the locos are wired correctly. The problem is in the tender.

http://www.bachmanntrains.com/home-usa/board/index.php/topic,7439.0.html

Rich

[lmackattack]

If this decoder equipped engine has a CV option to run on DC and DCC it may also have a CV that can disable when it is on DC or DCC. this means that it will not respond when its on one or the other track power. also check the tender wheels to see that one set is not 180 deg and shorting the engine out. just some options to look at before you mail it back

trent

[richG]

Be aware that not all tender trucks are capable of swiveling around. My Spectrum USRA medium tender, the trucks cannot swivel very far.

Rich

[wjstix]

I found on my USRA Heavy Mountain that there was apparently a problem in the lightboard in the tender. I was planning to replace the tender it came with with a different one, and the engine ran fine (on DC) with one tender but wouldn't work with the other - even though both are used by Bachmann Heavy Mountains.

Anyway, if you're sure the tender / engine connection is solid and both are seated properly and pushed all the way in, and it's not running, it may need to go back to the shop.