Hi all,

I recently bought a Bachmann GP40 (model 63518) from a local shop. It's the DCC-ready model with an 8-pin plug. The intent for me was to fit it with a DCC decoder, however I haven't had much luck with it. The loco ran for a bit, but it seems there's a problem somewhere in the motor or the drives. I don't have a DC controller myself, but I took it to someone with a DC test track. They popped it on, and it would barely run forward at all - a few jerks when nudged. It ran backwards for a bit, but then stopped doing that as well. The lights are working at all times when there's power on the track.

It is well possible that the loco has sat on the shop shelf for a few years, I got it fairly cheap, but the pack was unopened. I'm a bit of a newbie, especially when it comes to loco maintenance. I haven't had a loco long enough for it needing maintenance. Without spending too much money, what can I do to try and salvage this one? I read something somewhere about hardened grease, could that be a problem? Any other hints or advice?

Thank you in advance.