Thanks all. As an update, based on the many useful suggestions provided I was able to get the engine moving. As suggested, I thoroughly cleaned the tracks, propped the loco up to allow the wheels to move and also purchased and am using the bachmann dcc controller.

The engine is moving at a pretty good speed but maybe related to jward's point, it still does not want to pull any type of cars behind it. The engine powers up but the wheels don't want to pull forward. Then when I decouple I have to just everything down and restart for the engine to move indepently by itself.

Without knowing anything, maybe it's the same issue jward described. Thanks again all for the discussion and suggestions on the topic. 

Wonderful words. Thanks again.

I really appreciate you taking the time to provide such a thoughtful response. I'll go through all of your points and incorporate them.

Your last point about frustration is especially astute. I'm 40 myself and was not involved in this hobby until my train obsessed son found this passion. He has accumulated quite a collection in a short amount of time but finds himself frustrated when something isn't working as it should. We're trying to learn patience as we get going with this.

Thanks again.

Hi everyone, apologize in advance if this topic has been discussed. My son and I are new to the hobby and there is a lot to learn.

I recently purchased a new old stock Centennial engine (item no. 62018) which has DCC onboard. We are running the engine on bachmann ez track using the bachmann dc power pack. The engine was working well for the 1st couple of runs. However, the wheels have recently started locking up. Sometimes the front set other times the rear wheels depending on the direction on the dc controller. The engine powers on with lights and I hear the motor humming. The train can not make it around our small layout without coming to a complete stop. It's a small layout (4x8) and I'm using 22 degree curves. Doesn't seem to be a traction issue as when I press slightly down on the engine it still doesn't go forward. Also doesn't seem to be a track power issue as my voltage tester lights up strongly around the engine.

I assume I am doing something wrong. Do I need to upgrade to a dcc controller to use this engine? Or could this be an issue with the motor itself not getting enough power.

Any tips/ help would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks.
Nick