Forgot to add:  it looks like Mid & Max voltages are not supported anyway. 

Ok, I did a reset and remembered the other strange number that came up before was 001 for Mid Voltage.  I left it there.  It wouldn't seem like it would run like that.  The loco does respond better as far a getting a "signal" but still needs a push and it doesn't like to go forward unless backing up a ways then going forward.  The loud gear sound is still there running by itself or pulling 13 cars up a short little grade.   

I seen another post about the bottom screws.  I'll give that a whirl.

I'll go downstairs and try the reset numbers. 

I just purchased a brand new 2-8-0 with DCC On Board yesterday and so far it has been a very frustrating experience.  I intially put it on a DC test track and with a little prodding, it would do a little buzzing, jerky movements, and just sit there.  My first thought was "I bought a dud."  Off to the DCC track we go.  I went through all the programming steps on my NCE PowerCab like I've done on all my other locomotives (Atlas & Bachmann).  It came up with a Manufacturer 101 & Version 046.  I noticed some different numbers that initally came up like 010 for Start Voltage and 255 for Max Voltage.  There was also a 255 for PWM (spelling?).  The locomotive just sat there and buzzed.  I went in and changed Start 001, Mid 128, Max 192, and PWM to 000.  It would only run backwards with a little downward pressure and it buzzed really bad.  It sounded like bad gear mesh to me.  It would not run forward without backing up for a bit and then going forward.  I gave it a drop of oil but the gears still sound horrible.  At this point, it sits off the track and the operator is wondering what's next.  My second thought is "I bought a dud."

What CV numbers does this loco need?

What is up with the gears?

Does it accept long adresses like #2514?

What is the factory reset CV numbers?

What's next?