I agree it's better not to know until you grow up! 
jay

You are all so helpful and supportive of novices. I'm impressed. And Simkon, that was still not bad advice - it did fix the problem - although I will listen to Jim and return the loco under warranty. (Not bad for 5 am thinking!)
Thanks,
jay

I reversed the decoder installation - causing the locomotive to only run forwards! Then I installed the jumpers and removed the decoder - and everything works fine. Obviously a faulty decoder. I'll try to exchange the decoder under the warranty. Thanks again for the troubleshooting and good advice!
jay

Thanks again. I appreciate your courtesy and helpfulness! Trying...
jay

Thanks Simkon, I will try. Is there a color code to know the correct installation?
There are also two small jumpers in a plastic bag that reads: For dummy plug installation. Do they apply here?
Best,
jay

Thanks so much for trying to help! Yes, the locomotive is DCC capable but running in analog only (is that DC?). The locomotive has two connectors going to the tender - which appears to have the electrical pickup to the tracks (?) but I don't know if the interconnect can be reversed - or if it is relevant if not running DCC.

Just set the train up this morning. Everything connected fine - but locomotive will only run backwards. Voltage to track is correct in forward and reverse - but it only moves in reverse. Headlight does not work either - only a momentary glow when first switched to reverse. (I assume that headlight is programed not to operate in reverse??) Please offer any suggestions before I return the locomotive. Thanks!
- jay