Thanks for the responses.  Called support today.  after discussing the issue, they recommended i send it in for repair, but could not guarantee by Christmas - which is a problem since this was to be a gift.  Will call Hobbytown USA first to see if they can exchange or not.  If not - will be sending to Bachmann for repair.

Thanks again!

PS - is the 0-6-0, but has the stiff wires soldered to the drawbar.....

everything looks great.  there is continuity between the tender and the engine, etc.  Tracks brand new and fine with other trains....  Voltmeter shows voltage fine....

thanks again for answering!

Bougt an n-gauge Yard Boss set today - had to reconnect the engine to the tender - ran 3/4 way around the layout and then just stopped!  Now it wont run.  Anything special i should check for?  (Ran another train on track so power/track is fine.)

At a loss here.  I am used to O and S guage.  This is a present for my father-in-law.

Thanks!