Problem solved: switched over to a new controller (a used Tech II 2500 that my brother gave to my boys) and all is well.  So I guess I'll wait to hear back from Bachmann about a replacement.

Thanks for the help!

Hi everyone.  New train set, HO EZ track simple oval.  The engine runs fine in one direction (clockwise) but very slow (about 1/10) in the other direction when the switch is flipped on the controller.  If I reverse the direction of the train engine, it runs fine in the same direction (clockwise) but backwards, and very slow in the other direction.

If I reverse the plug from the controller to the track, it runs slow clockwise but fast counterclockwise.

So I'm guessing that the engine itself is fine, as it runs both backward and forward depending on the way it is placed on the track.  Does this sound like the controller is bad?

Thanks in advance for your advice.