The orange wire is pin 1. The socket should have a 1 or some kind of mark to indicate where pin 1 goes. If the head light comes on, but loco runs backwards, CV29 can correct this.
CV29 calculater:    http://www.dccguy.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/01/CV29.jpg


Joe

Was it a decoder with an 8 pin connector? Did you line up the pins correctly?  What decoder? Try the head light in both directions.     Joe

Try CV32=2. Take the loco off the track for about a minute. Return to track. After about 6 seconds, the lights should flash 16 time to show the re-set worked.  Joe

I don't recommend the AR1. Had 2 fail on me. I get the PSX OG AR here:  https://www.litchfieldstation.com/product/auto-reverse-module-for-dcc-basic/
Worth the extra money. And remember, the isolated part of the loop must be longer then the train going through it especially if you have metal wheels on your cars.   Joe

What DCC system are you using? The command station should shut down when a short happens provided you have enough feeder wires. On a reverse loop, both rails on the 2 sets of tracks coming off the frog need to be insulated. You will need an auto reverser  wired between the track bus and loop. Several makes are available. I use DCC Specialties OG AR. It's electronic. Some are have a relay to reverse polarity.      Joe

There's no lights or anything until I turn power off. This should not happen. How is JMRI hooked up to your track? Can you do a simple diagram of how the DCS51 and JMRI is hooked up to the track?  Do you have a separate isolated track for programming?     Joe 

 DC or DCC model? If DCC you have to press F0 to turn on lights.   Joe

 Check the voltage to the track. 10 flashes means an over voltageto the track.        From Soundtraxx:  Error 10 - Over-Voltage Fault
An over-voltage fault indicates that the track voltage is greater than 22 volts.
When this error occurs, motor control and sound will be shut off and the
error code will continue to flash until the voltage is brought below 22 volts.
Note: Tsunami's absolute maximum voltage input is 27 volts! Track voltages
exceeding 27 volts may cause permanent damage to the decoder.
     Joe

What DCC system are you using? I know Digitrax has a switch button on the DT series throttle that when pressed slows the  max  speed down.  Jow

It could be 1 rail is touching the frog and causing the problem. Look at the frog on the turnout you're having problems with. There should be a gap between the frog and both rials on each side of the frog. Some turnouts have a piece of plastic instead of a gap. Is there a wire to the frog on the bottom? If not done right this maybe the problem.   Joe

Bachmann or Kadee couplers should fit. Pilot wheel:

https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=68_86&sort=20a&page=5

I would contact the person who worked on it and ask what's he going to do about it.    Joe

They show them available now.
https://estore.bachmanntrains.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=70_646

Joe

This is what Kato uses in their F3A units. Part number 928052. Scroll down to find it.    Joe
http://search.cartserver.com/search/search.cgi?cartid=s-1078&keywords=NF3F7DCC&maxhits=100&go=List+Parts&bool=AND&bool=AND

http://www.katousa.com/images/928052.jpg

Any dcc decoder with 8 pin will work. Just remember to install correctly. Pin 1 is orange. There should be a 1 on the top of the board.  Joe

Hunt, how did you get it to post? Thanks for doing this.   Joe