I just picked up a Santa Fe 2-6-0 with the Value sound "soundtraxx" decoder in it and so far like it a lot.  I run plain old DC, but wanted a locomotive with chuffing sounds.  I'm currently using an MRC Railpower 1300 power pack that I've had for awhile.

According to the locomotive instructions, i should be able to slowly bring up the power, have the sounds and lights start up before increasing the power and starting it moving.  So far, until I have the knob about halfway open (when it starts moving), the headlight just pulses as well as a clicking sound and occasionally a partial bell sound coming from the speaker.  From what I understand, the bell should start ringing as power is brought up and the locomotive starts moving.  So far it just sits, then takes off at a certain point.  Once it's moving I can bring the throttle back some and slow it down to a more prototypical speed.  If I bring the throttle down too far, it will run for awhile, then stop with the same pulsing symptoms as when starting up from a low power.

Is that kind of operation normal for these (I know they're meant to be operated under DCC)?  I have one of the Pere Marquette DCC Berkshires as well and it runs as smooth as silk at all speeds with that power pack.  I'm on a limited budget right now and only want to pay for a different power arrangement if I absolutely have to.

Thanks in advance.