Thanks to everyone for all your suggestions.

I brought it over to the kind folks at Charles Ro Supply Company in nearby Malden, and the repair guys (and a few customers) spent well over an hour taking the whole locomotive apart trying to figure out what the problem was.

A process of elimination led them to the conclusion that one of the wheels was stuck.  They took the axle nut off, and in fact, found the wheel had been glued in place.  They freed it, scraped off the glue, and it ran great!

They explained sometimes at the factory they take a few shortcuts and us glue to secure the hubs.

I got a "no charge" for repair and will go back there again!

Folks

Its a Bachmann Spectrum item number 82104 HO Norfolk & Western Class J 4-8-4 Freight Locomotive Version #603 (with doghouse and auxiliary water tender).

Its described as being "DCC Ready".  I use DC.

In terms of steps from box to track, I simply removed it from the protective packing material and put it on the track.

The front and read directional lights work, but its go no go.

Hope that helps.

Steve

My son's new J 4-8-4 arrived today and seems to be dead on arrival.  The directional lights work, but no motor.  He was devastated.  I contacted the seller, who was very nice, and offered to take it back and give a refund, but he doesn't have a replacement.

Does anyone have any advice for what might be wrong? 

I'm wondering if it is something simple like a common spot where wiring comes loose, special transformer required to power it, etc.

Any help appreciated

Steve