If the model doesn't make any strange noises when placed on powered DCC track and no decoder smoke is coming from the model try to see if you can go into DCC program mode and get a response from the decoder.  The programmer should give an error it can not talk to the decoder.

If nothing - perhaps still a wiring/connection issue - be sure you have track power and the locomotive is picking up DCC power. 
If all that still doesn't could be a toasted decoder, but try testing using a Decoder Test Stand if available. 

DC voltmeters doesn't measure DCC power correctly so you need a special device for that - but it you can use it with the locomotive at the workbench to test wire connectivity.

Beware that DCC wiring is not forgiving like DC.   

Does anyone know What exactly does this model represents in terms of real locomotives?     I heard once that is was C&EI or L&N - don't remember which one.  Neither of those were any interest so I avoided this thing.

Roger, you will have to get one of the spectrum versions of this model to see first hand the exact problem.  This is not like the older versions.  You can find them on ebay cheap sometimes.  I took part a new in box model today to test and the same issue.

I think the wipers are causing the noise and friction.    The latest brass models I have from Boo-Rim have electrical pickup as part of the axle bearing design.  That's the best I've seen so far,  but very expensive.  The same could be done in plastic models I think.