I think I solved my problem. I tried the same servos with a Futaba RX and TX and had the same poor result. I was starting to think the servos were bad but then I tried a 5 cell battery pack and the problem disappeared! I think there must be something wrong with the 4 cell pack. It is an old pack I was just using for set up. It measures ok on an ESV but must not deliver the necessary voltage under load. With the 5 cell pack everything works great! I guess do not assume a pack is good even if it measures ok on an ESV. Lesson learned.
Thanks,
Jim