My feelings have always been "I don't buy things to have to fix them."
I must say again that I was very impressed with how GHB handled this problem. It was only a week between the time I shipped the defective engine back and received the replacement.
I forgot to mention that I replaced all those plastic couplers with Kadees.
I appreciate the input from those of you have the Crusader. I was beginning to think that perhaps I was the only one having problems.
Nothing personal, I'm glad I didn't stand alone with this.
As rdg-barry stated, this is not an inexpensive model. Yet, if it were brass it would be close to $2K. GHB made it affordable.
Not many of us have a bank account like Warren Buffet. LOL
Thanks again, guys.

Guys:

One item on The Crusader that occurred to me. I think one of the reasons the engine has trouble pulling the train could be the resistance of the p/u wipers against the axles for the car lighting.
I have an HO PSC NH I-4 Pacific and the engine could barely pull the tender! The wipers act like brakeshoes.

Good point about the wipers. I put a small drop of light conductive oil on the axle under the wipers and spin the axle. It really does reduce the friction and improves conductivity.

My Crusader engine #117 died! I cannot believe this. The drive shaft broke between the motor and the gearbox. It is a spindly, little shaft.
I replaced it with gasline tubing I had on hand. Who knows how long this will last.
I'm ready to return the whole thing. This model spends more time in the shops than on the road.

Re powering is not a bad thought but doesn't seem worth spending the 5-700 dollars in the first place. I myself didn't order one, don't have the cash flow to drop that much at once, responsibly.

Latest on the Crusader. I have decided to return it and was told I would get a complete refund. While very disappointed with the model, I am more than pleased with the customer service.