Mike CT,
I agree. The drive train universal joints can tolerate a limited amount of misalignment. I think that running on reduced-radius curves, like the O-54 on my smaller layout, may cause increased wear on the U-joints and induce higher stresses in the input/output driveshafts. One reason I haven't ordered a Sunset/3rd Rail GP-7/9 is that I interpret the website to say that the locomotive can negotiate O-54 curves but needs O-72 on the turnouts. If that's the case, it's not really operable on O-54 for me. Some clarification in this regard would be helpful.
MELGAR