@Hudson5432 posted:....For every one of you who "hates" the "China Drive", be aware that elimination of a "China Drive" on a diesel of any size would probably reduce the number of modelers who model in two rail "by about half", since a tower drive cannot accommodate the same minimum curve radius that two vertical and separate motors provide, and a smaller curve radius is almost mandatory for many two rail layouts due to space considerations. The only advantage of a tower drive that I am aware of is that it permits a fully detailed cab. I am not aware that there are ANY advantages to the use of a tower drive on a diesel other than what I identified above. For steam guys, this discussion is moot. My opinion.
Sorry but in my opinion your post seems like pure speculation, and you do say "probably". The huge advantage of a single motor tower drive over twin motors is smoothness of drive at crawling speeds; pretty essential for a smaller layout with emphasis on switching.
My Weaver Geeps with tower drive take 36" radius curves just fine, as does my Red Caboose GP9 (early Atlas/Roco tower drive) and my Atlas SW1200RS, with central motor etc.
Does this issue arise in HO & N Scales? As far as I know, all diesel locos in those scales are central motor/tower drive, and in HO they take 18" curves ok, even if it's usually in hidden staging. Minimum radius is just a non-issue.
Honestly, some of the fretting that goes on in American O - both 2- & 3-rail - anyone would think that smaller scales had never been invented or run successfully!!!
