Minimm Radius

[porkswordza]

Hello,
I am looking at the N scale locomotives:
EMD GP40 - Alaska #3009
and the
EMD SD40-2 - Union Pacific #3450

both state that they "perform best on 11.25" radius curves or greater".

Should I take this as the minimum radius of operation?
I have approximately 8.5" radius curves on a small layout, should I assume they will not run?

[bbmiroku]

Usually, diesels run pretty well on small-radius curves. Most diesels will run fine on 9 3/4 radius. I don't know about smaller, bur ir should be fine.