Curved track radius

If you have the model number available for this locomotive, I'd suggest that you go to the Manufacturer's product website and search for the model number.  The minimum radius is usually listed in the product description.  If that doesn't help, posting the model number here will likely help someone answer your question.

That particular loco in your photo looks like the 18834 SD28 that was from a train set cataloged in 1994, which was a set that came with 027 track. So that engine should run on 0 gauge 31 inch curves.

Those engines, even with the 6 wheel, 3 axle trucks, had one set of flat non-flanged wheels, to allow it to run on tighter radius curves. If I'm not mistaken, those locos came with a single motored truck, and the other non-motored truck is commonly called a "collector truck" as it should have center rail pick-up rollers.

Is the engine not negotiating the curves at all? Or derailing on all curves, some curves, or maybe entering switch tracks? One possible problem is that the wires inside the engine that go to the motor truck are pulled too tight which would not allow the motor truck (or the collector truck) to swivel to and fro as much as it should. Or a traction tire not correctly placed on the grooved wheel, which could cause uneven running, and thus derailments.

Hey, as a side note, the internet can answer many questions before you spend any money on a train product. Here's the set that loco came in....

http://www.tomscollectibletrai...hio-freight-set.html

I just checked my Lionel 1994 catalog, and sure enough, there's the engine and set... with 027 track and curves.

Oh and by the way, it's an easy mistake to make if you're not careful, but you posted this thread in the narrow gauge forum. It would easily fall into the traditional 0 gauge forum or even the Lionel products forum, but definitely not narrow gauge .

Thanks for the information and suggestions - but my C&O engine is at my daughter's house in Atlanta Georgia.

I will have her bring it to me when she visits in July.

@DBMNJ posted:

Thanks for the information and suggestions - but my C&O engine is at my daughter's house in Atlanta Georgia.

I will have her bring it to me when she visits in July.

My suggestion is to visit the Ross Track website http://rossswitches.com/trackproducts.aspx  to get an idea of what track radius are available in todays market.  I'm not suggesting you have to purchase Ross Track.  There are other track manufactures in various styles.  If you have space, you might consider purchasing the largest radius track your space will permit, 072 would be a good choice.

There should be no sweat with the engine pictured.  At the most that engine might want O42, but I can't imagine it needing larger curves that that.

That being said, I'm singing with the chorus, if you're doing a new layout, consider O72 for at least one loop.  Virtually anything made today will run on O72.  Some of it will have a lot of overhang, but you can run it.  When I did my new layout, O72 was my minimum curve, I want anything I have to run anywhere on the layout.