So currently my collection of trains has all been able to run on O31 or smaller. Having had the Lionel N&W 1776 train as a kid when I saw the MTH version I had to have it, but O31 track is a no go. O48 track isn't expensive and I plan on making an O48 loop at least, but I've collected a few manual O36 turnouts to use as sidings and yard switches. I asked MTH if their Premier loco that requires O42 could navigate the O36 curves and was told that it's likely but since MTH doesn't make an O36 curve the official answer is no.
Today I tested my 1776 loco on a little sample turnout setup, one setup as a siding line with a switchback (left/right back to back) and the other as a 90°curve and while the tanks overhung the track and it didn't look too scale it cleared everything just fine. I continued to inch up the speed to something that I felt was much too fast for a scale speed through a switch with no problems. The trucks are not at their limit and the overhang does not come close enough to the switch mechanism to bother anything.
So for all of you on a budget contemplating some simple yard switching or a simple siding I just wanted to let you know that my O42 Premier loco went through them just fine.
Sorry for the blurry cell phone pics but it gives you an idea of what it looks like. Oh, and BTW I have the hi-rail version of the loco.
