switch derailments

I have some 031 RealTrax switches on my layout. I have no problem as long as I only buy engines and cars labeled for 031 curves. I can even run 18 inch passenger cars. I must admit it doesn't look very pretty going thru turns that tight with a long car. I have even altered the truck wheels on a Legacy recommended for I believe 045 turns. It works but again, not pretty. 

If you can, I'd say use the largest size turns and switches you can. I figured this out too late. There are some beautiful engines I can not run due to turn size. Trains just look better on large turns also.  It will be a huge project to change my switches and expensive but some day I will do it. This is definetly a case of bigger is better.  I watch eBay for large radius Real trax switches. Sometimes they go cheap.  I'm stocking up and when I have enough will tear out small turns and put larger ones in. I do run some 072 switches into 054 turns and that looks and works fine. 

What exactly are the problems you're experiencing with the current gargrave turnouts?

If you have a small reverse loop for testing, are you getting derailments coming through the turnout after going around the reverse loop?

Are the tracks leading in and out of the turnout on the same plane (level) with the turnout?

Are your engines shorting when the roller hits the frog of the turnout?

Switching to a larger radius turnout won't necessarily fix these problems.

More information would be helpful.

Bruce

I have 2 Wyes made with O-72 Wye switches immediately into O-54 curves, no problems.

As Bruce says, many switch issues are not the switch but the mounting.

Switch and all connected track for at least the length of your longest engine MUST be level with each other  to avoid problems.

All my derailments have been isolated down to this or the points not closing properly due to accumulated debris on the track.

I'm in a 170+ yr old basement, something is always falling on the layout.