I have this locomotive from 7/11 the manual says it requires O42 or larger there is another from 10/8 the manual says minimum tack O36 can I get help coming up with a plan that uses O 48 track why does one AC locomotive run on O36 and mine runs on O 42 or larger ??
Some locomotives and rolling stock are longer than others. Most of the "traditionally-sized" stuff doesn't have a problem on smaller diameter curves. Their length is usually less than 11". The stuff that is "scale-sized" or "near-scale-sized" tends to be longer than 11". When run on smaller diameter curves, their bodies tend to overhang a lot. This makes them much more susceptible to derailments. When a manual states the minimum curve for an item is O42, then the chances are great you'll have a derailment problem if you try using curved track with a tighter diameter. Wider curves shouldn't be a problem at all.
Many of the longer items may not be able to negotiate through the tight, curved part of switches/turnouts due to insufficient clearance from the switch machine/mechanism.
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