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In my opinion it would depend on the railroad and the time period modeled.  A standard guage class 1 transition era railroad or railroads modeled: freight only 24" minimum is a good number, 4 axle passenger trucks need at least 24-26 depending on manufacturer and length of truck,  6 axle branchline kit trucks need at least 26"  would prefer 30".  I have imperfectly installed 24" minimum radius curves (23"-25"), consequently my heavyweight cars only run on my club's modular layout.  A more modern era railroad, you might think about trying to get those minimum curves up to 26" or more if possible, just dont sacrifice all of space for curves.  I also am not a fan of the 4x8 layout.  As many others have noted on this forum and other forums, if you have room for a 4x8, you have room for an around the walls layout, and if you build it right, you can use the space for other things.  My layout runs around a spare bedroom, which is still useable as such, as well as containing a television, several book cases, dvd racks, this computer etc.  Edit:  Other pet peeve, articulateds that pivot in the middle.  I have a 3 rail O N&W Class A (2-6-6-4) and it runs on 36" radius curves without the rear drivers pivoting.  Watching an HO scale articulated bend in the middle with the cab swinging out looks absolutely absurd.
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