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I model in N scale and consider 18" a workable minimum radius, at least for mainlines. On individual industry spurs, I might go down to 12". Translated to HO scale, this becomes 36" radius mainlines and 24" spurs; anything less than this, while it might run okay, just looks toy-like, no matter how deftly a scene is modeled. This is because of the sharp angle that is formed between cars as they traverse the curve; any prototype photo shows a much gentler condition. In N-scale, I have had troubles even on 18" curves with really long and heavy trains, because the sharp curve gives the train a tendency to derail, since a straight line (called a "chord") is shorter than the distance along the circumference. The engines and the inertia of the train behind are playing tug-of-war, and all there is to resist it is the friction of the wheels on the rails. I don't know if this is a problem with HO scale, especially if all the cars are properly weighted (I'm currently adjusting weights in my freight car fleet, so hopefully it'll disappear in N-scale), but it definitely is more pronounced on tighter curves. If you need to use 24" (or less) curves to fit your space, try to hide as much of that curve from view as possible. Make sure it remains accessible, because it may be a derailment problem area, and treat yourself to a nice broad curve somewhere up front and center. John Allen called this a cosmetic curve, and you'll love posing your trains on it... go for 60" radius or more. I am an architect, and I have no problems finding ways to get generous curves into tight spaces.
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