My brother recently got this train, it is good, quiet and recepts to the controller well but the coupling rods are VERY weak and bendy and they are easily breakable. The part that has a slidey bit (I don't know what it's called) is the weakest part and you've got to be really careful when opening up the body as it has a tendency to bend and break as the body comes up. It might work on the 16" curves ut I wouldn't make it any smaller as I have and it now emits a squeaking noise. (whether that's to do with the oil I don't know)