Re: 1203, Hard on track?

When 1203 came to the Huckleberry RR it derailed twice. Once going into the village siding both lead axles spread the rail and dropped in. The second time it split the East loop switch right down the middle. This was embarrassing because Hal Wilmunder, who arranged the donation of the 1203 was at the throttle. That winter we jacked it up and freed up the side bearings which were carrying to much weight. We also replaced the side bearings because the rollers were worn egg shaped. After that repair it happily rolled around our 26 degree shop curve.
I think the wheel base is 5 feet between axles. There is also over an inch of lateral movement in each axle.