Thanks for the response. In re-reading my post I see that I did not properly indicate the chain/derailleur problem. First, on this low-entry bike the crank and chain shield are an integral part riveted together. Also this is a cottered crank. In sighting from above it would appear that the chain is going far enough to the outside, in fact it is coming off the large chain ring and gives the appearance of angling out from the chain ring and then it gets caught in the shield (which by the way is bent in various places and which I could not properly straighten since it can't be separated from the chain rings. The result is the chain over-running the large chain ring and getting caught between it and the shield. By careful tweaking of the limit screws I am able to get it to function correctly some of the time but not all. Sighting from above I can't detect the chainrings and crank arms as being not perpendicular to the bb. I did remove the bb and replaced the bearings, cleaned and greased it etc.

In regard to the steering I will conduct those tests suggested and see if there is any discernible mis alignment. The headset and bearings were also overhualed and bearings replaced. Seems to move smoothly with no indication of play, or roughness.