here is a rough plan of an under-the-tree layout i've made before...

it uses all sectional track (some half-curve) but i believe it only needs one cut of a piece of straight track and it avoids the running-around-the-edges look. it can be separated (blue lines) for storage.
cheers...gary
I re-drew Gary's plan with SCARM and it fits together perfectly with just one custom-cut piece of track. It makes a good variation from the usual symmetrical circles and ovals of typical small plans.
