Tinplate trains around the Tree - Questions

If you use fasttrack or mth realtrax with full plastic roadbed that issue is eliminated.   

I often use a red blanket on the floor before I put down regular tubular tracks.

Years ago I bought an inexpensive 48-inch round oriental-style rug for under the Christmas tree:

Of recent manufacture, I've not had any problems with bits getting caught in running gear or motors. It is, however, made of a treated polypropylene material, so while it meets fire-retardant regs for carpet in the U. S., I wouldn't consider it nonflammable. That said, I've never had an issue.

PD

I don't know why fabric would be getting in the gears. Is your tree skirt shedding? One thing you will want to do is keep the tree watered, and frequently vacuum up fallen needles. They won't hurt anything, but will get on the tracks. As for sparking, I have never heard of a problem. If you are worried, spray the skirt with fire retardant.

Thanks guys for the advice! Fortunately, the tree is artificial so I do not need to worry about it drying out. While I like real Christmas trees and the pleasant smell they have, I chose to get an artificial one this year. I picked out one I thought should look like something a tinplate train from the 20's may have ran around. Once it shows up, I'm going to set up my village of cardboard houses (some ceramic ones too) and some of those Christmas village trees. I have bought some snow blankets to place underneath them and I'll set up some track. I'll take some pictures once it's set up!

Thanks,

Alex

As was previously suggested/recommended: You cannot go wrong with Lionel FasTrack or MTH RealTrax (both have built-in roadbed) for under-the-tree use. My around-the-tree track for our large living room tree (two simple circles for the grandsons to enjoy) is GarGraves that is permanently mounted to an elevated 5' round base. Three-year-old Lucas is now allowed to use the remote to operate the Polar Express and a second Lionel Christmas train. Soon he will be running the "big stuff" on PaPa's under-construction permanent layout in the basement. In the meantime, one end of that U-shaped layout will be decorated in a temporary Christmas theme (snow blanket, Dept. 56 Snow Village buildings, snow-covered trees, etc.) so the boys and others can also come to the basement to see those larger and longer trains run. At least that is the plan.