Layouts and layout building

trying to make the most of of the space i have to work for an ho set that is 48" x 48" to go under a christmas tree.  - just trying to setup something to look nice and be fun for a child's first christmas- i dont want to run the cars off the rails with any turns that would be too tight.  i figured a constant smooth curve would be better than straight, turn, straight, turn , etc.  i figure if i can prove this to be a fun thing, i will be able to add more area.  based on this theory, i bought  16 pieces of  22" radius curved track sections which should give enough room around the track edge without coming off the potential platform.  any suggestions?   or should i get a smaller radius, adn then put some straights in it?  i would guess a few cars would be nice - maybe 4 or so?   thanks.

It sounds like you are talking about HO scale trains here.   Is that a given?   If not I have found that bigger trains work better around the tree.  I use G-gauge for "tree" service.

The only potential challenge to having all curves is getting the train on the track. Its a little easier to do if you put a rerailer on some straight track. Other then that I think you will be fine for what you are trying to do.

Chris 

 

Its not HO, but last year this was my set up. 42 in. diameter circle on the outer loop. In HO the 22" radius circle should work well. Good luck and have fun with it.

We have to assume that this is HO EZTrack that you "bought".  For a first railroad, a  circle of track is fine for circling the tree, (even though it gets dull, quickly.)   Looking back on my youth, it seems that your children could have more fun with an O guage Cristmas tree layout, since it is easier to rerail, and is more in proportion to the tree size, visually.