If you want to run HO under the tree, I suggest buying Bachmann EZ track. unlike normal track, which is just plastic ties and metal rails, EZ track has Roadbed (bevelled grey plastic with a stone texture to look like the ballast in real life).
I have an Atlas train set. The track is plastic ties with metal rails.
This roadbed shields your cars and locomotives from the dust and hair on the floor (which would otherwise stick through the ties in normal track, and get tangled up in your engine's gears). Its also pretty easy to set up and store away until next year, and if you want to build a layout, there is enough variety in this brand now that you could make very interesting track plans with it.
I am putting the train on 1/4 hard board for its base.
As far as your current set, if you have the boxes or can find the manufacturer, it would help a bundle! If not, pictures would be very helpful in identifying what needs fixing.
Atlas train manual so I think its an Atlas train, Tyco power box The Loco seems to be a early coal train.
AS far as the engine goes, was it in a blue box that says "Athearn" on it? it sounds like either your equipment is in kit form, or has been rather battered. Almost any part can be easily fixed or replaced, so do not worry!
Nope
Now i personally do have HO trains ( and a Lionel O-27 set i got when i was 6) that i use in my christmas tree trains, and every year i get more lavish and encroach farther away from the tree.
Have you heard of atlas?
Here Is a video of my HO trains (should have ran the Lionel O-27 behind it!), and some pictures for ideas. In my personal opinion, the Polar Express has nothing on the Challenger Steam engine in the video. Its also fun run passenger trains so that families and last minute gift shipments go where they need to go on time.
The track used in the video is all EZ track, so that you have an idea what its like.
YouTube - Christmas Tree Train 2006[/quote]
That looks awesome!
Thanks
Aberdabr