Hello!

I'm looking for some advice on my elevated train project.

I haven't had a train since I was a kid (and that was awhile ago) so I know nothing about building layouts.

I recently purchased the Lionel Polar Express Remote Train Set - O-Gauge, and an additional Lionel - FasTrack - Straight Track - 4 Pack so this gives me eight curved 0-36 FasTrack sections, seven 10" straight FasTrack sections, one 10" FasTrack wall-pack terminal section in total.

I want to set this up in my living room with the train going around my Christmas tree this year. The tree will be in front of my large picture window, the bottom of which is only 11.5 inches from the floor. This window allows my entire lit-up tree to be seen from the outside.

So my project idea is to elevate the entire train 11.5 inches off the floor so its visible as well from the outside when it's going around the tree. I'm looking for suggestions on the easiest and simplest way to do this. Of course, I also want it to look nice and professional, keeping in mind it's a Polar Express/Christmas theme. Obviously it needs to be sturdy and solid so everything stays in place when the train is running around the tree.

The window sill is more than wide enough for the FasTrack sections to sit on, so I thought I could simply use the sill to support the FasTrack sections on that side of the tree. Does that sound reasonable?

If so, what's the best way to elevate the rest of the track? I've looked at the Lionel 6-12038 FasTrack Elevated Trestle Set (wood look) and the 40-1134 - 8-piece Elevated Trestle Set (concrete brick look) but either would have to be on top of something else (blocks of wood?) to make them the correct height.

I've also thought about getting a piece of plywood and cutting it to the shape of the layout so there are no corners and the tree can still go in the hollow middle, but then again I would still need to elevate that cut-out plywood to the bottom of the window sill.

Also keep in mind I have a carpeted floor so I don't want anything permanently attached to the floor. After the holidays, I want to be able to dis-assemble everything for storage.

Any of your thoughts, suggestions, and ideas would be greatly appreciated.

Happy Holidays!