TreeTrack: Christmas tree mounted brio train track

🎄 TreeTrack – Christmas Tree Rail Mount System

This model is a 3D-printable solution designed to mount a complete train-track loop directly around your Christmas tree. Thanks to the split design, the track can be installed after the tree is already in place (and decorated).

🛠️ Hardware & Sizing Flexibility

• Bolt Compatibility: This model is available for both M6 🔩 and M8 🔩 bolts.
• Hardware Requirement: Each unit requires 4 nuts and 4 bolts.

🌳 Tree Trunk Fit (Choose Your Size!)

To ensure a perfect clamp on any standard trunk, I designed three different inner diameter versions. You can choose the one that precisely matches the thickness of your wood:

• Small
  Inner diameter: 40 mm
  Recommended screw length: ~45–55 mm
• Medium
  Inner diameter: 60 mm
  Recommended screw length: ~35–45 mm
• Large
  Inner diameter: 80 mm
  Recommended screw length: ~25–35 mm

Here is the updated English text with the added flexibility note:

🔩 Screw Length Recommendations by Trunk Diameter

To ensure a perfect clamp on any standard trunk, I designed three different inner diameter versions. You can choose the one that precisely matches the thickness of your wood:

• Small: 40 mm inner diameter. Recommended screw length: ≈45−55 mm
• Medium: 60 mm inner diameter. Recommended screw length: ≈35−45 mm
• Large: 80 mm inner diameter. Recommended screw length: ≈25−35 mm

Note: The recommended screw lengths are suggestions for a secure fit. Any screw length will work as long as it fits through the designated holes and allows the clamp to be securely tightened.

🧩 Components Required for One Full Assembly

To complete one full, elevated train loop, you will need to print:

• Mount Body: 1 unit (printed as two halves for the split design)
• Rails: 8 pieces (the track pieces MUST be printed)
• Arms: 8 pieces  (Connect the mount to the track)

📐 Technical Specifications

• Material: PETG is highly recommended for its durability, low shrinkage, and flexibility in the snap-on clips.
• Track Compatibility: Once printed, the tracks can also be used as regular tracks for Brio-compatible trains and tracks. (Standard Brio, IKEA and LIDL wooden tracks Note: it is not a tight fit, but allows the train to run).
• Size & Print Volume: The track piece is 250 mm long, designed to fit perfectly inside the Bambu P1S build volume. With eight pieces, they form a 70 cm diameter circle.
• Secure Connection: At the end of each arm, a “snap-on clip” snaps onto the track from below to hold it securely.

• Supports: Since the track profile is compatible with wooden tracks, each connection point needs support underneath for successful printing.

   

   

🌟 Learning Project

This was designed in Fusion 360 as a learning exercise (My kid loves trains, and I love 3D printing!), so any feedback on tolerances, the dovetail joint, or layer strength is greatly appreciated!

⚠️ Printing Tip

Printing the rails upright (vertical orientation) can cause adhesion issues on the build plate. Only choose this orientation if you are experienced and confident with your printer's bed adhesion and cooling.

📅 Update History

2025-11-27

• BUGFIX: Small (40mm) Mount Body Screw Hole Corrected – Fixed a critical dimensional error where the screw hole for the Small (40mm) diameter Mount Body was not fully extruded through the component, causing incomplete threading or blockage. This is now fully cleared in all versions.
• Tolerance refinement on the dovetail and small plugs
• Tested with 2 walls instead of 3
• Infill reduced from 15% to 10%
• Confirmed it is still strong enough
• Also tested with PLA; strength is still sufficient (strong enough for normal use)