Model train folks, inexpense HO set for Xmas decoration
 

Many moons ago as a tyke we set up a toy train to run around the Christmas tree.
Just want a simple low cast loop around the old tree.
We have cats (watching them play with it will be part of the fun) so nothing fancy or expensive.
Looking on ebay something can be had for $50-$60
Options are Lionel, Tyco, Bachman, and some off brands.
Any recommendations of brand to look for or avoid?
As said this is just for around the Christmas tree so it will get setup and tore down every year so ease of assembly/disassembly is a must.

Dad did build us a 4'x8' HO setup on a sheet of plywood in the garage when we were kids, but I don't want anything that fancy.

Lionel will hold its value but cost more up front.
If you aren't worried about damage from kids, grandkids or animals, buy an off brand and enjoy it. I found had saved the metal locomotive, coal car and metal crane that I had when I was a kid. I lucked out and found the matching other cars and transformer from the same set I had so my train now looks exactly like the one I had as a kid. That makes it special to me.

Any difference between Tyco and Bachman? those are in my under $80 requirement.

Bachmanns a lot nicer and their snap track is easy to assemble

Thank you!

Looks might I might have to downsize to N scale, looked up some layouts online and apparently the tightest circle you can make with HO is three feet. I am trying to get my wife to agree to do what we did this year, a small three foot tree (this year we used the fake one we have in the garage) to cut costs and set it up on a small side table... about 30x48 inch.

I have a bachmann set under out tree this year, and yes you don't want a super tight circle with HO. The bachmann stuff is nice though, my set is going on 10yrs old or more.

A good place to start would be here.. http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss_1?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=christmas+train+set

You can also call or swing by here, they have lots of stuff to choose from (some of it $$$$$)
Buy Trains Online Anytime - TrainShack.com