When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
BELT KIT ONLY — TRACK UNIT NOT INCLUDED
As a mechanical engineer by profession and The Christmas Tinker by passion, I combine my engineering expertise with a love of restoring these beloved Department 56 pieces.
This replacement belt was reverse-engineered from the original Department 56 design and developed as part of my own family’s restoration project after the original belt on our Village Animated Track failed.
Rather than simply accept that the track was no longer usable, I set out to develop a replacement that would restore its operation and provide the durability needed for years of continued use.
The result is a carefully engineered replacement belt that faithfully restores the movement of your Animated Track.
My own track has been running with this belt design for over a year, providing extensive real-world testing before offering it to other collectors.
Why Choose This Replacement Belt?
Original Department 56 belts are now decades old. Over time, the material can become brittle, stretch, crack, and eventually fail.
My replacement belt was specifically developed for the Department 56 Village Animated Track and offers:
• Reverse-engineered design based on the original Department 56 belt
• Extensive real-world testing — my own track has been running with this design for over a year
• Flexible material selected specifically for this application
• Careful manufacturing and hand finishing
• Individual inspection and quality checks
• Competitive pricing while maintaining the quality and workmanship I expect for my own Christmas Village
Every belt is carefully printed, assembled, finished, and inspected before it leaves the workshop.
Watch the Repair Process
Want to see exactly how an Animated Track is restored?
I documented the complete repair process—from teardown to final testing—in a detailed YouTube video so you can see the work that goes into bringing these pieces back to life.
Watch the repair video shows:
• Disassembly and inspection
• Motor replacement
• Replacement belt installation
• Cleaning and lubrication
• Reassembly
• Live operation and performance testing
What’s Included
• 1 Replacement Belt — Black or White
• 2 Small Packets of Grease for the corner applications
• 1 Q-tip Applicator
Installation
The belt must be glued at the joint during installation. Glue is not included. For best results, I recommend Loctite Ultra Gel Control Super Glue.
Product Details
Color Options: Black or White
Material: 3D-Printed Flexible Rubber
Processing Time
In Stock: Ships within 24 hours
Not in Stock / Made to Order: Please allow up to 5 business days for production.
If you prefer a black belt and black is not currently available, please message me. I’ll be happy to print one for you.
Made by The Christmas Tinker
Each belt takes over 30 hours of total production time per set, including printing, assembly, finishing, and quality checks.
Every belt is individually produced and inspected. This isn’t a generic replacement pulled from a box.
The design is the result of reverse engineering, testing, refinement, and hands-on restoration of the actual Department 56 Animated Track.
That’s what The Christmas Tinker is all about: taking something that has been sitting broken for years, figuring out why it failed, and finding a way to bring it back to life.
2-Year Warranty
I’m proud to offer a 2-year warranty on the belt.
For the best service life, store the belt in a cool, dry location when not in use. Avoid prolonged storage in hot environments such as an attic or garage.
Important Operating Information
Per the original Department 56 operating manual, no more than six accessories should be placed on the track at one time.
Keep Your Christmas Village Moving
The Department 56 Animated Track is a unique piece, and when the original belt finally fails, the track doesn’t necessarily need to be retired.
Keep the track. Replace the belt. Keep the Christmas Village moving.
I also offer replacement motors and track adapters for the Department 56 Animated Track. Check out my other listings for compatible parts.
Have a question about your track, the belt, or the repair process?
Feel free to message me. I’m happy to help.
