Walt,
Unfortunately I think those all raise the track somewhat so they can make or break the electrical contacts. Your idea of moving it away from the tie is good, I would use a thin piece of cardboard that is the width and length of your device and use any type of tacky stuff, (two-sided tape, etc.) to hold it in place. Make it wider and then bend the long edges down to work as a locator. The thin cardboard should hold up better than tape under the rails for your seasonal display.
Oops, walked away without posting and just saw Brian's post. Great solution.
