HELP! New layout design.

[WGS 84]

Would it be possible for someone to point me in the right direction!!
I have recently completed a baseboard construction of 500mm wide X 2650mm then angled at 130 deg to another section of 500mm wide X 1410mm.
This is to be a shelf type layout with the scene based on a preserved line (so we can run anything really!).

I have managed to get a Hornby DCC Controller to replace our very old Hornby unit.So I'll proberly go down this DCC route.All to be done in 00 gauge.The problem i have is where do i start?? I have tried xtrcad but can't really get on with it.Any ideas please would be welcome.

Thanks.

[Richie]

Welcome to the forum, I was in a similiar position not knowing what to do. I bought the book "the model railway design manual" by c j freezer. The book was a massive help and has some good layouts of all sizes. My layout is based loosely on one of them. Well worth the money, amazon have them in stock.

[WGS 84]

Thanks for that.I had looked at these but don't know if they are worthwhile.On this advice i'll pick one up.Hopefully i can get the track down before spring!!!

[hairyhandedfool]

'Anyrail' is relatively easy to use once set up, although the free download version is limited to 50 pieces of track, but does include Hornby OO gauge and if your a bit handy with 'Paint' you can mock up a plan in a few hours. It took me about an hour to get used to the settings, but the pdf manual isn't bad. Failing that, there are the Hornby templates, available in most model shops.