Having hard time getting track plans as a complete noob.

[crewearpley40]

We look forward to your boards and track which you will buy and plan then hopefully lay. Chris

[ntpntpntp]

@Grassyfield as you've obviously been looking around at track systems you may have already seen this video, but I'll add it here.  It gives a good overview of some (but not all) of the N gauge track systems.  It's from an American modeller's viewpoint so it's missing some of the European track systems and also Peco Setrack. I agree with his conclusions other than I rate Peco 55 1st simply because it's a flexi track system I've used since the 90s for all my German themed exhibition layouts so I'm very familiar with it and for my taste it looks better than Unitrack once ballasted and weathered.

[NinOz]

I would recommend a track layout program.
I use Anyrail (https://www.anyrail.com/en) which has a nice library of track components from various manufacturers.  It has PECO code80 set track as well as the code80 streamline range.  Also is available free but with limitations on number of pieces of track that can be used.
Another similar track program SCARM (https://www.scarm.info/index.php) is also available.  It has N code80 track plan (https://scarm.info/layouts/track_plans.php?ltp=38) which could be easily extended to suit your proposed baseboard size.

The PECO N Gauge Setrack Planbook is available from hobby shops in Oz and has some nice plans.  Also PECO PB4 N Gauge Track Plans Book. Each costs less than $10.

[Bad Raven]

I put "peco setrack plans" into Mk Google and loads of books leafllets were listed.

[devonjames]

I agree that looking at track plans (as many as possible) can be a useful aid in helping you design your own layout.  The same applies to looking at other people's layouts.  If you can't get to any decent exhibitions in NZ then there are lots to view on Youtube.  You really need to decide what your priorities are. Mainly goods or mainly passenger trains?  How long do you want your trains to be - eg a nine/ten coach passenger train will need a station with about a 1.5m long platform? Do you want a terminus? How big a fiddle yard do you want to include? Do you want to include an incline to a higher level - if so think about how long the inclines need to be at 3% on straights and 2% on curves? If you are modeling a steam era do you need runarounds at the end of platforms or even do you want to incorporate a turntable? Do you want to include a reversing loop?

Only when you've considered all these things (and probably more that I've forgotten to list) can you start to come up with the track design that will work best to meet your wishes - almost certainly with some compromises along the way.  I agree with @NinOz using a track design package such as Anyrail (I'm a big fan of Anyrail which is simple to use) will definitely help you. 

As far as track goes, if you have the choice, use Peco Code-55 rather than Code-80. It's much easier to work with when you start cutting and bending it (I've used both so speak from experience). It looks better too.

If you can, design your track plan before you build your baseboards.  If you want to incorporate under board point motors then you'll need to make sure that no cross supports run under where your points will be.

[stevewalker]

I would recommend a track layout program.
I use Anyrail (https://www.anyrail.com/en) which has a nice library of track components from various manufacturers.  It has PECO code80 set track as well as the code80 streamline range.  Also is available free but with limitations on number of pieces of track that can be used.
Another similar track program SCARM (https://www.scarm.info/index.php) is also available.  It has N code80 track plan (https://scarm.info/layouts/track_plans.php?ltp=38) which could be easily extended to suit your proposed baseboard size.

The PECO N Gauge Setrack Planbook is available from hobby shops in Oz and has some nice plans.  Also PECO PB4 N Gauge Track Plans Book. Each costs less than $10.

One that doesn't get mentioned very often, but I used to develop my plan over an extended period, before printing out full scale and starting to build, is XtrkCAD.

[nickk]

for what its worth and as another novice im going with Peco code 55. Have drawn a rough plan and just going to buy some track and have a play. Sorry bit off topic Mr Bad Raven are you another refugee off RCMF