I was motivated to get into model trains by Mr. Fujiwara's September 2012 article about 2'x4' N-scale layouts. I'd like to build the Wordsworth Township layout and I wonder how it would be for operating.
Looking at the track plan, it might be a bit much for a true beginner with zero experience; not impossible, but you might consider building it in stages...first a loop with runaround and a couple industries, then adding on as you get familiar with it (it helps to spread out the cost of buying all the track/turnouts at once too).
When I evaluate just about any track plan, I look for 1) a place for trains to come from (staging)...2) interesting/believable track arrangement/scenery...3) a place for the trains to run to (staging).
For small layouts, staging can be the other side of the layout, if only one operator, so the train appears to arrive in the town from somewhere else 'off-layout'. Once in town, it can do it's pick ups/set outs (check the track plan to be sure the siding length is adequate for the train length and check the runaround track is long enough to accommodate switching). When done with all the switching (and waiting for other trains to pass), it's nice to have the train leave town for other off-layout places (or return to where it came from).
In short, it is a nice tight trackplan, looks like it could provide years of fun (as well as some good experience) and maybe not require a huge amount of locos/cars (cost savings). If that track plan had 1/2 the industries, it'd still be good, and maybe not too overwhelming for a first layout.
http://delray1967.shutterfly.com/pictures/5
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