The Thor site above is great, I also like this one with tips about how switches should lay out:
http://hoexbroe.tripod.com/train/id36.html
This Pinterest board is where I snip pictures of layouts I like, it might give you some ideas and most of the images if clicked on will take you to some information about the layout.
https://www.pinterest.com/rich...model-train-layouts/
As for modeling software on Mac: RailModeler Express is OK, but I wish the guy from SCARM would create a Mac version, I liked using that software a little better when I had Windoz. I'd love to know how you like the PRO edition, I haven't stepped up yet to pay for it.
As for the benchwork (carpentry), a lot of guys seem to start out wondering where to begin and wondering if they've got the skills to build something good, if you're not sure or you want to get going quickly you could consider one of the forum sponsors who do this such as http://www.modelrailroadbenchwork.com If you want to do it yourself just make it sturdy and put a "skirt" around it to hide the ugly!
Two pieces of advise which likely aren't worth two cents:
- Height: Unless you have little ones I'd recommend building at a workbench height instead of tabletop height. I have a tabletop (table height) layout which is nice for the kids, but I seem to enjoy working at the higher height.
- Leverage the guys on this forum for your track design. If you post images of the design onto a new "what do you think of this design" you'll likely get tons of "hey, try this too" kind of advice.
Good luck and keep us posted...Rich Murnane
