Well here goes, my first (and hopefully not only) attempt to blog my layout, it's progress (or lack), problems etc.
As a youth I first came across Marklin when Z first sprang up, started to collect it, plan vast layouts, then discovered work, girls, parties etc etc etc. Now some 25-odd years on I have come back to Z having rediscovered it via Ebay.
As an owner/operator of a small hotel in Norfolk I do find that I have a little time on my hands so thought that now would be a good time to try again.
I am humbled when I see the standard of modelling on this site, so hope that you do not find my sad efforts to be too pitiful. I must say straight away that I have decided that my layout will be be for me to enjoy (I doubt that I would ever get to exhibition standard anyway), running stock that I want to see with buildings and scenery that I like the look of, rather than try to be exact in my authenticity.
I have decided on a 8 foot by 2 foot baseboard, split into two 4 foot by 2 foot sections, bolted together. While buying track (the usual Ebay red mist frenzy I'm afraid, will probably be selling the vast amount of excess off at some stage I am sure), and drawing up various plans I have encountered what I am sure that you will all be familiar with - the "because it's Z I can fits lots and lots in a small space" delusion. Although I have started to use the Any Rail planning software, which I find to be excellent, I still find that what looks good on paper.....