... none of us produce templates until we have a layout to fit them into and there is a compelling logic that says "get the concept right> finalise the layout> do the detail> print the Templates> build the track..." Therefore I am suggesting that a beginner might reasonably expect to start elsewhere than creating and printing templates. What I meant about the power of Templot as a layout design tool is illustrated by a little example:- This "layout" was produced in about 10 minutes flat:- 1129_200239_470000000.jpg Alright, so it is not yet ready to build (timbering etc) but I know it is buildable, geometrically correct, and Templot has kindly advised me that it contains an error- I have infringed a minimum spacing! I am sure you would agree- that constitutes a pretty powerful design tool! I don't say a newcomer could expect to do that in their first hour, but if they could- within an hour- be convinced that it CAN be done, they might be motivated to stay and do the ...