This step into actually building something has been a long time coming - here's hoping I'm ready for it! Scratch Building something for presentation by March and having to show progress along the way I'm sure will help focus the mind (posting is a new challenge too - can someone advise how you insert photos etc?).
The home layout is based on a single line passing through a small port along the New England coast line in the 1950's and at present is represented solely on a flat piece of paper some 7' x 2' with a couple of sticky out bits (partners technical term!).
Having finally mapped out the track plan and the outline borders of the port it is fairly obvious how much space I know have for buildings (which is what I was after - but this much!!).
There are a number of different building ideas currently to choose from, small collection of drive in motel bungalows, white clap board houses, Boat builders workshop etc and a lighthouse (although I have a nice representation of Cromer Lighthouse which looks good - on the flat paper

So what to choose - I think that the drive in motel bungalows (5 or 6) is probably at the top of the list so watch this space as they say.
Dean