Here is a good site of someone's reflections on model railroading. This person may already be a memeber of the gauge and if you are I hope you don't mind me sharing this. There are many nice pictures and his "ruminations" at the bottom are pretty insightful for beginners.
http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/layout.php
http://www.visi.com/~spookshow/layout.php