Sounds like the smart budget approach! Although, with an additional power pack you could run two trains...it works much the same way with the panel...
Trackplans....
Here is a good site for some ideas
http://www.thortrains.net/4holayx.html
http://www.thortrains.net/nglayou1.html
Give those a go to start with. They should give you a basic idea. You should be able to find a track plan book at Hobby Lobby for a reasonable price. Once you commit to an area and era you can take the basic plan and and tweak it.
The NMRA page is an excellent suggestion as well.
Trackplans....
Here is a good site for some ideas
http://www.thortrains.net/4holayx.html
http://www.thortrains.net/nglayou1.html
Give those a go to start with. They should give you a basic idea. You should be able to find a track plan book at Hobby Lobby for a reasonable price. Once you commit to an area and era you can take the basic plan and and tweak it.
The NMRA page is an excellent suggestion as well.