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I don't have much experience of model railway designs, and had no real idea how much track would fit into what space. The choices I say were either to "try it and see" or try to get a stronger up-front design. I chose a CAD approach, because I'm used to similar tools for other things; it doesn't mean that anyone else needs to follow.
One of the key benefits of a CAD design is consistency: there is one design record rather than a lot of different ones, where differences could creep in. If I make a change to a track, then I can change the point numbers and power feed arrangements consistently in the same tool.
I was recommended a tool called XTrkCAD. This is a "freeware" tool that can be freely downloaded, and once registered (at zero cost) it offers unlimited operation. I have found little that XTrkCAD can't do that I wanted it to do, and I've been very pleased with the results. It supports libraries of track from most manufacturers including the complete Peco range. You can also drag simulated trains onto the track and operate them: this allows problems with train and platform lengths to be identified quickly.
XTRKCAD has its own website.
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