I've finally been able to get my mind around Basemapz, which I've now found to be quite suitable for the type of layouts I've done in the past,... and its quick.
I've taken a street map, then with a black pen, marked out the streets, tracks, docks, etc, then scanned it, converted it to grayscale, sharpened the image and imported it into Basemapz. Once processed, it is uploaded into TANE as a building and so the image is adjustable and can be easily rotated and moved around until you are happy with its position. Lay your main assets, then delete the Basemapz image. I may never use a ruler again.
Here's a WIP around Millers Point that I've started, which will create 'a view' from trains heading across the Sydney Harbour Bridge in both directions.
Showing the map.
Then with the map removed. Another alternative would be to install the maps in a layer, then delete the layer when complete.
Cheers,
Roy