Hi ewsclass66,
Welcome to the MRF, particularly as you are an N Gauger like myself.
I'm modelling Post WWII GWR but if I can be of any help you only have to ask and I (as I'm sure will many others) will gladly try to help.
As Edwin says it would help, to start with, to know what sort of space you have available and if you have any particular prototype terminus in mind. Can't say I, know much about NW terminii . In fact off the top of my head I can't think of any. They are all either on the West Coast Main Line or the Trans Pennine routes. Try Googling for some actual track plans for whereever you have in mind and see what you get.
As regards DCC I have no hesitation in saying go straight for it. There are some very good and quite inexpensive controllers around and I have had no problem getting any locos chipped so far. Even down to a little 0-6-0 GWR Pannier.
Cheers for now and happy modelling,
Expat.