Hi,
Is there any place I can order a pre printed template for a layout. This is for a new beginner layout. I envision something that can be unfolded and placed on a flat surface with the track layout preprinted on it.
I've been model railroading since about 1958 and I can't remember ever coming across something like what you're looking for. For one thing, since virtually every manufacturers' track is slightly different, such as curve radius, turnout length, etc., each template would have to custom printed, likely an expensive proposition. The best thing I can tell you is to let Google be you friend. Sorry I'm not able to help.
It's a bit expensive to do, but you could duplicate a plan from a magazine with a program like Anyrail or SCARM, then print the file out at 1:1 scale. I did this with my current layout which is about 5x10 and the file ran 88 pages. Did you have a particular layout in mind?