Ha, you can't really compare RCT3 and NL, they are completely different approaches to coasters. Keep this in mind:
-making rides in NL requires patience/thought, and often lots of it. Rides will not just make themselves like in RCT3.
-NL is based on moving around completely unrestricted nodes and their control points. Basically, any shape of track can be created, good or bad! Instead of thinking about little chunks of a ride (RCT3), you'll be working with the bezier curves. It's really not as intimidating as it looks/sounds.
-Practice makes perfect.