Prioritizing my layout construction

Being new to N scale, I am starting from scratch, pretty much. About all I brought from my HO years was my passion and my current logo! I have selected a track plan (Scenic Ridge) - I think I can work with it just fine). I have also made purchases: A starter train set (Bachmann Empire Builder with a 4 8 4 Northern & tender). The Woodlands Scenics Scenic Ridge layout kit; a KATO RDC 4; a Bachmann EZ Command DCC system) we shall see... An Atlas GP 38 with DCC and a couple of airbrush outfits. Most recently I've bought a sheet of dry transfer decals on ebay with which to finish re- finishing my rolling stock. I picked up a sock full of Atlas turnouts as well. A few structure kits, end the list
In my introduction message I think I mentioned that I had comitted to scratchbuilding a timber trestle. That has changed as my girlfriend was drawn into that project. The trestle is coming along very nicely and is close to completion, I am quite proud of my gf for the job she has done, I'll post photos at a later date. Beyond all of the above purchases, I really haven't done much planning with respect to what to do next. All suggestions from you veterans will be very welcome!
Bill

 

The Scenic Ridge set comes with a lot of stuff and Atlas has a published list of the track requirements for it so I would set about acquiring the track first for the basic setup. Locomotive service requirements can be few as they can be considered as off the layout servicing at a different location and space for that and a turntable can be used for something else.

You mentioned steam and the only service that steam would need is water since coal or oil again could be represented as off the layout. Water needs for steam can be done two ways. The old style water tank and spout near a station or a simple tank somewhere near trackside and use water columns mounted between the tracks at either end of a station and that would be it for engine service freeing space up for other things. There was a kit that had the pump house and a couple of small trackside maintenance bldgs. so the pump house could replace a water tank using the water columns instead. Folks have done quite a few variations to the Scenic Ridge design and a wealth of stuff with those changes is on the web.

 

Thank you, John! I expended considerable time in trying to find an Atlas track pack for this layout but no one has it in stock nor could they obtain one for me; I finally gave up looking and picked up enough flex track to get me started (along with more turnouts than I'll need ( I think). I really like the idea of working on engine servicing facilities, thanks for the suggestion!
In other threads I've been prattling about paint (Scalecoat) and I thought I had hit on a good solution as I strip and re-paint all of my rolling stock. I'm getting good coverage but drying times seem to be excessive so I guess I'm not "there" just yet, but the journey is fun, just the same.

 

This is all about the current build... planning and preparation to get my first N scale layout underway. Gearing up to fabricate those things that I want to include. I'm thinking I may need to buy a sheet of extruded foam to plunk it all onto...

 

To answer your question, "further planning for this layout; figuring out what should be done first, second, third, etc...

 

When you are referring to Scenic Ridge I have to assume that you are referring to this kit made by Woodland Scenics which has everything but the track and structures. A little pricey but I have found it for at least $100 dollars off the MSP. 30 inches by 6 feet and they state it doesn't need a plywood base. However I would be tempted to mount it on a trimmed down HC door.

There is a specific track pack that is made for this version and maybe with a little searching it can be found since it is a complete track package and just may be laying on someone's shelf.

 

Yes, and I've spoken with suppliers all over who have all told me that the track pack is not available and that they can't can't get it for me. Too frustrating for me to fuss over it any longer. I think a solid base is going to be needed id only for wiring purposes, no?

 

I look at it as more of a ding protection. The solid sub base can stop something from knifing it's way into the foam too deep, also something solid and very rigid to mount some legs onto.

 

Ding protection is very important of course, especially given the foam base provided. I intend to increase the overall size of the whole thing to accomodate nore dramatic scenery (eg as I've seen for most of my life in north western Canada). At present I have a 30" X 48" donor table on which to begin. I'll add extensions of (probably) 3/4" G1S plywood to expand the table top.

 

Your lucky to have a girlfriend who likes trains. My wife says stuff like, I'm childish and your always playing with your stupid trains. Yep. Your a lucky man.

 

Don't forget to paint the rails!!!!!