Southern Pacific Switching Layout

[FCIN]

Now, my next question is what should I get first? Track? Foam? Backdrop?
My idea is to get two turnouts and construct a small test layout using the upper right portion of the layout. This would allow me to do some switching while I accumulate the foam and the rest of the track.

Well, I'd say get enough track to do what you're thinking about right now. Two turnouts and 5 or 6 sections of flex track should do the job nicely. Being able to do a little switching and keep your interests up while you acquire your other materials might be just the thing.

If you can find the foam, go ahead and get it and laminate it to your HCD's. Then you can temporarily pin the track down to that and move it around some if needed.

If you can't find the foam, then you can put the track down directly on the HCD using just little spots of white glue here and there - just enough to hold the track in place - say a spot every 5 or 6 ties. White glue will not actually bond with the plastic ties so you'll be able to pop it loose or use Lance's method of soaking the glued areas with an alcohol/water mixture. See Lance's tip pages regarding gluing the track down.

At least being able to do a little switching and getting the feel for prototypical operations should keep you inspired to continue on with whatever plan you decide to do.