Scene ideas - since it's at a lower elevation, perhaps something kids will really go for? (read: kids of all ages) How' bout a prospecting scene or old mine complete with mine entrance? Maybe a herd of Elk?
That Burt still cracks me up...I gotta bookmark that post so that I can get back to it whenever I need a good laugh.
As for the bridge color, did NP have a standard color? Careful, contacting the NP historical society may lead to more fun...
And if I remember the plan correctly you can run the F units...out of the yard, up the hill, around the reversing section opposite the mine and back down the hill. Since you've got two, set em up end to end and you can just run around your train in the yard without having to turn 'em.
Merry Christmas, btw.
Galen