The Ranger is actually my first drawing I'm doing on a 18"x24" Bristol paper. I've done some on a smaller size before but it's totally different with a bigger one and so far, I like it.
I can play with it lot more now and get better, smoother shades.
I use Staedtler graphite pencils from 6H to 4B. I use two blending stumps to smooth out the grainy texture, and staedtler eraser. I don't use rulers or other tools. Just a pencil, a stump, and my eraser.