any tips on painting realistict 1/35 scale figures?

The next thing I would recommend is buying a book or two on figure painting. There is just to much information on this subject to be listed here. Kalmbach Publishing, the host of this site, publishes several books on this topic. Many other companies do as well.

also, good lighting, and even a magnifyer will improve the quality.

Heavyarty has it right. Practice and go to the site he gave you (Great community). Also go to http://missing-lynx.com/index.htm and look for article there. Go to http://www.acrylicosvallejo.com/ , click on the Union Jack for English and choose Model Color from the drop down menu. Scroll down to the bottom for an excellent tutorial. Study some art book to see how artists capture light and shadow on the human form.
Have fun with this. It can be a lifelong pursuit.

Probably the answer you don't want to hear, but, Practice, Practice, Practice. The other keys are good brushes, hand control, and practice. Here is a site with lots of articles that may help.
http://www.armorama.com/modules.php?op=modload&name=Sections&file=index&req=listarticles&secid=11

Good luck.