Suggestion on painting and weather ing an X-wing........

This is my first attempt at sci-fi modeling.  I've had a project toiling around in my mind since 1997. I have always wanted to do my own version of the ICONS X-Wing diorama.

 I got a first run MPC X-wing fighter kit. I just about have the base color painted. I need some help with some other stuff.......I am going to do Red 5 (is there any other? :-) ) flying over the Death Star using the Death Star panels from Germany and clear rod to simulate flight. I am sure this has been done before, just not by me!

What red is the best shade of red on the fuselage and wings? To me, yellow zinc chromate looks about correct for the yellow on top of the fuselage.

How do you guys do the severe weathering that is common on all of the X-Wings? For what I have read for background information on an X-wing, the Rebels didn't care too much about paint jobs, they just used what they had and paid little attention to masking and overspray.

Any thoughts????

 Thanks!