If we didnt try to make them look like the real thing, this wouldn't be any fun at all. Half the fun is making them look like they really were and learning. Doing it right or why bother. We can't afford the real planes etc, so this is as close as most of us can get to the history of each plane and ship, plus our imagination of what they were like plays into it I think (that may be the kid in us all).
Ya'll build some amazing models of all types, that look as if they are the real planes/ship/etc and we all enjoy seeing them too. I am always amazed at the details that get put into these models.
Besides all of that, it drives our wives, friends and families nuts trying to figure out why we do this too. Thats also the fun part. lol