Yeah, bad move That!
Not really, As you know I am also an enjoyer of the unique medium of LEGO. Well, I acquired a unique LEGO kit. It's a "Ninjago" submarine of some sort. First thought that hit me was use it as an idea base for a steampunk style sub, ALA the Sub from "20,000 Leagues Unders the Sea".
Building the straight kit gave me lots of Ideas on how to work this style in sheet plastic and chotchkes! If anything they showed me, or show me where different techniques could be used to make it come together.
I recommend that if any of you are going to venture down that path, regardless of your prefference in models this simple idea will allow you to see in three dimensions ,what it is you want. Be it Armor, Cars, Ships or Aircraft.
While in some ways not the perfect medium ( square outcrops where you know they don't belong ) the LEGO experience will show where you need to be really inventive or normal skills will be enough.
The beauty of this? You can change anything to get closer to your idea. Give it a shot and don't doubt yourself ever again! Plus making it happen in LEGO can be fun too! Then when done, Give them to your children or the neighbors children. They will enjoy them too.
Post Script;
You can get close to Harper Goff's design with LEGO and the rusty red is available in many shapes to allow this to be done. Plus, if you build it in "Minifig" scale you will see that even LEGO has instrument and guage panels you can use as well, With modification of course.