M. Brindos
I feel ya. Yeah I' don't want wreck my pretty M-48 either lol. Your weathering as-is would be great for 1/72 as you don't want to go too crazy in that scale because it can look terrible if over-done. But in 1/35 you can go farther and more closer to realism. You almost don't have to worry about it too much.
Where do I get what ideas?? lolI just build things to my tastes, that's all lol. A mixed bag of what's real and imaginary. Scratch building takes a bit of imagination and engineering with a boat load of patience.
When you have a chance, pick up some Evergreen Styrene supplies. They come in all shapes, sizes, and thicknesses. You can build anything! WHen you're up for making things up to either, more realistic, or just because you want to see it done differently (like me lol) then you'll find it can be even more fun (and vastly more time consuming).
You've proven you have the talent, time, and time again. ;)
Hollywood doesn't use real model builders anymore. The few experts they already have are more than enough for the industry. They mostly use 3D software for this stuff anymore. I started going to school for 3D modelling, but I really prefer the hands-on building in the real world. The 3D models can't be displayed on my shelves lol. Besides, texture modelling came naturally to me and I was good at it. But I had to move 60+ miles from the school and while I am unemployed I can't afford the fuel to travel that far. Also, my car just died... again lol. This spring I will be rebuilding the engine completely. I kept it barely running for the last 8 months using parts from another model that was wrecked last year. Oh, good times. Good times.
Imagination my friend. You have it. Use it. :)