I've learned from experience to never, ever, ever start big. You're basically trying to build a Pixar movie with little animation experience. Don't jump to a massive recreation like this. Yes, you have the confidence and all, but definitely not the skill yet. Build small custom models, and experiment before you do this. Nothing except experience will make this work, and look good. Seriously take that advice, or in the end you'll end up with a tangled mess of plastic.
-IMC-