Ahh i've been working on some models like these from Star Wars. Once I get settled in to my new house after I move I'll start showing progress. I am making dioramas and like you said it is a nice change from the normal computer based work.
I get a lot of mine at local hobby shops, toys r us for some star wars ones but ebay is a good bet for some of the hard to get ones. Pretty good deals as well. But hit up a local hobby shop if you have any around you first and if they don't have them ask. They will know where to find them.