If you do start taking a pew apart, document the process.
If I'm taking a replica apart that isn't common to me, I take pictures of what screws came from where, what way the pins came out, the gearbox shell when it's just opened etc. Saves a lot of guess work when it comes to reassembly, or thinking you've done a cracking job, put it all back together and you're left over with a handful of screws that should be somewhere. Also, when you do start taking screws out etc, try to do it on a rubber mat or something grippy. Nothing worse than spending an hour on the floor looking for that tiny screw or spring.