You always hear the question: "How did you get into the hobby?", and for me it was getting bored with assembling fighter jet models.
I could never afford the good jet kits either, lol. Plus those things had a ton of components, we're spoiled by Games Workshop when it comes to piece count, believe me.
This figure is a great example of how even the newest Warhammer 40k artwork and figures can draw heavily from for the Rogue Trader Era.
Marneus Calgar's artwork is pretty awe inspiring, but check this out. It appears to pay homage to this piece of artwork, and accompanying figure set from 1988.
Before chapter masters their were "Imperial Commanders"
What other strong inspirations like this can you think of from the "old days"? -MBG