yttriumWell, you can't say I didn't try. I was able to change the model using the same method as my viewmodels, and tested it offline with success:
https://i.imgur.com/9crxlEK.png
However, even with preloading it didn't work in casual servers, while my viewmodels still worked there. I tried a bunch of different methods, including empty model swaps, texture edits, material edits, and finally just a straight up model edit to move the idle animation below the ground, which is what you see above.
I can give you this VPK (after putting it further in the ground) but I don't know how much good it will do. Maybe it could be preloaded into ultiduo servers or competitive ones, but Valve MM doesn't allow it.
will this work in like, esea servers?
also can you move the icon even further down so its below the map?