For a model I've made I'd like to keep the basic properties of the Cycles material (shader type etc) the same for most of the objects that make up the model, but have a different image mapped to for each object. This is so the (for instance) nacelles have a particular image as part of their material, the main fuselage another etc but all are made of the same basic type of "metal". I don't want an entirely separate material for every object though.
The reason for this is that I want to be able to tweak how shiny or whatever the whole model is without having to repeat this for every single object.
Is there a way to do this? Am I missing something obvious? I'm Happy to elaborate with specifics if I haven't made my intention clear.