New File 3D image

I created a 3D image and saved a copy so I can make a new version that is slightly different from the original one. I select File<New<Place to begin creating the variant version (see image). How do i then make the image editable starting from the same 3D design configurations as the original? I seem to have to start setting the 3D preferences all over again. 

is their a better approach to accomplishing this then the way i have outlined above?