Recently, SMCGer Jon Bryon shared an interesting post about increasing his productivity at the bench. It’s a thought-provoking read, but one part in particular has stuck with me:
Build in batches
Now, that doesn’t mean just have multiple WIPs going on at once. I means building the same subject, and frequently the same kit, in multiple.
I would scoff at the notion, but I’ve done it before, and the two times that come to mind, I’ve not only finished, but very much enjoyed the journey.
The first time around, it was P-47s. The Tamiya and Revellogram 1/48 Razorbacks, to be precise. Long enough ago that I wince a bit at them now, but they were a lot of fun at the time.
The second time was with a pair of 1/32 Bf 109s. This was back when Revell first dropped their 109G-6, and I tackled it together with a Revell ProModeller (Hasegawa mold) 109G-4.
Thinking ahead to what I want to tackle next, after the Su-35 is further along, I’m finding a lot of appeal in taking on another batch build.
The thing is…I’m not sure of the subject. I’m spoiled for choice.
Twin Mustangs
Back in 2011, Tamiya released their superlative 1/32 P-51D. It’s been seven years…and I still have yet to build one. But what about two of them?
One of them I’d build as a Swiss P-51. Most of these were done up in bare metal with dark blue anti-glare panels, but I also have markings for one that was apparently done in a drab green over light blue, with the same dark blue anti-glare, and the fun addition of red and silver neutrality stripes on the wings. Hmm.
The other I’d do as some sort of PTO Mustang. Perhaps a P-51K…
Or a photo-recon F-6D:
Super Bugs
On vacation recently, I happened to catch two EA-18G Growlers landing at NAS North Island in San Diego. This led to me throwing down for some big Trumpeter Super Bugs – the EA-18 and a two-seater F/A-18F.
At first, the Growler especially seems to be one of those aircraft that stays clean. But if you dig a bit deeper, you can find some really interesting examples:
The F/A-18F is very similar – lots of visual interest once you start digging.
Double Eagle
Another contender – Great Wall’s F-15 – particularly the F-15C and the D-Mold F-15K boxing.
For the C, I have a certain unexplainable affinity for the 44th Fighter Squadron based out of Okinawa.
For the K, well, I’d planned to build it as an E, but it appears that GWH is finally getting off their Mudhen ass, so there’s a decent chance I’d opt to do the K as a ROKAF Slam Eagle.
Choices, Choices
There are a few others floating around – like Trumpeter Skyraiders and Tamiya Corsairs…but they aren’t grabbing me the same way.
Of course, that may well change by the time I’m ready to dive in…
Doogs Models 
Twin HKM 1/32 b17 ?
Good Idea.
How about twin Accurate Miniatures B-25B’s ? I suggest that kit because your friend Will P. has now built 2 and he had lots of issues with the first one, so much so that he indicated that he would not build another….well he has and his frustration with the 2nd kit had lessened I believe. Another reason that I suggest this kit, is because of the tutorials on color, shading and tonal variation that you’e gone to great lengths to provide would be put to great use on the Doolittle aircraft as these planes were well used before making the “Tokyo cruise. ” Lastly, it would be informative and interesting to see what two expert craftsmen could come up with.
Lol no
Kadena F-15 LOL. They are famous throughout the UASF. Ask any older F-15 pilot (the young ones won’t remember) if they were at Kadena. The typical answer is “Not my Squadron!” Every time a F-16 would pass in front of a 15, the pilot would close his nozzle and open it back when he was past.
But seriously, how about a couple of big Stukas? Trumpeter and Hasegawa both make G-2s and Bs. Stukas in Russia were rode hard and put away wet.
WNW Albatros D.V/Va is a fun build journey and looks beautiful with Uschi’s wood decals and the Taurus resin bits for the engine, but two would likely be too much crazy for me. Nice bird-like planes with neat paint schemes though. Of the above choices I prefer the P-51 stuff (shrug).
If I were to do two biplanes I’d probably do the Sopwith Pup.
Right on. If you do decide to take such a bold step, here are some potentially useful links for aftermarket stuff and alternative schemes. And as you’re no doubt aware, Mr. Paint has PC-8/10/12 and CDL colors.
Various schemes from Pheon decals:
https://www.pheondecals.com/32015-sopwith-pup-trainers-and-pets.html
https://www.pheondecals.com/32014-sopwith-pups-rnas.html
https://www.pheondecals.com/32013-sopwith-pups-rfc.html
Aviattic linen effect decals:
https://www.aviattic.co.uk/linen-effect-decals.html
Gaspatch machine guns, turnbuckles, & etc:
http://www.gaspatchmodels.com/accessories/
Taurus resin parts:
http://www.taurusmodels.pl/products.htm
HGW Sopwith Pup detail sets. The super detail set contains I think all the others in one package.
http://hgwmodels.cz/en/search?controller=search&orderby=position&orderway=desc&search_query=pup&submit_search=
Anyway, good luck with whatever you choose in the end.