How many models at a time should be built?

There is no "Rule of Thumb" it's what you are comfortable with.Some guys work on many projects at one time.Thats not me,I only do one at a time.

Yeah, build however many at a time you choose. It's all personal preference and there is no "rule book" to this hobby. I will suggest that if you do plan on building more than one at a time make sure you have enough space for that.

I agree with the guys above, it is all up to each modeler's choice.

I build in batches, though. I do it two different ways, depending on the aircraft I am building. One way is to build 4 Skyhawks (or whatever) at the same time, then when I dig out the seat belt color, I don't do just one belt set and then stop, I do 4 sets. The other way is to do 4 completely different aircraft Color schemes together, then I never have to wait for paint to dry, by the time I do something on each model, the paints are dry or the session is over.

I also use a lot of underwing weapons, so whenever I hit a stopping point on the planes and still have modeling time left, I just do a dozen of some weapon type.

Rex

I used to be a one model at a time person. Then I discovered that when a model got to the painting stage, I could start building the next one so it's kind of like a production line.

Nothing wrong with multiple builds. If I'm building a 109, like Tarn said, why not build 2 or 3 at a time and when you're ready to paint the cockpit, do all 3. Less wasted paint. I have noticed that I can get too carried away and with too many simultaneous builds, you can get burnt out and end up neglecting or half-a**ing some, and in my case, it shows.

1

1 too

It's a very personal choice. When time is no object, one at a time allows for greater concentration in a single project. But if you have lots if things that you want to get done, multiple builds are not a bad idea at all. Group Builds on here are a source of constant multiple projects for me.

I build multiple. Did a single build a while ago - and it was the quickest I have yet finished a kit of that sort. Simply because that's all you have to focus on. Then continued with that, but with a more detailed build. So now I've started a second in parallel.

My one build is detailed multi-media (currently 43rd scale F1) whilst the other is a plastic OOB build. I very often find that I can quickly glue or paint something on the plastic build, but with the MM builds you often get to a stage where you need to sit down for an extended time and get a sub-assembly done, which may mean days before I can get around to it. In the meanwhile I can complete a bit of painting, decaling and assemblies on the plastic build in very short timeslots.

And tbh, for me it also helps with motivation to not have to plug through the same thing, esp with MM build taking quite some time (for me). After a while it becomes nice to shift the focus a bit to another subject.

I agree you should do what feels right for you.  Don't lock yourself into one thing....try both!  I personally have multiple builds at one time (currently have 5-6).  I have the space to do that and like Stik said, when you have multiple GB's going, it helps keep up a good pace.  But bottom line, do what you like!  Remember, it's a hobby...it's supposed to be fun!

Eagle90

I generally build two at a time- often one complex kit and a simple one.  I use enamel for paint, so have frequent down times for paint drying (even with my paint drying heated box) so having two kits on bench gives me something to do while I am waiting for paint to dry (or filler, or whatever) on the other.

I've multi-tasked with my modeling for years.  I think it helps me to put something aside occasionally to give a better perspective when I eventually go back to it.  The downside to that approach is that sometimes I'm not happy with something, which makes me re-work it, which in turn drags out the project even longer.

Making things worse, I'm a slow builder to start with.  It's not unusual for me to spend a year or more on a particular model.

I've got about four projects going that are visible on my workbench now, plus a couple of others put aside in boxes.

The 1/72 Phantom is pretty close to being done and want to finish it up mostly to get it out of the way.  The other stuff still have a long way to go (1/72 Hasegawa F14B, 1/48 Monogram F-4J and 1/196 Revell USS Constitution).  

Mark

i usually have 5 or 6 more  if i can't prime or paint due to the temperature. something i am going to try when is building 2 or 3 of the same at the same time, maybr a 1/35 and a 1/72 or 2 or 3 of the same type (PLA ZSL 92, 92A, 92B 6x6 IFVs) with different camo schemes. when it warmer i build more because i have 5 work stations in the bunker.

I used to work on one at a time, then I discovered multi-tasking!

I suppose it depends on whatever you can handle at once and what you have the space for. Personally, I'm not organized enough to handle more than one at a time. The only real benefit, for me, would be to save paint.

The Book of Armaments says three. No more. No less. Three shall be the number thou shalt build. And the number of the building shall be three.

plastickjunkie

I used to work on one at a time, then I discovered multi-tasking!

Isn't that only for women? 

stikpusher

The Book of Armaments says three. No more. No less. Three shall be the number thou shalt build. And the number of the building shall be three.

HAHAHA!    Monty Python rules!

Brother maynard bring forth the holy hand grenade!

I've got 4 I'm working on all at the same time, plus 9 others waiting in various stages of completion around the work bench.

everything I know I learned form Monty python and fawlty towers.  maybe that's way my wife looks at me funny sometimes.  or is it the magnifying hood I wear around the house cuz I forget to take it off.

John

I find that when I have two or more projects going at the same time, one or the other invariably suffers. I cut corners on one section or the other; I lose parts, I hurry the weathering or detail painting on this or that.

I am amazed at hearing of guys who have two, three, or even four models going at the same time. One thing I've noticed is that, when working on more than one model at a time, it actually extends the "finish time" for EACH project so that by the time I get ONE model finished, I"m then impatient to get other one done too, and it starts to feel like a "chore" to finish up the one that is 2nd in line--which inevitably leads to cutting corners or rushing.

I"m a one-model man, for the most part.

Usually three for me.  Now I may not work on all three on the same day or so, but I usually find there is a time when I will have a couple of hours to spend and that would be the day that the current kit I am on needs a 5 minute gloss coat job and the 24 hours of rest.  Without something else to jump to, I would be forced to be productive:)

I find I don't really build them that much faster, just more efficiently especially when getting all the paint stuff ready to go just to spray two wheels.

John

One at a time, unless I loose interest then I pack it up and put it way and start another. If I loose interest I stop and pack it up because if I loose interest the modeling results can be awful.

It depends on what I'm building.  I use enamels and generally try to be really careful about drying times, so if I am priming, painting, futuring, or spraying clear flat I'll wait at least 48 hours before I touch it with anything else.  So to fill that time (my modelling time is limited to about 7:30 pm to around 10:00 when my toddler is asleep and I'm not heading that way) I'll work on a different model.  However, for something like a large ship with lots of sub-assemblies, I try to get 2 batches of bits going 24 hours out of sync so that I paint a batch one night, and work on the other the following night, then the 3rd night, batch two gets paint and I can start tinkering with batch one as needed.

One thing I have found to be wildly helpful for multi-building are the partitioned ziploc tupperware things.  The dollar store sells them and they are fantastic for keeping parts organized and separated!

Groot

I find it helpful to build 2 or 3 at a time...I will put all sets of wheels together, cockpit ,maybe props and then paint, when I have my black, interior green, etc... it's nice to use the air brush for more than one prop, tire or interior parts...

My answer: as many as you think you can handle. I currently have about 15 or so subjects under construction now; I've gotten at least eight of them to the painting stage. That will allow me to finish at least five at about the same time since I'll be weathering them all at the same time.

I generally have 4 or 5 models going at once. In addition to 'waiting for paint to dry' etc. Several of the models are fairly simple and built right out of the box while others get after market PE and other special efforts. Usually weeknights after work I'll work on the simpler projects and Weekends (especially mornings) I tackle the more involved projects. But whatever works and makes it fun for you Currently I have a TBF avenger, M110 Self propelled Howitzer, a Destroyer escort and an F 106 on the bench. Will soon start a zero and be adding alot of aftermarket to it