Build the aircraft armed and tanked or not?

On the one hand, I like the look of a fully loaded modern jet. On the other hand, I detest having to build and paint and decal and weather all 800 teensy little bombs and missiles and pods and tanks and so forth. Consequently, I deal with it on a case-by-case basis. If I'm in the mood to deal with ordinance, which is almost never, then I load it up. If not then I don't.

I usually prefer to load for bear, max war load either in the ground attack or air-to-air mode.  For example, F-14 with 4 Phoenix, 2 Sparrow and 2 Sidewinder.  I like some business to the plane, and I like planes with the wheels up, although that has become more of an issue recently now that I am a grown up (45) and don't have a ceiling to hang stuff from.  I am getting back into the hobby, so am trying wheels down.  I'll see how I like it.  That being said, find the way you like to see the plane and build it that way.  Same thing is true of weathering.  Factory fresh is fine, or beaten within an inch of its life if that's your thing.  Make yourself happy with the way the kit looks and go from there.

Enjoy,

John