So far, I’ve only done a few models of individual cars. Now I’ve decided to do a series of ’50s cars that were used as the names of doowop groups – Cadillacs, Continentals, Edsels, El Dorados, Impalas, etc. What are some of themes that you’ve used for your models?
Best wishes for a happy new year everyone! – Troy
My builds are very random,just whatever hits me,one at a time.
Your idea sounds like a good theme for a Group Build
Typically, I don’t follow any themes in my modeling. But there were a couple of years where I designated the years as “The Year of the Axis” and then “The Year of the Allies” where I only built WWII aircraft from Germany/Japan/Italy or US/GB/Russia.
I have a couple of themes:
You can see, I like WWII, US Navy and AAF subjects, very specific science fiction, and consistent scale.
And finally, anything that catches my eye!
As far as other periods go, they’re represented more in my toy soldier collection, especially the 18th century. 54mm-56mm is my size for those figures.
I build aircraft, and besides building my favorite aircraft, I think if I had an Air Force what aircraft would I like to have in it…
I used to just build whatever planes I had in my stash or what looked cool. I recently decided to go through mostly Lockheed aircraft due to family connections. So I did an AC-130, currently finishing up an F-80 and am starting a P2V7. Have several other Lockheed aircraft in my stash, time will tell if I stick through it or need something different.
The only “theme” that all my models share is that they are all WHAT IF’s?
What if this aircraft had this camo scheme instead of that?
What if this ship had this weapon system instead of that?
And so on and so on.
Using different paints, decals, parts, etc. on a model that you wouldn’t normally see on the real subject.
But if there’s one subject/theme that I like doing the most of, it’s building what if schemes for IOWA class battleships. I’ve already done three Iowa battleships so far in the past and I’m just now starting to think of plans for a fourth. 
I’m like a dog chasing cars - it’s whatever catches my attention.
I went to a model buddy’s home where he had two glass display cases that ran the full length of his bedroom. He builds mostly 1/48 aircraft, and that consistent theme made for a really impressive display.
My display case contains a mishmash of subjects and scale. Total chaos in a case.
Now that’s funny 
. Well stated.
I build mostly aircraft and cars - whatever catches my eye. I do have a few themes I’m slowly working on. I want to do the century series birds in 1/48 - I have all but one in the stash. Also, having lived next to MCAS Miramar for many years, I have an Aircraft of Miramar theme. Finally I have a 1/48 trainers theme I’ve been working on.
I did try to have themed collections in the past but gave them up due to realistic time constraints.
Collections I have tried to start:
I still cling to a few remaining themes, hoping I can find the time to get to them:
Oh boy, that could be and endless list for me. Here are some:
OD & Grey Fighters (Mostly P-47’s )
Gull Grey & White Jets
Vietnam Era Aircraft (U.S.)
Japanese Aircraft (WW2)
Great topic. My theme for WW2 builds is the most famous (in my mind) examples of what I choose to build, typically my favorite planes, warships, armor, etc. Next “theme” would be favorite pop culture type builds, star wars, star trek, favorite tv show items like robots, vehicles and such. These will keep me busy until it’s time to take my dirt nap.
My theme on most of my builds is “ what’s on sale” at the time.
So far, (OA-4M, AV-8B, F-86 flown by Marine pilots, and F-4) and probably for the next 5+ builds I’m doing exclusively USMC aviation. Next up is either the V-22 or the CH-46 which I flew on in the early 80’s.
I’ll also build some Navy eventually, but for now, all Marine. I like the history of it.
Yesterday I found myself in a bit of a conundrum. I was all set to start work on a Revell Japanese Zero kit (1/32 mold from the 60s), but when I checked the status of an order with Kitlinx that I made 3 weeks ago, it has not yet shipped. I have no idea when it will ship - it includes some interior detail parts that will derail me if I was to start working on this one now - so I went looking through my stash for something relatively quick to build.
I settled on two ancient Monogram 1/72 kits I have of the same subject, the Tupolev Tu-16 Badger bomber. I believe the scale is something like 1/195, so it is pretty small and has about 30 parts total. x2, should be easy to knock out both while waiting for that shipment.
This doesn’t happen often. I generally have a good idea of what I am going to build for a year, with the kits already pulled from the stash to what I call the “to-build” stash. The Badgers were not in that sub-stash.
Seems like a fun problem to have, it is why we have a stash after all.
Like you, I have my next 5 builds planned out so it. Curious, why didn’t you just go to the next scheduled kit in the stash and swap the build order?