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Let's say you have 2 radically different Space Marine armies you want to paint and play... you've decided to build them both to 1000 points, and which ever you like better you will crank to 2k.

Do you:

A] Build both armies to 1,000 points concurrently.

B] Build one army to 1,000 points and then build the second one consecutively.

2 different chapters?

I don’t build to list. I add models to my collection, and draw units from that to make lists. So for me, I’d probably keep adding units from both concepts, play them, and the skew my collection towards the side I like more.

If you are keeping them separate, I’d probably build/paint one 1k list, play it while you work up the other one, then switch and play that for a while. That way you have a table ready army while you work on the other.

What Nevelon said. Build one army up to 1k so you have something to play. Then feel things out while you play that army and decide if you actually want the second army, and if so, whether you want to do a different chapter or just want to expand your first army.

I'd build one & then the other.

I'd start with whichever one is most dependent upon the current rules because as of right now you're on a 6 month clock until the next edition.
You want to get that one on the table asap.

Get something playable and play it. Don't start another army until you get the first on the table.

Nevelons path. Build and paint units common to both lists, add other models to collection. Looks how it's plays. Add more.

I'm not really building the armies to lists per se. It's just that I want to do a Black Templar army and one that has Librarians.

Sadly, they don't work together. If White wasn't so hard to paint, I guess I could mix the Templar style with Librarians using the Hospitallers Chapter.

But I digress. I also just want to build a Salamander’s style army and light stuff on fire.

The issue is that the only real place I have to play for fun is the Warhammer Store. But your models must be painted to play.

Remember you don't have to do official chapter colours. There's nothing stopping you having both armies painted the same, with elements that are distinctly Salamander and other bits that are specifically BT. Then you're being more efficient with your painting and building. Yes, some units won't be useable in both armies, but things like vehicles or basic characters will be.

DIY chapter is the long standing answer for wanting to use multiple rulesets. With no current paint=rules limits, nothing stops you from putting both black/white and green marines on the table together. They are fighting in the same combat theater and came together for the big battle!

Odd that your GW requires paint. Mine does not. They encourage painting, offer tutorials/suggestions/etc. But plenty of bare plastic on the tables.

I don't see anything stopping you from paint your Dragon Templars green with bright red crosses on shoulderpads with flamers and swords. First company mostly cc zealots second go with purging fire, etc..