Painting Point System (PPS): Using Painting to Direct Your Model Purchasing

Over the years I have tried almost everything to over come what I call 'Painting Inertia'. Even wrote a post about it, linked, a couple years ago.

The article goes into good detail about how I feel about having so many unpainted models.

This year alone not showing up with unpainted models has cost me: a bit of respect from my mates, 3 tournament 1st place finishes, 3-4 tournaments I chose not to participate in or could not, etc.

Work wise, things are going well and I have more free income now than time to paint or play....so, I bought even more models for "a project" that never got off the ground. 1) because I have GW ADD; which is fully endorsed by GW I am sure taking into consideration the rate they are putting out cool stuff now a days. 2) Because I have an imagination that the rest of me can not keep up with.

So, I have decided on some really tough personal sanctions. I also looked for a way to Reward myself for my self discipline and hard work...thus I found the PPS.

You can find the wonderful article on Realm of Warhammer 40k and I give all credit to that blog and those he too inspiration from (linked on his site).

Here is an excerpt and how it basically works:

Concept

The idea is simple, every model painted will earn a certain amount of points as detailed below.

Basic Points:

25mm base = 1 point

40mm base = 2 points

60mm base = 5 points

Monstrous Creature = 10 points

Small Vehicle = 15 points

Large Vehicle = 20 points

Terrain Feature = 10 - 20 points

Superheavy = 40 points

Bonus Points:

Character + 2 points

Extra Options + 0.5 per option

Based Model + 0.5 point per model

New Technique Attempted + 5 Points (one time bonus)

Transfers / Unit Markings + 1 point per unit

Weathering (Battle Damage) + 1 point per unit

Weathering (Dirt and Grime) + 1 point per unit

Completed Unit + 2 points per unit

So this is my Painting Points System (PPS), To really get me motivated every point will be turn into £1 to go into my hobby fund, this means that I will also need to make some scratch built terrain and scenery to make up the points. Apart from birthday presents or extreme saving this will be my only source of revenue to buy more models with.

Example I

A completed unit of 5 Space Marines that have been based and transfers added would earn 10.5 points giving me £10.50 for my hobby fund. Obviously this is great but to purchase something better I would need to make a small piece of terrain / scenery to give me an extra 10 points totalling to £20.50.

Example II

Those 12 Kroot I mentioned earlier that having been hanging around, if painted and based would earn 20 points adding £20.00 to the hobby fund.

Example III

A completed Razorback with Transfers  and both types of Weathering would earn 20 points adding £20.00 to the hobby fund.

I will substitute $US dollars for pounds and add another category:

Gaming Aids 5 points per creation (if on bases use above points)

So with this system in place I chose to back date it to the two Iron Hand scouts I painted so I can get off to a good start. They are now edited on on my tracking page with their point cost.

I also played my last game last night with an unpainted army. That is right, I am calling myself out. From now on I will play with only painted models. If I want to proxy a unit prior to investing, I will need to proxy a painted unit.

Here is how I have begun using the scouts, its pretty simple.

 Iron Hand Scouts

25 mm base model (1x2)=2
based (2x0.5)=1
Extra feature (sword at 0.5)=.5

Total 3.5pps or $3.50 to spend


Thanks for the read,

BDS

Update and Motivation

Just a quick update.

This is a tough time of year for me, so posting has taken a  back seat. This time of year is when I reevaluate my goals. Also, in Michigan USA there are some legislative challenges to the industry I am one of the leaders in and it is taking up much of my professional time.

This is also the time of year that I reflect on my deceased brother quite often, as he passed away in May. It was also this time of year that my life was permanently altered by my auto accident and I subsequently began weight training.

So you can visualize that there are links of this time of year which tie into this blog; my brother got me into 40K and my accident started me on my journey in weight lifting.

I have many life goals, 40k goals, and weight lifting goals and I will look to see what is appropriate to share on this blog. Expect to see some new content and changes soon when my times becomes more my own again.

Here is a young fellow, whom I have never met, but appears to be a very impressive and inspired young man and would share a link to his most recent accomplishment. He has a YouTube channel that is quite good.

Thanks for the read,

BDS

RIW Tournament 2.23.13: "Dan, I think you need a Snickers!"

It has been quiet on the 40k front between work and lifting. I did get out for a small 1250 point tournament hosted by RIW Hobbies in Livonia, MI this last Saturday.

A long time gamer and all around good guy Ed Long put it all together and the tournament was hosted in a beautiful new game room with great tables, scenery, Flat screen TVs, comfortable temperature and seating; with plenty of room for all your stuff.

The November Objective Marker

It seems "The Objective Marker" segment of this blog has naturally fallen into a monthly article.

Warning: This post will contain some non-40k material.

But let's start off with some tournament pics from 9.1.12:

2012 Mid Year Goal Evaluation

Time to see how I am doing on my 2012 goals regarding 40k and fitness.

Just a review of goal setting. A "Goal" is generic, non specific thing you would like to accomplish.

Let's use 40k as an analogy. The "Goal" is to win the game.

See, it is broad, non specific.

An "Objective" or "Objectives" are those specific things you must achieve to meet attain your goal.

Example; "Earn a victory point by eliminating the first unit."

 See an objective follows the acronym "SMART"...Specific...Measurable... Attainable...Relevant or Realistic...Time Bound or Time element.

See how 40k can be used to apply important topics to real life...wow cool!

Another very important component of setting goals and breaking them up into smaller objectives is a nursing acronym called "ADPIE." or Assess Diagnose Plan Implement Evaluate.

Whenever you are working on some goals and objectives you should work in a time to assess how you are doing, diagnose why you may/may not have achieved what you are after, make a plan to move forward, implement that plan, and then evaluate again...see how that works?

What happened with my goals? Well, I am struggling to reach the half way point on some of them and on others my interests have changed a bit. I also realize I set the bar too high, as I did not account for real life not working with me on all my hobby goals...what the hey!

So if you notice the inset box of goals to the right I made some changes. I added some goals and removed some others. For example weight lifting has really become a big thing with me lately and thus is reflected in my goals. I also took my goals and tried to make them more "Realistic" and "Attainable" by looking at what I did manage to accomplish the first half of 2012 and doubling it.

Let's run through them. They are in no particular order.

40 Games of 40k in 2012
The original goal (52) was a bit unrealistic. So, I picked a number that put me a little over half at this point. This makes the goal more achievable. I plan to try and get out weekly. This may also mean changing where I play to find a steady crowd of players in a location that is not too far away.

2 Completed Armies
This a big one for me as I have always had "Painting Inertia" Even wrote a post about it. I have vowed to myself to not participate in another tournament until I have a completely painted army. I set a goal to get two 2000 point armies done by year end. I know I fizzled out on 2100 Orks as well. This really bothers me and I really want to get this goal! Again 4 armies was too unrealistic. 2 I might be able to pull off.

Less than 16% Body Fat
My original goals was less than 10%. But this was not realistic in conjunction with my weight lifting goals. I have, however made some great progress here. I started the year at 25% body fat at a body weight of 264lb. I am currently 280lbs with a body fat of 21.5%. That is a big swing in good mass and loss of fat.

 

Participate in 6 40k tournaments (with a 100% painted army)
 
See how this goal is connected to an earlier one. I have done 3 tournaments, so 6 is very doable.





I have really reignited my love of weight lifting and have set some tough goals for myself, but they are goals I feel I can reach.

500lb dead lift...current best 455lb
405lb bench...current best 365lb
225lbs bench x 40 reps...current best 32 reps
225lb Overhead press...current best 205lb
365lb squad for 5 x 12...current best 315 5 x 12

Enter a power lifting competition.
This is a new goal.  I was approached in my local gym and told to give it a try if for no other reason but to meet your personal goals faster. I thought this was a pretty good idea. I plan to attempt to find an all natural RAW (no gear) meet towards the end of the year or early 2013 and give it a go for kicks and giggles.

Improve Range of Motion in R ankle.

Robert E. Howard

Another new goal. It is a long story for another post. But, my right ankle basically won't bend bast about 80 degrees due to old injuries. This makes squats and dead lifts very difficult form wise for me. I have tried, and had many operations, to correct this, but I feel it should always be a goal anyway.

Write ONE 40k short story.
I used to very much enjoy writing...but got out of it. I reduced this goal to something more achievable. The story should be 50 to 75 pages. I would plan to post it on my blog as well.

Build a gaming table.
something I have wanted to do for a long time...and ties into a goal of hosting some game nights at my house. I also want this table to be able to fold up as I live in an apartment.

I removed the rest of the goals or put them in 2013, as this seem like quite enough.

I certainly have goals in my professional and personal life. But the same approach can be applied to them as well.

What are your 40k or fitness goals? Good luck and thanks for any feedback!

As always, thanks for the read,

BDS

Time to Plan a New Army Project

My goal for 2012 was to knock out 4 completed armies.

I have been chugging along with the Orks, my current army list has about 120 models.

With this in mind I need to keep painting and also start on my next army to stay on pace.

Biggest Loser II: Wrap Up

The second round of the “Biggest Loser” competition at my office ended 11.22.11. 

This time around I managed to pull off first place with a total weight loss of 13 pounds. 

This was a tough one for the judges to call, as we had 9 of 12 participants drop off the Loser Bandwagon mid stream; including one participant who had lost 13.5 pounds prior to quitting.

But it was determined that not only must you run fast…you must stay in the race…there is a moral here somewhere just cannot lay my finger on it.

For the year I have managed to peel off 24.5 pounds. April 24, 2011 I weighed in at 275.5 pounds and 11.24.11 finished at 249.0 pounds (Now Thanksgiving definitely added a few back!). 

But I am ready to start the New Year about 25 pounds lighter and much more fit…and work towards new goals for 2012!!

I also walked away with $70 to put towards either some Ork Bikers or a Gym membership.

Good Stuff. Thanks for the read,

BDS

Tying Things Together

Model by Agatheron From "The Waagh"

The year is coming to an end. December is a busy time for many and no less the issue here on BDS40k.

This month my goal is to wrap up any existing post topics, review 2011 goals, set new goals for 2012, and finalize my 2100 Orks Project army list.

While Thanks giving and work have dominated the last few weeks, I have been mulling over some list ideas for my Orks. Here is a quick sample of the two  2100 point lists that seem to rise to the top of my addled mind more than any others:

Training Page Added

It's been awhile since I talked about my training.  It has been spotty to say the least. But, I have added a page to my blog...link provided ....for those interested in how I am doing.

I will keep a running log that can be read anytime on my Training Page. Comments, if any, can be posted with this page.


Future posts on Training I am working on include the "Biggest Loser II" follow up and "End of Year Goal Analysis".

Thanks for the read,

BDS

Back to a Bit of Painting

This month seems to have come and gone without me even looking at a paint brush and I am now hard pressed to meet my August challenge.

Here is a before pic. I have a little over 24 hours to reach a table top standard. The model is a limited release figure from Joe Orteza given to Adepticon attendees in either 2003, 2004, or 2005. I can't quite remember and the indent on the tab that told me so is firmly set in the base now.

He will most likely perform as a jack of all trades, as is correct for a bounty hunter. He will stand in as an Eversor Assassin (until I find the sculpt with the assassin holding the severed head), a death cult assassin (hey, ladies can't have all the fun), possibly a jokero, and even a special weapon toting warrior.

Let's see what be can done in a little over a day, work and real life allowing.

Thanks for the read,

BDS

Training Update 6.3

     So, our little "The Biggest Loser" contest comes to a close. I weighed in Thursday morning at 260lbs (118kg).  I ended up third so no guiltless splurging with well earned prize money for Grey Knight goodies for me unfortunately.

     I ended up losing 13.5lbs or 4.9% of my bodyweight.  I lost way more weight that the second place finisher, but percentage of bodyweight was lower. I would venture a guess that a male is going to have a tougher time in this type of contest, as females typically carry more body fat.

However, let's recap my progress in real world terms:

·         Went down a belt loop and a half

·         Shirts are tighter in the neck, arms, shoulder, and chest and looser in the abdominal region

·         I am wearing pants and shirts I could not fit into or were way too tight three months ago.

·         Went from gassing after running a quarter mile to running a 5k in under 34minutes

·         Initially struggled with 85lb dumbbells for 4 sets of 6 in chest presses to 4x10 with 100's

·         No full weight pull ups to 4x8-10 full weight pull ups

·         and the list goes on....though I have torn something in the calf of my good leg (more on past injuries later)

     I also will be revising my goals to include some training goals to put more emphasis on fitness marks versus  simple body weight goals.

Thanks for the read,

BDS

Mid Year Goal Evaluation

     Almost too quickly the year reaches its midpoint and it is time to evaluate progress on any goals (or resolutions if you like that term better). In nursing you are taught the acronym "ADPIE." Which stands for Assessment, Diagnosis, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation. Let's take a look at this years' goals one by one with this in mind.

Training Update 6.2

     We come to conclusion of this small office version of "The Biggest Loser." ( A reference to an American TV show where very heavy out of shape people compete to see who can lose the most weight in a defined period of time for prizes and daily drama. Another installment of delightfully unwholesome infectious reality based television.) Our little endeavor began April 24, 2011 and ends June 24, 2011.

Training Update 6.1

     Right off the bat if you been following you notice a jump in update numbers. I am not sure why I started with "4.whatever" but decided I might as well make some sense of it and correspond the first number to the calendar month and the second to each successive update....hence 6.1

     Things have been hectic with work and family, though I have been hanging in there.

First things first, last Thursday weigh in (June 9, 2011) I came in at 262.5. So a one pound weight gain. I am still happy with my progress though.

     Let's cover the highlights in training and then move on to my new  work out split and reasoning behind it.

Cleansing the Motor Pool Update

     Here is the latest model and first tank in a very long time I have painted.

     The bummer of not having all the Chimera parts really made me just want to dive into something else.

     I have had this model for years. I picked it up pre built in a trade a while back and finally got it ready to carry around the squad of Bezerkers I can never seem to leave home without.

                                                            I used some techniques I have found on the web here and there to represent the battle damage and other details. Many of these I attempted for the first time.

     I am pretty happy with the result and will be picking out the next vehicle I want to takle this evening.

     Thanks for the read,  BDS 

Training Update 4.3

     With Saturday dedicated to a 40k tournament and Easter Sunday, I missed two training days this week. So, I hit it hard last night with a full body workout not for the feint hearted:

2011 Fitness Goals

No, that is not a pic of me, but I do feel like I look like that guy at times. When a co-worker started a "Biggest Loser" pool I decided I would give it a go. I could use $150 for some 40k and would benefit from regaining some muscle and losing some fat.

I learned from using the internet over the last few years that it is almost worthless to post any past athletic achievements, as it appears most everyone is a physical specimen on the web.  So, I will try hard to not post about things "I used to be able to do back in the day." I will just stick to the present.

A Note About Goals

Being a registered nurse and manager of a facility that cares for persons with Traumatic Brain Injuries or TBI's, I know a thing or two about goals.