A hobby review of 2013

As the year draws to a close, and prompted by the ‘plans for 2014’ thread on the Oldhammer forums, I thought I might look back and review what I’ve achieved in 2013, with the aim of informing plans for 2014.

Collecting

I know I’m in a similar position to many other gamers, in that every year I buy more (many, many more) models than I paint or sell on. On the positive side, I did have a large clear out and raise several thousand pounds by selling on a significant collection of unused Eldar and Dark Eldar kits, including many Forgeworld pieces.

I did, however, reinvest a proportion of those funds in new models to reflect my changing collecting interests. Out went more modern Eldar pieces and in came classic Blood Bowl, Realms of Chaos and Eternal Champion figures.

 

Collecting pledge for 2014: Complete my Eternal Champion collection.

Modelling & Painting

I had a mixed year for modelling and painting. In the same vein as the last couple of years, I started more projects than I finished, and have ended up with a nice selection of incomplete groups of figures. It’s certainly a timely reminder of a need for greater focus in 2014.

The table below shows a comparison of models I have started (either modelled, undercoated, or part-painted) versus models I have actually finished: 

Game	Models started	Models finished
Blood Bowl	1 Halfling 1 Dwarf fan 1 Orc microrama 6 Beastmen 18 Skaven 11 Dark Elves 8 Harpies 1 Troll 14 Goblins 12 Chaos players 12 Nurgle players	1 Halfling (donated) 1 Dwarf (donated) 1 Orc microrama (donated) 6 Beastmen 11 Skaven 2 Dark Elves 1 Harpy (donated) 0 Trolls 0 Goblins 0 Chaos players 0 Nurgle players
Confrontation	12 Bratt gangers	2 Bratt gangers
Other	1 Chaos Dwarf Painter 1 Realms of Chaos Bee Knight	1 Chaos Dwarf painter 0 Realms of Chaos Bee Knight
Total	99	26

I've managed to finished a sum total of 26/99 models I made a start with this year, just over 26% completion rate! Even worse (or better depending on your view), 4 of the models were actually gifted to other gamers or donated to charity.

 

All the models I finished in 2013

 

Modelling pledge for 2014: Paint my Bratt gang (12 models), finish my Dark Elf Blood Bowl team (9 further models) and finish the Bee Knight. I also envisage at least 3 models donated to group projects or charities, for a total of 25 models. A realistic goal, and one which should fit in with my gaming plans for 2014.

Gaming
By the low standards of the last couple of years, 2013 was a good year for gaming.



Some of my games in 2013, including an Oldbowl match in Harry's fabulous stadium

Blood Bowl

With my main attention on Blood Bowl, I managed 13 games. These included 6 games at the NAF Championship in Nottingham, a pick-up game in Scotland while away with work (thanks Purdindas), a tutorial game with a Blood Bowl virgin and of course my Oldbowl game against Skarsnik and Old Lead at the ‘Oldhammer: Bring Out Your Lead’ event at Foundry in August.

Warhammer 40,000

It had been nearly 4 years since my last 40k game, but 2013 saw me revisit the 6x4 tabletop,; a nice little skirmish scenario with my friend Graham. While I have no particular plans to restart with 40k, it would be nice to repeat this in 2014.

Gaming pledge for 2014: Attend the NAF Blood Bowl Championship in May, Oldhammer Bring Out Your Lead weekend and aim for at least 3 other gaming occasions. This should allow me to maintain my current level of gaming.

So how did you fare in 2013? Can you beat my rather poor totals of 26 models painted and 14 games throughout the year?!