Sand Bags

QUOTE: Originally posted by 01483jue http://users.pandora.be/ronny.noben/website/tips.htm#begin

I really appreciate you posting this link. The dio I'm currently working on has a sand-bagged machine gun nest and the bags I ordered (Tamiya) were, to say the least, VERY disappointing. Not only will the scratch built bags look better and add more realism, but the ammunition boxes within the stacks are a good idea and look great!

I'd stay away from the Chicklets gum idea. Even if you get all the sugar off the outside, you still can't be sure you're not going to draw ants. I don't believe the dried gum would be very stable in the long run either. My advice is to either go with Epoxy putty (Personally I'd recommend A & B over Milliput, it has a better consistency and is easier to work with) or the mini sand bag method that Bob Collignon uses. Incidentally, before the epoxy putty sets, you can work out fingerprints and such with a brush and either water or rubbing alcohol. Great stuff. Chuck

I've read of some folks using Chicklet gum. Never tried it myself, though. Other modelers claim that the little snuff packets make good sandbags ( leave the snuff in them for ' body' ). Haven't tried that one either.

There is a good article on making bags from Milliput just go to the link below, there are also other great tips & hints

Good luck

http://users.pandora.be/ronny.noben/website/tips.htm#begin

check back a few years to an issue in FSM on a shermie by a bob collignon. he sctrach built his sandbags for it from paper, and real sand. its a great read!

I have also used modeling clay and I am happy with the results

Thad

Also give plastercene a try,make and stack your sandbags naturaly,coat with straight white glue and paint.

It seems as though epoxy is the best that I have found to work.

If you dont want to do all the work, Tamiya makes a sandbag set, but its not as good as if you make your own

Here's the same picture, enhanced a bit for clarity.

do you have any pictures of them

Yes, I've used the modeling clay method a few times myself, with satisfactory results.



It's also time consuming, but works out well after painting & shading.

Take care,
Frank

I've made sandbags out of tissue paper and model railroad ballast. It's a time consuming process, but you get some nice sandbags out of it. I've also seen two part epoxy or even sculpy modeling clay used to nice effect, too.