Make realistic sandbags (28mm scale)

[ErikB]

I'm aware of using epoxy putty but I'm hoping that there are some already-made sandbags.

I got some very nice inexpensive ones (manufacturer's name escapes me) with great textures but, being rigid, they don't slump over each other at all if stacked. 

I'm trying to do mortar stands which implies more than one layer.  Prone machine gunners only need one layer so the ones I have are perfect for that.   

Anyone have a favorite product or technique?

[Lowtardog]

I think Col Stone has a cracking technique I am sure he will be along soon

check his HQ here

http://gwargamesp.18.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=3118

[Westfalia Chris]

My personal favourites were the sections that came out for Void 1.1 (and I think they were originally mastered for Warzone 2ed, or sculpted by the same person, since they are tremendously similar to the ones found in the Capitol Light Infantry Mortar Squad box).

http://www.scotiagrendel.com/Products/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=59_62

I think I'm referring to the set 31096 "Sandbag Sections" (since the other ones are listed as metal and mine are resin, but definitely from the Void 1.1 line). You get straights and curves in that set (I think six sections overall). I'm sorry that I cannot show you pictures of mine, but they were very well cast (no cleanup except for a quick sanding of the underside) and paint up well.

EDIT: Found some pics (admittedly not very good) of mine in use:

http://www.witchhunter.net/blog/images/tashkent_19.JPG

http://www.witchhunter.net/blog/images/tashkent_20.JPG (in the centre background, between the house and the crooked tree).

[archangel1]

I know that in the larger scales you can use Chiclets.  Just soak the candy off, squish them into position, let dry and then varnish, to keep the bugs out.  Not being a gum-chewer, I don't know how small they get but you might be able to find something similar.

[Silent Invader]

It's not so difficult to make stands of sandbags using Sculpy or similar 'non-sticky' oven bake clay - you can even impress a suitable piece of material for the weave effect.

[DS615]

Make them with the sculpey or epoxy putty, but as you do so, wear a Fabric Band-Aid on your fingers. 
The act of shaping the sandbag will also give it the canvas texture.
It works well and doesn't take very long at all.

[Svennn]

wear a Fabric Band-Aid on your fingers. 

Thats a brilliant tip, much quicker than using a piece of hessian like I usually do.

[Muskie]

There are some hard plastic sandbags available in 1:35 and probably 1:48 scale.  There is lots of resin sandbag positions in 25/28mm I've bought quite a lot over the years for my latest and greatest terrain project.  Italeri used to make some, I think I got my box off of eBay but I prefer the premade resin positions or you can just use sculpy or something.

http://musksminiatures.wordpress.com/2010/06/27/im-going-to-need-more-popsicle-sticks/

[Col.Stone]

I think Col Stone has a cracking technique I am sure he will be along soon

check his HQ here

http://gwargamesp.18.forumer.com/index.php?showtopic=3118

Soon, well, as soon as i saw the topic hehe

Daz clay, roll out to a "snake" cut in suitably shaped pieces, (everyones taste is different there )
push it about a bit until it resembles a sandbag, should be simple since the daz clay gets a suitable "sewn" look when cut carefully

easypeasy

might be called Daz pronto in the US, airdrying stuff, reddish colour

[carlos marighela]

Make them with the sculpey or epoxy putty, but as you do so, wear a Fabric Band-Aid on your fingers. 
The act of shaping the sandbag will also give it the canvas texture.
It works well and doesn't take very long at all.

Genius! I am just about to make a heap using clay. Excellent tip.

[Col.Stone]

i'm going to copy that one aswell