Need Help with Backpacks

[bigjackmac]

I'm working on another 28mm project.  Once again I'm using Warlord US Marine figures, but I need more backpacks because each sprue only comes with one for every six figures.  I'm trying to get my hands on about forty more; I've searched the internet but haven't found any, and I'm reaching out to Warlord to see if there is any opportunity (though I'm not hopeful.   Nothing against them, it's just that the sprue is set up with one each and they're not going to pull one off 40 different sprues just to help me out).

So, does any other company make them? Are there any that can be 3D printed? Does anyone have any spares lying around they'd be willing to part with?

To be clear, I'm looking for the full pack with bedroll/shelter half, like this:







Thanks in advance, any help is greatly appreciated!

V/R,
Jack

 

[fred.]

Press moulding might be an option - the knife might be a bit tricky but the pack and shelter half should work fairly well. 


I'd suggest googling the details - but basically press moulding is pressing the part into a mould agent that is soften with heat. Then using this mould by pressing greenstuff into it to get the parts. Will be slow going for that many parts. 

But given how few there are per sprue even getting spares from people who haven't used them is only going to obtain a few per person.

[fsn]

Have you tried ebay, looking for single sprues? Quick search found this ...



https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/297129779263?_skw=wwii+sprue&itmmeta=01K01CHKP6JWXV51Y1KDBJ2XYB&hash=item452e50a03f:g:Z8cAAOSw4dZiHKdO&itmprp=enc%3AAQAKAAAA8FkggFvd1GGDu0w3yXCmi1dXQryS4mDBDGbEd%2FnJdO9D7Zws6WFjNXDJwpAnNkmZ0VEYgnJ%2Fb6ckkpQX%2F%2BtWmGrFVeBi4hdGT8GYlFeUmz3DROtSMQQxreLjIqXS62ZG8S%2B2HRVE5R2fNU5%2BQLH7alxWt1Hmtqw8TWcopIeV4%2F0ibisJP6pStTsZUyzoxhADAxmY0stzsbQrhDNlaOPn0S%2BZvUbjjybooUPU2gk3mc20njruw1xum3huiYPb6NnJBe54nKcA1Q%2FoecVIStEQ%2BWvNBXkZrfque9m%2BqZs66d8Y2eQkMRjybC3f%2FXUo7zKp8g%3D%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6q7xqyAZg

[Lord Kermit of Birkenhead]

Warlord do sell individual sprues but you would need a lot. Ive not looked but may have some US Army packs which suspect would be of no use I think.

[bigjackmac]

Thanks everyone!

I'm looking into the press mold option, maybe I can make a bigger one to do like 5-6 at a time?  I'm a little worried, haven't ever done anything like that before.

I appreciate the link and yes, I'm aware of single sprue sales, but the ones shown are not the correct model.  Here's what I'm looking for (it's only on the US Marine sprue):



V/R,
Jack

[fred.]

I'm not sure making a multi-piece press mold would have much benefit over several single ones. 

With the packs on the airborne sprue it would be fairly quick and easy to add shelter half rolls to these with green stuff. These packs also might be more available given there are far more on a sprue. 

I would have a look for 3d printed options too - especially for the volume you want

[Orcs]

I have used the heated press mold a couple of times. they are easy to use.  Just make sure you get the mold material tight against the object.

there is no benefit in making a multi piece mold, it is no quicker, and after the first one you would be in danger of damaging those you have just pushed the milliput into.

Make several individual molds. You can use a single back pack to make them all.

Heat the mold material up as hot as your fingers can stand then mould it round the back pack.
Then drop it in cold water to "set" the mold for a few minutes.
Remove the back pack former and repeat.
Mix up your milliput ( any type will do but superfine is best)
Use small balls of milliput and press into the mould carefully to ensure you fill all corners
A wet modelling knife is good for this as it makes the putty easy to move and does not stick to the putty.
Let the putty fully cure and the new back pack should pop out easily.

This is what you want

https://www.greenstuffworld.com/en/26-reusable-blue-stuff#:~:text=It%20is%20a%20new%20generation,have%20the%20mold%20made%20from.

If you no longer need the mold it can be softened again and reused.

I have used it to make extra wheel for 1/72 vehicles

[bigjackmac]

Thanks to everyone for the recommendations to cast my own. I spent a bunch of time watching YouTube videos on this stuff and it looks super easy.  I went with Alteco 2-part epo-putty on the recommendation of one of the YouTubers, will let you know how it goes.  If that doesn't work I'm looking at using a 50% green stuff/50% milliput mixture, also recommended by some YouTubers.

I believe this shall be my salvation:


Thanks again guys, I appreciate it!

V/R,
Jack