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Old 09-04-2017, 11:21 AM
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ShadowCory ShadowCory is offline
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How do you like your tabs?

I usually use Pepakura to unfold models I make in 3D programs. I have tried several different methods of tabbing and am not sure what the best is yet.

You can have the tabs "zippered" or staggered with every other tab on a different edge. Seems to give good strength, but is very awkward sometimes getting the pieces to line up correctly so the tabs will interlock. Leaves a wavy or puckered edge on the exterior if not cut perfectly.

You can have all of the tabs on one edge, and have them paste up under the following pieces. Seems to be easier to assemble, but if you are working with round pieces, like a barrel, it is easy to get the edges out of line, and off centered from one another. Leaves a definite line on the exterior of the model. (I usually use this method, because of the ease of construction aspect, but end up doing extra sanding and filling on those exposed edges)

Tabs on both sides. Makes a really nice, folded edge, but sometimes adds too much attention to an edge id like to be smooth.

Make separate interior tabs. Gives great results most of the time, but a lot of extra cutting and having to glue both sides of all tabs gets tedious.

Those are my thoughts. What do you guys like to use most?
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Old 09-04-2017, 12:17 PM
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Rubenandres77 Rubenandres77 is offline
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For me it depends on the kit.

For airplanes I prefer no tabs, but joining strips. Because of the final finish of the skin

In the couple of figures I built (The Princess of the Cristal and the 60cm Sailor Moon) the tabs were as you said "staggered" or intercalated. I found that method helped a lot when assembling, because even without instructions you will know what goes where. But that makes the assembly of some parts tricky to handle. Still I prefer that to all tabs in one side.
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Old 09-04-2017, 03:50 PM
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airdave airdave is offline
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aircraft, I agree, no tabs....joiners or inner layers.

My koolwheelz models are covered in tabs...I guess its the scale.
I tend to put tabs on sides that are thin or weak.
I find the extra material helps strengthen a small part that might have a thin edge,
or an area that is prone to tearing.

I find those staggered tabs, tabs on either part that interlock, sometimes very awkward.
I think I prefer, in most cases, all tabs to be on one part.
But I guess it also depends on the design and scale.

I have a small "radome" part on my AC130 Hercules kit, that has a two part dome cap.
It features opposing tabs...one on each part...that sort of interlock.
It helps you form the dome shape.
I think the opposing tabs makes sense on that part.
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Old 09-05-2017, 02:15 PM
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ShadowCory ShadowCory is offline
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Thanks for the information! I will try and keep these ideas in mind when I am designing something that someone else can build. The actual parts sheets are only half the work! The other half is instructions and proper labeling.
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Old 09-06-2017, 06:13 AM
JohnGay JohnGay is offline
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I find the "zippered" tabs are very good for ensuring the seams line up perfectly. But you do need to cut them precisely to work. They can be difficult in tight corners, so manually moving the occasional tab helps.
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Old 09-06-2017, 06:43 PM
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ShadowCory ShadowCory is offline
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Yep, I think scale also plays a role. For me, anyway. The larger the scale, the easier it seems to use those staggered tabs.
I am looking into making the Nosferatu into something others can build and I want to use a tab layout that works for more than just me.
My past "designs" are too chaotic for most I think.
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