Models with and without tabs!!!!!!??

[whulsey]

Good point from ThunderChild that the tabs give you clues about folding and assembly even if you cut them off before actually gluing.

[dell_zantoz]

I normally use the tabs but i make it a point that I take a layer off the tabs by lightly scoring and peeling off a layer or two. This way you have the strenght of the entire piece and a minimal amount of step on the joint.

[mbauer]

Agree with the conversation on not using tabs. Smoother joint.

But, for models that fly, the extra glue and strip adds up to more weight.

Tabs are stronger plus easier/faster than glue strips.

Best regards,
Mike Bauer

[KCStephens]

Originally Posted by dell_zantoz

I normally use the tabs but i make it a point that I take a layer off the tabs by lightly scoring and peeling off a layer or two. This way you have the strenght of the entire piece and a minimal amount of step on the joint.

WOW! That's a great idea, Dell, one that I have not considered before. I will have to keep that in mind for future builds.

That's what I love the most about this place...sooo many great ideas! Kudos to Dell!

[mckinnell]

Mmmmmmmm, I seemed to have asked a fairly good question, and, some very good debate; does ANY ONE, uses any OTHER forms of connection between parts, don`t know, say, hot glue gun, small jet type, as, i have used both large and small nozle types for hull bulkhead fixing, just an extra thought for you mates out there..........


Best and regards to all,


Tom.....



PS...............Any one know who to ask here for a sepperate section to deal with 1/100 scale, as, i do tons of models in that my chosen scale, would be nice..................Tom

[Texman]

Well, in 1/100, gomidefilho would be the resident expert, but any small scale question could be answered by any number of folks....papermate, jan kytop, phil, getter1, myself.

Just ask away, and if you would like to, just make a new thread about 1/100 scale questions.

[murphyaa]

I use a hot glue gun for quick, strong joints, i.e attaching tail fins and landing gear. My main problem is that I use a low heat gun, so the glue doesn't saturate the paper, and parts tend to break off if handled too roughly.

[Lex]

I have no idea why tabs aren't included in a model intended for beginners. For more experienced builders, a lack of tabs would only be a simple message telling them to cut their own

[codex34]

Originally Posted by mckinnell

does ANY ONE, uses any OTHER forms of connection between parts

Laminating......

Seriously though, there is the non tab tab method for paper, say you wanted to make very thin box 50mm x 25mm x 2mm, tabs would be awkward to fold, never mind glue, and a butt joint won't work, what you can do is to make the 2mm sides on BOTH of the larger areas and then glue the 2 sides, one on top of the other, one of the sides effectively becomes a tab. This results in small 2mm slits that you can leave or run a glue bead down. You get a neater thin box because the inner sides act as spacers.
Bit ugly if it's a black box.

Also use a spring strip on some tabs, if the tab needs folding but is the closing tab it usually (ALWAYS) doesn't want to meet up with the part it is being glued to, I glue small strips on the backside of the tab to spring the tab back to the part it is gluing to, beats inserting needles anyway.