Observation/Complaint/Rant

[speener]

I have noticed this annoying thing some model companies decide to do with some of their kits, that is to put the tab that holds the wheels to the parts tree on the front of the rim. Such as seen here

So whenever you go to take them off there is always a small dent/discoloration/imperfection. I don't get it, just put it at the back. Thankfully not all model kits come like this, the best ones come with the wheels in a sperate bag not attached to the tree. But why must they do this and what might be some good solutions to the problem?

[MPWR]

Originally Posted by speener

what might be some good solutions to the problem?

Carefully remove the parts from the sprue, sand the connecting points smooth, and strip the nasty chrome off everything. Then repaint the wheels and knockoffs whatever color you want.

I've never seen a kit with wheels like this- but you're right, it does seem a really poor way to position the sprues.

[NOMADGAMER]

totally agree

[Lownslow]

nail clippers work wonders on those wheels sprue cutters just cant cut close enough

[jaykay640]

While i agree with you the problem is not necessarily that the company is too stupid....it's rather a question of cost.
Just putting the tabs at the back of these wheels doesn't work because then they wouldn't get the pieces out of the mold as the front of the rim is wider than the back....
It's in the shape of the rim. On some you can make them wider at their middle to put the tabs there in an "invisible" area ( see Tamiya F1 rims ).
With this specific wheel that's not possible because it would mean to have a too big material thickness that would in turn lead to massive sink marks.
One way to avoid this would be a more complicated multipart tool but that's usually too expensive.
There are surely creative ways to avoid the problem with a creative parts brakdown or shaping...but with some kit manufacturers you get the impression they don't know better or just don't bother...

Personally i don't bother because no kit piece will go on the model unpainted anyway....:-)