How to design models that will be assembled like a 3D puzzle?

[awerby]

Just make flanges on the back at a right angle to the surface, put matching holes in them, and assemble them with through-bolts. Bumps and hollows for keying, like on the parting line of a mold, will help with registration, and the bolts will keep it together.

[Marm]

Just make flanges on the back at a right angle to the surface, put matching holes in them, and assemble them with through-bolts. Bumps and hollows for keying, like on the parting line of a mold, will help with registration, and the bolts will keep it together.

That's how I do my bigger, more utilitarian models, where bolts won't detract from the appearance, but I was thinking this was a model car? So seams are the enemy? But yeah, that's basically a half lap joint, but with holes and bolts. I was just thinking the overlapping flanges and some CA or other glue to hold it together.