Hi there - I assume you're building Digital Navy's model of the Oregon?
I haven't built the Oregon, but the Oslyabya, so I can't say anything about the tabs. As far as the decks were concerned, I laminated them first, then cut out the openings.
A couple of hints, if you're interested:
- you can use gray chipboard for laminating, but don't use water based glue in that case, as it will warp the chipboard.
- Better to use Bristol Card from an arts supply store. Kinda expensive, but worth it. Laminate the sheets onto it with Elmer's glue stick - works like a charm, won't come off and doesn't warp.
- three layers of Kinko's regular card stock plus the printed sheet equal 1mm thickness. I have used 3m permanent photo mount spray glue to laminate them. Benefit: the result is tough as nails, won't bend or warp, and the edges can be sanded nicely. Drawback: the spray glue stinks like hell and can be very messy - you have to do it outside!
Cheers,
Oliver