noob seams question

One problem is, there were several types of tanks in use, some had prominent seams, others did not.  If this is a seamless tank, then yes it can be a lot of work sanding the seam without destroying the detail, but it is something you learn from practice. 

There is no good way to acquire skills like that other than doing the job enough times.  One thought is until you gain experience, leave off tanks, ordnance, etc.  Planes parked on the ramp are usually pretty bare.

Another key- get the fit as good as possible between parts before you apply glue/cement/solvent.

I use #23 scalpel blades in my xacto knife.  they are curved and you can get a good slice in odd areas.

I also use THIN tamiya liquid cement, it creeps into crevices and melts that weld nice, then press the parts together wtih a lot of force to push extra melted plastic out.  then shave that off after a day.

like don said, some parts DO have seams.  Like some tire treads on tanks, I shaved off and sanded the wheels nicely..........then found out, the seams are SUPPOSED to be there.  DOH!

Yep, a #23 scalpel blade in an X-acto knife works. I used that technique on the Glencoe re-issue of the Walt Disney’s Man in Space space station. (The Strombecker moulds had been allowed to deteriorate.) I put in a ridiculous number of hours scraping that gnarly hull smooth.

Maybe "seams" was not the best word to use.  This was definitely one of my own making!  I will know now to keep an eye out for seams that belong there.

What I remember from way back in the day, was the tube cement being a stringy sticky mess.  This time I tried my first bottle of glue.  It is testors, and very thin, which I like, but very quick drying.  I have to be quick fitting the part after applying the glue.  I am not sure I can apply glue all the way around the fuselage and get it fitted in time for it to weld all around.  

Thanks for all the help.

Fit the parts together before you apply glue. That is, get the best fit you can and brush the glue on while holding, clamping, or whatever method you use. The glue will flow into the seam and weld it together. A simple rubbing with 600 grit paper will get rid of excess glue.