well, it depends on the date of the model, and the manufactuer. modern tamiya, DML, and trumpeter, and various more are for the most part, acurate. if u are thinking of weld seems, then yes. the manufactures do add those. but there are also joint seems that show where to parts have been joined togeather, the show up as lines. they should not be there. but like i said, if u are buildng newer kits, you shouldnt have to worry about that. as for reference, if you are not sure about a seam, just go to your hobby shop; bring a piece of paper and a pencil and write down where the main seams are or if any seams should be removed. but for the most part, you should worry more about adding seam that arent there, not taking them away.