Hey folks! First time poster here... Great site, by the way... Just getting into modelling.

Anyways, hypothetically speaking, say I glued two parts together that didn't quite fit as nicely as they should... Is there a way I can separate them without resorting to physical force and possibly breaking/damaging the parts? Or am I basically fubar'd?

Thanks in advance!

depends on what type of glue was used. If superglue put some acetone (nail polish remover has this in it) on a cotton bud and "dab" the joint. Beware though as acetone will melt most plastics. Also in some cases superglue will release if you "twist" the parts slightly as it is strongest in a straight pull and does not like sideways movement.

Otherwise cut the joint with a sharp knife blade.

First of all, welcome aboard the best site around Azarius!
If acetone attacks the plastic, in Italy we can find a CA debonderthat doesn't attack the plastic at all. If you used standard glue you can try to soften the joint using a very thin liquid glue like the one fom Tamiya with the green cap and then pull apart...
Ciao

Welcome to THE best site around.

As you have already read - it really depends on the glue you used.
But you are never FUBAR'ed. With a bit of putty and sandpaper you can even out offset pieces. With a bit of creativity you can even scratch build a new piece.
You may even be able to use a razor saw or sheer patience and repetition with an exacto and cut the pieces apart. I would do it right next to the glue joint because the plastic will be easier to cut and control than cutting the glue. Then just re-glue. You probably will need a bit of sanding but - its an option.

What kit - what parts??

my friend put the parts in paint-thinner, you should know what happened #:-)

Welcome to Armorama, the best modeling site in the www.
Cut them with a fresh X-Acto blade by the union. Then with a lot of care sand the parts.

Thanks all for the tips!

It was my first model. A Ju87, and I had mounted the tail flaps on the wrong side.. *doh* So I used the exacto and was able to carefully cut them apart, sanded them down, reglued, and I'm good to go. I'm using the Stutka as a practice piece. I've got initial paint on it, so I'm going to put on some decals, and try some weathering effects.

I just completed the M3 Stuart (my 2nd model) Now I just have to get the nerve to try painting it.

Thanks guys for the help!

Welcome!

I am suprised no one has mentioned this, but years ago I used Javex Bleach to totaly remove paint from an old kit. An unforseen side effect was that quite a few of the glued joints seperated and I had more than I barganed for... a box full of parts. The Javex did not damage the plastic (it was totaly submerged for a few days) and left averything smelling like a "garden breeze"

yes welcome to the best site on the net
allways dry fit the parts frist before glueing.
when i build a plane i tape the fusalage together and then the wings
then tape the wings on and see how every thing fits then
is something has to be sanded or clean up u can do it and re fit the piece