Foam to the Rescue!

[Harry P.]

How many times while building a model do you come to a point where it would be incredibly helpful if you had three hands?

It happens all the time. You need to hold the model with one hand, then you still need two hands to do whatever it is you need to do. I build a lot of 1/9 scale motorcycles, which are fragile. They have a lot of thin, weak and highly breakable parts, and they're not that easy to hold (where do you grab on without breaking off something?) For example, say I need to attach various engine parts or linkages or footpegs or things like that. How do I hold the model in one hand and attach the parts? It's kind of awkward.

My solution is a piece of foam. I got it in the fabrics section of Hobby Lobby. The foam is used for seat cushions, stuffing pillows, etc. It comes in various sizes and thicknesses, I use a piece 1" thick and 12" square.

Now I can lay the model down on the foam and work on it. The foam surface is soft enough so that small and fragile protruding parts on a model bike (like handlebars, shifters, etc.) won't break off. Plus, the model won't slide around while you try to attach parts. The foam is the perfect surface for laying down awkwardly-shaped or fragile models (like motorcycles) and letting you keep your two hands available for building.

[LoneWolf15]

It could also provide you with a place to lay your head when the Geritol level gets low and you need to take a nap !

[plasticbutcher]

Thats a great idea, I have some foam left from my R.C. aircraft days, thanks for the tip

[MRCIVICWITHSTYLE]

I like to use the wash mits for washing a car the mirco fiber ones (Green) is the one i have i like it just y two cents

[MikeMc]

I've been using the foam trick for years...Started out in HO RR...I used a 12 x12 x 1 " thick foam mat laid into an old mitre box...gives you a chanel to hold the work at the best angle..door handles, side mirrors....

[Foxer]

It could also provide you with a place to lay your head when the Geritol level gets low and you need to take a nap !

.. Harry foams at the mouth! ..

(it may soak that up also)

Edited February 24, 2011 by Foxer

[Cato]

-about time you contributed something around here HP...

[Jon Cole]

I tried it. Now the wife has me in the doghouse... I don't know why she is ticked about the big square hole in the sofa cushion. Nobody ever sits there anyhow.