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What is Railcom?
Posted in: Model Railway, Power and control
30th July 2020
RailCom is a system developed by Lenz that allows two-way communication between a DCC controller and a decoder. The...
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What is meant by the term Co-Co Locomotive ?
Posted in: Rolling stock
21st September 2023
The term "Co-Co" refers to a specific wheel arrangement used in locomotives. In this arrangement, each Locomotive has...
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What is a vignette?
Posted in: Scenery
10th June 2019
A vignette is a small impressionist three-dimensional scene creating a moment in time, focusing on one individual...
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How do I cut flexible track?
Posted in: Design and Planning, Tracks, Best practices
5th July 2019
Once upon a time I would have said a newly bladed junior hacksaw and some warding files, but these days I would have...
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What is the best way to hide or disguise sharp curves on a layout?
Posted in: Model Railway, Design and Planning, Tracks
8th April 2020
Sharp bends are just about the only aspect of a model railway that still cause modellers a headache with regards to...
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What is a "third hand" tool?

A third hand tool (often referred to as a helping hand tool) is a clamp like device that sits on your worktop. Its function is to help you with those awkward modelling jobs where an extra pair of hands would be an advantage.

Third hand tools have two or more flexible arms with crocodile style clamps or grips on the end of them to hold your project in place freeing up your hands to work.

The tool is especially useful when soldering because you can clamp the wires in place while you to focus on the job in hand. A lot of third hand tools come with a magnifying glass attached conveniently located in front of the working area making detailed or fine work easier.

There are several variations of third hand tools available, some have up to six arms whilst others have built-in lighting, but for the purpose of modelling the two arm variety with a magnifying glass is plenty and such tools can usually be purchased for a small amount of money.

Posted in: Assembling and gluing

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