Robart makes a styrofoam stand - $15 - the 45 degree paddes supports are very solid and allow work on the fuselage at any angle...
http://www2.towerhobbies.com/cgi-bin...?&I=LXES03&P=7
Liked the idea so much, I "adapted" the idea and added it to my field box -

God bless PVC!!
Cheers!
Jim