More transpose ...

Shift key constrains ...

Using Move ... Hold shift and drag an end to scale height

Scale

Pull the center scales width ...

Scale on an end ring scales the entire model

Rotate ...

Pull up on the center point to rotate around Z

Top and bottom circles rotate around the opposite end pivot

Note – activate Local to arc rotate around the most recently edited spot

 

Hold Ctrl key with move and the action line will start to draw a mask

Ctrl Click on the transition of the mask to blur it ...

 

Rotate

 

Ctrl-drag with move to make a smart mask:

For a sharper bend, set up an action line like this ...

Hold down the Alt key and rotate on the pivot close to the knuckle:

Continue the routine

1 Ctrl drag with move or rotate to get the mask

2 Ctrl click the mask to blur

3 Set up transpose as shown

4 Alt drag with rotate to make a sharp bend