[grattperret]

Are there any free (or cheap) programs out there that can model a basic shape in 3D, where you can change the colours of sections, and perhaps even paste images on to surfaces? Trying to get an idea of what a large sculpture type installation would look like, without having to build it first

Could be good for checking out colour schemes on houses too, before painting

[Relsenlilky]

I one of the Google utils can do that.
Google Sketch .... ?

[DoctorNiCYDEn]

Yep, Sketch up.

It's good to play with, If you've got more patience and time to learn than I do you can get some pretty impressive results.

[grattperret]

Thanks guys. Downloaded, and had a bit of a play with it.

I should be able to make it work. Although, I havn't found how to add pictures to surfaces yet (but it may be further along in the tutorial, and hidden away in the menus somewhere... or not).

Will look deeper, later

[deermealec]

Thanks guys. Downloaded, and had a bit of a play with it.

I should be able to make it work. Although, I havn't found how to add pictures to surfaces yet (but it may be further along in the tutorial, and hidden away in the menus somewhere... or not).

Will look deeper, later

Unfortunately I run a Linux box and can't get Sketch-up working for me (supposedly should under WINE, but my couple of tries weren't successful and sadly I gave up).

Yes, what you want to do should be no probs with Sketch-up, I think it's called adding "texture". If you can't find the help you need within Sketch-up itself, then Google Earth help may provide the info you seek

[Dynasty]

Blender

[deermealec]

Blender

Looks most impressive but would there be a rather steep learning curve to cope with? (OP asked for something basic, and that's what I'm after too). Free version of Sketch-up gave me pretty much all I needed and apart from a few tutorials was very easy to learn.

Anyway, thanks for heads-up, I reckon I might try it out myself (if my very basic specced box can cope with it).

[Dstyeglm]

You might be able to render in MeshLab if you can create the shape in Sketchup

[RobsShow]

Learnt to use Sketchup in a few days to create 3D models of my solar panel tracking frame. Used a solar panel texture to fill in the panels, which looked really good. Just made the steel grey, and the linkage arms for moving each tracker panel in the array purple.
Later on used an add on to extrude a roof profile.
Was very handy to make sure there was no inter shading when the panels were fully tilted during different seasons. This can be animated in the full paid version.
Made four of the frames(each was approx 1kW = 4x280W panels), but didn't use them as it would have taken too long to set up the tracking. I've opted for seasonally adjustable not E-W tracking.
Maybe one day I'll find a geared down motor...
Sketchup was great for the current semi static setup, checking for shading issues, and to see how it would all fit on the shed.