The problem with .3ds (I think) is that it has no reference to what materials are used. Therefore you are left trying to figure out what goes where, and hence the reason I try and stick with objects that also have that nice little .mtl file ;o). I know it can't always be done, but after tearing my hair out with trying to match textures I've learned to leave .3ds alone.

Hopefully someone will come along and say, "Well, that's so simple a caveman could do it..." and then we'll both know ;o).

Laurie