The PLE (Personal Learning Edition) is Infinite and does not expire.
http://www.e-onsoftware.com/try/vue_6_ple/

I am using it in conjunction with VUE 6 Revealed by Richard Schrand and it seems to be an excellent way to learn the program. There are differences between the versions and the book focuses on Infinite but I think it would still be very useful. I find it usually frustrating to just dive into an unfamiliar  and difficult program without some guidance so this is working for me.

silverblade...

Thanks for the info..that will be a great help.

Great Rhino models on your website...I especially like Stormflanker as I am working on my first plane and hope to bring it into Vue when it is finished.

Thanks to all that have responded to my initial post. I am continuing to work with the PLE of Vue using the VUE 6 Revealed book. I am finding Vue much easier to use than Bryce. I like the 4 views and the ability to maximize one view when necessary. Very similar to Rhino which I also use. I'm looking forward to bringing in models from Rhino and incorporating them into Vue scenes.

I too, used Bryce 4, then sort of lost interest. I got Bryce 6 for $49 not too long ago and really struggled on a project so decided to give the PLE a try using VUE6 Revealed by Richard Schrand.

I find it much easier to use than Bryce...reminds me of Rhino 3D, which I have used for years.
Just have to decide which version to get.

There is a Basic Material Editor and an Advanced Material Editor. You should be able to switch back and forth with a button in the upper left corner (see above). It took me a while to figure it out. I got to it by first selecting the Materials tab, on the right, next to the Objects tab. Then double clicking on a material that I had assigned to an object. That brought up the Basic Material Editor.

Thank you. I did finally find it. 

As good as this book is...sometimes a process is not fully explained and it can be very frustrating for a novice.

Still, it is a valuable resource and well worth the money.

Thanks for all the input...one more question please.

I am considering Esprit, mainly because of the cost.  Is Infinite really worth the extra $$$? I also have Photoshop CS3 and am able to do a lot with it. In addtition -  Rhino 3.0/Flamingo.

I was finally able to download it again and it installed successfully.

Thanks, I will check it out.....

I am modeling a plane in Rhino and would like to "paint" it. Perhaps camouflage or put a scene on it as they did in WW2. I am assuming, but not sure, that I could use Photoshop. But...then what?
I have no idea about how the process works.

Any direction? tutorials? There is some good info in this thread but I am still confused.
TIA

Jim Barbieri
jim1245@comcast.net

An idea that is probably long overdue. I am new but have noticed that there is very little helpful criticism. Looking forward to being involved.

Thanks, very nice model. I opened it in Rhino and it looked great. I might add a pilot and a few other things.
Jim Barbieri

Thanks,
I just ordered it...

Thanks to all who responded...

Is the first DVD still available and is it discounted?  If so, where?  And, are they available as a package?

JB

You might try the Rhino newsgroup accessed through the Rhino website. It could be an issue of how you are constructing/preparing your model.