Comment on Terranimperial's profile

Thanks! I would have answered earlier but I was barely conscious. Don't know how much of this would transfer from Sketchup to 3dsmax but this is how I create textures. After I've completed a large portion of the hull geometry I usually make a copy of that surface and flatten as shown below.
 Note* details such as windows, landing gear hatches, and non text hull markings are part of the actual geometry, except in cases such as the shenzhou, where the text is over laid the red stripes. 

Making the saucer aztec uses the same process, although you don't have to flatten any surfaces for this one. You only have to know the diameter of the saucer, which in the cases shown is 140 m and 150 m respectively. When I'm done with a  texture, I will save a copy and add registry text to the copy. Hope you find this helpful