[PB]

It would be much more time efficient to model in a dedicated 3D software package wihich will have a much more intuitive interface for modelling. As Rockhopper says, AutoCAD is a 2D package that then does its best to provide a 3D element - but it is time consuming and not that easy to get a convincing result.

As an architect, I have for some time been using ArchiCAD, which models directly in 3D and then allows for the easy generation of 2D drawings. I understand that there are similar engineering packages available, or their 3D alternatives at much less cost.

Hope this helps a little - I'd normally be able to remember some of the software titles that might help, but I'm too tired on this Sunday evening.......