http://www.theswamp.org/index.php?topic=9423.0There I gave my opinion on 2007.
You ever could assign materials on objects, colors,
and layers. In another order (I think object, layer and color, can't remember now) was set a system of priority.
It's not possible anymore in 2007 and it's a real pitty because it (could be) was complicated but powerfull (especially with blocks).
They also removed the 3DSOUT command.
Awful, isn't it ? There plenty of software that use the good 3DS format (DXF or DWG are badly recognized by softwares).
Try also 3DSIN, all those commands are full of options. Hope you're not on 2007