Tight Fit

Looks better...
I did the perspective for the bridge - have a look.
It was difficult to judge the scale of a person in comparison to the scene based on your first photo...
Size adjusted - Now you have some good starting point.

moat_beginner.skp

Hi rumcajs,
Please wait - I will draw some main elements for the perspective...
Also, I don't trust the photos as it seems that they could be already assembled from two or more...
I have corrected the perspective in your SU file as well - have a look

pylon_beginner.skp

Step 1

I downloaded your SKP file and there is some small part of the photo.
First comment - Your 'Match Photo' perspective is wrong...
Definitely, separate photo would help.

PS. You can see that the horizon is set in the wrong place and subsequently the whole 'Photo Match' would be wrong.
The photo should be rotated (I would use PhotoShop) to a point where you have 'proper horizon'.

Google SketchUp Techniques: Match Photo Part 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fhzpqf7fywM

Can you post the photo only - small would be fine - I would like to see the vanishing points/perspective.

Yes you can export in DWG or DXF (AC12 to AC2010)
http://forums.sketchucation.com/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=47135&p

Dave,
Can I ask you which renderer are you using?
I like the polished look so much plus the glossy, white reflections

Some time ago we had a long discussion in our office about patents, copyrights and our architectural design.
Some facts are listed below...

• music/publishing etc
  The term of protection or duration of copyright varies depending on the type of copyright work. The term of protection in the UK for an original written (literary), theatrical (dramatic) musical or artistic work lasts for the life of the creator plus 70 years from the end of the year in which he/she died.

• patents - complex engines, ground braking solutions etc
  Protection in EU - for up to a maximum of 20 years - renewal every year

• design patents
  Protection in EU - for up to a maximum of 25 years - renewal every 5 years

And now...
The design patent is getting tricky as we can see in the Apple vs Samsung case.
Some simple, basic shapes should not be protected for years - you could have 12-24-36 months protection dependent on the 'complexity'.

In Apple's IPhone and IPad scenario it could be 12-24 months of protection but, the technology behind it's a completely different animal.

If Apple gets $1 bilion for 'shape' infringement, I wonder how much Sumsung would get for each technological infringement?
The judge asked both parties to speak to each other before jury begins deliberating as he knows that there is more to come.
The current approach of Apple and Sumsung (and others) would get more complex soon...

In my humble opinion the International Law should set some standards as the Law of The Land would always produce contradicting results between countries.

There are a few other Apple's cases where, apparently the Apple's brand infringement took place:

• in a Cafe logo design.
  http://www.telegraph.co.uk/technology/apple/8858333/Apple-takes-on-German-cafe-over-logo.html
• over Appstore wording
  http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/technology-12817083
  and so on.

The trademark should be protected by the Copyright Law but, infringement of shape similarities and dictionary words are starting to be questionable in some cases.

Just some thought in relation to the ground breaking Invention of Fire

And LightUp...

Splendid...

Any rendering test should be carried out based on results against time with a little twist...
The final render has to be as close as possible to the real thing provided - VASE WITH SOME FLOWER but, you would 'lose points' if the time to produce is excessive.

In principle - there is a time limit at the outset like in all SU's challenges on SUF

What I meant by saying 'convincing' is that the grain is random as it should be.
As a carpenter, I don't question the real mahogany wood.

Some of the small samples of real bricks used in the appropriate coursing scale make the walls look like covered in wallpaper - the sample is not 'big/good' enough.

I appreciate you mahogany wood and attention to details
PS. I'm always tempted to run render...

Quite convincing texture...

Is it a subject to manufacturing?
Just asking and thinking about the type of material, which has to be used and hold together in any commercial environment.
But, maybe I'm going too far

It would be nice if SU Style would give you dotted lines - I've seen some attempts on SUF.
Now, I would have to have a go

Don't give up...
I think it's only a coincidence that you had a problem with the new version.

4. Summary
   4.1. Rendering Time
   The fastest is TheaRender – only 56 seconds. Next is: Artlantis (1 min 08 sec) and VRay (3 min 03 sec)
   4.2. Passes count within one hour
   The most passes done by Twilight (182), next TheaRender (71) and IRender nXt (39).

I had a go to see how good the shadow could be.
Attempt attached.

Use with Caution
The shadow could stretch some older computers.

poplar_with_shadow_small.zip

I treat all *.skb files as my fallback position (similar to *.bak in AutoCAD)
I don't use them if I don't have to.
They are always sitting there in case *.skp would be corrupted.

PS. There is no problem on XP or Vista - it could be something on 7