This model consists of basic geometric shapes. Cone, cylinders, "oil tank" and some splines. It was rendered using VRay. All materials created using the material editor in 3D Studio Max. Following are some sample taken along the way.
step 2 of 4
step 3 of 4
step 4 of 4
The scene is lit with 1 directional light. The photograph fro NASA was used as an environment map. The light was aligned to cast shadows according to the photo.