baz88,
1)Use the >View, >View3d mode, >Parallel Projections Settings, set up an orthogonal projection, remembering to move the Sun into an advantageous position. Then right click on the image and choose "save and place on layout", from the pet palette. For extra pop, you may want to open the 3D windows settings palette and turn on Sun shadows.
2)In 3D windows settings, turn contours OFF.
3) for an angled element viewed in elevation, you could use a roof slice set the angle as desired and choose the edge material or image. You could also make a library part of your object, saved at the correct angle. You might make a complex profile and place it as a beam. You could use the truss-maker and create what appears to be your trussed or ribbed object that way. No end to the options, try several and pick the one that suits best. Plus you'll learn something new.
Snap