Simple concepts teach so much!  Working with and learning about global colors was very valuable.  Though using the integrated 3D tools to create a similar result is tempting, sometimes the easier answer of building the shapes yourself is more valuable for learning basic concepts, probably a lot more flexible, and no doubt less work for my pc's graphics processor. Threw a tube in there just to see if I could.  I was difficult to get the gradient correct all the way to the VP, but pleased with result