[Exan]

If you want to make uvmaps fast use Photoshop or similar program which can use layers. I use the following method to do textures with most of my models.

Use magic wand on the black area around the ship and then choose Select-inverse to select the model.

Then just cut and paste the ship's skeleton to a new layer. Then set the skeleton layer's opacity to 40% or so and keep it on the top always. Now you can just paint the background with which ever metal color/texture you want.

Then create a new layer and using the skeleton to help draw the engines and the surface patterns. If you decrease the opacity of the other layers the bakground will show through them and it will look like it's painted on the ship.

Finally just set the skeleton layer invisible.