diff --git a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/dialogs/panel_prev_model.cpp b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/dialogs/panel_prev_model.cpp
index af2638ebd7..dd3f54e88f 100644
--- a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/dialogs/panel_prev_model.cpp
+++ b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/dialogs/panel_prev_model.cpp
@@ -616,8 +616,12 @@ void PANEL_PREV_3D::UpdateModelName( wxString const& aModelName )
         #endif
 
         wxSizer* ws = new wxBoxSizer( wxHORIZONTAL );
-        ws->Add( canvas, 10, wxEXPAND );
-        preview->SetSizerAndFit( ws );
+        canvas->Set3DModel( *model );
+        ws->Add( canvas, 1, wxEXPAND );
+        preview->SetSizer( ws );
+        preview->Layout();
+        ws->FitInside( preview );
+        return;
     }
 
     canvas->Set3DModel( *model );
diff --git a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/CMakeLists.txt b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/CMakeLists.txt
index f517600923..f4c5d7db2c 100644
--- a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/CMakeLists.txt
+++ b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/CMakeLists.txt
@@ -15,13 +15,11 @@ add_library( kicad_3dsg SHARED
     sg_coords.cpp
     sg_normals.cpp
     sg_index.cpp
-    sg_colorindex.cpp
     sg_coordindex.cpp
     ifsg_node.cpp
     ifsg_transform.cpp
     ifsg_appearance.cpp
     ifsg_index.cpp
-    ifsg_colorindex.cpp
     ifsg_coordindex.cpp
     ifsg_colors.cpp
     ifsg_coords.cpp
diff --git a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/ifsg_colors.cpp b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/ifsg_colors.cpp
index d267bb239d..9d6edbe9a1 100644
--- a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/ifsg_colors.cpp
+++ b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/ifsg_colors.cpp
@@ -173,7 +173,7 @@ bool IFSG_COLORS::GetColorList( size_t& aListSize, SGCOLOR*& aColorList )
 }
 
 
-bool IFSG_COLORS::SetColorList( size_t& aListSize, const SGCOLOR* aColorList )
+bool IFSG_COLORS::SetColorList( size_t aListSize, const SGCOLOR* aColorList )
 {
     if( NULL == m_node )
     {
diff --git a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_faceset.cpp b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_faceset.cpp
index fdb533db7f..af24e31f11 100644
--- a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_faceset.cpp
+++ b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_faceset.cpp
@@ -35,7 +35,6 @@ SGFACESET::SGFACESET( SGNODE* aParent ) : SGNODE( aParent )
 {
     m_SGtype = S3D::SGTYPE_FACESET;
     m_Colors = NULL;
-    m_ColorIndices = NULL;
     m_Coords = NULL;
     m_CoordIndices = NULL;
     m_Normals = NULL;
@@ -107,13 +106,6 @@ SGFACESET::~SGFACESET()
         m_Normals = NULL;
     }
 
-    if( m_ColorIndices )
-    {
-        m_ColorIndices->SetParent( NULL, false );
-        delete m_ColorIndices;
-        m_ColorIndices = NULL;
-    }
-
     if( m_CoordIndices )
     {
         m_CoordIndices->SetParent( NULL, false );
@@ -173,14 +165,6 @@ SGNODE* SGFACESET::FindNode(const char *aNodeName, const SGNODE *aCaller)
             return np;
     }
 
-    if( m_ColorIndices )
-    {
-        np = m_ColorIndices->FindNode( aNodeName, this );
-
-        if( np )
-            return np;
-    }
-
     if( m_Coords )
     {
         np = m_Coords->FindNode( aNodeName, this );
@@ -241,12 +225,6 @@ void SGFACESET::unlinkNode( const SGNODE* aNode, bool isChild )
             return;
         }
 
-        if( aNode == m_ColorIndices )
-        {
-            m_ColorIndices = NULL;
-            return;
-        }
-
         if( aNode == m_CoordIndices )
         {
             m_CoordIndices = NULL;
@@ -377,21 +355,6 @@ bool SGFACESET::addNode( SGNODE* aNode, bool isChild )
         return true;
     }
 
-    if( S3D::SGTYPE_COLORINDEX == aNode->GetNodeType() )
-    {
-        if( m_ColorIndices )
-        {
-            std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
-            std::cerr << " * [BUG] assigning multiple ColorIndex nodes\n";
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        m_ColorIndices = (SGCOLORINDEX*)aNode;
-        m_ColorIndices->SetParent( this );
-
-        return true;
-    }
-
     if( S3D::SGTYPE_COORDINDEX == aNode->GetNodeType() )
     {
         if( m_CoordIndices )
@@ -440,9 +403,6 @@ void SGFACESET::ReNameNodes( void )
     if( m_Colors )
         m_Colors->ReNameNodes();
 
-    if( m_ColorIndices )
-        m_ColorIndices->ReNameNodes();
-
     // rename all Coordinates and Indices
     if( m_Coords )
         m_Coords->ReNameNodes();
@@ -510,9 +470,6 @@ bool SGFACESET::WriteVRML( std::ofstream& aFile, bool aReuseFlag )
     if( m_RColors )
         m_RColors->WriteVRML( aFile, aReuseFlag );
 
-    if( m_ColorIndices )
-        m_ColorIndices->WriteVRML( aFile, aReuseFlag );
-
     aFile << "}\n";
 
     return true;
@@ -553,7 +510,7 @@ bool SGFACESET::WriteCache( std::ofstream& aFile, SGNODE* parentNode )
     }
 
     aFile << "[" << GetName() << "]";
-    #define NITEMS 8
+    #define NITEMS 7
     bool items[NITEMS];
     int i;
 
@@ -588,10 +545,6 @@ bool SGFACESET::WriteCache( std::ofstream& aFile, SGNODE* parentNode )
     if( NULL != m_RColors )
         items[i] = true;
 
-    ++i;
-    if( NULL != m_ColorIndices )
-        items[i] = true;
-
     for( int i = 0; i < NITEMS; ++i )
         aFile.write( (char*)&items[i], sizeof(bool) );
 
@@ -616,9 +569,6 @@ bool SGFACESET::WriteCache( std::ofstream& aFile, SGNODE* parentNode )
     if( items[6] )
         aFile << "[" << m_RColors->GetName() << "]";
 
-    if( items[7] )
-        m_ColorIndices->WriteCache( aFile, this );
-
     if( aFile.fail() )
         return false;
 
@@ -629,7 +579,7 @@ bool SGFACESET::WriteCache( std::ofstream& aFile, SGNODE* parentNode )
 bool SGFACESET::ReadCache( std::ifstream& aFile, SGNODE* parentNode )
 {
     if( m_Coords || m_RCoords || m_CoordIndices
-        || m_Colors || m_RColors || m_ColorIndices
+        || m_Colors || m_RColors
         || m_Normals || m_RNormals )
     {
         std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
@@ -637,7 +587,7 @@ bool SGFACESET::ReadCache( std::ifstream& aFile, SGNODE* parentNode )
         return false;
     }
 
-    #define NITEMS 8
+    #define NITEMS 7
     bool items[NITEMS];
 
     for( int i = 0; i < NITEMS; ++i )
@@ -838,28 +788,6 @@ bool SGFACESET::ReadCache( std::ifstream& aFile, SGNODE* parentNode )
         m_RColors->addNodeRef( this );
     }
 
-    if( items[7] )
-    {
-        if( S3D::SGTYPE_COLORINDEX != S3D::ReadTag( aFile, name ) )
-        {
-            std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
-            std::cerr << " * [INFO] corrupt data; bad color index tag at position ";
-            std::cerr << aFile.tellg() << "\n";
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        m_ColorIndices = new SGCOLORINDEX( this );
-        m_ColorIndices->SetName( name.c_str() );
-
-        if( !m_ColorIndices->ReadCache( aFile, this ) )
-        {
-            std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
-            std::cerr << " * [INFO] corrupt data while reading color index '";
-            std::cerr << name << "'\n";
-            return false;
-        }
-    }
-
     if( aFile.fail() )
         return false;
 
@@ -969,62 +897,10 @@ bool SGFACESET::validate( void )
 
     if( NULL != pColors )
     {
-        if( NULL == m_ColorIndices )
-        {
-#ifdef DEBUG
-            std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
-            std::cerr << " * [INFO] bad model; no color indices\n";
-#endif
-            validated = true;
-            valid = false;
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        // we must have at least 1 color in the list
+        // we must have at least as many colors as vertices
         size_t nColor = 0;
         SGCOLOR* pColor = NULL;
         pColors->GetColorList( nColor, pColor );
-
-        if( nColor < 1 )
-        {
-#ifdef DEBUG
-            std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
-            std::cerr << " * [INFO] bad model; no colors\n";
-#endif
-            validated = true;
-            valid = false;
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        size_t nCLIdx = 0;
-        int* pCLIdx = NULL;
-        m_ColorIndices->GetIndices( nCLIdx, pCLIdx );
-
-        if( nCLIdx != nCoords )
-        {
-#ifdef DEBUG
-            std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
-            std::cerr << " * [INFO] bad model; color indices do not match number of vertices\n";
-#endif
-            validated = true;
-            valid = false;
-            return false;
-        }
-
-        // check that color[n] >= 0 and < nColors
-        for( size_t i = 0; i < nCLIdx; ++i )
-        {
-            if( pCLIdx[i] < 0 || pCLIdx[i] >= nCLIdx )
-            {
-#ifdef DEBUG
-                std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
-                std::cerr << " * [INFO] bad model; color index out of bounds\n";
-#endif
-                validated = true;
-                valid = false;
-                return false;
-            }
-        }
     }
 
     validated = true;
diff --git a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_faceset.h b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_faceset.h
index 4f288773a4..a016ac90dd 100644
--- a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_faceset.h
+++ b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_faceset.h
@@ -51,7 +51,6 @@ private:
 public:
     // owned objects
     SGCOLORS*       m_Colors;
-    SGCOLORINDEX*   m_ColorIndices;
     SGCOORDS*       m_Coords;
     SGCOORDINDEX*   m_CoordIndices;
     SGNORMALS*      m_Normals;
diff --git a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_shape.cpp b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_shape.cpp
index 90fbfeaea1..f720ec8156 100644
--- a/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_shape.cpp
+++ b/3d-viewer/3d_cache/sg/sg_shape.cpp
@@ -624,7 +624,6 @@ bool SGSHAPE::Prepare( const glm::dmat4* aTransform,
     }
 
     SGCOLORS* pc = pf->m_Colors;
-    SGCOLORINDEX* cidx = pf->m_ColorIndices;
     SGCOORDS* pv = pf->m_Coords;
     SGCOORDINDEX* vidx = pf->m_CoordIndices;
     SGNORMALS* pn = pf->m_Normals;
@@ -643,6 +642,24 @@ bool SGSHAPE::Prepare( const glm::dmat4* aTransform,
     SGPOINT* pCoords = NULL;
     pv->GetCoordsList( nCoords, pCoords );
 
+    size_t nColors = 0;
+    SGCOLOR* pColors = NULL;
+
+    if( pc )
+    {
+        // check the vertex colors
+        pc->GetColorList( nColors, pColors );
+
+        if( nColors < nCoords )
+        {
+            #ifdef DEBUG
+            std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
+            std::cerr << " * [INFO] bad model; not enough colors per vertex\n";
+            #endif
+            return true;
+        }
+    }
+
     // set the vertex indices
     size_t nvidx = 0;
     int*   lv = NULL;
@@ -673,17 +690,39 @@ bool SGSHAPE::Prepare( const glm::dmat4* aTransform,
         return true;
     }
 
-    // construct the final vertex list
+    // construct the final vertex/color list
+    SFVEC3F* lColors = NULL;
     SFVEC3F* lCoords = new SFVEC3F[ vertices.size() ];
+    double red, green, blue;
     int ti, ii;
 
-    for( size_t i = 0; i < vertices.size(); ++i )
+    if( pc )
     {
-        ti = vertices[i];
-        glm::dvec4 pt( pCoords[ti].x, pCoords[ti].y, pCoords[ti].z, 1.0 );
-        pt = (*aTransform) * pt;
+        SFVEC3F* lColors = new SFVEC3F[vertices.size()];
+        m.m_Color = lColors;
+    }
 
-        lCoords[i] = SFVEC3F( pt.x, pt.y, pt.z );
+
+    if( pc )
+    {
+        for( size_t i = 0; i < vertices.size(); ++i )
+        {
+            ti = vertices[i];
+            glm::dvec4 pt( pCoords[ti].x, pCoords[ti].y, pCoords[ti].z, 1.0 );
+            pt = (*aTransform) * pt;
+            pColors[ti].GetColor( lColors[i].x, lColors[i].y, lColors[i].z );
+            lCoords[i] = SFVEC3F( pt.x, pt.y, pt.z );
+        }
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        for( size_t i = 0; i < vertices.size(); ++i )
+        {
+            ti = vertices[i];
+            glm::dvec4 pt( pCoords[ti].x, pCoords[ti].y, pCoords[ti].z, 1.0 );
+            pt = (*aTransform) * pt;
+            lCoords[i] = SFVEC3F( pt.x, pt.y, pt.z );
+        }
     }
 
     m.m_VertexSize = (unsigned int) vertices.size();
@@ -718,30 +757,6 @@ bool SGSHAPE::Prepare( const glm::dmat4* aTransform,
     }
 
     m.m_Normals = lNorms;
-
-    // use per-vertex colors if available
-    if( pc )
-    {
-        size_t ncidx = 0;
-        int*   lcidx = NULL;
-        cidx->GetIndices( ncidx, lcidx );
-
-        // set the vertex colors
-        size_t nColors = 0;
-        SGCOLOR* pColors = NULL;
-        pc->GetColorList( nColors, pColors );
-        SFVEC3F* lColors = new SFVEC3F[ vertices.size() ];
-        double red, green, blue;
-
-        for( size_t i = 0; i < vertices.size(); ++i )
-        {
-            ti = vertices[i];
-            pColors[ lcidx[ti] ].GetColor( lColors[i].x, lColors[i].y, lColors[i].z );
-        }
-
-        m.m_Color = lColors;
-    }
-
     meshes.push_back( m );
 
     return true;
diff --git a/include/plugins/3dapi/ifsg_all.h b/include/plugins/3dapi/ifsg_all.h
index b64f66b475..eeb0c91f1b 100644
--- a/include/plugins/3dapi/ifsg_all.h
+++ b/include/plugins/3dapi/ifsg_all.h
@@ -31,7 +31,6 @@
 #include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_colors.h"
 #include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_coords.h"
 #include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_faceset.h"
-#include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_colorindex.h"
 #include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_coordindex.h"
 #include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_normals.h"
 #include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_shape.h"
diff --git a/include/plugins/3dapi/ifsg_colors.h b/include/plugins/3dapi/ifsg_colors.h
index b8fd5257ed..dd24af9560 100644
--- a/include/plugins/3dapi/ifsg_colors.h
+++ b/include/plugins/3dapi/ifsg_colors.h
@@ -50,7 +50,7 @@ public:
     bool NewNode( IFSG_NODE& aParent );
 
     bool GetColorList( size_t& aListSize, SGCOLOR*& aColorList );
-    bool SetColorList( size_t& aListSize, const SGCOLOR* aColorList );
+    bool SetColorList( size_t aListSize, const SGCOLOR* aColorList );
     bool AddColor( double aRedValue, double aGreenValue, double aBlueValue );
     bool AddColor( const SGCOLOR& aColor );
 };
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_faceset.cpp b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_faceset.cpp
index 3a6279d2f2..146eb9e2c5 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_faceset.cpp
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_faceset.cpp
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
 #include "vrml1_base.h"
 #include "vrml1_faceset.h"
 #include "vrml1_coords.h"
+#include "vrml1_material.h"
 #include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_all.h"
 
 
@@ -172,6 +173,34 @@ bool WRL1FACESET::Read( WRLPROC& proc, WRL1BASE* aTopNode )
                 return false;
             }
         }
+        else if( !glob.compare( "normalIndex" ) )
+        {
+            if( !proc.ReadMFInt( normIndex ) )
+            {
+                #if defined( DEBUG_VRML1 ) && ( DEBUG_VRML1 > 1 )
+                std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
+                std::cerr << " * [INFO] invalid normalIndex at line " << line << ", column ";
+                std::cerr << column << "\n";
+                std::cerr << " * [INFO] file: '" << proc.GetFileName() << "'\n";
+                std::cerr << " * [INFO] message: '" << proc.GetError() << "'\n";
+                #endif
+                return false;
+            }
+        }
+        else if( !glob.compare( "textureCoordIndex" ) )
+        {
+            if( !proc.ReadMFInt( texIndex ) )
+            {
+                #if defined( DEBUG_VRML1 ) && ( DEBUG_VRML1 > 1 )
+                std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
+                std::cerr << " * [INFO] invalid textureCoordIndex at line " << line << ", column ";
+                std::cerr << column << "\n";
+                std::cerr << " * [INFO] file: '" << proc.GetFileName() << "'\n";
+                std::cerr << " * [INFO] message: '" << proc.GetError() << "'\n";
+                #endif
+                return false;
+            }
+        }
         else
         {
             #if defined( DEBUG_VRML1 ) && ( DEBUG_VRML1 > 1 )
@@ -191,39 +220,74 @@ bool WRL1FACESET::Read( WRLPROC& proc, WRL1BASE* aTopNode )
 
 SGNODE* WRL1FACESET::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
 {
-    #ifdef NOGO
-    S3D::SGTYPES ptype = S3D::GetSGNodeType( aParent );
-
-    if( NULL != aParent && ptype != S3D::SGTYPE_SHAPE )
-    {
-        #ifdef DEBUG_VRML1
-        std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
-        std::cerr << " * [BUG] IndexedFaceSet does not have a Shape parent (parent ID: ";
-        std::cerr << ptype << ")\n";
-        #endif
-
-        return NULL;
-    }
-
     if( m_sgNode )
     {
-        if( NULL != aParent )
-        {
-            if( NULL == S3D::GetSGNodeParent( m_sgNode )
-                && !S3D::AddSGNodeChild( aParent, m_sgNode ) )
-            {
-                return NULL;
-            }
-            else if( aParent != S3D::GetSGNodeParent( m_sgNode )
-                     && !S3D::AddSGNodeRef( aParent, m_sgNode ) )
-            {
-                return NULL;
-            }
-        }
+        if( NULL != aParent && !S3D::AddSGNodeRef( aParent, m_sgNode ) )
+            return NULL;
 
         return m_sgNode;
     }
 
+    if( m_Parent )
+    {
+        WRL1STATUS* cp = m_Parent->GetCurrentSettings();
+
+        if( NULL != cp )
+            m_current = *cp;
+        else
+            return NULL;
+
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        return NULL;
+    }
+
+    if( NULL == m_current.coord || NULL == m_current.mat )
+        return NULL;
+
+    // 1. create the vertex/normals/colors lists
+    std::vector< SGPOINT > vlist;
+    std::vector< SGVECTOR > nlist;
+    std::vector< SGCOLOR > colorlist;
+    SGCOLOR partColor;
+    SGNODE* sgcolor = NULL;
+    int nface = 1;
+
+    switch( m_current.matbind )
+    {
+    case BIND_OVERALL:
+
+        // use the first (non-default) appearance definition
+        sgcolor = m_current.mat->GetAppearance( 1 );
+        break;
+
+    case BIND_PER_FACE:
+    case BIND_PER_VERTEX:
+    case BIND_PER_FACE_INDEXED:
+    case BIND_PER_VERTEX_INDEXED:
+
+        // take the first color definition from the material
+        m_current.mat->GetColor( &partColor, 1 );
+        break;
+
+    default:
+
+        // use the default appearance definition
+        sgcolor = m_current.mat->GetAppearance( 0 );
+        break;
+    }
+
+    WRLVEC3F* pts;
+    size_t npts;
+    m_current.coord->GetCoords( pts, npts );
+
+    //while()
+    //qwerty;
+
+
+    #ifdef NOGO
+
     size_t vsize = coordIndex.size();
 
     if( NULL == coord || vsize < 3 )
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_faceset.h b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_faceset.h
index 24e23f87f3..f983807621 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_faceset.h
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_faceset.h
@@ -44,6 +44,8 @@ class WRL1FACESET : public WRL1NODE
 private:
     std::vector< int > coordIndex;
     std::vector< int > matIndex;
+    std::vector< int > normIndex;
+    std::vector< int > texIndex;
 
 public:
     WRL1FACESET( NAMEREGISTER* aDictionary );
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_material.cpp b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_material.cpp
index cc8a6ddd73..c6bbb29e39 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_material.cpp
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_material.cpp
@@ -57,6 +57,13 @@ WRL1MATERIAL::~WRL1MATERIAL()
     std::cerr << " * [INFO] Destroying Material node\n";
     #endif
 
+    // destroy any orphaned color nodes
+    for( int i = 0; i < 2; ++i )
+    {
+        if( NULL != colors[i] && NULL == S3D::GetSGNodeParent( colors[i] ) )
+                S3D::DestroyNode( colors[i] );
+    }
+
     return;
 }
 
@@ -84,6 +91,9 @@ void WRL1MATERIAL::setDefaults( void )
     shininess.push_back( 0.2 );
     transparency.push_back( 0.0 );
 
+    colors[0] = NULL;
+    colors[1] = NULL;
+
     return;
 }
 
@@ -297,3 +307,209 @@ SGNODE* WRL1MATERIAL::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
 
     return NULL;
 }
+
+
+SGNODE* WRL1MATERIAL::GetAppearance( int aIndex )
+{
+    // invalid indices result in the default colors
+    if( aIndex != 0 && aIndex != 1 )
+        aIndex = 0;
+
+    if( NULL != colors[ aIndex ] )
+        return colors[ aIndex ];
+
+    IFSG_APPEARANCE app( true );
+
+    float red, green, blue, val;
+
+    if( aIndex > (int)transparency.size() )
+        val = transparency[0];
+    else
+        val = transparency[aIndex];
+
+    checkRange( val );
+    app.SetTransparency( val );
+
+    if( aIndex > (int)shininess.size() )
+        val = shininess[0];
+    else
+        val = shininess[aIndex];
+
+    checkRange( val );
+    app.SetShininess( val );
+
+    if( aIndex > (int)ambientColor.size() )
+    {
+        red = ambientColor[0].x;
+        green = ambientColor[0].y;
+        blue = ambientColor[0].z;
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        red = ambientColor[aIndex].x;
+        green = ambientColor[aIndex].y;
+        blue = ambientColor[aIndex].z;
+    }
+
+    checkRange( red );
+    checkRange( green );
+    checkRange( blue );
+    val = (red + green + blue)/3.0;
+    app.SetAmbient( val );
+
+    if( aIndex > (int)diffuseColor.size() )
+    {
+        red = diffuseColor[0].x;
+        green = diffuseColor[0].y;
+        blue = diffuseColor[0].z;
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        red = diffuseColor[aIndex].x;
+        green = diffuseColor[aIndex].y;
+        blue = diffuseColor[aIndex].z;
+    }
+
+    checkRange( red );
+    checkRange( green );
+    checkRange( blue );
+    app.SetDiffuse( red, green, blue );
+
+    if( aIndex > (int)emissiveColor.size() )
+    {
+        red = emissiveColor[0].x;
+        green = emissiveColor[0].y;
+        blue = emissiveColor[0].z;
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        red = emissiveColor[aIndex].x;
+        green = emissiveColor[aIndex].y;
+        blue = emissiveColor[aIndex].z;
+    }
+
+    checkRange( red );
+    checkRange( green );
+    checkRange( blue );
+    app.SetEmissive( red, green, blue );
+
+    if( aIndex > (int)specularColor.size() )
+    {
+        red = specularColor[0].x;
+        green = specularColor[0].y;
+        blue = specularColor[0].z;
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        red = specularColor[aIndex].x;
+        green = specularColor[aIndex].y;
+        blue = specularColor[aIndex].z;
+    }
+
+    checkRange( red );
+    checkRange( green );
+    checkRange( blue );
+    app.SetSpecular( red, green, blue );
+
+    colors[aIndex] = app.GetRawPtr();
+
+    return colors[aIndex];
+}
+
+
+void WRL1MATERIAL::GetColor( SGCOLOR* aColor, int aIndex )
+{
+    if( NULL == aColor )
+        return;
+
+    // Calculate the color based on the given index.
+    // If the index points to a valid diffuse and emissive colors,
+    // take the higher value of each component.
+
+    float red, blue, green;
+    float eRed, eBlue, eGreen;
+
+    if( aIndex <= 0 || ( aIndex >= (int)diffuseColor.size()
+        && aIndex >= (int)emissiveColor.size() ) )
+    {
+        // If the index is out of bounds, use the default diffuse color.
+        red = diffuseColor[0].x;
+        green = diffuseColor[0].y;
+        blue = diffuseColor[0].z;
+
+        checkRange( red );
+        checkRange( green );
+        checkRange( blue );
+
+        aColor->SetColor( red, green, blue );
+        return;
+    }
+
+    if( aIndex >= (int)diffuseColor.size() )
+    {
+        red = emissiveColor[aIndex].x;
+        green = emissiveColor[aIndex].y;
+        blue = emissiveColor[aIndex].z;
+
+        checkRange( red );
+        checkRange( green );
+        checkRange( blue );
+
+        aColor->SetColor( red, green, blue );
+        return;
+    }
+
+    if( aIndex >= (int)emissiveColor.size() )
+    {
+        red = diffuseColor[aIndex].x;
+        green = diffuseColor[aIndex].y;
+        blue = diffuseColor[aIndex].z;
+
+        checkRange( red );
+        checkRange( green );
+        checkRange( blue );
+
+        aColor->SetColor( red, green, blue );
+        return;
+    }
+
+    red = diffuseColor[aIndex].x;
+    green = diffuseColor[aIndex].y;
+    blue = diffuseColor[aIndex].z;
+
+    eRed = emissiveColor[aIndex].x;
+    eGreen = emissiveColor[aIndex].y;
+    eBlue = emissiveColor[aIndex].z;
+
+    checkRange( red );
+    checkRange( green );
+    checkRange( blue );
+
+    checkRange( eRed );
+    checkRange( eGreen );
+    checkRange( eBlue );
+
+    if( eRed > red )
+        red = eRed;
+
+    if( eGreen > green )
+        green = eGreen;
+
+    if( eBlue > blue )
+        blue = eBlue;
+
+    aColor->SetColor( red, green, blue );
+
+    return;
+}
+
+
+void WRL1MATERIAL::checkRange( float& aValue )
+{
+    if( aValue < 0.0 )
+        aValue = 0.0;
+    else if( aValue > 1.0 )
+        aValue = 1.0;
+
+    return;
+}
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_material.h b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_material.h
index 56b48ef7ce..871212f3ec 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_material.h
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_material.h
@@ -30,10 +30,12 @@
 #define VRML1_MATERIAL_H
 
 #include <vector>
+#include <map>
 #include "vrml1_node.h"
 
 class WRL1BASE;
 class SGNODE;
+struct SGCOLOR;
 
 /**
  * Class WRL1MATERIAL
@@ -48,7 +50,10 @@ private:
     std::vector< float >    shininess;
     std::vector< float >    transparency;
 
+    SGNODE* colors[2];
+
     void setDefaults( void );
+    void checkRange( float& aValue );
 
 public:
     WRL1MATERIAL( NAMEREGISTER* aDictionary );
@@ -61,7 +66,18 @@ public:
     bool AddChildNode( WRL1NODE* aNode );
     SGNODE* TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals );
 
-    // XXX - requires a function to create/retrieve a color
+    /**
+     * Function GetAppearance
+     * returns an SGAPPEARANCE node representing the appearance
+     * for an IndexedFaceSet
+     */
+    SGNODE* GetAppearance( int aIndex );
+
+    /**
+     * Function GetColor
+     * computes an SGCOLOR representing the appearance of a vertex or face
+     */
+    void GetColor( SGCOLOR* aColor, int aIndex );
 };
 
 #endif  // VRML1_MATERIAL_H
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_node.cpp b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_node.cpp
index 24f5d78188..41c19aa12a 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_node.cpp
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_node.cpp
@@ -286,6 +286,12 @@ WRL1NODES WRL1NODE::getNodeTypeID( const std::string aNodeName )
 }
 
 
+size_t WRL1NODE::GetNItems( void ) const
+{
+    return m_Items.size();
+}
+
+
 std::string WRL1NODE::GetError( void )
 {
     return m_error;
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_node.h b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_node.h
index bb32ca749e..5672261a77 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_node.h
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_node.h
@@ -220,6 +220,8 @@ public:
 
     const char* GetNodeTypeName( WRL1NODES aNodeType ) const;
 
+    size_t GetNItems( void ) const;
+
     /**
      * Function FindNode searches the tree of linked nodes and returns a
      * reference to the current node with the given name. The reference
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_separator.cpp b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_separator.cpp
index a16a863bbf..27095d195e 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_separator.cpp
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_separator.cpp
@@ -140,20 +140,26 @@ SGNODE* WRL1SEPARATOR::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
     std::cerr << m_Items.size() << " items)\n";
     #endif
 
-    return NULL;
+    if( !m_Parent )
+    {
+        std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
+        std::cerr << " * [BUG] Separator has no parent\n";
 
-    /*
-
-    if( m_Children.empty() && m_Refs.empty() )
         return NULL;
+    }
+
+    if( WRL1_BASE != m_Parent->GetNodeType() )
+        m_current = *( m_Parent->GetCurrentSettings() );
+    else
+        m_current.Init();
 
     S3D::SGTYPES ptype = S3D::GetSGNodeType( aParent );
 
     if( NULL != aParent && ptype != S3D::SGTYPE_TRANSFORM )
     {
-        #ifdef DEBUG_VRML1
+        #ifdef DEBUG_VRML2
         std::cerr << __FILE__ << ": " << __FUNCTION__ << ": " << __LINE__ << "\n";
-        std::cerr << " * [BUG] Separator does not have a Separator parent (parent ID: ";
+        std::cerr << " * [BUG] Separator does not have a Transform parent (parent ID: ";
         std::cerr << ptype << ")\n";
         #endif
 
@@ -162,80 +168,38 @@ SGNODE* WRL1SEPARATOR::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
 
     if( m_sgNode )
     {
-        if( NULL != aParent )
-        {
-            if( NULL == S3D::GetSGNodeParent( m_sgNode )
-                && !S3D::AddSGNodeChild( aParent, m_sgNode ) )
-            {
-                return NULL;
-            }
-            else if( aParent != S3D::GetSGNodeParent( m_sgNode )
-                     && !S3D::AddSGNodeRef( aParent, m_sgNode ) )
-            {
-                return NULL;
-            }
-        }
+        if( NULL == aParent )
+            return NULL;
+
+        if( !S3D::AddSGNodeRef( aParent, m_sgNode ) )
+            return NULL;
 
         return m_sgNode;
     }
 
     IFSG_TRANSFORM txNode( aParent );
+    bool hasContent = false;
 
-    std::list< WRL1NODE* >::iterator sC = m_Children.begin();
-    std::list< WRL1NODE* >::iterator eC = m_Children.end();
-    WRL1NODES type;
+    std::list< WRL1NODE* >::iterator sI = m_Items.begin();
+    std::list< WRL1NODE* >::iterator eI = m_Items.end();
 
-    // Include only the following in a Separator node:
-    // Shape
-    // Switch
-    // Separator
-    // Inline
-    bool test = false;  // set to true if there are any subnodes for display
+    SGNODE* node = txNode.GetRawPtr();
 
-    for( int i = 0; i < 2; ++i )
+    while( sI != eI )
     {
-        while( sC != eC )
-        {
-            type = (*sC)->GetNodeType();
+        if( NULL != (*sI)->TranslateToSG( node, calcNormals ) )
+            hasContent = true;
 
-            switch( type )
-            {
-            case WRL1_SHAPE:
-            case WRL1_SWITCH:
-            case WRL1_INLINE:
-            case WRL1_SEPARATOR:
-
-                if( NULL != (*sC)->TranslateToSG( txNode.GetRawPtr(), calcNormals ) )
-                    test = true;
-
-                break;
-
-            default:
-                break;
-            }
-
-            ++ sC;
-        }
-
-        sC = m_Refs.begin();
-        eC = m_Refs.end();
+        ++sI;
     }
 
-    if( false == test )
+    if( !hasContent )
     {
         txNode.Destroy();
         return NULL;
     }
 
-    txNode.SetScale( SGPOINT( scale.x, scale.y, scale.z ) );
-    txNode.SetCenter( SGPOINT( center.x, center.y, center.z ) );
-    txNode.SetTranslation( SGPOINT( translation.x, translation.y, translation.z ) );
-    txNode.SetScaleOrientation( SGVECTOR( scaleOrientation.x, scaleOrientation.y,
-        scaleOrientation.z ), scaleOrientation.w );
-    txNode.SetRotation( SGVECTOR( rotation.x, rotation.y, rotation.z), rotation.w );
+    m_sgNode = node;
 
-    m_sgNode = txNode.GetRawPtr();
-
-    return m_sgNode;
-    */
+    return node;
 }
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_switch.cpp b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_switch.cpp
index 42b19e386f..718b7027e8 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_switch.cpp
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v1/vrml1_switch.cpp
@@ -189,7 +189,8 @@ SGNODE* WRL1SWITCH::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
     #if defined( DEBUG_VRML1 ) && ( DEBUG_VRML1 > 2 )
     std::cerr << " * [INFO] Translating Switch with " << m_Children.size();
     std::cerr << " children, " << m_Refs.size() << " references and ";
-    std::cerr << m_BackPointers.size() << " backpointers\n";
+    std::cerr << m_BackPointers.size() << " backpointers (total ";
+    std::cerr << m_Items.size() << " items)\n";
     #endif
 
     if( m_Items.empty() )
@@ -201,7 +202,12 @@ SGNODE* WRL1SWITCH::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
     std::list< WRL1NODE* >::iterator ip = m_Items.begin();
     std::advance( ip, whichChild );
 
-    m_current = *( m_Parent->GetCurrentSettings() );
+    IFSG_TRANSFORM txNode( aParent );
+
+    if( WRL1_BASE != m_Parent->GetNodeType() )
+        m_current = *( m_Parent->GetCurrentSettings() );
+    else
+        m_current.Init();
 
     return (*ip)->TranslateToSG( aParent, calcNormals );
 }
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_color.cpp b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_color.cpp
index 7714d8a2d8..dbe3c5532e 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_color.cpp
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_color.cpp
@@ -194,3 +194,30 @@ SGNODE* WRL2COLOR::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
     // any data manipulation must be performed by the parent node
     return NULL;
 }
+
+
+bool WRL2COLOR::HasColors( void )
+{
+    if( colors.empty() )
+        return false;
+
+    return true;
+}
+
+
+void WRL2COLOR::GetColor( int aIndex, float& red, float& green, float& blue )
+{
+    if( aIndex < 0 || aIndex >= colors.size() )
+    {
+        red = 0.8;
+        green = 0.8;
+        blue = 0.8;
+        return;
+    }
+
+    red = colors[aIndex].x;
+    green = colors[aIndex].x;
+    blue = colors[aIndex].x;
+
+    return;
+}
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_color.h b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_color.h
index 6cb324db23..1d9af7da03 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_color.h
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_color.h
@@ -59,6 +59,18 @@ public:
     bool AddRefNode( WRL2NODE* aNode );
     bool AddChildNode( WRL2NODE* aNode );
     SGNODE* TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals );
+
+    /**
+     * Function HasColors
+     * returns true if the color set is non-empty
+     */
+    bool HasColors( void );
+
+    /**
+     * Function GetColor
+     * retrieves the given color (or default 0.8, 0.8, 0.8 if index is invalid)
+     */
+    void GetColor( int aIndex, float& red, float& green, float& blue );
 };
 
 #endif  // VRML2_COLOR_H
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_faceset.cpp b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_faceset.cpp
index 7221e51142..e5f08615cc 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_faceset.cpp
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_faceset.cpp
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
 #include "vrml2_base.h"
 #include "vrml2_faceset.h"
 #include "vrml2_coords.h"
+#include "vrml2_color.h"
 #include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_all.h"
 
 
@@ -632,44 +633,139 @@ SGNODE* WRL2FACESET::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
     std::vector< int > lCIdx;       // coordinate index list for SG node (must be triads)
     std::vector< SGVECTOR > lCNorm; // per-vertex normals
     std::vector< int > faces;       // tracks the number of polygons for the entire set
+    std::vector< SGCOLOR > lColors; // colors points (if any) for SG node
     int nfaces = 0;                 // number of triangles for each face in the list
 
-    // assuming convex polygons, create triangles for the SG node
-    for( idx = 3; idx < vsize; )
+    if( NULL == color )
     {
-        lCIdx.push_back( i1 );
-
-        if( ccw )
+        // assuming convex polygons, create triangles for the SG node
+        for( idx = 3; idx < vsize; )
         {
-            lCIdx.push_back( i2 );
-            lCIdx.push_back( i3 );
-        }
-        else
-        {
-            lCIdx.push_back( i3 );
-            lCIdx.push_back( i2 );
-        }
+            lCIdx.push_back( i1 );
 
-        ++nfaces;
-        i2 = i3;
-        i3 = coordIndex[idx++];
-
-        while( ( i1 < 0 || i2 < 0 || i3 < 0 ) && ( idx < vsize ) )
-        {
-            if( i3 < 0 )
+            if( ccw )
             {
-                faces.push_back( nfaces );
-                nfaces = 0;
+                lCIdx.push_back( i2 );
+                lCIdx.push_back( i3 );
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                lCIdx.push_back( i3 );
+                lCIdx.push_back( i2 );
             }
 
-            i1 = i2;
+            ++nfaces;
             i2 = i3;
             i3 = coordIndex[idx++];
 
-            // any invalid polygons shall void the entire faceset; this is a requirement
-            // to ensure correct handling of the normals
-            if( ( i1 < 0 && i2 < 0 ) || ( i1 < 0 && i3 < 0 ) || ( i2 < 0 && i3 < 0 ) )
-                return NULL;
+            while( ( i1 < 0 || i2 < 0 || i3 < 0 ) && ( idx < vsize ) )
+            {
+                if( i3 < 0 )
+                {
+                    faces.push_back( nfaces );
+                    nfaces = 0;
+                }
+
+                i1 = i2;
+                i2 = i3;
+                i3 = coordIndex[idx++];
+
+                // any invalid polygons shall void the entire faceset; this is a requirement
+                // to ensure correct handling of the normals
+                if( ( i1 < 0 && i2 < 0 ) || ( i1 < 0 && i3 < 0 ) || ( i2 < 0 && i3 < 0 ) )
+                    return NULL;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    else
+    {
+        int cIndex;
+        WRL2COLOR* cn = (WRL2COLOR*) color;
+        SGCOLOR pc1, pc2, pc3;
+        WRLVEC3F tc;
+        cn->GetColor( 0, tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+        pc1.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+
+
+        if( colorPerVertex )
+        {
+            cIndex = 3;
+            cn->GetColor( 1, tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+            pc2.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+            cn->GetColor( 2, tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+            pc3.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+        }
+        else
+        {
+            cIndex = 1;
+            pc2.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+            pc3.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+        }
+
+        // assuming convex polygons, create triangles for the SG node
+        for( idx = 3; idx < vsize; )
+        {
+            lCIdx.push_back( i1 );
+            lColors.push_back( pc1 );
+            lColors.push_back( pc2 );
+            lColors.push_back( pc3 );
+
+            if( ccw )
+            {
+                lCIdx.push_back( i2 );
+                lCIdx.push_back( i3 );
+            }
+            else
+            {
+                lCIdx.push_back( i3 );
+                lCIdx.push_back( i2 );
+            }
+
+            ++nfaces;
+            i2 = i3;
+            i3 = coordIndex[idx++];
+
+            if( colorPerVertex && i1 >= 0 && i2 >= 0 && i3 >= 0 )
+            {
+                pc1.SetColor( pc2 );
+                pc2.SetColor( pc3 );
+                cn->GetColor( cIndex++, tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+                pc3.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+            }
+
+            while( ( i1 < 0 || i2 < 0 || i3 < 0 ) && ( idx < vsize ) )
+            {
+                if( i3 < 0 )
+                {
+                    faces.push_back( nfaces );
+                    nfaces = 0;
+
+                    if( !colorPerVertex )
+                    {
+                        cn->GetColor( cIndex++, tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+                        pc1.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+                        pc2.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+                        pc3.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+                    }
+                }
+
+                i1 = i2;
+                i2 = i3;
+                i3 = coordIndex[idx++];
+
+                if( colorPerVertex )
+                {
+                    pc1.SetColor( pc2 );
+                    pc2.SetColor( pc3 );
+                    cn->GetColor( cIndex++, tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+                    pc3.SetColor( tc.x, tc.y, tc.z );
+                }
+
+                // any invalid polygons shall void the entire faceset; this is a requirement
+                // to ensure correct handling of the normals
+                if( ( i1 < 0 && i2 < 0 ) || ( i1 < 0 && i3 < 0 ) || ( i2 < 0 && i3 < 0 ) )
+                    return NULL;
+            }
         }
     }
 
@@ -755,6 +851,12 @@ SGNODE* WRL2FACESET::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
     IFSG_NORMALS nmNode( fsNode );
     nmNode.SetNormalList( lCNorm.size(), &lCNorm[0] );
 
+    if( !lColors.empty() )
+    {
+        IFSG_COLORS nmColor( fsNode );
+        nmColor.SetColorList( lColors.size(), &lColors[0] );
+    }
+
     m_sgNode = fsNode.GetRawPtr();
 
     return m_sgNode;
@@ -805,3 +907,12 @@ void WRL2FACESET::unlinkRefNode( const WRL2NODE* aNode )
     WRL2NODE::unlinkRefNode( aNode );
     return;
 }
+
+
+bool WRL2FACESET::HasColors( void )
+{
+    if( NULL == color )
+        return false;
+
+    return ((WRL2COLOR*) color)->HasColors();
+}
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_faceset.h b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_faceset.h
index 368d3c0f7c..5397ce8b66 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_faceset.h
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_faceset.h
@@ -88,6 +88,12 @@ public:
     bool AddRefNode( WRL2NODE* aNode );
     bool AddChildNode( WRL2NODE* aNode );
     SGNODE* TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals );
+
+    /**
+     * Function HasColors
+     * returns true if the face set has a color node
+     */
+    bool HasColors( void );
 };
 
 #endif  // VRML2_FACESET_H
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_shape.cpp b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_shape.cpp
index 7bf4749f5d..b574784ffe 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_shape.cpp
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/v2/vrml2_shape.cpp
@@ -27,6 +27,7 @@
 #include "vrml2_base.h"
 #include "vrml2_shape.h"
 #include "plugins/3dapi/ifsg_all.h"
+#include "vrml2_faceset.h"
 
 
 WRL2SHAPE::WRL2SHAPE() : WRL2NODE()
@@ -318,9 +319,20 @@ bool WRL2SHAPE::Read( WRLPROC& proc, WRL2BASE* aTopNode )
 
 SGNODE* WRL2SHAPE::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
 {
-    if( NULL == appearance || NULL == geometry )
+    // XXX - TO BE IMPLEMENTED:
+    if( NULL == geometry )
         return NULL;
 
+    // if there is no appearance, make use of the per vertex colors if available
+    if( NULL == appearance )
+    {
+        if( WRL2_INDEXEDFACESET != geometry->GetNodeType() )
+            return NULL;
+
+        if( !((WRL2FACESET*)geometry)->HasColors() )
+            return NULL;
+    }
+
     S3D::SGTYPES ptype = S3D::GetSGNodeType( aParent );
 
     if( NULL != aParent && ptype != S3D::SGTYPE_TRANSFORM )
@@ -356,10 +368,13 @@ SGNODE* WRL2SHAPE::TranslateToSG( SGNODE* aParent, bool calcNormals )
     IFSG_SHAPE shNode( aParent );
 
     SGNODE* pShape = shNode.GetRawPtr();
-    SGNODE* pApp = appearance->TranslateToSG( pShape, calcNormals );
     SGNODE* pGeom = geometry->TranslateToSG( pShape, calcNormals );
+    SGNODE* pApp = NULL;
 
-    if( NULL == pApp || NULL == pGeom )
+    if( NULL != appearance )
+        pApp = appearance->TranslateToSG( pShape, calcNormals );
+
+    if( ( NULL != appearance && NULL == pApp ) || NULL == pGeom )
     {
         if( pGeom )
         {
diff --git a/plugins/3d/vrml/wrltypes.h b/plugins/3d/vrml/wrltypes.h
index 6e61eec640..df12f34cf4 100644
--- a/plugins/3d/vrml/wrltypes.h
+++ b/plugins/3d/vrml/wrltypes.h
@@ -87,14 +87,15 @@ enum WRL1NODES
 };
 
 // VRML1 Material/Normal Binding values
+// note: PART/FACE have the same meaning in the specification
 enum WRL1_BINDING
 {
     BIND_DEFAULT = 0,
     BIND_OVERALL,
     BIND_PER_PART,
+    BIND_PER_FACE = BIND_PER_PART,
     BIND_PER_PART_INDEXED,
-    BIND_PER_FACE,
-    BIND_PER_FACE_INDEXED,
+    BIND_PER_FACE_INDEXED = BIND_PER_PART_INDEXED,
     BIND_PER_VERTEX,
     BIND_PER_VERTEX_INDEXED,
     BIND_END