The Google 3D Warehouse continues to grow with both user-contributed 3D Models for SketchUp and Google Earth. Google also has a team of 3D SketchUp modelers who continue to add high quality 3D models of places all over the Earth for viewing in Google Earth. Most recently, Googler Zach Moore has created a 3D model of Tian Tan Buddha – also known as “Big Buddha” – which is a famous religious landmark in China. Big Buddha is located on Lantau Island near Hong Kong and sits at 34 meters tall (112 feet). The statue is welded together from 202 pieces of bronze. Zach also modeled the mountain top terrain so the stairs and statue are situated properly in the scene. You can download Big Buddha 
into GE here, or you can view the 3D Warehouse entry.
About Frank Taylor
Frank Taylor started the Google Earth Blog in July, 2005 shortly after Google Earth was first released. He has worked with 3D computer graphics and VR for many years and was very impressed with this exciting product. Frank completed a 5.5 year circumnavigation of the earth by sailboat in June 2015 which you can read about at Tahina Expedition, and is a licensed pilot, backpacker, diver, and photographer.
In response to your question on the 3dw, yes I positioned my view in Sketchup with the 3d navigator until it seemed like an appropriate angle. After saving the file and uploading it the view remains how it was setup in SU.
Oh, good job. That Big Buddha is just above my place in Hong Kong.
It’s too bad that the imagery of most of Hong Kong is so lousy.
I wish if I can share my 3ds max modeling with you.