If the model has a readable* UV map you can must add a bmp to it in pCreator. Select the group then it should be possible to add a bmp under file(?). Under view open texture coordinates (or so) and check y-cord.
*Blender's 3ds output isn't readable for pCreator. So you have to go this route -> convert the model to obj -> convert the model by a second program (Wings) to 3ds.