I don't know about maya 4.5 but i maya 5 u could also Make the Object Live then draw an E.P curve around the Object then close the curve dray the curve that u want the object to follow then select under Surfaces extrude options select

Style:Tube ,Result Position: at Path ,Orientationath Direction then choose output geometry.

Thats all if Maya 4.5 has that option (sorry for my babling if it doesn't)