Suggestions on tools and quality?

[madness]

Its my intention to basically remake and simplify one of my favorite games, S.T.A.L.K.E.R.
I have a fairly large amount of work to do but before I get to far into this thing I want to make sure RF and I still understand each other. I'm setting up level tests which strain both the limits of level size and complexity. I intend on combining the latest source of reality factory's public release with the last physics release. If it is at all possible to enhance the engines capabilities within reason, that would be the time to do so.

My current stage is the development of a fairly complex outdoor level for all testing to take place in. An environment which will realistically simulate the strain of the average level area.

I have the dimensions of my "Construct" level laid out. My plan is to do the majority of the level as 3d models. Things like buildings and trees. I seem to remember having complex static models in world had some kind of trick to it but I cant remember at the moment. So I'm going to take this motivated mood and just build models of buildings and such with my fingers crossed.

My first building test is going to be a single story 3 room abandoned shack.

Does anybody have any suggestions as far as a modeling program? I'm currently using milkshape on a 30 day trial. We will see how far this takes me. Any tips for traveling down this path?


Wish me luck,
Madness

[zany_001]

The best free choice is blender 3d, but it has a slightly steep learning curve. The other free options are wings 3d, softimage, truespace and anim8or.

[madness]

http://www.hongkiat.com/blog/25-free-3d ... -not-miss/

I had found the site linked above and was looking at blink3d.
Anybody know anything about this program? hurry up and get your copy, the webpage appears to be discontinuing it.