hello sorry to butt in here.... lurker headwax paying my biannual visit
this is very exciting, along with spaw!
I'm not sure how this works with the 3ds file but if you are after a free and simple (and powerful program once you get used to it) that will export in 3ds format I'd recommend anim8or
http://www.anim8or.com/main/index.htmlI've used it for several years and the latest verison is very stable. It will export in 3ds and obj format amongst others.
Working pipeiline would be for users to make their planes in anim8or and export it in in 3ds, and then for the lucky users with 3ds max 8 to run the code that will export it in 3dz - or whatever is needed
could work, but obviosuly needs people to work together - which you all do I see
cheers
these planes were modelled in anim8or
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wlcUcwb92rA