Quote - well,thank you for your time,special thanks to dvlenk6 for the hint,..   I suppose I'd ask the 3DSMAx guys...

You didn't say you had 3ds max at your disposal.
Try this:
Displace (modifier) a plane of sufficient number of length and width segments. Use a 'Cellular' map in the Map slot of the displacement. If you need to, you can copy the map (or drag it) into a 'dumby material' (one that isn't being used for any objects) map slot, so that you can adjust the cellular noise parameters.
After you displace the plane, leave the modifier stack uncollapsed; and add a lattice modifier to the top of the stack: 'struts only'; 'ignore hidden edges' and 'end caps' checked. Adjust strut radius as needed.
Is that anything like what you need?

EDIT- if it still seems too regular, put a noise modifier before the displacement, or use another seperate displacement modifier. That will jiggle the vertices around so the the lines aren't perfect squares when viewed from straight above or below.

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