philc: hi, thanks for your input. that it is possible is a good start.

you have provided some ideas as where one might begin. even better.

i downloaded your poserpython reference. i was up all night, so i didn't get a chance to view it in depth but it looks really great. the idea for moving the vertices came from what i saw.

i am thinking that another possibility is operating directly on the .obj file. maybe someone who understands the file structure will show up and enlighten us.