Anyone thinking it takes years to learn how to model, just look at me. I downloaded Wings 3D for the 1st time about 8 months ago, 1 month after starting to mess around in Poser. Yes, it does take some tutorial watching and reading, but I think it was time well spent. Before Wings tho, I proved it was possible to make some pretty detailed props using nothing but Poser primitive shapes and a little texturing. I'm not an expert in any area by any mean, but I'm more of a Jack-of-all-Trades. Just remember, practice, practice, practice (and read, and practice some more.) And last but not least, use the most important resource tool you have at your expense, the forums! If you don't know it, chances are, someone around here does, and even more, you're probably not going to be the only person wanting the answer to your question(s). One side note, I do it the hard way and use Poser to rig my figures and conforming clothes, so I can't tell you what utilites would benefit you, but one day I hope to get something to make my life easier :o)

                                                                                                                    

Poser 10

Octane Render

Wings 3D