I have an old copy of Ray Dream and it is a P.I.T.A. to use. I think you need a MIT degree to use it. Does anyone have a suggestion for an easy to use modeling program whose files I can use with Bryce, Poser, Terragen and Photoshop? I guess I'll need one that can export .3DS or .DXF formats? I am a total novice to model building but I would like to learn. Ideally, one with an interface as easy as Bryce?

Attached Link: http://www.rhino3d.com

No such thing really as a *simple easy to use modeller thats good* (thought I don't know about the new Carrera) Rhino is the easiest, best modeller I have tried as yet. Most have an interface from hell, gak! But I love Rhino, much easier :) They have a trial version, saves24? times afore it wont save again.

Attached Link: http://www.fignations.com/resources/home.html

Easy to use? Sorry, the easy to use program is called Moray, but it doesn't export to dxf, it's for POV. The attatched link gives a very comprehensive list of free, cheap, and pricey programmes and utilities. It's really a matter of preference. I personally wouldn't recomend Rhino. It's a very powerful program, and easy to use, but its NURBS only, that can cause some difficulties when you want to export. Try all the freebies first, and see which you get on with. Oh, you can add Blender to the list, though that is incredibly hard to use at first, but amazingly powerful, and free. Also Metasequoia. I think there's a link to that on the modelling forum. regards peejay

Thanks for the referals. Rhino looks very good but the price chokes me up. What is "NURBS"? and does exporting cause many probs? Thanks again, keep'em comin y'all

Got to promote one of my favorite apps Amorphium Pro http://www.amorphium.com/home.html Very easy app to learn, not everything can be accomplished in it, but yet it's a very powerful app in it's abilities. And hey the price is right on. Defiantly not your traditional modeling app like RDS. ( I call RDS a low in app with a high end learning curve ) They also have one of the most inexpensive high end apps available IE Universe. A traditional modeling app with an unbelievable tool set. And it's Animator is right up there with any of the middle priced high end apps.

Attached Link: http://www.anim8or.com/main/index.html

You can try anim8tor, it's fairly easy and pretty powerful for modeling. You can also do a search for blender though I don't think the interface is all too easy.

NURBS you build out of points lines and curves - has the best - ie - curved surface capabilities of any of the current modelers. Not so much math based as it may sound - at least on the users side. Some people take to it easily, others prefer poly based modeling.
Stop by the rhino forum and look through some threads - and go to the hall of fame to see what both newer users and advanced have done in the biweekly challenges.
I had tried Ray Dream 3 and disliked it - i like Rhino - some have came on the forum and just could not get their heads around this type of modeling - but found Max and polys more suited for them - the rhino demo and the folks at the forum will help you decide if this is your style - just don't expect to do final fantasy after a week no matter what modeling program you decide.
By the way the challenge going on now is chess sets and their are some really nice works underway...
best. hewsan

I love Rhino. But, if you want to play with a FREE nurbs modeller...check out the amapi forum. type in 4.15 or free, and you will find a link to a free fully functioning version of amapi.

If you can find a copy of Infini-D4.5 anywhere, it has a great little modeler that exports DXF and 3DMF mesh. The probelm is no one makes it anymore, in fact Ray Dream and Infini-D were combined to make Carrera. If you look on Ebay or some of the used software exchanges you might find it cheap.

Try Wings3d, http://www.wings3d.org/

I have used Lightwave and 3D Max, but I have to say that Rhino performs modelling just as good but it was a lot easier to learn than either of the others. Try posting in each software forum that you are interested and get the opinions of the people in there also.

Thanks for all the recomendations folks. As I mentioned I am a beginer, so terminollogy that some of you used I did not understand but from all the postings so far and checking out all your recommendations I am leaning to Rhino (and the price seems reasonable). Thanks again for all the input.

Make sure to download and try the free demo of rhino. It is only unreasonable if you buy it and then dont like it. Also come check out the rhino forum and look at some of the threads to get an idea of what you are getting for your money.

I agree with Stephen Ray re Amorphium...

If you're gonna plunk down cash my vote goes for Rhino. If you want something for free you can't beat Amapi and it is easy to learn.

You can try Caligari Truespace. I love the modeler but I can't stand using it to make pictures. Sometimes the undo does not work for placing textures. You can get the demo at www.caligari.com.