What program is used to make the real (stringy) looking hair? Also what program is used to make helmets,armor,weapons, etc.? I am a newbie and would appreciate your input. Thanks!

And...the answer is....a variety. Those of us who model all have our favorite modelling app. myself, i love rhino. others use lightwave, and love it as well. and, amapi is not bad....actually, it is quite good, considering that version 4.15 is on the web for FREE...yup...the full version of amapi 4.15. each modeller is different. i guess what is chosen at the "end" is the one whose interface is easier for you, the individual. rhino has a free demo.....i am looking closely at zbrush...i have it, it has some remarkably easy ways to morph, or, even, create a totally new character. then, to paint your texture directly on your model. my advice would be to visit the modelling forum, the amapi forum, the zbrush forum, and the rhino forum. all of these can provide you with links to free or shareware programs. happy creating, Pop...Pop...Poppi!!!

Attached Link: http://www.annsartgallery.com/freeprop.html

Lots to explore at this site about that and its all freeware. I did this tut cuz there's a lot of folks like me that want to learn on the freebie programs before settling down on a full scale modeler. Follow the links and you too can become a junk collector (and maybe even produce something along the way).

Thanks guys! I would still like to know how to make the real looking hair. Plastic looking hair just doesnt look right to me.

Click on the link to Digital Babes. They do some of the best hair around. There is an excellent tutorial that explains how to layer, and transmap it for that realistic effect...also, some very cool free hair.