Having looked at SpaceMonkey's modelling tutorial, I'm wanting to have a go at creating a model. However, he's talking about using 3D Studio Max, and unfortunately I don't have $3495 lying around to buy the software.

I'm pretty sure a lot of the features of 3DSM will be of no importance to creating models, and was wondering if anyone knew of a (preferably) freeware program that will do all the necessary stuff?

For example, would it be possible to make models in Jed as we did for JK, then run through some converter...? Or maybe some free modelling program I'm not aware of exports to 3DSM format or something?

Just a vague hope. Feel free to shoot it down in flames.

Gmax?
http://www.discreet.com/products/gmax/gmaxconsumer/

Check this out: http://download.com.com/3000-2121-7841638.html

it is supposed to work for Q3 and JO.. and supposed to be pretty good..

Hope it works for ya! =)