Thanks for bringing this back to life
I like seeing these screenshots too as it gives me an idea of what is possible, that is it is possible to make zones with a pretty modern quality level.
As far as the modeler(s) I have been playing with they have been Anim8or and GMAX (tho Anim8or's inability to work right in Vista has really turned me off on it).
GMAX has been very well behaved by comparison (especially for something that is free, and long in the tooth age wise)
Even 3Ds tutorials can help..I can figure out the differences