Thanks Michael, I had suspected that was the case.

I will suggest FBX import to my contact. I think I've found the plugin at Autodesk here: http://usa.autodesk.com/adsk/servlet/item?siteID=123112&id=10775855

There is also a converter there. Perhaps I can export to trueSpace as obj, set up my pivot points and then convert to FBX. Some experimenting required I think.

Cheers.

Edit: I've just found that Wings imports and exports FBX. Also possibly Anim8or and probably Blender?