Colin, definatly try 3DBrush out before you try ZBrush. much more affordable and easier to use.
http://www.3d-brush.com/

Thanks xrok1,

I'd already downloaded & tried looking at 3D Brush, but my present Video Card is old & didn't meet the minimum specs, so it wouldn't install properly.

Strangely enough that same old Video Card appears perfectly able to run the Zbrush Demo at present??
I intend upgrading my computer in the near future, so I'll need to take a look at all this again then.

regards Colin

Brian, You say you are disappointed at ViaCAD. Why?

jfallie
I find ViaCADs working methods quite clumsy and un-natural for me. And that 2d/3d setup where you accidently/continuously loose your nice friendly UI work setup you have organised---just too frustrating.