Google Sketchup is the crazzy prog of these days (and free for almost all functions)
It has an amazing "Photo catch" who permited to project any photo on "a modeling" over this same photo! (It's the not the image linked folow)
A crazzy "Style" function (draw as with a brush or a marker)(It's the image linked folow)
And its egonomy is surely the best (with Moi) at this hour :)
learning curve = 15 minutes !
A super task for quicky architectures urbanism and quick shematic design object with "measures" writed !
Kids of these days are very lucky! Absolutly amazing!

http://sketchup.google.com/gsu6vtvideos.html see video 2 3 4 5
(other video about "Layout" is only for the Pro version)
Model + a "Style" !) Crazzy! As soon as the format "OBJ" Object will be directly implemented that will be a "Bomb" :D

Hi guys!
This is my first post and I think it better suits here.
I also want to say that MOI is great and very easy to understand.
However it is nescessary to understand the NURBS modeling approach too, which differ from polygonal and SDS modeling.
I followed a link form a Blender forum just because I wanted to learn NURBS modeling and I think I found the best solution!
I use Anim8or for a few years and didn't expected you to mention it here.
It's very easy to learn and someone compared it as basic 3DS Max.
In the new version was introduced the ASL (Anim8or Scripting Language), which will bring additional power to this unique software (it is only 821.6 KB !).
Check out the gallery and the forums : http://www.anim8or.com

However I think, integration of a few software products for different tasks is the best option.

I wish MOI to develop fast and to be successful!

See you in the forums!

Thanks Michael, Grendel, and Frenchy for the responses.

Grendel, that is a great "pre-primer". Fantastic way for me to categorize the games in one's head and move on with my research. I found this site with some good lists and descriptions of 3d software as well. It's good to see Moi listed! http://www.bakhter.com

Thanks again.

Google Sketchup in expert hands can make that ! Crazzy guy !
If you are a fan of the vintage Kyosho Optima, you will love this place!!!
Modelized by Ryo Inagaki ! http://www.theoptimahouse.blogspot.com/