Characters are a bit tricky.. I'd suggest avoiding them until you're familiar with EF2's ska/skb system. They also require Max 5.1 with character studio (or use senkusha's exporter which supports the skin modifier).
Map models however are relatively easier and can be exported with Max 4.2.
I don't know of any other way without 3ds Max though..
I have 3D Studio Max 7 (I think), but i never modeled in it, Maya is better, but i can learn Max if needed. I use Max only for rendering 3ds files that i download. Nothing is too complicated,... if I only had more time,.. ahhh!
That'll work just fine then.. because all you can do is import the 3ds files into Max. Do some basic setting up (very easy stuff to do) and it'll be in-game in no time.
The only thing is I don't know if the exporters will work with Max 7.. but you can give it a try... I think they should.
Or you could send me your 3ds files and I can export them for you.
There are some polycount/group limits though. Look in further in that thread for a post by senkusha, he has posted the limits for .TAN models. (TAN are map models and SKA/SKB are character/weapon models).
Highly recommend spending time on the forum @ www.ritualistic.com that Exit hinted at above. There's a few Tutorials there, with links to more. Explorer, do you have a Mod website/forum going yet? Best to have a site with a forum that your team can post updates, the have a section u can refer others too thats open to public viewing.
http://www.nemesis-project.de.vu/ <== here's the Nemesis Project Forum for ideas (its been revised a few times in the past year, and some information lost in the revisions (screenshots etc...) Pille maybe able to provide some forum ideas for you.
(Note: This is Pille as Fvillha said, my dam username won't work here)
Well if you need help about any kind of free mod forum I can probably help you, have to check my sources. If you're interested contact me per eMail pille@trackmaniafiles.com or MSN pille_is@hotmail.de.
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