I've downloaded Anim8tor, Blender and even gmax to make the model, but that's where I get stuck. (I also downloaded orbiter shipyard, mesh wizard 1.9, spacecraft 3, etc but first I need a model to use them on.)
The problem mainly lies in the lack of accurate dimensions. I've had experience with CAD programs like AutoCAD and Inventor where you can easily define exact lengths and angles, whereas in Blender or Anim8tor, you pretty much have to model freehand or with a pixelated line drawing as a guide. I simply can't cope with that. I need exact dimensions to make an accurate model. Gmax keeps this in check somewhat, as you can input dimensions, but there are major modeling features missing that you would only find (I'd imagine) in a CAD program, like the "Loft through profiles" command, which is needed to make an accurate aerofoil (which I wish to do.)
In Inventor, you can actually export a model to .3ds format which I would do...except I don't own Inventor and it costs a lot. I've gone looking and I simply cannot find a free 3d modelling program that allows you to enter exact dimensions like you would in a CAD program, aside from gmax.
Does anyone know where I can find a free, CAD-like 3D modelling program that I can input accurate, numerical dimensions, and then export or save it to a .3ds format, or any format which I can then convert into a .msh - or am I seriously asking for too much?