[g7sta]

Installing the 2008 version of the trial version of the software has done it, it appears to be fully functional (though I've only used the export utility and the renderer), but for 30 days only. I've converted the .MAX files to Lightwave format very easily and imported them into AC3D. Only 'quirks' I found were some missing textures that the original artist forgot to include in the archive, or parts of the model that seemed to point to absolute paths on the artists own PC. Didn't stop the export however and import into AC3D, everything looks ok as far as I can see.

All I've got to do is find and download all the models I'm likely to need for the forseeable future and convert them from .MAX format before the 30 days trial runs out!!!

Ah well, it gets around the problem... I'll look out for Plasma ... not sure if it costs anything but thats one to add to the list. Thanks for the suggestion & tips Lisa!