3DS models, Colored parts and AMAPI3D

[parduz]

I've dowloaded some 3ds models of StarWars ships.
Looking on it with Celestia, some of them are beatiful with different colored parts, some are all white, some invisible and some have holes on the hull.
So i've downloaded a free version of Amapi3D, a 3D editor that can handle (on the paper) a lot of 3D formats.
The problem is that when it saves 3DS models, it save all white object, even if i open a colored 3DS object and save it with a different name without any modification.
So my question is:
How to save a colored 3DS object with AMAPI?
2) What other program (freeware or shareware, not cracked!! ) i have to use to color 3DS objets, reorient normals and modify meshes?

[JackHiggins]

Anim8or is pretty good its what I always use (its free too!)- http://www.anim8or.com

[parduz]

WHAT AMAZING APP!!!! I'm really impressed....but....
...can you please tell me how "subdivide" a big object (think at an X-Wing fighter) in more objects (so a "Cockpit", a "Engine") etc...? Or there's a way to apply materials on faces (and let Celestia draw it)?

[bh]

I use DeepExploration to colour up models, there's a link to it on the 'Space Shuttle model' thread. Tryout version. I think you can also use it to apply textures but I haven't tried to yet. You can also use it to remove mesh groups. I tend to use a mixture of Anim8tor, Amapi and DeepExploration.

Have fun...bh.