I am using TrueSpace for my meshes. You need to have at least version 4.1 however. Version 4.0 does not export to .3DS properly, it seems to not export the UV texture coords.
Versions earlier than 4 does not support .3DS binary format.. and it was a nighmare trying to get versions 1-3 to .3DS and still look right. I am using 4.2 and it has been working perfect for me.
If you do use truspace, make sure you triangulate/fix bad geomotry before saving since tS's meshes are based on quads and saving to .3DS will auto triangulate the mesh which will not always look right. Best to do it while editing then save/export.
Email me if you have more questions about truespace: jdsgames@jdsgames.com or jdsgames@netzero.net
Note: I think tS 1.x is free now.
[This message has been edited by JDS Games (edited August 26, 1999).]