First thing so we all have the same reference tools.
For any graphical editing
http://www.anim8or.com/main/index.html
Probably one of the best FREE modeling editor that is actually EASY to use.
Also have a look at the free version of this game library
http://www.truevision3d.com/
This is their forum
http://www.truevision3d.com/forums/
Here is a link to some tutorials that will give you an idea about how to use it
http://www.bartkuipers.com/index.php?id=27
The 24 odd tutorials give a very easy intro and understanding of the various aspects to develop for this library, and it is well worthwhile to download and look at them.
I was actually thinking of using irrKlang-1.1.3, it is one of the easiest sound libraries to use, and I much prefer it to the built in sound library from within TV3D itself.
http://www.ambiera.com/irrklang/
You will want to look at the tutorials for it as well as download the SDK for it.
Of course we will be using VC++ 2008 and the FREE version of it can be downloaded directly from the microsoft itself.
Likewise the very latest of DirectX SDK called (DXSDK_Mar09.exe) also from the microsoft site.
I will provide the networking SDK from my sources, it is an earlier version of what is now called "DarkNet".
Looks like this will keep you busy for a few days until we can start on the project.
Any questions or comments, I am all ears.