I'd go for having more polys... as for the forums- they seem to have died alot since the change of URL.
[edit]- ah I thought that was a model! You should make it one... use export function to dxf then give it to a modeller to compile.
As if what you made before qualifies.
/runs fastlyer
Anytime Nick. " SRC="images/smiles/icon_biggrin.gif">
Would it help if I said honestly that your mapping skills exceeds mine?
Now.. since I do not hold mine in very high esteem, that could be considered "Big Whoopee s**t" to some so... *shrugs*
Sort of. As you can see, on the SP's title page, there is a tutorial for HL2 Qc. files -- I would recomend reading those. As far making the polygons goes, I would say it's exactly the same. You would then export the model to a HL2 smd, and then I'm pretty much in the dark. Though it appears it isn't to different from HL1.
A good person to ask might be Reno -- he really seems to be into modeling 
Edit: And yes, definitely talk to Fishy, who, as Orph has said, really is the "Top Dog" around here. " SRC="images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">
A good person to ask might be Reno -- he really seems to be into modeling
ATM Fishy seems to be "TOP DOG".. I would shoot him an inquiry as well.
Wild Card, if you know anything about modeling for hl1, then there's not much new to learn for hl2 if you intend to keep it simple. most of the changes are to how you compile the .smd's exported from milkshape, but the smd's themselves are just the same.
if you're that bad at making textures, why not take something like
http://www.geocities.com/CapeCanaveral/Runway/8605/Cassna_Model.jpg
which is a design for a 3D paper model, and use it as a base taxture to paint your own design over. it's how i skinned the p38 model. " SRC="images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">
e_polys 
On hammer (atleast for 2.1 up to 3.5 that I can be sure of) you should something, under "FILE" labled Export to .dxf. It converts you map (prefab) into a format that allows you to view it in Milkshape, but not edit it. You could use your plane simply as a template at that point.
The whole point of that export feature is if you want to animate a scientist, or something, to do an animation involving geometry in your level.
I'm not 100 percent sure though -- give it a shot and see what it does " SRC="images/smiles/icon_smile.gif">
milkshape only reads its own with File>Open. File>Import is what you're looking for.
