I've just gone through a grueling process to begin HL2 modeling (prop_statics and prop_dynamics). It's a long and hard process, the files are huge, but, if there's interest, I'll gen up some very basic tutorials to get things started.

Comments?

Here's a basic outline of what it takes to get started. Read this and think about whether you want to spend the time before you comment.

Thanks.
Download files:
1. get the Source SDK 
a. launch Steam
b. goto Play Games
c. scroll down to the Tools section (probably at the bottom)
d. click Source SDK and follow instructions
e. DO NOT DO ANYTHING ELSE WHILE IT'S DOWNLOADING AND INSTALLING!
2. get a modeling program (XSI EXP v4.2) [Milkshape, 3ds, etc., also avail] 
a. download from http://downloads.zdnet.co.uk/0,39025600,39000886r-6,00.htm
	-or-
b. goto [url]http://www.softimage.com/products/Mod/v42/downloads/[/url] if you don't mind going through the hassle of fileplanet or fileshack

c. run XSI and create a softimage account. Get your activation number and activate XSI
d. download the ValveSource addon from softimage and install it
e. download the online documentation for XSI from softimage and install it
3. get a texture editor (e.g., Wally)

Setup VPROJECT environment variable used by SDK programs

1. MyComputer->Properties->Advanced tab->Environment Variables button
2. under System variables table->New: Variable name: VPROJECT
3. value for VPROJECT: c:program filesvalvesteamsteamapps[logon]half-lifehl2
4. press OK buttons until you're out of the Properties dialog

Setup folders for modeling:
1. [steam-logon]half-life 2hl2models
2. [steam-logon]half-life 2hl2materialsmodels
3. [steam-logon]sourcesdk_contenthl2materialsrcmodels
4. [steam-logon]sourcesdk_contenthl2modelsrcmodels

For each new model:
1. create ..sourcesdk_contenthl2materialsrcmodels[model_name] folder
2. 1. create ..sourcesdk_contenthl2modelsrcmodels[model_name] folder

Texture editor:
1. create tga texture (must be power of 2 sized and TGA)
2. move to [steam-logon]sourcesdk_contenthl2materialsrcmodels[model_name]

In XSI:
1. create model and texture it
2. export 3 files to [steam-logon]sourcesdk_contenthl2modelsrcmodels[model_name]: model_ref.smd, model_phys.smd, model_idle.smd

Compile texture:
1. blah-blah-blah

Create a .qc file for the smds:
1. blah-blah-blah

Compile the model
1. blah-blah-blah

Look at the model in HLMV, etc.