Thanks for the speedy replies , much appreciated. I'll look toward getting myself a copy of VS 2005 or 2008 asap.
It might be a case of wrong tool for the job - there are probably better programs out there for 3D right now. While you can get direct access to the runtime's display device (VRuntime::GetD3DDevice() I think), this is all subject to change. I could send the source to 3D Box if you want?
The source for 3D Box would be excellent to look at. Thank you.
Subject to change as in moving away from D3D to become more platform independent?
I guess the problem at this point is I feel I have a considerable amount of time invested in Construct, and the community we've got going here (I lurk almost every day, but post little) regardless of 'better' tools being out there for what I'm trying to achieve.
On top of that, I've learned an absolute tonne of information about the inner workings of 3D in the past 6 months or so. Had I succeeded in my attempt to make a complete 3D engine in Construct though, only I would've been able to get use from it.
This way, if I can get some sort of 3D plugin (or plugins) happening, I can share my work with the community. It would feel far more worth it in that way.