Ok guys, I think I have the solution to this: Blender v2.73. It was a free download. Imports .fbx files and can export .obj, and .3ds files without need for plugins. Its already there. Playing with the models now. As noted, many are just parts of ships, or more precisely parts mashed together. When pieces are pulled apart in the file, the whole ship seems to be there. Just not in a recognizable shape.