signs are just boxs, you can animate in anim8or, go to figure make a bone connected to the root bone, then go to sequence and make the animations, then click on the sequence button at the top of the screen and export it as a .3ds, and then simply use a converter to get it to DX.
as for modelling go to:
http://www.3dtotal.com/team/Tutorials/polgun/gunmodel.asp
thats a box modelling tut for making a gun, it should help you on your way, and its not a noobie cardboard cutout gun either.
(yes i know its for 3ds max, but there pretty similar in functions)
Must refrain from slang type!