Thanks, powderburner.
Yes, I recommend TurboCAD. It is available in three primary versions Designer, Deluxe, and Pro. Designer is 2D, Deluxe has 2D/3D capability, but you're more limited in what you can do (fewer tools, more limited materials, no ACIS solid capability), and Pro can do all the fancy stuff like image wrapping (i.e. the decals on the Saturn I samples). The version I have is v. 11 Pro, but IMSI is up to v.16 now. I do plan to upgrade when I can; I also need to upgrade our computer. And yes, Pro is expensive unless you can find some legitimate student discount or something, OR you can find some pretty good deals on previous Pro versions (like v14 or 15) from cadandgraphics on ebay.
It definitely has a steep learning curve, just like any other complex CAD software. When I started learning 2D TurboCAD back in 2001, it didn't take me long to figure out the basics; the 2D work helped out a lot when I started doing 3D--so that I was able to pick it up in a snap, although 3D is in many ways a different animal. IMSI also has free DoubleCAD XT software available for 2D work, though I think TurboCAD might still be easier. DoubleCAD XT is definitely worth a try (especially for FREE), and it appears that the tool buttons are the same, although the arrangement may be somewhat different. For 3D, IMSI has a DesignCAD program that's cheaper than TurboCAD Pro, but I have no experience with it to comment.
Hire-out is a possiblity, but I can't really say it would be cheap. I am doing some freebie work for NARTS data drawings, but beyond that I would probably need compensation commensurate with the quality of the work and time involved. It might be different if I was already making a decent living by this stuff; maybe someday that will change.
I am planning on putting up some IMSI affiliate links on our Meatball page for commissioned TurboCAD sales hopefully within the next few days. Anyone who's interested in the software is welcome to use that link(s) to purchase it, and thus help the Meatball Rocketry cause.
Thanks again for the compliments on the work.