If anybody is having any problems related to hierarchical animation in Direct 3D IM Framework or of the type just drop an e-mail to me at sandeep_kl@mailcity.com. i can tell u how to set the axis of rotation to each child object in an X file which is usually not possible. eg, u cannot set the pivot of the arm at the shoulder! it goes to the centre of the bounding box of the object by default. this can be overcome. e-mail me if u have been a victim of this problem!! Sandeep.K.L The only way around it is Through it!!