Forgive me if this is an obvious or stupid question but is it possible to use EP2 content in DoD:S maps, in particular the models.

Obviously it might be an issue as not everyone who plays DoD may have bought EP2, but my understanding was that Valve wouldn't really make a fuss as long as you didn't go overboard with porting and didn't claim credit for the work. For example I've seen plenty of CS:S stuff in DoD customs.

I'm more curious about the technical aspects. Will the fact that it's an updated engine mean anything? Can I just get the content and extract it to my DoD folders?

I'd just go ahead and try it out myself, but I'm considering buying orange box right now. It's mostly because I want to try TF2 though at the moment. If some of the content from EP2 can be used it would definitely sway me in a particular direction.

I don't mean to be missing your point (I don't know the answer!), but Orange Box is no doubt the best deal in gaming I've bought for a long time. Portal too... brilliant game. I'd really recommend buying it.

I am short on cash and also am considering COD4 at this point. But the main thing is I'm in a realism unit in DoD:S so I don't spend much time playing other games. I don't know how much I'd play EP2 or Portal. Just want to get my money's worth. :(

I have heard many good things about orange box though, I admit.

I was under the assumption that they are planning to update DOD:S to the Episode 2 engine at some point in the future. At the moment, I think it's possible to rip textures from other mods and make them usable in DOD:S, but don't quote me on that.

I had heard about the update as well but I wasn't sure. Nor do I know when it would be. Textures I'm pretty sure could be done, as long as VTF-edit or similar programs still work on them.

Models I'm really not sure on. Has anyone tried successfully to use models from EP2 in a compiled dod map?

No as of now it isn't possible but they have been working on it you can have a look for yourself jest put "-engine orangebox" its going to be a little wile till they get it all ported good thing too so they can work the bugs out of it. (Its only in the beta version of SDK I think correct me if I'm wrong)