3D modelling options 2019

I'm looking into designing 3D reliefs and vcarve aspire covers what I'm looking for but the upfront cost of £1,500 Is too steep for me to warrant it.

As software changes yearly I couldn't find anything on this topic that was recent so thought I ask.

What alternatives are there to make 3D designs I'm aiming to make diorama backgrounds (pipeworks/panels similar to cartoon gijoe) my machine is a 6040 so size restriction is not major.

I suspect you haven't looked at it but LinuxCNC will generate a toolpath from a .jpg image and you can specify the height and width to scale it to and depth of features.Price?Free.