I've created 3D models of sailing ships and star ships. I don't really have interest in more modern concepts like 19th/20th century battleships. Though I've been thinking of doing the U-505 German submarine located at the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry. My plan is to take photos of interior places within that submarine to generate a detailed 3D model, only because I can physically see/touch it as reference. Again, however, I'm not really interested in modern tech for games. I have more fanciful interests in the really old stuff or the science fiction yet to come, than anything truly modern.
I tend to use Nendo or Wings3D to generate my models. I've got Blender, but haven't really tackled it much - I find it too complicated for my design tastes. Wings3D is simple software though it can easily and quickly created rounded hull and organic shapes easier than most more professional software. I have used Raydream Studio, Carrara and Cinema 4D, though the latter is rather complex too.