Converted .3ds files from the .npcgeom format are not working at the moment. (tested with 3Ds Max + Sketchfab + Blender. Don't know if the script is broken or if the ,3ds format created is too outdated. Also are the UVs exported with the models? Such as if I place the texture on the model will it go on the right place or will there be no UVs?
It should work with Blender. Send me the 3ds and tell me what error message you receive in Blender