Help with 3ds

is there any way to convert the MDL files to usable 3ds models? (fs2000/CFS2)
to tell you the truth, this is actually for Battlefield1942, to be precise, a mod called "Desert Combat Extended"... I made a s-37 Berkut for CFS2 some time ago, but I've lost the original files for it, only the completed CFS2 airplane remains. So, I was wondering... is there any way to convert the Plane's MDL files back into 3ds files?
to tell you the truth, this is actually for Battlefield1942, to be precise, a mod called "Desert Combat Extended"... I made a s-37 Berkut for CFS2 some time ago, but I've lost the original files for it, only the completed CFS2 airplane remains. So, I was wondering... is there any way to convert the Plane's MDL files back into 3ds files?