As you can see from the image I was able to get a 3D polygonal model loaded up and rendering. I used the ms3d format for the model since it is a very simple and easy to use model format. also the texture is a 24 bit uncompressed tga for similar ease of use reasons. Getting the ray tracer to this point was a lot of fun. I would recommend that anyone who has any interest in writing a ray tracer should give it a go. At very least you could spend a day and get some reflective spheres drawing and looking awesome! If you have any questions about how it all works or what I did feel free to ask anything in the comments.
For the next project I think its going to be a 2D platformer type game (probably 2D rendered on 3D planes). As for specifics of the gameplay and design that is still being worked out but I will have time to take care of all that while I am working on the initial tech for the game. Also I will be working with the house mates for design and content on the game. I am hoping that this will be a very fun project to work on in my free time.