Now I have most of the features I wanted, at least in very early stages.  There is much to do still, however the basics are in place and I’m very happy with my initial renders.  Still on the to-do list:

• Loading of .3ds or .obj models
• Transparency
• Caustics and Specular Highlights
• Reverse path tracing?
• KD tree / sphere tree acceleration structure
• 3D noise fun