I am getting so pissed with MAX 2016 scene explorer. I have an element, and the properties are showing it is on the default layer 0, yet it is no where to be found. I can hide all layers, yet I can still pick it. Is this a joke!
Wow, nice project 
a couple of days for modeling I guess. Write to autodesk, im sure they will fix this in no time or maybe they are allready busy preparing max 2018, searchin the web for plugins to buy.
I remember problem with being unable to delete some layers.