How Do I Add New "Official" Models?

[Wyelight]

A lot of neat community TF2 maps have been officially added to the game through updates. New prop models and textures come with these maps, and I'd love to use some in my own map.

1) Is it okay to use any officially-added asset in my own map, or do I need to ask for permission from each community contributor?

2) Where are these models located? When I open tf2_misc_dir.vpk with GCFScape I don't see folders or files for new maps, I only see old files.

3) How do I use these models in my own map? Do I treat them like custom models and put them in the custom folder, or can I just update the vpk somehow?

 

[Brokkhouse]

1) This should answer all your questions. TLDR: If it's not found in the TF2 VPKs, you can't use it.
2) They're packed into the .bsp files. A better way to find what you need is to look through TF2Maps and see whether the creators uploaded an asset pack anywhere, or to just message the creators directly. Most will gladly share stuff with you, assuming you credit them.
3) Once extracted, they're just like any other custom asset.

 

[Wyelight]

1) This should answer all your questions. TLDR: If it's not found in the TF2 VPKs, you can't use it.
2) They're packed into the .bsp files. A better way to find what you need is to look through TF2Maps and see whether the creators uploaded an asset pack anywhere, or to just message the creators directly. Most will gladly share stuff with you, assuming you credit them.
3) Once extracted, they're just like any other custom asset.

Thank you for the informative answer. I'll try to narrow down the props I like and contact the creators. Worst case scenario I will just have to make my own custom model pack I guess.