Yes the CE3 SDK is very awesome, so much better than the slow-to-use BF2 editor...
I myself is a bit experienced with mapping in CE3, planning to become a dev for TW hopefully in the future.
When I first saw TW... I was literally hooked and I knew this was the future of a realistic WW2 game. With a bit of patience you will see it get released.
Another thing about Traction Wars, the community is just amazing, nice and friendly. Think of what it will be like in-game.
...I would prefer creating a desert map for my first try...
Actually it might work, the CE3 SDK has a few desert textures, but you might have to add/make some to get the full realism effect.
Even you could make something like a "desert oasis", make a lake then add some palm trees around it.
To sum it all up, the CryENGINE 3 is amazing in every respect.