If I recall correctly, it is going to be a brand new mod with no crossover of items or stats. I think that tags like "Donator" might still stick to your account, and maybe one purely cosmetic item for old players only if it isn't a hassle to implement. There will be no benefit of being an old player over being a new player in the new mod, and personally, that's exactly how it should be.
if you have problem of the model variety send it to winter xen winter me winter me xen because it'll piss him off