Thanks for the feedback. Glad to hear that our shows have helped to make it easier for you to get going w/ skp.

do you have a particular prop in mind that you're trying to model?

alot of the more complex objects that are modeled in skp are accomplished by utilizing tools like 'follow-me', 'intersect w/model', the sandbox tools, and ruby scripts like the soap-skin bubble. we've done different podcasts that show how to use these tools. once you've had the chance to familiarize yourself with that stuff and start exploring ways to use those tools in combination with each other you'll be better able to model complex objects.

sketchup does have it's limits however, and modeling organic forms can be time consuming. as a shortcut, i often recommend that people search for 3D models that have already been created. the 3D warehouse contains tons of cars and other modes of transport that you can download for free. you could also search for models in other formats such as .3ds, .dxf etc. and then import those models into your skp file. websites like turbo squid are a good place to go to look for other file formats. 

-mike