New to Blender: How to make intricate and detailed meshes?

[Fundati]

I'm still a little unfamiliar with 3D modelling (I've been doing it for about 3 days) and I've made a couple basic-looking pods and such. I would like to add a bunch of wires and pipes on the model but find that, at least as far as I know, there isn't a good way to go that.

Some shapes I'm having a difficulty making is basically anything curved. Anyone have a good tutorial on how to get better acquainted with these tools?

Also, for fun, here's what I'm working on

 

[wasml]

Small details can be done with a normal map or with the model itself. One way do do pipes and wires with the model involves creating a curve and then changing it into a mesh. The few times I've tried this I started with an edge and extruded to the general shape I wanted, used beveling to round corners then (OK - memories a bit fuzzy here - was some time ago) change to a curve then back to a mesh with some settings to give it depth. Try Googling blender and curve to mesh.

[Fundati]

@wasmlOkay, I'll try that out, thanks!

[wasml]

Came across a link: https://blender.stackexchange.com/questions/42591/how-to-approach-the-modeling-of-duct-work-piping-wiring

I've used the vertex extrusion (answer with 4 votes) in an attempt at rocket engine plumbing.