Anim8or Community

Take a look at this topic on the .org forums: http://anim8or.org/index.php/topic,402.0.html

There is a tutorial that covers glows/lens effects you can find HERE
I wrote a tutorial explaining how to use shadows, and you can find that HERE
Good luck, and that's a nicely textured object.  I look forward to the full scene.

The head looks a bit too square, though it's somewhat how you drew it in 2d.  Still, I think it could have a bit more depth.
The 2d is great.  Good shading and everything.

First you go to a view showing the back of the engines.  Now select the main faces on the back of the engine.  If there are multiple faces you want to go in, select them and go "edit>merge faces" or press "shift + m".  Next use the inset tool.  To use it, just click and drag with faces selected.  You'll see the effect it has as you drag.  Inset the amount you want.  Now, with the faces still selected use the group extrude tool.  You can see the effect when you click and drag from a side view of the engines, preferably in wireframe mode.  You can then use edge reinforcement if you wish: Tutorial on edge reinforcement

grepico, it sounds to me like you're using the "Build>Subdivide Faces..." command.  DO NOT USE THIS FOR SUBDIVISION.  This tool is mainly to split a face up for further manipulation.  Only use it if you really need it.  If you want the object smoother, use "Build>Convert to Subdivided".  Using this smooths your object, but keeps the base mesh for manipulation.  It basically adds points in between.  If you want the base mesh back, you can simple double click the subdivision object and change 'working' to 0.  Then you can convert back to mesh and you will have the base mesh again.

Remember that you don't need to step into a more complicated advanced project right from the get-go.  There are plenty of ways of modeling such as box modeling where you start with a cube and edit it, it's entirely possible to create a cat this way, you just need experience.  I would advise starting with something simpler though.  I'll have to start working on a tutorial on different modeling techniques after swords and lighting
Remember you can study the different methods.  They don't only apply to anim8or, but most all other 3d programs as well.  So google things, look around for tutorials and things to read up on.  Just because a tutorial or information is based on another program doesn't mean it can't translate to anim8or.

Edge reinforcement is the key!
http://www.acolytes-of-art.com/dion/tuts/edge.htm

So basically what I hear you saying is that you want more tutorials, and more advanced tutorials at that.  First, I hope to provide some in good time.  Second, one of the best things to do at this stage is to pick up your own project!  Instead of following exactly what someone else did, try diving into your own project and coming across your own challenges.  Now that you know the basics of modeling try applying them to an actual model you make yourself.  The tutorials are there to teach you the program and how to use it, so now try to utilize that.  So I'd advise getting yourself a project with a goal instead of just following tutorials.