@DeathstrokeFTW, I think it would benefit you to look into some tutorials on hard surface modeling and understand the concepts of "high poly" There is a great tutorial series by Grant http://masteringcgi.com.au/course/mastering-hs/ and also another great series by Paul Conner on Digital Tutors…
Made up two of the objects that Alex posted. Went for the 8 sided cylinder on or in the ball. Took a few tries, as the first set I failed at Rule #1: examining the complex areas. The transition from sharp edged octagon to the spherical base (or from the octohole.. same shape really) was the problem bit. Tried both standard…
One thing that helps me time after time: learn about the actual structure and construction of real world objects. How was this ship made in real life? If we made these objects hundreds of years ago, then there is already a process in place that we can reproduce digitally and we probably have records of how it was made. My…