The secrets of luminaria contest.

This was made with ai not blender. Davinic to edit. and music maker for the music.

3d total has quite a large free section of magazines and information relating to 3d.

You can get the free stuff here.

I made this test animation for an excellent tie fighter from Technouveau Art.   I found the engine and exhaust in blend kit, and added them to the model.  I then select a row of polys in the engine and used blendkit again using the solar sun material. 

I've been tinkering with the kinetic Rush Challenge,

Here is a compilation of the last challenge.

THese tips are definitely helpful when modeling.  He takes the time to explain these with good simple explanations.