Great start djkoopa! Keep in mind, the strength of sketchup is primitive shapes. Although you can model more elaborate things, those jobs are best left to full 3d suites. Make sure to encompass all the basic shapes (tubes, square/rectangular shapes) so that there is minimal work to be done afterwards when adding detailz. For those pipes, maya has some great tools for making the curve, so unless thers some magic in sketchup to bridge that, just do the straight portions, and stop them like you have, right before there is any curve.
Glad to see you starting up, and I look forward to your progress!