David,

I can see where you're coming from. I think the best way to go about it is to disregard info that doesn't jive with you and take small steps. Bob has a good pragmatic approach so maybe his posts will help those interested in getting a start. If I was starting from scratch what I would do is as follows:
[ul][*] Download a free CAD program, install it and start poking around in it to familiarize myself with what and how it does things. DraftSight might be a good candidate.[*] Then I would see if I could import a scanned plan into the program and how the "layers" in the program work so that you can draft basic contours on one layer and keep the plan on another. I use layers a lot as it helps to turn, move and manipulate things at will.[*] Once I'd been able to get the above two accomplished, I'd try to complete the outline of the model planform without worrying about dimensional issues or the internals of the model (formers, ribs, etc.)[*] Then I would go and ask my teacher "what's next?"
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One further thought regarding the cake analogy. This kind of work in my mind is analogous to going into the kitchen and learning how to cook. That's really what its about. You don't necessarily have to understand the chemistry but a feel, taste and smell go a great ways in getting that cake or soup to taste good. If you're looking for a boxed premixed cake that just requires adding water, well, that is sort of like buying a kit to build... know what I mean?

Like in everything though there is a "middle of the road" space where you'll find yourself being comfortable and yet you'll be cookin'! [8D]

David.