Hi,
I think the problems with tutorial scenes are due to changes of vray settings in newer versions like yours.
first of all check if your model has any materials, if not use a material on it.
after that you need to go to vray material editor (the big M) and create a refraction and change its settings using the manual to obtain a translucent material, don't forget to uncheck the double sided material!
u may also need to adjust the light intensity to about 10 or more.
and turn of the GI color from the environment settings of the options.

the old manual u r using is based on the old vray plugin, u will have to achieve most of new setting numbers manually.
hope that would help