hi! like you i'm a newbie in letterpress.
I think another resource would be the web forums that focuses mainly on letterpresslike briarpress . they have a page there where you can download the old manuals of certain press models.
old school style i think, it's best if you contact or look for letterpress operators so they can teach you how to use it. i found one through my seller... as in may baon syang operator when he delivered it to me...
good luck on your venture.