Anomander is correct. The only problem with doing what he suggests is... if the gamebox has changed any, some of the icons, markers, etc. may not match up and things start to look kind of funny. I know because I went back to look at an old Chronopia game and there was a squad of Repulsar Knights on the field.
If there haven't been a lot of changes, but I know there have, old games won't be too helpful. A recent one with an unmodified gamebox is your best bet. Fortunately, Coil and I make separate game boxes for each game we play--mostly because it makes it smaller and easier to email.
Trial by fire IS the best way to learn. I am willing to teach anyone who is interested. I only ask that you be patient and read all the handy little "How-To" guides that I have written. THere is a lot of info in there that will help answer the most common questions. If you love Chronopia and/or UWZ but don't get to play often... PBEM is the next best thing to a live game.