This is an old, long-out-of-production kit from Model Shipways. You're lucky to have it.
If you've never tried a wood kit before, this is a good choice for a starter. I recommend that you spend a little money on a book, "The Neophyte Ship Modeler's Jackstay," by George Campbell. Here's a link: http://www.modelexpo-online.com/product.asp?ITEMNO=MSB110 . The book was published back in the sixties, by Model Shipways. It's designed as a general instruction manual for the company's solid-hull kits. Much of it deals with sailing vessels, but there's plenty of good information about how to read a ship's plans, how to hinish a solid hull, how to prepare the cast metal fittings, etc., etc. Learn everything in that little book and you'll be well on your way to becoming a knowledgeable ship modeler.
One word of possible warning. Until fairly recently Model Shipways cast its fittings in lead alloy. Lead is one of the least stable materials in nature. If any of your kit's fittings has a white powder on it, it's lead. If so, do another post here and we'll suggest what to do about it.
Lead disease is inconsistent. Your fittings may be fine. Or they may be made of brittania metal, the durable, strong zinc/copper alloy that companies use today. In either case, give each fitting a quick spritz of a good metal primer (I like Tamiya's) and everything will be fine. Probably.
Good luck. It's a great hobby.
Youth, talent, hard work, and enthusiasm are no match for old age and treachery.