RE: repairs for beginners
Use a heat gun. Break up the repair into smaller sections so it won't feel so overwhelming. You'll also see progress sooner and that will be positive reinforcement for you. Take your time, study the damage and form a plan of attack. Don't just jump wildly into the middle of it. Save as much as you can, if nothing else they can be used as templates for replacement parts. You have a lot of work ahead but it can be done and you'll learn a lot along the way. Don't overdo it with the CA, hard to sand. Use wood glue.