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Welcome aboard! For a starter you're not doing bad at all. Check my pit build, and you'll see that i've also chosen the "cubical" tub design. I have split the panels bases into parts of plywood for easier installation and removal if necessary. It doesn't all have to look perfect, so long as it feels good for your flying experience. As about the ACES, i'd highly recommend Brenda's plans. There's plenty of members in these premises that took this route. Do browse through the downloads section to check for files and instructions that will help you a lot. Reading through the whole forum would be nearly impossible, with all the info gathered here, enough for a lifetime of reading! Just search wisely.
I fly on DCS and this build will be set solely for DCS using arduino. I would like to be able to set it up for BMS as well but I have not yet encountered the necessary technical information for arduino based panels.