[xelasnave]

Hi Logan
I am glad others point out the fact that shorter the focal length the greater the challenge.
To understand the phot of the mount let me say that the "fan" bits can be thought of as a section of a large gear. The mount is designed to operate to observe 45 degrees above the horizon and with no need for a meridian flip.

The RA is supported by bearings either side of the Dec shaft running thru the RA shaft which is actually a tube with two bearings at either end.
A German Equatorial mount in effect only has bearings at one end of the RA shaft whereas this design is in effect an English Equatorial approach where RA shaft is supported either end and Dec run off in the middle.

Keep up your good work.

It certainly is best that you complete this project sucessfully before you start another and your experience gained may give you confidence to build the ultimate astrograph.

Alex