Sadly there is no sign of the missing box with UPS
After me working it out and proposing it as a possible scenario, OPT have discovered that yes, they left the dec top plate out when repacking my shipment to include the extra bits I had ordered - DOH! The counterweight shaft is still in the UPS ether and Astrophysics currently have no 22" shafts in stock, so it will be a few more weeks while they make me one - double DOH!
So, it will sadly be more waiting and mild torture, staring, everyday, at this beautiful white creature, resting idly on a table... sigh....ho hum...
So I have decided I am going to use the time to disassemble my whole rig and pull my NJP apart and re-grease her and wash my AG12 mirrors....
It has been rather frustrating and annoying of course but I have to say, although OPT contributed to part of the problem, they have been in regular contact and are doing everything possible to rectify it and I have total faith that this will end well....just have to be patient.
Mike