Upon opening, the box was well packed. The scope was well and truly adequately cushioned, which was nice.
What a nice machine. The fit and finish is out of this world. Everything about it is function, function, function. The paint finish is superb and even all the screws are plated, which leads to smooth operation of everything that opens and shuts. The focuser is, well, beautiful. The action is liquid smooth and has no backlash whatsoever. I never liked R&P focusers before, but this one has changed my mind. It's way smoother than the crayfords I am using everywhere else.
Not being night yet (and having to go out tonight to say farewell to some finds going back to Europe) I took a quick squizz through it down the street and across the valley. I get the feeling that night-time views are going to be fabulous as the daytime view far exceeds the quality of the image I get through my WO66 Petzval. No contest. Even the finderscope view is crystal.
I can't wait for a clear evening now - so I won't get one now for months.
Very happy indeed.