OK, finally all done. Yes, the spring jumped out and I couldn't really work out where it went back?? But I shoved it in somewhere and hammered and screwed it all together! Thanks Geoff, I used your guidance.
I have fine RA control when I unlock the RA clamp, and driven RA (in the correct southern hemisphere direction) when I lock it. The indicator scale doesn't turn freely - but I don't care - I have what I want.
All nicely cleaned off and re-greased as well. Set it up today on my new (second-hand) wedge, leveled and pointed roughly south and waited for evening so I could see whether I had satisfactory RA drive for observing. Clouds rolled in and it started raining! Surprise, surprise! All packed away for another night - but I'm feeling hopeful.
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