Hi
The "elephant on a stick" is a little from the perspective. Doesn't look that bad live.
If this link works it will show an early image with the 12, 2nd night.
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/s...ad.php?t=31078
http://www.iceinspace.com.au/forum/a...se.php?a=43401
Counterweight is the standard Los counterweight + 8" plastic pipe filed with brickies morter with a 1" center plastic pipe, held on with hose clamps around the counter-bar. To be honest I have no idea of its mass,+ some woodworking clamps.
12" is the BT-302 $1099.00 (Gee'z I payed ~$799 at Easter '08).
The 10" started life as a Meade DS10. All that is left are the mirrors and holders. In its current form the tube consists of two high school science stools welded together end to end. It worked well and was the main scope for years -since '98, in many guises. The mirrors had their coating scratched by removalists so will be recoated and brought back into action sometime in the future.
In summery, the G11 carried the 10" and a 4" refractor guide easily for many years. The 12" is probably as much as I am comfortable with on it. But I have had no trouble and it guides well.
Good luck with you're buying.