You've got to me just in time, I think. As best as I can gather, the Crayford doesn't have the reduction drive. The one I'm considering is from Astronomy Alive
http://astronomyalive.com.au/Saxon%20Dob%208.html . I can get the Skywatcher for considerably less from York. They (York) don't say what brand of eye-pieces they use, but I give them a call and find out a few more detaisl on what they have on offer. The differnece between the prices for the 2 scopes is $137 and if everything else between them is equal, then paying the $130 for the 10:1 reduction drive focussing is very worth while.
I have been trying to figure out how I can transport the scope when we go off with our 12' caravan. The packing box seems excessively large for its contents. What would you say are the minimum dimensions I could construct a travel box?
My wife has agreed
to the scope, but we have to fit it in the Subi wagon with a bit of other gear, the van is too small.