[DavidLJ (David)]

First telescope 1969 – Newtonian :

• 6” mirror, 4 vane spider, diagonal, helical focuser & 3 x 1¼” eyepieces - all bought from an astro shop
• Square section tube made from outgrown playpen struts & plywood
• Mirror cell made from steel hoop mounted on plywood base
• Equatorial head made up from galvanised piping – packed sand used as counterweight
• Stand – 4 vertical wooden struts attached to Tee-section base.

First view : Quarter phase Moon. One glance and hooked forever.

Turned out that the mirror quality was first class and the eyepieces not half bad. Location 2 deg. south of equator. Spent many happy hours getting to know both Northern and Southern Hemisphere skies. Will be the scope that I remember when passing St Peter's gate.