Post by richdavies on Mar 18, 2022 21:54:06 GMT
18.5” Newtonian with fork mount – available to a good home
A past member of the Loughton Astronomical Society, Bob
Langley, began an observatory build in 1982 and eventually
installed a self-built 18.5” Newtonian reflector (of about f/5). The
optics were ground originally by Henry Wildey and subsequently
tweaked with a polishing by Es Reid, so they have impressive
pedigree.
As a friend of Bob, Iain Nicolson visited Bob’s observatory on its
completion to give it an official grand opening, attended by many
notables, including Henry Wildey.
It was in use for many years, but sadly, Bob died about three years ago and the dome and telescope was
mothballed. Unfortunately, his wife has now died and their daughter must clear the house for
sale. Consequently, there is now an urgent need to find the instrument a new home before the house is sold.
The scope is a massive skeleton frame construction on a fork mount. The pictures hardly do it justice but gives
a general idea. Not sure how much of the massive fork and base is transferable but the skeleton frame of the
OTA and its trunnions can be lifted out of the fork in one
piece. Bob was a professional engineer who in a long career
contributed designs to both subsea engineering and (I think
in a small way) to the space shuttle. The structure is
therefore well designed and immensely stable.
Although the optics have already been removed for safe-
keeping, it would be nice, naturally, to preserve as much of
the instrument as possible as a complete set up.
Interested parties should please get in touch asap, as unfortunately time is of the essence. The location is at
Dassels, near Puckeridge, Hertfordshire.
This will need a van or similar to transport, but additional manpower will be available from LAS members to
help dismantle.
Please note that although this fine telescope is being given away at no cost, so it may be given a new life,
donations to a recognized charity would be encouraged.
For more information please contact Steve Ringwood steveringwood@btinternet.com to arr
A past member of the Loughton Astronomical Society, Bob
Langley, began an observatory build in 1982 and eventually
installed a self-built 18.5” Newtonian reflector (of about f/5). The
optics were ground originally by Henry Wildey and subsequently
tweaked with a polishing by Es Reid, so they have impressive
pedigree.
As a friend of Bob, Iain Nicolson visited Bob’s observatory on its
completion to give it an official grand opening, attended by many
notables, including Henry Wildey.
It was in use for many years, but sadly, Bob died about three years ago and the dome and telescope was
mothballed. Unfortunately, his wife has now died and their daughter must clear the house for
sale. Consequently, there is now an urgent need to find the instrument a new home before the house is sold.
The scope is a massive skeleton frame construction on a fork mount. The pictures hardly do it justice but gives
a general idea. Not sure how much of the massive fork and base is transferable but the skeleton frame of the
OTA and its trunnions can be lifted out of the fork in one
piece. Bob was a professional engineer who in a long career
contributed designs to both subsea engineering and (I think
in a small way) to the space shuttle. The structure is
therefore well designed and immensely stable.
Although the optics have already been removed for safe-
keeping, it would be nice, naturally, to preserve as much of
the instrument as possible as a complete set up.
Interested parties should please get in touch asap, as unfortunately time is of the essence. The location is at
Dassels, near Puckeridge, Hertfordshire.
This will need a van or similar to transport, but additional manpower will be available from LAS members to
help dismantle.
Please note that although this fine telescope is being given away at no cost, so it may be given a new life,
donations to a recognized charity would be encouraged.
For more information please contact Steve Ringwood steveringwood@btinternet.com to arr