Help with purchasing astrophotography equipment

I've developed an interest in trying my hand at astrophotography/CCD imaging, and am having some difficulty narrowing down my options. Several questions:
(1) If I decide to go with a SCT, are there any advantages in going with a 10" or larger OTA so that I can take advantage of the 2" visual back?
(2) Is a Losmandy G-11 large enough to support an 11" Celestron SCT for astrophotography/imaging?
(3) I have a 10" f4.5 Meade newt. on the standard factory mount (weight probably 35-40 lbs.). Is it possible to install a dec. drive on it? What size RA gear would I need to install to have a reasonable chance at capturing some good images? If it's not practical to adapt it, what size/kind of a mount would I need to have to make this a viable platform for astrophotography/imaging?
(4) I never read anything about Parks OTAs or mounts? If anyone has used one, would you be willing to share your experience?

Thanks and clear skies,
Andy Bartlett

Andy:

I would say that your best start is a good mount. The G-11 will suffice for many an OTA. I'd say keep the 10" Meade, put it on the G-11 and start with some basic piggy back work. Later step-up to prime-focus thru the scope, which is going to be more demanding on guiding operations. Once you know you really like astrophoto. - it can be pretty demanding. Then it may be time to step-up to a different OTA. However, to answer your question the G-11 will hold a C11 just fine.

I think the Parks stuff is quality, but better suit to permanant installation and expensive.

Hope that helps.

Anthony