As far as I am aware Super 8 projectors don't have stabilising rollers, any idea why?

most i assume have magnetic heads, and therefore don't need them

By stabilising rollers Robert do you mean jockey rollers, because the Elmo's have them, both ST & GS, probably because of Opt. sound.

I thinks so Hugh, I believed they were there to prevent breakage?.

Yes, the dancer and roller arrangement on Elmo machines can cause real issues in trying to maintain a good sized and constant shaped lower loop I've always found.

Not aided of course by the tiny capstan on these.

Andrew that's one reason why I dislike Elmos.

Me too David, plus ac driven machines are useless for any recording purposes that I do,and finally,from the five I've had, none have been completely scratch free for me on the ones I've had due to the green guides and film path in general. (All ST1200 m/o models standard, D & HD variant).

I wouldn't have minded giving a GS800 a go but a guy I know who had one put me right off those also with his advice. Perhaps other owners of the GS800 can give us their views on this model?

Andrew I also have a GS 800 M . It too scratches prints. Its a quiet runner though however my one needs a service as its slowing down.
I don't like the plastic finish on these machines. Come to think of it I don't like plastic cased machines anyway. hahaha !