That echo trials front hub sounds interesting Emyr have you got a link?
I have an Echo TR Disc front hub which uses allen-bolts into each side of the axle. It's a pain in the arse because there's no way to stop the axle turning as you try to undo the second side. 129g though.
Yes.
I built mine onto a Mavic XC717Disc, 2cross disc side and 3 cross on the other, 262mm spokes both sides :-)