Thanks all for your input....I have a update! I'm sure many of you will be disappointed to hear that I have indeed made a new purchase. I am now the owner of a Fox F46-255, but I have to say it was just a set of circumstances that lead to it's purchase - it was not far from me and the price was right!
I does feature many of the things I listed that I wanted (cast bed, variable speed (Reeves drive) rotating headstock etc) and I have to say I'm pretty pleased with it. I know it isn't going to turn me into a good turner, but I'm already happier and slightly more confident on the new machine. I have taken note of what was suggested, and I'm sure some tuition wouldn't go amiss and joining the local club would almost certainly be a good move (initial contact has been made!)
I know many of you thought I should start to hone my skills with only the basics (and who am I to argue?) but I do feel that the extra confidence on this new machine is a great start to my wood turning journey.