Had 2 15" CC's and they are great. Sold one in Janurary to make room for my new Romi CNC machine. For my money they (the Colchester 15" lathe is one of the best value's for turning that you can get! Has the best spindle speed change system ever! easy to use and you can see the shortest wayt to turn the handle for your next speed. The Apron is very well designed. Levers and direction plungers allows changing of feed direction and choice between cross and long feed without the need to stop. Good micrometer dials, easy to read. Has metric and inch threading plus Dimetral and modular pitches all in the change box....no studd gear changing required!
They have unusually large spindle bores. The 15" has 2.375" i believe...nice for large stock.
They tend to have a bit of gear noise from the headstock, but they seem to keep running and make good parts in large to the Timken Gammet precission tapered spindle bearings.
If the machine is not trashed i don't think you can go wrong.
Cheers Ross