Thanks for all the advice.
I've had another look today, it does seem a bit noisy when I push the platter round by hand, as though there's some dry bearings?? The cable on the RB300 is a cheap one, but I'm not too bothered by that, as I won't be using it anyway.
There's some really nice looking plinths on Ebay for not too much money, they all seem designed for SME 9/12" arms rather than Rega fit. There does seem to be mounting plates for Rega arms, maybe I could just get a SME and using a mounting plate??
How much does it cost to get one serviced? I know Northwest analogue are very reputable, but I'd imagine they are pricey??