I can't comment on that particular model but I own the 11x24 Utilathe, basically the older version of this lathe.I have been to their factory in Ontario, their parts are available through LeBlond, they do not sell parts directly to the end user as far as I know. I may sound biased but I think it is a fantastic gunsmithing lathe, it is very short through the headbox and is very rigid compare to your South Bend lathe, all geared headbox and Camlock spindle, they have inch/metric capabilities and are all that is needed for gunsmith work IMHO.
They are from what I understand the last north american manufacturer of engine lathes. In saying all of that $14000.00 is alotofmoney for a lathe of this size these days, only you can answer the question if it is worth paying that much to own north american.Personally I would look for a used Standard Modern and never look back, that is easy for me to say because they are all over the place up here since many of the schools used them in their shop classes, they are well liked.
bigbull