Thanks very much for your kind offer Mike, but I'll pass on that one. However the thought of an A3 printer was very luring LOL.
I've managed to obtain a 3rd Epson R210 so if I can clear the nozzles on this one I'll have one working plus two spare printers.
I reckon you could get some money for the 1280 on Ebay. Here in Melbourne, Australia I seen a 1290 go for more than $30 with local pickup. A few people were bidding on it.
Keith