Martin/all
People with a classic car fetish will think nothing of upgrading, improving and throwing loads of money at something that will ultimately rot. Guitarists buy amps and effects and more amps and more effects and...etc etc. With a Tron it seems to me that an agenda of one frame a year or every other year would be something to strive for and they will last. OK, the tapes will need replacing years hence but the frame will out survive you and so will the machine.
Martin's right, of course - it's just difficult to justify the expense when you're on a shoestring budget!
Jon S's idea for a new standard tape set is fine. Why not M300A Violins/McD Flute/Russian Choir. The price for this set will be 95 pounds (normally 165 pounds sterling plus P+P)inc. Postage and Packing for March/April/May.
Martin - how much extra for the frame itself? I can never remember.