Hmm, was it red? A modular system? I seem to remember something like this although not entirely sure where. I think it might have been hobbys catalogue (not hobbies derham but hobbys with a y). Their catalogue is usually in WH Smiths, and there was an advert for in tucked away in this months GWW with a web address but I dont have my copy of the mag with me at work.
Not sure how good they are, or how much you want to spend, but have you considered something like a pen makers lathe from Axminster if small size is important
http://www.axminster.co.uk/product.asp?pf_id=22789&recno=4
Ah, got it - its a unimat system. Hobbys web address is:
http://www.hobby.uk.com
do a search for unimat or go to tools unimat
Sorry for the rambling post, was searching as I typed!
Steve