BUGGER, BUGGER, BUGGER, can't get a hold of a camera off anyone yet, best i can do is refer to the exact same model in this link
http://cgi.ebay.com.au/Cox-Orion-XL...pt=AU_Lawnmowers&hash=item27b9babe6f

I can't see a hand brake lever on that one either, the foot brake in the picture looks to be ready for use but on mine it just sits flat on the metal facing foward direction.

Looking from the back of my machine, the cloth like material hanging out is on the left hand side, right next to the gearing that the chain sits on, it is covered by a round metalplate.

If anyone can help, it would be appreciated.