Welcome aboard Harry, and good job on picking the right bike!

I've seen plenty of examples of the Columbia Tourist with Sturmey Archer hubs, I believe that's how they were built. A few things in the Columbia's favor: Ease of maintenance on the bottom bracket - some specialty tools are needed to service the Raleigh. Columbias' also had some interesting color options and are sometimes found with chrome fenders and chain guards.

Despite that, I'd probably have taken the Raleigh also, they're great bikes! Do you plan to take it back to New Orleans when you return?