Richard,
Yes, I was just reading your notes...
As soon as I posted my thread, I went back to the listing of all topics, and for a second I wasn't sure which thread was mine...
I am tempted to do an all-recap, but only after I conclude it's worth going through the expense. So far so good, as during the minute or so it was working, I didn't see much obvious signs of trouble. Not a lengthy examination, for sure, but at least I get good heart to keep at it.
On those tantalums - I never stock any, as almost all my work is in audio or FM, and dread their reliability record, but I'd be tempted to replace them with film caps to keep the esr low. I have WIMA caps that are very miniature for their values - essentially, almost the overall size of the electrolytics for given value, and the same typical lead spacing - and may use here. I am not yet sure these are blown, but I'll try to correct things I suspect or measure out of whack, as hopefully they correct whatever blows its fuse, as I don't have the comfort to fire it up and measure for issues at my leisure. I got a variac and a "dim-bulb" fixture, but not sure if I should try it here.
Looking forward to your progress!
Radu.