Mark,

Yep i rang this morning - i'm chasing up another lead at the moment, will let you know if i want to order any more.

I am wondering if i'm going to spend up to $60 or $70 (or a heap more depending on which price you look at!) and still be unsure if its all thats wrong with the board, then maybe i'm better getting either a 2nd hand one or even a LED display board for the Earthshaker....

But, i did want the satisfaction of completing a challenge...

Yep, that is a gamble hence why I went with a PinScore display (LED) in mine.  I also would have had to rebuild the 100v section of power supply as well, which just added to the cost.  I didn't know if the short was in the glass or to do with an IC.

If you know your glass is good then you should be alright.  You'll feel a lot better getting the existing one up and running than just replacing.!