The ICs are a potential problem of course, but for anyone that has this game, before doing board work, the idea of the neon is pretty simple just like any other solenoid. First check for power at the 2 pin connector to the neon ramp. If power is there, go into solenoid test, and select the neon, then you can simply check the other wire for "drive". The wire will be pulled low during "on" and held at full power when "off". So if you do not see this, procede to board. If you do, don't!!!
If you see the toggle, but the neon doesn't light it's either the transformer or the neon itself. In my case, I had the toggle so I knew not a board problem, and put one of those AC volt alert pens around the neon and saw no indication of anything, so I replaced the transformer and all was fine on my game.