The F-14 lamp matrix is the same as all other Sys11 games.

Hot sand resistors don't immediately clue me into a problem. They used sand resistors BECAUSE they expected them to carry a lot of power.

The CAT lights burning out, however, is a clue. Do you know that they're getting too high voltage, or is it possible that they're just being kept on too long due to a lamp matrix or transistor short?

I'd suggest using single lamp test and mapping out what you see. For example, set the test to lamp 11, and note which lamps are actually lit, then set the test to 12... I suspect you'll see lamps that are lit when they shouldn't be, and you may see a pattern.

If you like some help, I'd be glad to drop by some time.

Have you tested to make sure it's not a short under the playfield? Replacing the transistor, only to find out it's still not working would be a downer.

A brand new clearcoat on F-14 set to EX. HARD? I'm not sure if I can handle the torture.

I'm glad you fixed the problems.