Hey John,
Was watching your Firefox project where you changed out the 2 faulty transistors to test them with the multi-meter.
Since those components are rather tiny, you should use a "helping hands" clamp that can hold the transistor in place while you test with the meter.
Radio Shack carries them for around 15.00 and they have a magnifier as well that could be useful too.
Hope things go well with your contact in Tennessee that can rebuild the laser disc player for you.