I discovered something rather odd while working on this chassis. Although it's stamped TS-18, it differs in a few ways.
Here it is next to a "normal" TS-18 (on the right) that is dated just four weeks earlier.
Notice the 7VT3 chassis has more holes stamped in it and there are parts sticking out along the IF strip.
Here's a closer look at the IF area. This trimmer cap is not shown in any service info I can find for either the TS-18 or T-18A. No trimmer cap on the TS-18A either.
That could make an alignment a bit tricky. I'll trace out the circuit and post my findings later.
Finally, here it is next to a TS-18A chassis dated about 8 weeks later.
Notice it's not copper plated and the chassis punchouts are identical, but the horizontal tranny is mounted on the outside like it is on all TS-18As.
My conclusion is that I have some sort of proto TS-18A version. I seem to have a knack for finding odd Motorola 7" variations !