Need advice on first color resto-zenith

[DaveWM]

I generally pull both the HOT and the VOT for the 1st power up. I have not heard about the VOT but figured same deal, its not going to osc at reduce voltage, so why stress the vert out trans.

With both those tubes out powr up slow while monitoring the B+ voltage and current.

If this all passes and the filter caps stay cool, then you pop the HOT and the VOT back in. do a power up again checking the B+ and current, and the cathode current of the HOT now that its in the circuit.

It sound like a bit much but better than taking a chance.

Like the other poster said the HOT in and the Horz osc out wil for sure cause an issue since the HOT relies on the horz osc for bias, with out it the the tube will red plate very quickly. this is why I like the fuse on the HOT cathode, just in case the horz osc quits for what ever reason (burns out, open screen, anything).