it has been a couple of weeks since i have been able to get back to this tractor.
as i thought i had the "no-crank" problem traced finally to the ignition switch, i concentrated on seeing what i could find out what exactly was wrong with it.
after many times taking it apart and watching it go through it's motions, i discovered the plastic housing was distorting just enough to lift the internal contactor from the 12v feed strip in the start position.
one $8.99 universal three position metal ignition switch later, and it's ALIVE !
a GIANT Tip O the Hat to member Nitrousn for walking me through the myriad of safety switches involved with this tractor and their function, which prevented me from spending big bucks for things i didn't need !
THANK YOU SIR !
MOST GREATLY APPRECIATED !