Hey, PMK,
This be Crazy Yank. In answer to your question about having a 555 circuit handy, yes.
You can find a copy of it on Clive Lawford's site which is, 44 ft motor life boats. This is the easiest way I know how to get it to you. I redrew it from a Forrest Mimms book on "Getting started in electronics" from Archer electronics back in the late '70's, early '80's and Clive published it under "Lynn's Modeling Tips", who happens to be me. Thanks for the follow up. One of these days I'll try working up the circuit in real time again. I had to have soldered something wrong or have a faulty 555 chip or two. They say the third time is a charm,
Crazy Yank