Ren,
I found such a triggering way:
http://www.emuprim.lv/bildez/thumbs/...de-trigger.gif

I am not really sure how it works and what diode parameters are affecting the voltage at which the SCR triggers. Maybe someone can explain?

Anyway, if we decide to use this triggering method, then I figured that we could use such a circuit:


This is if we want to use a separate recovery coil. But then I found Ricks original circuit which in simplified view is something like this:



This way we do not have to use a separate recovery winding, this gives more space for more power windings which is good. You can see that the primary battery negative terminal is connected to capacitor negative terminal and the cap ir pulsed on the negative recovery battery lead. This new triggering way has intrigued me, I will try to replicate this. It is said that capacitor value should be at least 300V and the SCR must be rated for 800V 5A or something like this. Also with the basic fan mod I found out that this circuit does not act exactly like a simple SSG monopole. I suggest to use a high wattage 1K pot on the base, because I burned manu of 1/4W pots with the basic circuit. Also the 2W resistors are getting quite hot. So, Ash, I would be glad if you tried this out. I will also do this and then we can compare the results