I eventually got the system running by doing a `reset' in the ALOM controller and letting it reboot after the initial installation. `reset-all' at the OBP prompt didn't work. It then runs OK with the released 2.6.8 or 2.6.11 kernels with networking on the extra hme interface I added in lieu of a working tg3 driver. [This has been discussed on the sparc list. The finger is currently being pointed at silo.]