OK, I found the problem.  Should have paid attention to the console-3 
error.log.  I had made a manual installation and had taken the 
anaconda-ks.cfg that was left in /root as the basis for creating custom 
kickstart files.  That file was mode 600.  That was it.  Duh!!

Anyway, the rescue mode does crash.  The hardware is a Dell Precision and I 
was able to install it manually.  But I cannot bring the machine up with the 
rescue CD.  I can try to jot down what the screen says but I see only a 
fraction of the dump when the rescue CD exits abnormally.   If Connie or 
Troy think this is useful, I will try to do it.

Thanks for everyone's help and patience.

Ken