I hadn't thought of the lower voltage on the 74 series. I have had that 4017 circuit for several years (from at least 2012 or so, found on the internet somewhere but I now don't remember where?), so I imagine it goes back a ways. As I recall it didn't work as I found it, but I forgot what I did to get it going? Got the data sheets now, but haven't yet studied them. I think I'll start printing them out so they are handy for easy reference, then maybe some more of the info will stick.
As an aside here, I did read a book on components over the winter and it was pretty informative. But there was a lot of info to remember in there. Can't remember the title off hand, but it was a set of 3 volumes and written so I could understand most of it. Just remembering it all is a problem. It was pretty informative and covered many components.
I ordered some of the 2N7000s, got them from a US seller so I should have them next week...got a little anxious here. They were a little more, maybe a little over 10 cents or so each, but the shipping was also free and much faster. While waiting, I think I'll try the BC547s following your recommendations. Maybe I will this all figured out by the time the MOSFETs arrive. Now if I could just find my 4 wire signals...
Thanks again for all your help and suggestions.
