Hi Tom,
Thanks for the drawing. That makes sense about the high speed trigger, I thought there was something particular about the design, because when I touch the two contacts it will fire then it doesn't until it is broken again.
I've rigged the MOC3020 and unfortunately I'm still not getting it to turn over with the 5VDC pulse from the Arduino. I put an LED in line to make sure there's current going through and it does light up but the main terminals switch is not closing. I have attached a picture if you wouldn't mind taking a look. I will try some more things in the meantime.
Thanks!