> 'cpin netsbsd /netbsd' after having uncompressed the kernel within MacOS
> (untar:ed it etc.).

OK.  This might be the problem here.  Are you SURE that both the MacOS
tar and the MacOS gzip were set to binary mode?

You should be able to just install the netbsd.tar.gz file the same way
that you installed base.tar.gz file.  That's the safest way.

-allen

-- 
              Allen Briggs - end killing - briggs@macbsd.com