# pkg install os-realtek-re
and a reboot and long hold of the reset switch did the trick. Posting this reply via new MS-A1 OPNsense router with 2.5 Gig Realtek NICs. The upload of my old OPNsense config went smoothly. Tested for 2 days before posting.
I will probably try out an MS-A2 when it is released in April timeframe.
BIG THANKS Patrick!
-Vincente