Hi Tom,

The Icom R-75 and the Kenwood TS-440 (transceiver) both work well on LF.
I've used the latter rig since 2005 and have been very pleased with it, having
logged a few European and UK stations.  Antenna wise, the longer and the
higher the better, with inverted Ls working well IF MATCHED to the receiver.
A big loop like VE7SL's as seen here works great:

http://members.shaw.ca/ve7sl/loop.html

Another popular antenna is the PA0RDT mini-whip, which is an E-probe of 
sorts, as shown at this site:

http://www.radiopassioni.it/pdf/pa0rdt-Mini-Whip.PDF

The most important thing is to have fun!  Welcome to the world of LF.

73, J.B., VE3EAR

LowFER Beacon "EAR"
188.830 kHz. QRSS30
EN93dr