Looking at #576 today, the question arises, "If #576 was delivered
as a "Yellow Jacket", why then does she appear as a "Stripe"
on display in Centennial Park today?" The answer is simple
- in order to facilitate maintenance during the demands of World War II,
most (if not all) of the "Yellow Jackets" were modified.
The broad semi-streamline "Yellow Jacket" covering over the
drivers was removed, as was the solid cone over the smoke box (in favor
of a smaller one mounting the headlight). With the covering over
the drivers gone, the edge of the running board was painted in the fashion
of the "Stripes." Thus we have "Stripe" #576 today.
Two photos showing 576 hard at work. Notice that in both pictures
576 is still a Yellow Jacket. Notice a unique distinction inherent to
"NC" locomotives - the red-painted flared stack.
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