Question about the Rivarossi Blue Goose

Model Railroader Prototype information for the modeler
1

The Rivarossi Blue Goose has two black vertical “pipes” on either side of the front end. I’ve never seen these on other manufacturer’s version of the Blue Goose nor have I seen them in pictures of the prototype. I have one from the 1980s and these pipes are missing and it’s been so long since I ran it on a layout that I can’t even remember if I removed these or they just broke off.

If you look closely, you can see them in this picture:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Rivarossi-HO-gauge-4-6-4-Hudson-Blue-Goose-steam-Locomotive-and-Tender-NIB-/172404553574?hash=item28241cb766:g:QeEAAOSwnbZYJJhK

Does anyone know what these are supposed to represent and what purpose they served?

Edit: Sorry. I’ve forgotten how to do clickable links.

2

My GUESS is that they’re for supporting flags.

Ed

3

If your talking about the two black “pipes”, one either side of the pilot, those are called “flag stanchions”.

PM Railfan