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.
My GUESS is that they're for supporting flags.
Ed
If your talking about the two black "pipes", one either side of the pilot, those are called "flag stanchions".
PM Railfan