Hi Mr. Markoff,
Thanks for being understanding. If only we had a time machine and high-quality cameras with us, we could figure out how everything actually looked... just another dream. It would be interesting to find out whether or not specific workmen employed by Baldwin in the paint department developed the lettering styles to suit their own tastes.
Don't worry about problems with understanding tech, we all experience that. Heck, I'm a college student, and I don't even know half of what I'm doing with these new-fangled machines.
Thanks for your offer of digital pictures of the "EUREKA" name and 4 on the sand domes. Mr. Todd Hackett previously posted excellent pictures of the 4, but I always welcome new shots.
This is the first I have heard of Eureka having a numeral on the rear of the tender tank. Was this original to the engine? I wouldn't consider it blasphemy at all if it weren't original; I think it would look beautiful. I know that Sonoma has only the numeral on the rear of the tender tank, without the oval of fire red and white stripes. Glenbrook has such an oval, but no lettering or numerals at all on the tender. Seems like Eureka is a hybrid of those two! I eagerly await anyone posting a picture of this new detail.
Best wishes,
Eric