Hi,
I also love the black locomotive. However, it seems that most locomotives that I am familiar with were black and graphite with red roofs and tender tops and usually yellow (but sometimes white) trim on the edges of the steps, tender frame, boiler walks, and lettering.
But hey, I was born in 1955 and sat at the TV watching Shinning Time Station with the Blue Loco in the 1990's. I guess I love steamers whatever the color. The biggest thing I can not get past are foreign locos with all the buffers and non-American items on them. They just do not "feel" right somehow. About the only foreign locos I get really awed over are the Garrets.
Paint the steamers any color, operate them and I'll visit.
Doug vV