The green paint was a takeoff on Russia Iron boiler jacketing. Russia Iron was various colors depending upon the mineral content and there were some that were green or gray-green. K-27s were painted black with gold lettering in 1903 at Baldwin and never had any planished jacketing. Green paint was randomly applied to NG and SG locos - seems to have been a local option. I heard years back that Salida shops were partial to green but have no actual confirmation.
Dennis O'Berry
North County Narrow Guage
Dennis O'Berry
North County Narrow Guage