Model Railroading > Athearn GP38-2 476 blank rear numberboards

Folks, I purchased an Athearn GP38-2, ATHG65384, #476. The rear numberboards are white without numbers. Is this a mistake from Athearn or is this an accurate representation of the prototype?  I've not found any photos to support it.

 

Gleaning what I could from photos, none showing the rear of SLSF #476, from the factory it should have had a standard rear numberboard black with white lettering. Some units appeared to have recieved replacement number boards that were white with black lettering, but the black lettering didn't appear to last leaving several units with blank number boards on the rear. It's a situation that wouldn't be allowed to presist on the forward number boards, but apparently tolerated on the rear.

https://www.condrenrails.com/Frisco/Frisco%20Diesels/EMD-GP38-2s.htm

Ted Curphey
Ontario, OR

If you scroll down far enough on the site Ted provided there are units without rear number boards, solid black and solid white number boards. Im going to say its probably intentional.

Thanks guys for the info and pic references!

Carl