65 Ton 2 Bay Hoppers

The NYC rebuilt many of their 55 ton USRA 2 bay hoppers into 65 ton versions with higher sides. On these hoppers, the center rib was painted either white or yellow, does anyone have any idea what the difference was that the white or yellow marked, also has anyone ever tried to kitbash or scratchbuild one of these, I heve seen one of that Mark Vaughan did from a Stewart Hopper which he said was not totally accurate. He also make some nice decal for this type hopper. Below is a link to a picture on George Elwood's site that shows an example of the cars with the center rib stripe, albeit faded.

http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/nyc/toc830472.jpg

Mike Fleming
Bartlett, Tn