Ex- Metra F40Cs coming to KCS

[friscobob]

From the KCS newswire:

In March, 12 F40C locomotives will be delivered to several KCSR locations as part of a nine-month lease from Helm. Helm is converting the passenger locomotives to be used as center units in freight trains with a three-unit consist. The 12 F40C units will aid KCSR and Tex Mex in handling additional volumes until 30 new SD70ACe locomotives are delivered in fourth quarter 2005.

Until recently, these diesels were used on commuter trains in the Chicago area in service for Metra. They're six-axle, 3000 HP locomotives with ribbed side panels, and are about the same size of the six-axle SDP40Fs once used by Amtrak.

So heads up Kansas City, Joplin, Shreveport, Vicksburg, Jackson, and Dallas-Ft. Worth (and all points in between)!!

[friscobob]

F40C (http://www.rr-fallenflags.org/metra/metr610abg.jpg)

Pic is from George Elwood's excellent Fallen Flags website, aand shows what the F40Cs looked like.

[BNSF FAN]

I wonder what paint scheme they will turn up in - METRA - Helm - or other???????

[friscobob]

Not sure about the paint job, but they will be carrying HLCX reporting marks.

[txronharris]

Those are cool. I'll keep an eye out for them and get a photo posted as soon as one's spotted. And also to any of you industry types out there--WHY don't we have any decent F40's in Nscale? graemlins/226.gif This would make one SWEET loco for my layout.

[friscobob]

According to sources at kcsnotes, four of these beasts are at Mid American Car in Kansas City; they have all the Metra markings painted out, but still sport the corrugated metal panels. They're still in Metra colors as well. Again, they should have HCLX reporting marks.

I wouldn't be surprised to see 'em on the road in this scheme, a la many of the FURX and CEFX rent-a-wreck engines I see on UP, BNSF and DGNO.

[chessie]

Now that's goping to be an interesting locomotive to see! How many of them were made and still exist? I don't think I have ever seen one. :confused:

Harold