KCS ALCO Rs-1 paint scheme question

**stefano** · May 2nd, 2011, 12:57 AM

Hi
I have just add a model of the ALCO RS_1 road switcher of the Kansas city Southern.
This loco has an overall red paint scheme
I cannot find much informations around so i would please like to know if anybody can tell me when was this particoular paint scheme used?
thanks very much for your reply
stefano

**BarstowRick** · May 2nd, 2011, 01:25 AM

This is going to be a bit more difficult to find.

Here's a good search start: The KCS Historical Society's Web Site

And one other:KCS - Kansas City Southern Locomotive Roster - Railroad Picture Archives.NET

At this point I'm not sure KCS had any RS's.

**stefano** · May 2nd, 2011, 02:31 AM

HI Barstowrick
thanks again for the links
unfortunately in the roster there is no such RS-1 loco 1112 so it will be difficoult to know for what time period the overall red paint scheme of the KCS is representative
stefano

**BarstowRick** · May 2nd, 2011, 04:12 AM

Interestingly, the makers and providers of Model Railroad equipment...ok...toys are providing a high number of fictitious or fantasy train engines, freight cars and passenger cars. There was a time when the market aka buyers synonymous with model railroaders, preferred only prototype equipment. What's changed is Toy train enthusiast's have joined the ranks of model railroaders, demanding the fantasy paint schemes. So, a work of caution is appropriate here and if you side with prototype, we will need to do our home work. Research, search and research some more. Fun Eh?

**stefano** · May 2nd, 2011, 03:34 PM

Hi
I would very much like to know when was the overall red livery was introduced for KCS locomotive
I have a model of the ALCO RS-1 loco switcher in red paint scheme that needs to be given a time period
thanks for your effort
stefano

**friscobob** · May 2nd, 2011, 03:43 PM

Rick and Stefano- yes indeed, the KCS did have RS1s. According to my copy of Lynch and Caileff's book "Kansas City Southern-Route of the Southern Belle", four RS1s were built in December 1943 for the KCS, lettered 1110-1113 and delivered in an all-black paint scheme. I have seen a picture of at least one of these units, the 1112, in an all-red scheme. There was also a KCS herald on the cab sides, with "KANSAS CITY SOUTHERN" spelled out on the long hood. This red scheme (the so-called "Deramus scheme") came out sometime after 1961, when William Deramus III became president of the railroad.

So, most likely you may have a realistic paint scheme.

If I had a picture of this model to look at & compare to the prototype photo I have from the book, I could definitely tell you yes or no.

Hope this helps.

**stefano** · May 2nd, 2011, 03:47 PM

Hi Friscobob and Barstowrick
thanks for your comments
Do you have a vague idea of that time period this ALCO RS-1 unit 1112 was seen in the RED overall livery?
thanks again
stefano