http://www.mexlist.com/temp/sd70ace.jpg This is an artist's concept of a proposed new paint scheme on the ES44ACs being painted in Mexico for KCSM (Kansas City Southern de Mexico). From posts I've read in the KCSNotes group, the chances of seeing this scheme may be good.
Here's a URL to a pic of several new ES44ACs KCSdeM is getting: http://n691lf.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=594934 Yes, they're in primer colors, but they'll be painted in the so-called "retro-Belle" scheme. Lettering on the sides will be "Kansas City Southern de Mexico" (KCSdeM is the new name of the TFM line KCS purchased).
Are they being painted by WSOR in Horicon? WSOR did a marvelous job on the UP heritage schemes, and I'd love to be able to see these new units in my neck of the woods before they head south.
No one seems to have definitive information regarding the paint shop, but the rumors are that they will be painted in Mexico.
Everything I've read indicates that these units will be painted in Mexico (San Luis Potosi was a site mentioned).
"Borg envy"? Hey, at least KCS freights actually spend a lot of time running, unlike Unlimited Parking trains.............
I meant Borg envy, in that they are bringing back "Heritage schemes" (for one reason or another). Harold
I can't wait to see these running on the old "Macaroni" between Rosenberg and Victoria after KCS finishes rebuilding it. I keep hoping BNSF will bring back the Warbonnet.
Gotcha now- actually, I was pulling your leg on the UP crack (which is based in truth). Not sure why, since this railroad was conservative with its paint schemes (red w/black roof, all-white, and gray with yellow striping), they would come out with something so flashy. But then again, the Panamanian operation has F40s painted in Southern Belle colors, IIRC. And before anyone reminds me about the variations on the Belle colors on the F-units, I've seen the pics- actually have a few in my collection. ALso, Haverty was the guy who helped bring the silver & red Warbonnet back to Santa Fe...............so perhaps this is also his idea.
Could be that KCS found that they could get this paint job done as cheap in Mexico as the gray scheme here in the US. Would make good business sense to go flahy if you could do it at a reasonable price. No matter the reason, these units sould really be a site to see. As for the Unlimited Parking comment, that is just too funny!!!! LOL
Unless they venture north of the Rio Grande like the gray TFM diesels, we'll never see 'em Stateside. Still, the concept of a quartet of GEVOs running up Rich Mountain in the summer is rather exciting.........
I guess that I would expect them to be found NOB just like any other old KCSM power. But I'm looking forward to seeing them down here. Regards Ed
Well I read on another list today that on the new SD 70 ACE or what ever they are getting that they will be in the old KCS colors similar to the F units where restored a few yrs back. Then that post also stated that all locos when repainted would be put in that scheme as well. It is the black red and yellow. But I am not sure if this info is rumor or fact. Just take a look at the FEC and that ARR look a like scheme they have now on their new SD70's.
I'd love to see them go to the older black scheme. Classy! Hope it's not just a rumor. :thumbs_up: :teeth: Boxcab E50
Nothing yet. The Mexican rail forums are all abuzz waiting too. There have been several of the locomotives in primer already seen south of the border, but no definite word yet on where or when the painting will occur. Ed
If primer units are already being spotted, let's hope that the time for painting is close at hand. Hopefully, KCS will issue some sort of press release prior to the first unit being completed.
Actually, that black on the F-units and pass. cars was Brunswick green, which is so dark that at first glance it looks black. I'm referring to the old scheme- I'm not sure if the dark color on the "executive" Fs is black or Brunswick green. Those Big Aces should be arriving on the property around fall or later this year. And here I was accustomed to "ghosts" on Rich Mountain all this time, followed by gray................
