Got word from the KCSnotes group that KCS is embarking on a locomotive numbering scheme to get all the diesels in KCS, TexMex, and KCSdeM into numbers reflecting their horsepower. I've seen pics of their SD40-3s (re-engined SD45s with 3000HP rating) in the 3100 series posted in Yahoo, so this must be a reality. For a very long time, KCS's scheme was pretty easy to follow- 400s for the GP38-2s, 600s for the SD40/SD40-2s, 4100s for GP30s, and so on. WIth the advent of new and secondhand power, plus the mergers with GAteway Western and TFM, a new scheme is necessary, but for serious diesel spotters it will get difficult tracing the ancestry of each unit.
From the few photos I've seen, it appears to be just a renumbering. The ex-TFM (now KCSdeM) locos, which have sported the KCS gray, but with TFM letters, will now have KCS in the standard large red letters, followed by a smaller black "de Mexico". Regards Ed
Is this a renumber? I doubt it is 4600 hp http://hhodnett.rrpicturearchives.net/showPicture.aspx?id=376264 Harold
Looks like it's been recently renumbered. I'll guess it's like a 3000-hp engine in the 3100 series: common horsepower ratings fill up their number series quickly.