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New KCS / KCSM paint scheme - first photos

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Posted by coborn35 on Thursday, March 22, 2007 5:06 PM
 Harry_Runyon wrote:

 coborn35 wrote:
Trust me buddy, Im the last person you need to tell that to. 

Oh?  You work for a major Class I do you? 

Which one?

Im sorry, but I fail to see where I mentioned that I worked for a Class 1 Railroad Company? Can you enlighten me? 

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 22, 2007 5:05 PM

 Nescopeck Tower PRR wrote:
No replies are required from the negative viewers such as zugmann!! 

You need to reread my recent post above.

Let it go already or don't post! 

 

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Posted by coborn35 on Thursday, March 22, 2007 5:05 PM
 zugmann wrote:

So,

 

The KCS hired Mexican mormons to paint their engines? 

What does this thread have to do with Mexicans of a certain religious denomination painting an engine.....?

Judging by your post, I could say, " Oh, BNSF painted their engines....Must have been done by some white catholics"

Was your post just some random shoot-off, or is there something I missed? 

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Posted by coborn35 on Thursday, March 22, 2007 5:02 PM

Well it looks like the DMIR finally got part of the action!

www.railpictures.net/viewphoto.php?id=180348

 

Mechanical Department  "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."

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Posted by coborn35 on Thursday, March 22, 2007 5:00 PM

Can we all just be mature, swallow our pride, (or choke it down) and STOP ARGUING? Why must everytime someone posts an opinion we all argue over how their opinion is wrong.

Could I really give a flying frick how KCS paints their engines? NO! Why? Because I dont ship with KCS and they dont operate near me. Do I like it? It is kind of catchy, but I think it would look better on E's and F's. Thats my opinion, so why do you have to shoot it down?

From here on out, STOP ARGUING and start being mature.

Mechanical Department  "No no that's fine shove that 20 pound set all around the yard... those shoes aren't hell and a half to change..."

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Posted by Nescopeck Tower PRR on Thursday, March 22, 2007 4:48 PM

To egmurphy.  Thank you for initially posting the photo of the new KCS paint scheme.  It's to bad there are so many negative responses to it.  It's also ahsame that some of the negative repliers can't just voice their oppinion once and let it be.  I think zugmann is just turrning most of this threads viewers OFF by trying to get the last reply in.  To those who like and understand the new scheme, Great I'm with you!  To those others, enough is enough.  No replies are required from the negative viewers such as zugmann!! 

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Thursday, March 22, 2007 4:38 PM
 zugmann wrote:

The customer doesn't care!  They just want their freight on time!  Half the time there are engines from leasing firms or other railroads.  I have yet to see a customer who cares...

Morale?  How about treating the employees as the professionals they are?  That would improve morale more than some stupid red and yellow engine.  It shows that some foamer manager cares more about how an engine looks than their employees.  All that masking adds to the cost of the paint job, which is less money for other improvements.  But hey, at least they used Mexicans... that will REALLY improve morale!

 IT IS JUST PAINT, people.  

  I'll take it, that you don't quite get where I'm coming from.  So, in fairness, perhaps it's better if I back up a little and explain.  I'm not saying that I disagree with you.  In fact, I probably agree more with your opinion than you realize.

     No, the new paint won't directly affect the profitability of a railroad, but I  don't believe this is neccesarily a black and white issue.  The locomotives need to be painted some color-right?  I guess I, personally like that KCS is doing something differently.  But, that's just me.  Now, if there was no reason at all to have a locomotive look like anything other than a pile of junk, why would the railroad paint them at all?  So, while there is a need to have the units painted, it's somewhat debateable just *how much* paint they require.  The answer to that, is as varied as the number of people that are asked the question.

     In reading your posts, some questions come to mind.  Are you saying the railroad shouldn't *waste* money on paint jobs, as it doesn't accomplish anything?  Or, are you saying that they are spending money on paint, that they should be using to raise their pay scale?  From your post, I take it you're a railroader-no?

     It would be easier to discuss this without the name calling too.Smile [:)]

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 22, 2007 4:27 PM

 JOdom wrote:
Because you're an overbearing jerk who is so insecure he can't stand it when someone disagrees with him?  YOU MADE YOUR POINT - SO SHUT UP AND QUIT TRYING TO DROWN OUT THOSE WHO DISAGREE!!!!

Your response is absolutely uncalled for on this forum!!!!

Everyone is entitled to an opinion, but certianly not in the manner in which you deliver it. 

Post professionally, or don't post at all!!!!

I think its time Bergie puts this thread to bed...for good. 

 

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Posted by SALfan on Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:41 PM
 zugmann wrote:

I don't even know why I bother.  

Because you're an overbearing jerk who is so insecure he can't stand it when someone disagrees with him?  YOU MADE YOUR POINT - SO SHUT UP AND QUIT TRYING TO DROWN OUT THOSE WHO DISAGREE!!!!

I understand perfectly well that a shiny paint job makes no difference to whether or not the freight gets delivered on time or whether the employees are comfortable while working.  Still, I like the new paint scheme because it reminds me of an earlier time and it shows me that KCS wants to stand out.  Best of all, it replaces that blah gray dip job that makes it look like KCS is ashamed to be a railroad.

If you don't like the new paint, fine, it's a free country.  It's KCS's money, they can spend it however they want, and apparently they think it's worthwhile to spend a few bucks on paint.  Deal with it.

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Posted by Harbinger on Thursday, March 22, 2007 3:17 PM
Good point Erie.  It sounds like politics.  Those who fancy themselves as old bulls look down upon the uninitiated masses.  The zealous look down on those infidels of us who dont eat sleep and breath the hobby.  The rest of us get irritated at the individuals who take themselves way too seriously.
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Posted by Erie Lackawanna on Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:49 PM
I read this on another forum, but I think it applies here. Our hobby is the only one I'm aware of in which we have disdain for each other for having the same hobby we share.
Charles Freericks
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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:40 PM

So,

 

The KCS hired Mexican mormons to paint their engines? 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Harbinger on Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:37 PM
 zugmann wrote:

You're a foamer if you think that paint will make a railroad better at serving its customers. 

If you only pick someone based on appearances, you are in for a world of trouble.  You want a mechanic that isn't greasy?  Go to one of those 10 minute oil change places.  I'm sure their mechanics have clean shirts.  Sure, they will forget to put your oil plug back in, but at least their shirt is clean!  

Is I mentioned...people intentionally missing the point... SoapBox [soapbox]  Take the hearing protection off and listen for a few mins.  Appearance can be used as an indicator of some particular trait.  I dont answer the door if I see young males in black pants, white shirts and black ties with bicycles parked nearby since I dont want to join the Mormon church.  If I hire a carpenter, I will expect to see weatherbeaten features and calloused hands.  Time permitting, I will do more research than this topical inspection, but until then, this is all I have to go on.

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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:30 PM

Not if you keep everything in perspective. 

 Some people are trying to tell us that a new paint scheme will encourage more customers.  Please. 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Willy2 on Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:27 PM
 zugmann wrote:

You're a foamer if you think that paint will make a railroad better at serving its customers. 

I don't even know why I bother. Yes, I do.. it is fun. You buffies get so worked up over something as silly as paint, and miss the big picture.  It is amusing. 

So, I'm a foamer if I like the paint scheme? Even though I stay a respectful distance from the trains, don't trespass, and try my very hardest not to give the railroad employees any problem, I'm still a foamer? Even though I don't stand around acting like an insane person when a special paint scheme or train comes by, I'm still a foamer?

I think there are worse people than me out there.

Willy

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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:16 PM

You're a foamer if you think that paint will make a railroad better at serving its customers. 

I don't even know why I bother. Yes, I do.. it is fun. You buffies get so worked up over something as silly as paint, and miss the big picture.  It is amusing. 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Harbinger on Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:13 PM

Dont take it personally Murphy.  There seems to be a perponderance of people who apparently work hard at missing other people's points.  Also, if they dont agree with you, you are automatically a "foamer", btw.  I have yet to see somebody actually define what "foaming" entails.  Oh well.

You make a good point though.  Until information on reputation and performance can be gathered, appearance is just about all you can go on for picking an employee (or vendor).  Obviously, appearances can be decieving, but thats part of business.  You pay your money and take your chances.

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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:05 PM

The customer doesn't care!  They just want their freight on time!  Half the time there are engines from leasing firms or other railroads.  I have yet to see a customer who cares...

Morale?  How about treating the employees as the professionals they are?  That would improve morale more than some stupid red and yellow engine.  It shows that some foamer manager cares more about how an engine looks than their employees.  All that masking adds to the cost of the paint job, which is less money for other improvements.  But hey, at least they used Mexicans... that will REALLY improve morale!

 IT IS JUST PAINT, people.  

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by oltmannd on Thursday, March 22, 2007 2:03 PM

Is image worth nothing to a RR?  Obviously not.  Why else would RRs even bother having one?  Why else would even stogy-old NS put out a calendar that is 100% pictures of trains?  (all taken by employees, too!)  Why have even a logo on the corporate web page, much less pictures of your locomotives? 

Don't kid yourself.  A nice looking paint job and some good housekeeping are good for business and company morale.  If they weren't - no capitalist would bother with either.

FWIW, I like the new KCS scheme. 

Also, FWIW, I used to work for CR, but I never thought the paint scheme was all that hot.  IMHO, the blue color was nice, but it screamed "cheap" to me. (It WAS cheap, too.  Paint the trucks black.  Sand, prime, wash and shoot everything else blue. Roller black on the walkways.  Lettering and logo were all peel and stick Scotchcal) 

It lacked a good nose logo and needed something to break up all that blue.  Perhaps a black roof with some white striping would have helped.  It improved with the application of the white sill stripe, but then went downhill with the "Quality" paint job.

-Don (Random stuff, mostly about trains - what else? http://blerfblog.blogspot.com/

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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:46 PM

Since we all know paint is what makes a railroad....  Banged Head [banghead]

The part that makes me laugh is how everyone will be falling over themselves for photos of this engine, and in a few years, they’ll be falling over themselves for photos of the last remaining KCS grey engines.    

 Willy2 wrote:

Good job, Ed Blysard! It's nice to see that someone in this world still has a little sense.

Oh, by the way, I like the new KCS paint scheme. Hopefully I'll be able to see it in person at some point or another.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Willy2 on Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:43 PM

Good job, Ed Blysard! It's nice to see that someone in this world still has a little sense.

Oh, by the way, I like the new KCS paint scheme. Hopefully I'll be able to see it in person at some point or another.

Willy

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:32 PM
 zugmann wrote:

I'm still looking for a customer that refuses service due to dirty and ugly engines...

 Maybe it happens in Foamtopia?

 

 

I saw some Foamtopians along the ROW once...it was scary.

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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:27 PM

I'm still looking for a customer that refuses service due to dirty and ugly engines...

 Maybe it happens in Foamtopia?

 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Murphy Siding on Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:23 PM
 Harry_Runyon wrote:
 Murphy Siding wrote:
 zugmann wrote:

As a railroader, I could care less about what the engine looks like on the outside.  I'd rather have something that is nice and roomy on the inside and in decent mechanical shape.  They all look the same at night, anyhow.  

   If a man showed up to shingle my house, and he looked like he just slept one off under a bridge, I think I'd probably look for a different roofer.  Granted,he might be a darn fine roofer, but that's not the image he's showing the public.  Maybe he couldn't  care less about what he looks like on the outside.

With your "standards", the entire interior of your house is now probably ruined while you continue to look for a "clean" roofer.

Laugh [(-D]   Apparantly, you didn't get the analogy.  Did I also mention that I'm over 12 years old?Tongue [:P]

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Posted by Anonymous on Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:21 PM
 Murphy Siding wrote:
 zugmann wrote:

As a railroader, I could care less about what the engine looks like on the outside.  I'd rather have something that is nice and roomy on the inside and in decent mechanical shape.  They all look the same at night, anyhow.  

   If a man showed up to shingle my house, and he looked like he just slept one off under a bridge, I think I'd probably look for a different roofer.  Granted,he might be a darn fine roofer, but that's not the image he's showing the public.  Maybe he couldn't  care less about what he looks like on the outside.

With your "standards", the entire interior of your house is now probably ruined while you continue to look for a "clean" roofer.

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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:14 PM

 Murphy Siding wrote:
  If a man showed up to shingle my house, and he looked like he just slept one off under a bridge, I think I'd probably look for a different roofer.  Granted,he might be a darn fine roofer, but that's not the image he's showing the public.  Maybe he couldn't  care less about what he looks like on the outside.

 Have you ever seen a customer refuse to let a railraod take its cars because they had a rustbucket engine????   I don't think so, Tim.

Sure, turn away the guy because he has dirt under his nails and sweat stains on his shirt.  Those are surely not the sign of a good worker.  /sarcasm. 

 

 

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by wctransfer on Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:12 PM
I really cant agree with you about the public Ed. Most people dont even take one glance at a train unless they are trying to beat it across the crossing. Zugmann is right, who really cares what the public thinks, most of them dont know the front of a train from the back so the paint wont make ANY difference in sales or PR. If they run a good railroad (for the customers, not for Bill and Jill across the tracks) than they will be successful. I have nothing against your statement about taking pride, but the KCS already does that with their current roster of grey locomotives.

Alec
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Posted by Murphy Siding on Thursday, March 22, 2007 1:08 PM
 zugmann wrote:

As a railroader, I could care less about what the engine looks like on the outside.  I'd rather have something that is nice and roomy on the inside and in decent mechanical shape.  They all look the same at night, anyhow.  

   If a man showed up to shingle my house, and he looked like he just slept one off under a bridge, I think I'd probably look for a different roofer.  Granted,he might be a darn fine roofer, but that's not the image he's showing the public.  Maybe he couldn't  care less about what he looks like on the outside.

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Posted by zugmann on Thursday, March 22, 2007 12:26 PM

I don't think UPS cares about the color of the engine when their train is 24 hours late! Providing good and timely service is the best thing they can do to enhance their image to their customers.  The only public exposures railroads will get is when they smoosh a car at a crossing or derail another 50 propane cars.  Pretty paint isn’t going to save you at either place.  With whistle bans, NIMBYs, and terrorism, I'd rather the railroads operate under the public's radar. 

As a railroader, I could care less about what the engine looks like on the outside.  I'd rather have something that is nice and roomy on the inside and in decent mechanical shape.  They all look the same at night, anyhow.  

PS. >> As far as the Mexican vs. Canadian comment... there doesn't seem to be an outpouring of Canadians sneaking to the US and draining our resources.  

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

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Posted by Chris30 on Thursday, March 22, 2007 11:13 AM

Well said... and to jump on the wagon, I've always had the idea that freshly painted and clean engines give off a positive appearance to the railroads customers and general public as to how a railroad runs.

CC

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