Kansas City Southern forms the shortest route from its namesake city to the ports along the Gulf of Mexico. The 3,400 mile main line connects Mexico with the Midwest, which has served the railroad to great advantage as traffic has increased substantially over the last 30 years.
General Electric (GE) began deliveries in late 2018 and through 2019 to Kansas City Southern (KCS) of Tier 4 ET44AC diesel locomotives. The group included 25 units, GE builder serial numbers 65918–65942, which became Kansas City Southern 5000–5024.
This group includes the modified exhaust stack design with angled sides. This revision was made to protect the roofline on strict clearance locations. This style exhaust is common on current Evolution Series models. The units wear “Southern Belle” heritage livery and serve systemwide…
ABOVE: This view of KCS 5018, north of St. Louis on former Gateway Western rails, shows the wide radiator section with pronounced pointed roof. —Terry E. Cook photo
ABOVE: KCS 5014 is the only GE in this four-unit consist (uncommon for any road today); the rest of the power are EMD SD70ACe units. This group has 81 cars running northbound near Goodman, Mo., on September 30, 2019. —Kevin EuDaly photo
ABOVE: KCS 5013 and 5011 are southbound at Elm Street in Siloam Springs, Ark., on September 30, 2019. Wearing one of the most impressive and elaborate liveries of any Class 1 in operation today, these units are dressed in KCS’ “Southern Belle”-inspired paint scheme, which is red, yellow, and Brunswick Green. The look arrived in 1940 for the road’s “Southern Belle” service running from Kansas City to Baton Rouge, La., and was revived under Mike Haverty’s leadership in 2003. —Kevin EuDaly photo