By the early 1950s, the focus at KCS (as with other railroads) had shifted from marketing to operating ratios and cost cutting measures. Economy was the norm; the classy locomotive attire once worn by the railroad's first generation motive power gave way to different single-color schemes with simplified trim. Perhaps the most notable of the economy schemes arrived in 1966 concurrent with the delivery of KCS's first second-generation locomotives. Carbodies and cabs were done in solid white, with a gold frame stripe and a large red "KCS" on the long hood. This "ghostly" attire was replaced several years later by battleship grey with gold-nose chevrons; it was the last of the economy-driven schemes, prior to KCS's retro- looking "Belle" colors of five decades earlier.

The following information comes from the May 1988 issue of The Crow, the monthly newsletter of the Kansas City Southern Historical Society, which was edited by Lowell McManus: -- NEW LOCOMOTIVE LIVERY? KCS SD40-2 652 has been repainted into the following new experimental paint scheme: The basic color is a medium gray, described by one observer as "not nearly as dark as SP's." The front of the short hood is tiled from top to bottom with yellow chevron stripes, broader than those formerly used by MoPac. The big red "KCS" lettering remains on the side of the long hood, as does the yellow stripe along the side of the frame. The trucks and fuel tank are black. The number is in red below the cab window, and the octagon herald is absent from the locomotive. The repainted unit, called The Gray Ghost by some employees, is now in regular use."

The Crow also reported in December 1988: A NEW, IMPROVED WHITE. KCSHS member Louis Marre (coauthor of Diesel Spotter's Guide Update) sends us the following astute observations on the current state of KCS color schemes: "...they are painting at a fairly steady rate, and in the current variant of the white scheme. The sharp-eyed will note that the color is changed slightly, and the painting method is much altered: now the acrylic 'pearl gray' is applied, then the red stencils, and then a clear overcoat is added, making washing much more effective. An additional carwash-type facility has been added...in Shreveport, and units are being hand washed on a regular basis at Neosho and Heavener as well. All this means that the white scheme should hold up better and look better while on the road if this whole program is followed." We have independent reports that GP38-2 4006 was painted in the experimental dark gray solely to exhaust the existing supply of the expensive gray paint. The new acrylic painting process was apparently pioneered on gray SD40-2 652, and the employees who work with it and wash it regularly in Neosho are highly impressed with its durability. The new white should be as good.

Other reference sources: Extra 2200 South (April/May/June 1991 issue) and KCS Roster (2003) compiled by F.L. (Dutch) Schultz, jr. Additional data provided by Paul F. De Luca, Steve Gerbracht, David Hawkins, Zack Hilton, Bryan Jones, and David W. Read.

The "RRpicturesarchive.net" website was especially helpful here in identifying potential photographers and related images. We extend our thanks to this valuable resource. Thanks also to Michael Richmond who was very helpful in identifying and gaining permission to use many of the above photos.

New: 30 June 2017