FM Erie Built A Unit KCS Version

These are N scale 3D printable files for the Fairbanks-Morse Erie Built A Unit in Kansas City Southern Railway markings — specifically modeled with road-specific details for KCS units 60A, 60C, 61A, 61C, 62A, and 62C, with decals to model the locomotives in the KCS's iconic Southern Belle passenger scheme. Designed to fit on a Kato PA frame.

The Erie Built was Fairbanks-Morse's entry into the postwar passenger locomotive market, produced between 1945 and 1949 in partnership with the General Electric Company at GE's Erie, Pennsylvania plant. Powered by FM's unique opposed-piston engine — in which two pistons share a single cylinder moving in opposite directions, eliminating the cylinder head entirely — the Erie Built offered exceptional power density in an elegant streamlined carbody with the distinctive "shark nose" profile that made it one of the most visually striking passenger locomotives of the early diesel era.

The Kansas City Southern Railway was one of the more significant Erie Built operators, taking delivery of 6 A units — the cab-equipped locomotives modeled here — along with 3 B unit boosters. Notably, unit 62B was owned by the Louisiana & Arkansas Railway, a KCS subsidiary, reflecting the close operational relationship between the two railroads on KCS's route from Kansas City through the Ozarks and the Deep South to New Orleans and Port Arthur, Texas.

The Southern Belle livery — named for the KCS's premier passenger train of the same name — was one of the most celebrated and visually stunning paint schemes in American railroad history. Featuring a dramatic combination of black, yellow, and red with elegant lettering and striping, the Southern Belle scheme gave the KCS's Erie Builts an appearance that rivaled any passenger locomotive in the country and perfectly suited the railroad's image as a proud, independent carrier serving the American South. The Southern Belle passenger train itself ran between Kansas City and New Orleans, and the Erie Builts in this striking livery were its signature motive power.

A perfect companion to the FM Erie Built B Unit also available from Out of the Box Models.

After purchase, your digital files will be available for immediate direct download from your order confirmation. These files are for Personal Use Only — if you are interested in a commercial license, please contact us.

Please allow a few weeks for 3D printing and shipping. Decals are shipped separately — please allow some additional time for decal printing and shipping after ordering.