Katy Railroad Historical Society

Official Website for Fans of the Katy Railroad

Our History and Mission Statement

The Katy Railroad Historical Society, a non profit organization, was formed in Parsons, Kansas, on October 1, 1977 with a nucleus of 43 charter members. The purpose of the society is to bring together in close association those persons who have a common interest in the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, known to many as the Katy. To increase the enjoyment of their interest through appropriate activities. These include; group trips to points on the railroad, photographic excursions, photo, slide, and video shows, meetings, discussions, and other undertakings of a fundamentally social nature. The encouragement of members to contribute, as they are able to the collection, compilation and publication of interesting data pertaining to the Katy, including preservation of such information for future reference. The increase of knowledge of and fostering of goodwill towards the M-K-T Railroad among members and the general public. The promotion of good fellowship among the members through ethical social functions found to be beneficial, educational, and morally wholesome to those interested in the Katy Railroad.

Major Eras of the Katy Railroad

Early Steam Era

Mostly 4-4-0, 2-8-0 Wood burners,
gold leaf lettering and brass trim

Marie Turney Collection
Red River Railroad Museum Archives

Turn of the Century

Larger, more powerful steam power,
less ornate lettering

Edward Briggs Collection
Red River Railroad Museum Archives

Post 1923 Reorganization

Renamed the M-K-T Railroad,
oil burners and white trim.

Edward Briggs Collection
Red River Railroad Museum Archives

Late Steam Era

Matthew S Sloan brings enameled red M-K-T emblem and bright yellow cabooses.

J. J. Siller Photograph
Red River Railroad Museum Archives

Early Diesel Era

Bright red diesels begins
the end of the steam locomotive era.

Robert S. Plummer Photograph
2012 KRHS, Katy Lines Calendar

1957 – 1962 William N. Deramus

Lean years for the
Katy bring the road to the brink.

Robert S. Plummer Photograph September 2019 KRHS Katy Flyer

1965 – 1970 John W. Barriger

Passenger service ends, but
financial health begins to recover.

International Car Company caboose
John B. Charles photograph

1972 – 1988 Katy Red Retired

for Whitman green and yellow
leading to merger with Uncle Pete

M-K-T built local service caboose
Raymond B. George Collection

1988 Brings Farewell to the Katy

Please help us preserve the memory
of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas R.R.

Union Pacific Heritage Locomotive
Courtesy U.P. Company Website

Katy Video and Photo Gallery

Notice to Members

The Katy Flyer on the Red River bridge at RedTex, OK in 1957 Red River Railroad Museum Archives, Robert.S. Plummer Photograph

2024 KRHS CONVENTION

April 25 – April 28, 2024
St. Louis, Missouri

The KRHS’ 2024 annual convention includes Katy Railroad photo and modeling seminars as well as yard tours by charter bus. Headquarters is the Hampton Inn & Suites – Clayton/St. Louis 215 Meramec Ave.; Clayton, MO located in the business district of suburban Clayton, Missouri. For room reservations call the Hampton Inn directly at 314-727-0700 or 800-774-1500. Ask for the KRHS convention’s special room rate, Group Code KRH. Please note the Guest Registration Cut-off date is April 4, 2024. Activities will include our traditional annual banquet held this year at the St. Louis National Museum of Transportation, with entry to us at no extra charge. Noted historian Donovan L. Hofsommer, author of the 1976 book KATY Northwest: The Story of a Branch Line Railroad, will be our featured banquet guest speaker. Registration and tour information will be published in the December Katy Flyer quarterly bulletin and online. 

Email questions to krhsinfo@katyrailroad.org.