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
Turn of the Century
Larger, more powerful steam power,
less ornate lettering
Post 1923 Reorganization
Renamed the M-K-T Railroad,
oil burners and white trim.
Late Steam Era
Matthew S Sloan brings enameled red M-K-T emblem and bright yellow cabooses.
Early Diesel Era
Bright red diesels begins
the end of the steam locomotive era.
1957 – 1962 William N. Deramus
Lean years for the
Katy bring the road to the brink.
1965 – 1970 John W. Barriger
Passenger service ends, but
financial health begins to recover.
1972 – 1988 Katy Red Retired
for Whitman green and yellow
leading to merger with Uncle Pete
1988 Brings Farewell to the Katy
Please help us preserve the memory
of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas R.R.
Katy Video and Photo Gallery
Notice to Members
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.