When the Katy started building in 1870 the early engines were typical for the time period. Wood burning 4-4-0 American types with many 2-6-0 Moguls appearing a few years later. Photos appear to show a polished boiler jacket, probably Russian Iron green with a dark graphite smoke box and glossy black cab, pilot and tender. Lettering during this period appeared to be fancy script with bordering in gold leaf.

The December 1989 issue of the Katy Flyer featured an article by Ray George titled, The Offical Guide To Painting Katy Locomotives, Circa 1945. This references a Locomotive Standard Practices, Card 75 which gives a detailed list for preparing and painting of Katy steam locomotives during the period when all tenders displayed the M-K-T herald. The following is a portion of the article plus information on painting details from early eras.

This standard lists a issue date of 1928 with reissues in 1940, 1943 and 1946. The issue date may have been when the M-K-T herald first appeared on the tender sides though it is still being researched. After the early years all lettering and numbers appear to be white. The company name, M. K. & T. is painted on the cab sides with large engine numbers on the tender sides. Later this changed to M-K-T after the 1923 reorganization. Some engines based south of the Red River in Texas were lettered M-K-T of Texas due to a state law requiring railroads operating in the state to be headquarted in Texas.

Although the exact date is still unknown, the large and distinctive color emblem of the M-K-T Lines appear on the tender sides of passenger engines in photograhs beginning in the 1930's. The engine number is moved to the cab sides with the wheels and running boards edges trimmed with white paint. All steam engines, freight and switchers would recieve the famous Katy herald beginning with mikados 861 and 857, around 1939. Photographs show a bright silver graphite smoke box door, smokebox and stack on most engines with the M-K-T herald. The same bright graphite also appears on the exposed surfaces of the backhead, wrapper and throat sheet. Many engines before this period appear to have dark silver graphite applied to the same areas firebox areas listed above.

Please doubleclick a photo for a larger and complete view of the photograh with credits. Most photograhs are from my collection, the photographer should be listed on the photo if known. This page will show examples of Katy engines and equipment from different eras. Mainly M.O.W equipment is on the page now, more will be added as time permits. After viewing the photo please use your the back button on your browser to return to the menu page.

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