National Museum of Transportation near Kirkwood in St. Louis County, Missouri — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)
Missouri-Kansas-Texas #311
(Katy)
| — | 1890 & 1923 | — |
The Baldwin Locomotive Works built this 4-4-0 (American Standard) type locomotive. It was extensively rebuilt by the railroad, getting a new boiler, new steam chests with piston valves, a steel cab, and a new tender, and it was converted to burn oil. It virtually became a new locomotive, using only the frame and a few other parts of the 1890 original. It now has 18" x 24" cylinders and 69" drivers. It is 58' 11 1/2" long and its weight in working order is 225,800 lbs. In 1945 it was reconditioned to power the "Katy Flyer," which is the train seen behind it. This exhibition train toured the M-K-T system to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the line's "winning the West," by beating all rail competition to the northern border of Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. It was donated by the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and arrived on Sept. 25, 1952. It is the only preserved Katy steam locomotive.
Erected by National Museum of Transportation.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical year for this entry is 1890.
Location. 38° 34.221′ N, 90° 27.83′ W. Marker is
this page online
Regionally, this marker is in Greater St. Louis. It is also in the American Midwest, in the Lewis & Clark Corridor, in the Corn Belt, and in the Great River Road Region. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Viceroyalty of New France, the territory of the Mississippian Culture, the Louisiana Purchase, and the Antebellum South.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Boston & Albany #39 "Marmora" (here, next to this marker); Pennsylvania #4700 (a few steps from this marker); Brooklyn Rapid Transit #1365 (a few steps from this marker); The "Katy Flyer" (within shouting distance of this marker); West Barretts Tunnel
Photographed by Garrett Koch, November 14, 2025
3. Missouri-Kansas-Texas #311 Marker - full broadside view showing renovation
Photographed by Garrett Koch, November 14, 2026
4. Missouri-Kansas-Texas #311 Marker - alternate view of front of engine
Photographed by Garrett Koch, November 14, 2026
5. Missouri-Kansas-Texas #311 Marker - view of MKT tender
Credits. This page was last revised on September 15, 2026. It was originally submitted on April 28, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. This page has been viewed 328 times since then and 43 times this year. Last updated on September 4, 2026, by Garrett Koch of Saint Louis, Missouri. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 28, 2019, by Devry Becker Jones of Washington, District of Columbia. 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 4, 2026, by Garrett Koch of Saint Louis, Missouri.
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