Treasures at the MOT - May 2008
By Fred Blank

#311 - Missouri-Kansas-Texas (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. It was also converted to burn oil. Number 311 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 ½" 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 at the museum. This exhibit 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.

Did You Realize: The C-47A Transport Plane, after having its wings removed, was transported to the Museum by helicopter?

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