Katy (MKT)

Although officially named the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad, the line became universally known as the Katy. The nickname appeared on timetables, advertising, and railroad equipment, and today it is the term most collectors use when searching for locomotives, cabooses, freight cars, and passenger trains.

Katy model trains remain popular with hobbyists recreating Midwestern and Texas railroading, from branch lines serving small towns to busy mainline freight operations.

The streamlined Texas Special is easily the railroad's best-known passenger train and remains one of the most sought-after Katy models. Collectors also look for Katy Flyer passenger equipment, GP7 and GP38-2 locomotives, SD40-2s, F3 cab units, cabooses, and classic freight cars.

These colorful locomotives and passenger trains continue to make the Katy a standout choice for diesel-era layouts.

Katy equipment has been produced by Lionel, Atlas, Athearn, Bachmann, Broadway Limited, Walthers, Rapido, InterMountain, ScaleTrains, and Bowser. Releases include steam locomotives, diesel locomotives, freight cars, cabooses, passenger cars, and complete train sets.

If you're looking for Katy model trains for sale, our inventory may include new, pre-owned, vintage, collectible, discontinued, retired, and hard-to-find Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad models.

Whether your collection includes Texas Special passenger equipment, diesel locomotives, cabooses, or freight cars, Trainz purchases qualifying Katy collections and estate collections containing multiple pieces.

Learn how the Trainz buying process works.

Does the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad still exist?

No. The Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad became part of the Kansas City Southern corporate family through later mergers after first being acquired by Union Pacific's Missouri Pacific subsidiary. The Katy name remains extremely popular with collectors.

Why is the Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad called the Katy?

The nickname "Katy" developed from the railroad's initials, MKT, and became the railroad's best-known identity among employees, railfans, and collectors.

What are the most collectible Katy model trains?

Collectors frequently search for Texas Special passenger equipment, Katy Flyer models, GP7, GP38-2, SD40-2, and F3 locomotives, along with cabooses and freight cars lettered for the Katy.

Who makes Katy model trains?

Manufacturers including Lionel, Atlas, Athearn, Bachmann, Broadway Limited, Walthers, Rapido, InterMountain, ScaleTrains, and Bowser have produced Missouri Kansas Texas Railroad models over the years.