Over the years, steam locomotives were updated and improved. Some of the noticeable improvements included extended sides on the tender's coal space to increase the coal carrying capacity in 1916. In 1930, seats were installed in the cab for the fireman and brakeman, and a back was added to the engineer's seat. A mechanically operated fire door was also added to make the fireman's job easier.

Air pipes were added in 1937 for operation of a Jordan spreader. A power reverse gear was added in 1938 and the running board on the engineer's (right) side was raised to pass over it. A second ladder was added to the back of the tender's coal space in 1942 and, in 1944 the fireman's job was finally mechanized with the addition of a Standard stoker. Still later, footboards and a backing headlight were added so that the 457 could perform switching duties in the switching yard.

By late 1950 the M&St.L no longer operated steam locomotives. It was sold to the American Crystal Sugar Company in Mason City. The sugar beet plant used the 457 to switch carloads of sugar beets during the annual beet harvest season. Use of the 457 probably ended when the federally required boiler certification expired.

Exactly when the 457 was last used remains the subject of some speculation but the 'Friends' do know that in September 1959, the locomotive was moved to East Park. The Mason City Noon Rotary Club funded the relocation of the 457 and the nickname "Rotary Cannonball" was first applied.

During its working years, the 457 currently located in Mason City's East Park, moved south from Albert Lea, Minnesota, passing through Mason City and Marshalltown on the way to Oskaloosa in south central Iowa.

As far as the 'Friends of the 457' know, this is the only remaining M&StL steam locomotive of this class in existence, and on public display. One other  2-8-0 locomotive, the 471, was recently rescued with plans for restoration in St James, MN.