A non-profit organization working to preserve steam in the central states.
The Central States Steam Preservation Association (CSSPA) is a non-profit corporation established to assume the preservation, maintenance, and operation of two Chinese-built “QJ”-class steam locomotives.
Originally imported to the United States by the Railroad Development Corporation (RDC) in 2006, the QJs have since operated special passenger trains and appeared in public exhibition on the Iowa Interstate (IAIS). The locomotives, #6988 and #7081, were among the last used in regular service, with the latter hauling the world’s last regularly scheduled mainline steam passenger train. RDC maintains ownership of the locomotives.
CSSPA is currently accepting memberships and donations to underwrite the annual maintenance and continued operation of the locomotives.
Get Involved
We are always looking for volunteers, especially those in the area of the Iowa Interstate Railroad, where CSSPA mostly operates. Fill out this form, and we will contact you with more information.
Recent Runs
Des Moines, IA
September 4-6, 2021