History of CSSPA
The QJs and the Founding of Central States steam Preservation Association
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Founding of CSSPA
A New Chapter for Steam Preservation
In 2013, the Iowa Interstate Railroad chose to sunset its steam program, meaning that for the QJs to run again, they would need the care of another organization. To fill this need, CSSPA was incorporated as a non-profit in the state of Iowa on August 6, 2014 by a group of
volunteers. These individuals had come from all over the USA to help maintain and operate two Chinese-built QJ Class locomotives (#6988 and #7081) for IAIS during the time of its steam program. They chose to create CSSPA and continue the legacy.
Impact of the QJs in the Central States
The QJs (#6988 and #7081) were brought to the United States by the Railroad Development Corporation (RDC) in 2006. Since their arrival, they have operated special passenger trains and appeared in public exhibition on the Iowa Interstate (IAIS). These two QJ Class locomotives were among the last used in regular service, with #7081 hauling the world's last regularly scheduled mainline steam passenger train. Although CSSPA maintains and operates the locomotives, RDC maintains ownership.
The QJs (#6988 and #7081) were brought to the United States by the Railroad Development Corporation (RDC) in 2006. Since their arrival, they have operated special passenger trains and appeared in public exhibition on the Iowa Interstate (IAIS). These two QJ Class locomotives were among the last used in regular service, with #7081 hauling the world's last regularly scheduled mainline steam passenger train. Although CSSPA maintains and operates the locomotives, RDC maintains ownership.
When the locomotives first arrived in the United States, IAIS used them at community events in towns served by the railroad. In fall of 2013, however, IAIS decided that the steam program would not continue, mainly over the concern with liability and insurance problems associated with using volunteers (rather than employees) for a program operated by the railroad itself. At this point, the locomotives went into storage, and their fate became uncertain.
Considering how much goodwill and community relationships the steam engines had helped create for IAIS in the seven years they had been in the United States, and the likelihood the locomotives would never operate again or leave the region, the volunteers, in concert with IAIS, decided to form a non-profit organization: CSSPA. The purpose of this organization would be to operate and maintain the locomotives separate from the IAIS to alleviate the liability and insurance concerns. CSSPA's mission: to keep steam alive in the central states and educate the public about steam and rail safety. This mission also led to a partnership with Operation Lifesaver.
The Future of CSSPA
#6988 completed its final run on October 23, 2021, prior to its FRA-required 1472 inspection. CSSPA is now working with IAIS and RDC to define the next chapter for the QJs. Our main goal is to get at least #6988 (The Iowa Bolt) hot on the rails again.
As we move forward, CSSPA is seeking volunteers, donations, and community partners who wish to help us in our mission. Our common motivation is giving people the chance to still see, hear, and feel the awe-inspiring presence of a steam locomotive in motion. Although these engines were not "Made in the USA," they are historically relevant; having been preserved and improved upon by American volunteers. They have established their own legacy in the communities in which they've been a part of since coming to the United States.
