Made in RSA ????

[dbaker48]

I attended a Rail Fest event this past weekend, while there, BNSF had a SD70 (?) on display and available for walk throughs. While I was waiting to take a picture I noticed that the journal had “Made in RSA” molded on the side. I studied it for a few moments to ensure I was not misreading it, and I wasn’t. As a matter of fact I noticed a couple of other people looking perplexed as well.

Can anyone tell me what it means?

I did a google search on “Made in RSA”, and found stuff that didn’t make sense

• Software/Internet security codes

• Made in Republic of South Africa (referring to textiles)

Sure would appreciate any light that can be shed on it.

Thanks

[tatans]

It’s the new name for the U.S.A. It stands for the Republic States of America, it was changed monday after a weekend session, didn’t you get the flyer???

[videomaker]

It’s the new name for the U.S.A. It stands for the Republic States of America, it was changed monday after a weekend session, didn’t you get the flyer???

HMMMM, I didnt get that memo either !

[dbaker48]

OK… Now you guys are SUPPOSED to be the authorities! You work with this stuff ! Have any of you seen this on any of the engines? Especially when you checking for flat tires. All us toy train guys are counting on you for some good information here.

[YoHo1975]

You mean Fullerton Railroad days? That was a GEVO, not an SD70.

[dbaker48]

Yes, Thank you for the correct identity, still curious about the “Made in RSA”

Thanks

[beaulieu]

Yes, Thank you for the correct identity, still curious about the “Made in RSA”

Thanks

Yes it means made in the “Republic of South Africa”, not the whole locomotive, just the truck side frames are cast there. Some of GE’s truck frames come from Poland too. Which ever supplier quotes the best price at the time of the order.

[al-in-chgo]

Yes, Thank you for the correct identity, still curious about the “Made in RSA”

Thanks

Yes it means made in the “Republic of South Africa”, not the whole locomotive, just the truck side frames are cast there. Some of GE’s truck frames come from Poland too. Which ever supplier quotes the best price at the time of the order.

Are you sure it isn’t just a typo? Another exampel of Amurican worskmanshop gon badd?

[Modelcar]

…After all of the above, I’d not be sure of anything…

[beaulieu]

Yes, Thank you for the correct identity, still curious about the “Made in RSA”

Thanks

Yes it means made in the “Republic of South Africa”, not the whole locomotive, just the truck side frames are cast there. Some of GE’s truck frames come from Poland too. Which ever supplier quotes the best price at the time of the order.

Are you sure it isn’t just a typo? Another exampel of Amurican worskmanshop gon badd?

Speaking of typos. But I digress.

Yes I am sure. There used to be more US companies doing this but the demand for large steel castings has fallen as their customers have found ways to substitute less expensive fabricated parts. All European locomotives use trucks made from fabricated parts rather than cast. Amtrak’s P42s use fabricated trucks. In the US the sole remaining large steel casting company that I know about is Atchison Castings, the successor to Locomotive Finishing Materials (LFM), which also acquired General Steel Castings (GSC). They operate out of the old GSC plant in the Madison, IL area. Commonwealth Steel went out of business, and Adirondack either went out of business or at least doesn’t do large castings anymore. I don’t know whether US Steel (Canada), the successor to Dofasco, still casts locomotive trucks. I isn’t so much that the US manufacturers can’t compete as much as the market is disappearing worldwide, it is very much a niche market. The two US locomotive manufacturers are probably the only consistent volume customers out there.

[martin.knoepfel]

Yes, Thank you for the correct identity, still curious about the “Made in RSA”

Thanks

Yes it means made in the “Republic of South Africa”, not the whole locomotive, just the truck side frames are cast there. Some of GE’s truck frames come from Poland too. Which ever supplier quotes the best price at the time of the order.

Are you sure it isn’t just a typo? Another exampel of Amurican worskmanshop gon badd?

Speaking of typos. But I digress.

Yes I am sure. There used to be more US companies doing this but the demand for large steel castings has fallen as their customers have found ways to substitute less expensive fabricated parts. All European locomotives use trucks made from fabricated parts rather than cast. Amtrak’s P42s use fabricated trucks. In the US the sole remaining large steel casting company that I know about is Atchison Castings, the successor to Locomotive Finishing Materials (LFM), which also acquired General Steel Castings (GSC). They operate out of the old GSC plant in the Madison, IL area. Commonwealth Steel went out of business, and Adirondack either went out of business or at least doesn’t do large castings anymore. I don’t know whether US Steel (Canada), the successor to Dofasco, still casts locomotive trucks. I isn’t so much that the US manufacturers can’t compete as much as the market is disappearing worldwide, it is very much a niche market. The two US locomotive manufacturers are probably the only consistent volume customers out there.

Interesting point. In another thread on the possible comeback on steam (for revenue service, of course, not exdusions), somebody asks whether there is still manufacturing capacity for the large pieces steam-engin