"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 studyied 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.  One couple even asked if I knew where that was.  Obviously, I didn't. (Possibly Republic of Saudia Arabia?)

Today I did a google search for Made in RSA, and got responses that didn't make a lot of sense to me.

-The label should state clearly “ made in South Africa” if the product is. wholly assembled in the RSA

-Made in RSA. On the 18th of December, the Sowetan carried the following short but succinct piece, in answer to the globalisation argument.....

- Also some links to software and internet security issues.

 

So, hopefully someone out knows something, we talk about Lionel and MTH having everything done in China......   Where or What is RSA???? 

[CTValleyRR]

I believe that RSA refers to the Republic of South Africa, as you discovered.

Saudi Arabia is a kingdom, not a republic.  Nothing else in my National Geographic World Atlas comes close.

Didn't know that they made model railroading stuff there, though. (It's not listed as one of their major exports).

To my knowledge, no area of China carries that designation, and that stuff has to be marked "made in China" anyway.

[Blueberryhill RR]

Don...........Could that mean.." Rebel States of America "

[dwiemer]

Not sure, but I would guess Republic of South Africa as you mention.  ON the other hand, some places have been known to try to fool the public.  There was a island off the coast of Malasya that was called USA, so they sold items with a ticket claiming "Made in USA" on it.  I think our government cracked down on that one.

Dennis

[dbaker48]

This was on the Prototype, not a model !  It appeared that the entire truck was assembled in RSA.

[jmkk]

It could have been made in South Africa. I have a friend who works for Timken (bearings) and if Iam not mistaken they have a foundry and bearing plant there just for railroad bearings . Next time he is home I will ask him. He is is Australia now for work. Promoting there line of bearings for what else but railroads, and wind turbines.

[mersenne6]

 

   ...so let me see if I've got this right.  If the product is wholly assembled in South Africa then the label reads " made in South Africa".....would it then follow if it was only partly assembled in South Africa then the label would just be "RSA" which would be short for "Requires Some Assembly"?

[ChiefEagles]

Don...........Could that mean.." Rebel States of America "

we'll get those Yanks before long. 

I have some photos [got to get time to download] of light blue double stack cars.  Did not notice when shooting.  Retried NS guy told me to look at photos and see if it had Arabic writing on it.  Seems the car shop at NS [now leased to some company] built double stack cars for Saudia Arabia.   

[kpolak]

Don, I sent a note to EMD...We'll see what comes back.

Kurt

[fifedog]

Republic of South Africa

Apparently GE and EMD have a truck frame casting supplier there.

[kpolak]

Here's what I have so far...

"RSA" stands for "Railway Supply Association".
Regards,
EMD Service Parts Engineering

My response:

I am still a little unsure of the 'Made IN RSA' label. I understand RSA (Railway Supply Association) merged with RPI (Railway Progress Institute) in 2003 to form RSI (Railway Supply Institute). I thought this was a lobby group. Does this group actually manufacture products? If so, can you tell me where the plant is located?

Sorry, I can't answer your question. You will have to contact them for details about them. The only thing I can think of was that this locomotive may have been on display at the RSA exhibit in Chicago in which the suppliers , including EMD, display their products at this exhibit. I believe this event is held every 4 years.
Regards,
EMD Service Parts Engineering

I'll keep trying.  Hopefully I can corroborate Fife's reply.

Kurt

[fifedog]

Kurt - I spent close to 2 hours trying to lasso this one (just had to know...)

I got a pretty good primer in radial truck sideframe engineering during my search, and even though I couldn't pin down the source supplier, the MADE in RSA is spot on.  We are indeed, a global community...

[kpolak]

I thought you would 'need to know', and would get the answer...I got fixated on it too.

I was a bit disappointed in the response from EMD.  Are my observations on correct on the lobby group?

Kurt