| SOUTH AFRICAN RAILWAYS STEAM PRESERVATION ASSOCIATION |
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THE ASSOCIATION & WHAT WE DO TO PROMOTE AND PRESERVE SAR STEAM: SARSPA is a non-profit organisation and was formed in 2003, we have been working towards bringing together facilities and people who take a serious interest in SAR Steam as well as members of the public who enjoy partaking in the special atmosphere that it generates. SARSPA is a private association that seeks to become the driving force behind preserving what South African Railways was like in its heyday (1950's) and of course central to all of this, preservation of its locomotives in a more accesible, realistic and interactive way . Our present and future initiatives are: * To promote other Steam Preservation Groups and support existing operations. * To promote the building of bigger/more detailed SAR Livesteam locomotives by: - 1. Providing the facilities to machine the parts you need to construct SAR locos. 2. To provide a list of key manufacturers/contractors who can manufacture the parts that are too big to be machined by hand. 3. To provide workshops to teach the younger generation how to work with the relevant machinery and the skills to maintain/operate/fire and drive SAR Steam locomotives. 4. To provide seperate tracks for 5", 7.25" and 10.25" gauge SAR locomotives. 5. To provide decent distances between water-stops, long, sweeping curves and some sustained gradients so that drivers of all the above gauges are able to partake in a realistic SAR Steam-driving experience as well as providing them with the opportunity to get to grips with the true nature and performance of their SAR steam locos. * To provide a more hands-on and interactive experience. * To understand the design priniciples of the different Classes of SAR Steam locomotives. * To build the worlds longest and most luxurious miniature railway of more than 100Km. * To create an authentic 1950's SAR environment. WHAT THE ASSOCIATION HAS DONE UP UNTIL NOW TO PRESERVE SAR STEAM: !. We have organised an annual SAR event in the UK - The Annual SARSPA SAR/African Steam-up: An event (usually in summer) where all those who take an interest in South African Steam Locomotives get together for one day of the year to steam their SAR/African steam locomotives as well as show every piece of South African Railways/African steam items/memorabilia that they may have to like-minded individuals. The first of these annual events is scheduled for the 9th July at the High-Wycombe track in the UK. 2. An SAR Livesteam discussion group/forum has been established where folks who take an interest in SAR steam can come and share thier passion, make friends and get advice as well as it providing a means for the cross-pollination of ideas, information and all things relative. 3. To begin the process of facilitating channels of communication between those individuals bulding SAR livesteam locomotives and South African Model Engineering Clubs as well as making it easier for them to co-operate and interact with one another. 4. To establish an inventory of Global SAR livesteam locomotives to enable a rough synopsis as to wether or not SAR livesteam is in decline and to present an annual, real-time picture of what is happening in the SAR Livesteam fratenity (it also gives an indication of the Association's progress and efforts in increasing awareness, interest and enthusiasm around the world. 4. Microsoft Train Simulator South African Railways - For those who cannot afford the real thing due to circumstances, members can get together and build virtual SAR locomotives to drive in the simulator. In doing so they are able to "build their own" and reach a wider audience whos interest may be sparked to build or invest in the real thing. One of the requirements is that locomotives, rolling-stock etc. must be highly detailed in creating an authentic SAR experience and preserving the likeness of the full-size. WHAT THE ASSOCIATION IS CURRENTLY DOING TO MEET ITS OBJECTIVES: 1. We are in the process of finding a Model Engineering Society in South Africa who will host an Annual SARSPA SAR/African weekend for us. 2. We are trying to find a council or private individual/business in South Africa who is willing to donate some land for free or for a small yearly lease/fee in order for us to set up a small 5" and 7.25" track as out Association "Headquarters". 3. Creating a selection of SAR steam-related goods for retail in order to fund our ongoing growth and maintain our objectives to reach our potential. **********TO BE CONTINUED - SITE UNDER CONSTRUCTION - ***** |
| You are visitor number |
| Est. 2003 |
| Page last updated 24.05.2005 |
| Website & Contents Copyright 2003 SARSPA, All Rights Reserved. |