NRE 3GS21C

NRE 3GS21C
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderNational Railway Equipment (NRE)
Model3GS21C
Build date2008 (2008) – Present
Total produced27
Specifications
Gauge4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Prime moverCummins QSK19C (×3)
Engine typeDiesel engine (×3)
AspirationTurbocharger (×3)
Cylinders6 (×3)
Performance figures
Power output2,100 hp (1,570 kW)

The NRE 3GS21C is a low-emissions diesel genset locomotive built by National Railway Equipment (NRE). It is powered by three Cummins QSK19C I6 engines with each one developing 700 horsepower (522 kW) and creating a total power output of 2,100 horsepower (1,570 kW). Instead of a single prime mover, the NRE genset locomotive has three engines that each can be turned off or on as power is needed reducing overall diesel emissions and improving fuel efficiency.[1] At least 27[2][3] 3GS21C genset locomotives have been produced to date at NRE's Mount Vernon shops in Southern Illinois.[4]

Original buyers

Railroad Quantity Road numbers Notes
BNSF Railway 16 1300-1316[5] ex-GN and ex-ATSF EMD SD40, SD45 and SD45-2
Dallas, Garland & Northeastern Railroad 3 2000-2002[6] ex-UP EMD SD24B
Norfolk Southern 1 3850[7] Built in 2008. Ex-Norfolk Southern 3188 EMD SD40[8]
Pacific Harbor Line 2 80-81[9] The first 3GS21C built, in Jan. 2008[10]
Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad 4 2160-2163[11] 2012
CSX Transportation 1 1600[12]
Total 27

Flexibility

Because the engines are modular, flexibility is obtained:

  • If one engine fails, the others can continue at reduced power.
  • If a lower axle load is needed, one engine can be left off.
  • When reduced power is needed, one or more of the engines can be turned off, saving fuel and wear and tear.
  • The QSK19C engine is common to the four variants of the NRE 3GS21C locomotive.
  • The QSK19C engine is widely used for non-railway applications, and spare parts are readily available.[13]

See also

References

  1. ^ "N-Viromotive new locomotive". www.nationalrailway.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-01.
  2. ^ Zmudzinski, Lester (August 1, 2011). "Photo: CSXT 1600". RailPictures.net.
  3. ^ "BNSF Locomotive Roster". The Diesel Shop.
  4. ^ "National Railway Equipment". Train Web.
  5. ^ Burlington Northern Santa Fe Roster information on BNSF - Motive Power. Revised: 11 Dec. 2016.
  6. ^ Dallas Garland & Northeastern Roster information on DGNO Present & Past Power. Revised: 6 Feb. 2016.
  7. ^ 3GS21CDB NS 3850 NS Norfolk Southern Roster Locomotive.
  8. ^ NREC 3GS21C NS 3188 Norfolk Southern.
  9. ^ Pacific Harbor Line Locomotives (past & present) Revised: 15 Nov. 2015.
  10. ^ PHL 3GS21C PHL 80 Pacific Harbor Line.
  11. ^ All Time - Indiana Harbor Belt Railroad Diesel Locomotive Roster NRE 3GS21C "gensets" Revised: Jan. 2013.
  12. ^ CSX Motive Power * * * Yard Power * * * Updated: 11 Dec. 2016
  13. ^ Cummins Marine (August 2002). "Bulletin 4000084: QSK19-M" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 12, 2013.