NRE 3GS21B

The NRE 3GS21B is a low-emissions diesel genset locomotive built by National Railway Equipment (NRE). Instead of a single prime mover, the NRE genset locomotive is powered by three separate 700 horsepower (522 kW) Cummins QSK19C engines providing a total power output of 2,100 horsepower (1,570 kW). Each engine could be individually started or shut off depending on load reducing overall diesel emissions and improving fuel efficiency.[1] More than 150 of the 3GS21B genset locomotives have been produced to date, with the majority of these units being manufactured at NRE's Mount Vernon shops in Southern Illinois.[2] In addition, three road slug models have also been produced.

NRE 3GS21B
A new NRE 3GS21B locomotive in the Union Pacific scheme.
Type and origin
Power typeDiesel-electric
BuilderNational Railway Equipment (NRE)
Model3GS21B
Build dateDecember 2006 (2006-12) – Present
Total produced182
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)
Career
OperatorsSee list

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 also widely used for non-railway applications, and spare parts are readily available.[3]

Original buyers
RailroadQuantityRoad numbersNotes
BNSF Railway
72
1220-1294
1293-1294 equipped with dynamic brakes, classified as 3GS21B-DE
California Northern Railroad
5
501-505
Canadian Pacific
2
2100-2101
Both units equipped with dynamic brakes, classified as 3GS21B-DE, 2100 retired 5/13, 2101 retired 6/13 (both returned to NRE).
CSX Transportation
16
1300-1316
Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority
2
3248-3249
Both units equipped with dynamic brakes, classified as 3GS21B-DE
Metro Stevedore[4]
1
805
Equipped with dynamic brakes, classified as 3GS21B-DE
Neptune Bulk Terminals[5]
3
805-805A, 808-808A, 809-809A
805A, 808A and 809A are the only road slug model built to date.
Norfolk Southern
2
300-301
Nova Chemicals
2
9120-9121
National Railway Equipment
7
2008-2009, 2011, 2013–2015, & 2020
Demonstration Units
Pacific Harbor Line
4
30-31 & 33-34
Tacoma Rail
1
2100[6]
Union Pacific
59
Y2701-Y2760
United States Army
7
6500-6506
San Diego and Imperial Valley Railroad
2
SDIY 701-702
Total182[7]

See also

References
  1. "N-Viromotive new locomotive". www.nationalrailway.com. Archived from the original on 2007-09-01.
  2. Train Web: Gensets Gen-set switchers by National Railway Equipment.
  3. Cummins Marine (August 2002). "Bulletin 4000084: QSK19-M" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on April 12, 2013.
  4. Metro Ports
  5. Neptune Terminals
  6. Tacoma Rail Locomotives Tacoma Rail Acquires Eco-friendly Locomotives.
  7. Train Web: Gensets Roster information on NREC 3GS21B engines.
External images
image icon RailPictures.Net – NRE 3GS21B photographs from RailPictures.Net.
image icon Railroad Picture Archives – Photographs of the NRE 3GS21B at Railroad Picture Archives.
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