A new NRE 3GS21B locomotive in the Union Pacific scheme.
(Morven, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
NRE 3GS21B DIESEL-ELECTRIC LOCOMOTIVE
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 how much power is needed, reducing overall diesel emissions and improving fuel efficiency. 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. In addition, three road slug models have also been produced. The main difference between this and the NRE 3GS21C is that these units are on B-B (four wheel) trucks and the others are on C-C (six wheel) trucks.
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.
Original buyers
| Railroad | Quantity | Road numbers | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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 | 21 | 1300-1315, 1321-1325 | 4 units sold to San Joaquin Valley Railroad and 2 to California Northern Railroad for rebuilding into NZE24B locomotives by Knoxville Locomotive Works. Remaining units sold to KXHR. 1324 sold to LTEX. |
| Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority | 2 | 3248-3249 | Both units equipped with dynamic brakes, classified as 3GS21B-DE |
| Metro Stevedore | 1 | 805 | Equipped with dynamic brakes, classified as 3GS21B-DE |
| Neptune Bulk Terminals | 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 | |
| Union Pacific | 59 | Y2701-Y2760 | |
| United States Army | 7 | 6500-6506 | |
| San Diego and Imperial Valley Railroad | 2 | SDIY 701-702 | |
| Total | 182 |
A brand new 3GS21B locomotive painted for the BNSF Railway. (terry cantrell, CC BY-SA 2.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
An NRE 3GS21B leads a Union Pacific train along street running trackage at Anaheim, California. (Morven, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
Two brand new U.S. Army 3GS21B locomotives working at Fort Lewis, Washington. (Phil Sussman, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons)
Brand new MBTA 3GS21B-DE at South Station. (Thunderpenguin at en.wikipedia, CC BY 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
MBTA 3GS21B-DE on the Grand Junction Railroad. (ArnoldReinhold, CC BY-SA 3.0 <https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0>, via Wikimedia Commons)
Overview
Type and origin
Power type: Diesel-electric
Builder: National Railway Equipment (NRE)
Model: 3GS21B
Build date: December 2006 – Present
Total produced: 182
Specifications
Gauge: 4 ft 8+1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Prime mover: Cummins QSK19C (×3)
Engine type: Diesel engine (×3)
Aspiration: Turbocharger (×3)
Cylinders: 6 (×3)
Performance figures
Power output: 2,100 hp (1,570 kW)
Career
Operators: See table above
