NRE 3GS21C

NRE 3GS21C
Power type	Diesel-electric
Builder	National Railway Equipment (NREC)
Model	3GS21C
Build date	2008 (2008) – Present
Total produced	16
Gauge	4 ft 8 1⁄2 in (1,435 mm)
Prime mover	Cummins QSK19C (×3)
Engine type	Straight-six engine
Aspiration	Turbocharger
Cylinders	6 (×3)
Power output	2,100 hp (1,570 kW)

The NRE 3GS21B is a low-emissions diesel road switcher locomotive built by National Railway Equipment. 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). At least 16 ^{[1] [2]} 3GS21C genset locomotives have been produced to date at NREC's Mount Vernon shops in Southern Illinois.^[3]

Flexibility

Because the engines are modular, flexibility is obtained:

• If one engine fails, the others can keep on going 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 engine.
• The QSK19C engines from Cummins is widely used for non-railway applications, and spare parts are readily available. ^[4]

References

1. ^ CSXT 1600 includes link to more photos
2. ^ BNSF Locomotive Roster
3. ^ Train Web: Gensets Gen-set switchers by National Railway Equipment.
4. ^ http://www.cummins.rs/pocetna_stranica_files/qsk19m.pdf