Written By: Alex Thorn
Photos By: Stuart Ellis, Dean Jones and Jamie Fisher
Page Last Updated: 12/1/21
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Locomotive Info:
Type: Diesel-Electric Number Built: 5 Operational: 2 Stored: 3 Model: NRE 3GS24C-DE-AU Loco Length: 18.60 Meters Weight: 114 tonnes Engine: Three Cummins QSK19C Alternator: Marathon Traction Motors: EMD D78 Horsepower: 2150 Max Speed: 115 km/h |
1201 at East Greta Junction. (21/6/13)
Photo By: Stuart Ellis |
In early 2013, The National Railway Equipment Company (NREC) in the US constructed 5 3GS24C type genset locomotives for El Zorro trial and operations in Australia. The first two units were delivered in May 2013 as demonstrators wearing the NREC company livery and numbered 1201 and 1202. After arrival at Port Kembla, the two locomotives were towed to Newcastle before undertaking trials.
The visual design of these locomotives is similar to the previous Qube 11 class locomotives however have an overall lower height. These locomotives were also the first to use genset technology in Australia with each unit having 3 Cummins QSK19C engines, also used in V/line’s V/locity DMU fleet. This feature allows the units to only use the required power needed for any particular duty, with each loco having a total of 2150hp. In turn, this means the units are less costly to operate and have greater efficiency. In the US, gensets have typically been used as shunters, replacing conventional locomotives that often waste fuel while idle.
During 2013, El Zorro ceased its operations, leaving the two gensets without an operator as well as the three still in the US. 1203 had even received a version of El Zorro livery. Since this time, the 12 class have seen plenty of interest and use from rail operators such as Qube, SCT and SSR mostly in NSW, while also having seen lengthy periods of storage. The three units still in the US have been stored since their completion.
The visual design of these locomotives is similar to the previous Qube 11 class locomotives however have an overall lower height. These locomotives were also the first to use genset technology in Australia with each unit having 3 Cummins QSK19C engines, also used in V/line’s V/locity DMU fleet. This feature allows the units to only use the required power needed for any particular duty, with each loco having a total of 2150hp. In turn, this means the units are less costly to operate and have greater efficiency. In the US, gensets have typically been used as shunters, replacing conventional locomotives that often waste fuel while idle.
During 2013, El Zorro ceased its operations, leaving the two gensets without an operator as well as the three still in the US. 1203 had even received a version of El Zorro livery. Since this time, the 12 class have seen plenty of interest and use from rail operators such as Qube, SCT and SSR mostly in NSW, while also having seen lengthy periods of storage. The three units still in the US have been stored since their completion.
1201-1202-BRM001-BRM002 make their way through Cullerin with #4327. (18/2/18)
Photo By: Dean Jones |
1202-1201 with #2247 SSR grain at Picton. (28/3/18)
Photo By: Jamie Fisher |
Locomotive Status
Click on underlined Road No. for more photos
Road No. |
Livery |
Owner |
Service Life |
Current State |
NRE Gold and Blue |
National Rail Equipment Co. |
2013 - Present |
Operational |
|
1202 |
NRE Gold and Blue |
National Rail Equipment Co. |
2013 - Present |
Operational |
1203 |
Unknown |
National Rail Equipment Co. |
Unknown |
Stored |
1204 |
Unknown |
National Rail Equipment Co. |
Unknown |
Stored |
1205 |
Unknown |
National Rail Equipment Co. |
Unknown |
Stored |
Information sourced from Motive Power Issue 88 and Wikipedia