BNSF Railway 3GS21C-DE 1313 heads east at the Commerce Diesel Facility to pick up an intermodal well car in order to shove it back to Hobart Yard. Contrary to what is stated on the book BNSF Railway Locomotive Directory 2019-2020, BNSF 1313 is alive and well. (The book states it is Laid Up Pending Evaluation [LUPE] which, admittedly, may have indeed been the case when the book’s roster was compiled. Perhaps the graffiti, remnants of which are still visible, was scrubbed off during this engine’s evaluation.) Originally built as Santa Fe SD45-2 5669 (later AATSF 7200, ATSF 5800, BNSF 6450, GN 6450*), the engine was rebuilt by National Railway Equipment Company (of Dixmoor IL) into this low-emission road switcher, powered by three Cummins QSK19C straight-six 700 horsepower diesel engines for a total of 2100 hp when all three are required. The ability to operate with just one or two of the diesel engines saves on fuel and wear. (Commerce, California – February 18, 2021)
* - BNSF uses the old Great Northern reporting mark for locomotives that are due to be retired, sold or, in this case, rebuilt.
