What brings up the rear of a freight train now that the caboose is gone?
The End-of-Train Device (EOT), sometimes referred to as a flashing rear end device (FRED), was first created by the Florida East Coast Railway in the late-1960s. This one-time controversial device eliminated the need for the caboose and brakemen positions by acting as the rear warning device with a flashing red light. By the 1980s, their usage became more widespread across North America's rail network as the caboose disappeared from routine operations. Today, these devices are the heart and soul of railroading: in addition to their iconic red flashing light, they also monitor and relay train air levels to the engineer, and in an emergency situation the engineer can apply the brakes from both ends of the train. They broadcast a radio signal to the head end over a separate radio channel, which is the unique chirp you can hear if you are using a scanner while railfanning — a neat way to figure out how close a train is. Modern EOTs have GPS capabilities, easily tracking the location of each EOT device.
Features
- HO Scale
- Track powered EOT device
- 100-ton truck with 36" metal wheels
- Includes matching non-electrical pickup truck
- Semi-scale coupler with EOT device
- Multiple colors offered
- Electronics hidden under truck frame
- Made by Rapido Trains
What brings up the rear of a freight train now that the caboose is gone?
The End-of-Train Device (EOT), sometimes referred to as a flashing rear end device (FRED), was first created by the Florida East Coast Railway in the late-1960s. This one-time controversial device eliminated the need for the caboose and brakemen positions by acting as the rear warning device with a flashing red light. By the 1980s, their usage became more widespread across North America's rail network as the caboose disappeared from routine operations. Today, these devices are the heart and soul of railroading: in addition to their iconic red flashing light, they also monitor and relay train air levels to the engineer, and in an emergency situation the engineer can apply the brakes from both ends of the train. They broadcast a radio signal to the head end over a separate radio channel, which is the unique chirp you can hear if you are using a scanner while railfanning — a neat way to figure out how close a train is. Modern EOTs have GPS capabilities, easily tracking the location of each EOT device.
Features
- HO Scale
- Track powered EOT device
- 100-ton truck with 36" metal wheels
- Includes matching non-electrical pickup truck
- Semi-scale coupler with EOT device
- Multiple colors offered
- Electronics hidden under truck frame
- Made by Rapido Trains