Flashing Rear-end Device
The flashing rear-end device, "F.R.E.D. or "FRED," (also called an end-of-train device, ETD or EOT) is an electronic device mounted on the end of freight trains in lieu of a caboose. They are divided into two categories: 'dumb' units which only provide a visible indication of the rear of the train with a flashing red taillight; and 'smart' units which also send back data to the crew in the locomotive via radio-based telemetry. They originated in North America, and are used elsewhere in the world.
Read more about Flashing Rear-end Device: Design and Use, Evolution, Railfan Usage, Other Countries
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