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
Famous quotes containing the words flashing and/or device:
“Elvis’ disappearing body is like a flashing event horizon at the edge of the black hole that is America today.”
—Arthur Kroker (b. 1945)
“Johnson did not answer ...; but talking for victory and determined to be master of the field, he had recourse to the device which Goldsmith imputed to him in the witty words of one of Cibber’s comedies. “There is no arguing with Johnson; for when his pistol misses fire, he knocks you down with the butt end of it.””
—Samuel Johnson (1709–1784)