End of train devices

[Anonymous]

When did End Of Train Telemetry devices first come into use? When did the caboose generally end it's existence on Class 1 railroads in through train service or on unit trains?

[csxengineer98]

the EOTs came into wide use in 1986.... that was the year the union agreement was put into affect eliminating the flagmen.. fireman..and most of the brakemen on road trains..as well as the cabboses..... in favor of the EOT....
and early EOTs where nothing but a flashing red light... and a red reflector.... now the new EOTS have 2 way telematry to be able to give the engineer a brake pipe reading on the head end from the rear..as well as being able to "dump" the train from the head end through the EOT...
csx engineer

[yellowducky]

I hear that some even can tell speed and direction of travel of the rear end.
True?
And what's the price range now? A few years ago when I was teaching the R.R. merit badge, the yard master said from about $1200 to $15,000.

[csxengineer98]

they can tell if your rear end is moving or stoped amd if your going forward or reverse (if the montion sensor is working)..and if the marker is flashing or not....as far as telling the speed on the rear... none that i have ever come across have that option....and as far as cost..i have no idea...
csx engineer