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yes, you are talking about "hotbox" detectors. they work by measuring the temp of the bearings as they pass over an infrared scanner. the detector "compares" the temp of each bearing to the next, that way if they are all warm (like rolling along for a long time at high speed) you don't get defects, it's only if one bearing is somewhat warmer than the others that you get a defect. I'm not sure how large the difference has to be though. they also have dragging equipment detectors, usually integrated with the hotbox detectors,but sometimes they are stand alone. it depends on the railroad, speed, traffic density, etc, but generally they are about 15-20 miles apart. There are also high-wide detectors, generally before fixed obstructions, like bridges or tunnels that have close clearances. The UP is also installing "impact" detectors, which check for wheel defects (flat spots, and spalling). I don't know of any other railroad with these yet, but I'm sure other's will get 'em soon. Also, as for covert, you can't get any more covert than automatic downloads, which the UP also has on a lot of their newer loco's. At various terminals the loco dumps it's event recorder via radio into a computer, where it's to checked for exceptions to the rules, emergency stops etc. The full system isn't implemented yet, but it's in the rollout stages. Also, most MOP's (roadformen of engines) have radar guns, and will happily clock you from afar to make sure you're not speeding.
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