Trains.com

New End of Train Device?

1584 views
10 replies
1 rating 2 rating 3 rating 4 rating 5 rating
  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Dallas, TX
  • 6,952 posts
New End of Train Device?
Posted by CMStPnP on Sunday, November 11, 2018 1:31 PM

Hey what is up with the tiny flashing red light at the rear of this CP Train.   Is this some kind of new end of train device?    I don't see an airbrake hookup either.

This is on the CP (ex-MILW) Portage to Madison, WI branch.

https://youtu.be/3Rbm1yLve5E?t=298 

 

  • Member since
    May 2003
  • From: US
  • 25,292 posts
Posted by BaltACD on Sunday, November 11, 2018 3:12 PM

CMStPnP
Hey what is up with the tiny flashing red light at the rear of this CP Train.   Is this some kind of new end of train device?    I don't see an airbrake hookup either.

This is on the CP (ex-MILW) Portage to Madison, WI branch.

https://youtu.be/3Rbm1yLve5E?t=298 

Short trains - such as the local in the YouTube video are permitted to have a Flashing Red Light - not a EOT connected to the air line.  In daylight they could also get by with a Red Flag in the knuckle.

Never too old to have a happy childhood!

              

  • Member since
    June 2009
  • From: Dallas, TX
  • 6,952 posts
Posted by CMStPnP on Sunday, November 11, 2018 3:31 PM

OK, thanks......learned something new.

  • Member since
    January 2002
  • From: Canterlot
  • 9,575 posts
Posted by zugmann on Sunday, November 11, 2018 11:32 PM

Amtrak uses them a lot when moving dead passenger cars/engines.  

 

I have mentioned about getting some for us (for short moves across interlockings or to an iundustry a mile or two down the mainline) instead of having to mess with a regular EOT, but so far no takers.

It's been fun.  But it isn't much fun anymore.   Signing off for now. 


  

The opinions expressed here represent my own and not those of my employer, any other railroad, company, or person.t fun any

  • Member since
    December 2001
  • From: Northern New York
  • 25,021 posts
Posted by tree68 on Monday, November 12, 2018 4:40 AM

A lit marker (not a flag) is required on passenger trains.  We use a box with a light made for the purpose.  

It hangs on the coupler, much like the smarter EOTDs do.

Clearly this isn't passenger equipment (at least it's not intended to be...)

The one in question appears to be magnetically mounted, which saves crushing it if someone forgets to remove it before coupling...

LarryWhistling
Resident Microferroequinologist (at least at my house) 
Everyone goes home; Safety begins with you
My Opinion. Standard Disclaimers Apply. No Expiration Date
Come ride the rails with me!
There's one thing about humility - the moment you think you've got it, you've lost it...

  • Member since
    October 2001
  • From: US
  • 591 posts
Posted by petitnj on Monday, November 12, 2018 7:42 AM

Trains beyond yard and non-main track areas must have a marker at the rear. During daylight, that can be a flag or marker on the rear. USOR requires lighted markers 1 hour before sunset until 1 hour after sunrise or when visibility is less than 1/2 mile. This marker is to show that the train is complete. USOR doesn't differentiate between passenger and freight. 

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Monday, November 12, 2018 8:04 AM

About fifty years ago, I saw an interesting marker--a brown paper towel stuck in the coupler at the end of a passengere train. I did not ask why.

Johnny

  • Member since
    October 2014
  • From: Flint or Grand Rapids, Mi or Elkhart, It Depends on the day
  • 573 posts
Posted by BOB WITHORN on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 11:15 AM

Amtrack uses them to move dead equipment?  Probably get plenty of use thenStick out tongue

  • Member since
    January 2003
  • From: Kenosha, WI
  • 6,567 posts
Posted by zardoz on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 11:30 AM

zugmann
Amtrak uses them a lot when moving dead passenger

Would not it be easier to use an ambulance?

  • Member since
    September 2003
  • 21,669 posts
Posted by Overmod on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 12:55 PM

zardoz
zugmann
Amtrak uses them a lot when moving dead passenger

  • Member since
    August 2005
  • From: At the Crossroads of the West
  • 11,013 posts
Posted by Deggesty on Tuesday, November 13, 2018 1:57 PM

Overmod

 

 
zardoz
zugmann
Amtrak uses them a lot when moving dead passenger

 

 

Overmod

 

 
zardoz
zugmann
Amtrak uses them a lot when moving dead passenger

 

 

LaughLaugh Very good.

I trust that Mr. Anderson will not have expanded this "enhanced*" service to other trains before my next trip.

*"enhanced" is newspeak for "degraded."

 

Johnny

Join our Community!

Our community is FREE to join. To participate you must either login or register for an account.

Search the Community

Newsletter Sign-Up

By signing up you may also receive occasional reader surveys and special offers from Trains magazine.Please view our privacy policy