The thread about cabooses on the “Prototype Information for the Modeler” forum reminded me of something I saw a couple of weeks ago.
I was driving by the train yard around 20:00 and noticed a local preparing to leave. I decided to park and watch it leave. Since at that time of year it was been dark for a few hours at this time of day, I was surprised to see a flag on the last coupler instead of an EOTD.
Once the train cleared the switch, the engineer backed it up to pick up the trainman who lined the switch back for through movements. This is common when the local is relatively long. Instead of leaving, the train sat there. I then noticed that someone got out and walked to the back. At about this time I saw a vehicle in the yard coming toward the train. I figured that some must have happened, probably an air hose broke. However, the vehicle did not say long. After a few minutes the trainman went back to the locomotive and the train left. This time it had an EOTD on it.
Most of the locals that come by my various spots here in El Paso have a red flag on the end. These are normally just eight/ten cars in a manifest with two units in the front. I thought it was strange too that there was not EOT device, but I guess they can see the end in the short line.
5.10.1 Highly Visible Markers
Display a highly visible marker at the rear of every train as follows:
From 1 hour before sunset to 1 hour after sunrise.
When weather conditions restrict visibility to less than 1/2 mile.
A marker equipped with a functioning photo-electric cell will automatically illuminate at the appropriate time.
When an engine is operating without cars or is at the rear of the train, the trailing headlight illuminated on dim may be used as a marker. Inspection of Marker
When a highly visible marker is required, a qualified employee must inspect it at the initial terminal and at each crew change point. To determine if the marker is functioning properly, the employee will inspect it by observation or by telemetry display in the cab of the engine. The engineer must be informed of the results of the inspection.
5.10.2 Alternative Markers
Display a reflector, red flag, or light fixture at the rear of the train as the marker when any of the following conditions exists:
A highly visible marker is not required.
A defective car must be placed at the rear for movement to a repair point.
The rear portion of the train is disabled and cannot be moved, and a highly visible marker cannot be displayed on the rear of the portion to be moved.
or
The highly visible marker becomes inoperative enroute. If this occurs, notify the train dispatcher and move the train to the next forward location where the highly visible marker can be repaired or replaced