Since cabooses are no longer used, I hear they are using what is called a rear end device. I have never seen one and am curious what they look like and how to possibly model them. Any ideas would be welcome.
Thanks
Asutte8888,
Berkshire Junction offers a Flashing Rear End Device (FRED) that uses a
9-volt battery. Their URL is:
http://www.berkshirejunction.com/
Believe there are some other model railroad electronics outfits that offer similar units. You need to do some train watching, sounds as though you aren’t near a railroad.
Bob
NMRA Life 0543
P.S. Just did a keyword search at the Index of Magazines at this site using “FRED” as
the search term with the following results. Some prototype photos, some more model electronics.
Build an end-of-train flasher, Model Railroader, January 1986, page 74,
( ELECTRONICS, FLASHER, FRED, LIGHT, LM3909, “MUMPER, ERIC W.”, MR )
Fun with “Fred,” NMRA Bulletin, April 1990, page 23, ( FRED, “KREWER, HAROLD”, PROTOTYPE, BL )
An EOT for the Front Runner - end-of-train flasher, Model Railroader, February 1990 page 78, ( “BONTRAGER, DAVID”, ELECTRONICS, FLASHER, FRED, MR )
End of Train Device, N Scale, July/August 1990, page 17, ( ELECTRONICS, FLASHER, FRED, “OLSON, ART”, NSCA )
Protecting the rear, Trains, August 1990, page 20, defining the end of the train and protecting it, ( CABOOSE, FRED, OPERATION, “SCHNEIDER, PAUL D.”, TRN )
An end-of-train device, Canadian Railway Modeller, November/December 1992, page 33, ( FRED, REVIEW, “SEIGEL, MICHAEL H.”, CRM )
One-On-One, Outdoor Railroader, December 1992/January 1993, page 72,
Finish With A Fred, ( 1:32, FRED, “RAYMOND, GARY”, ODRR )
End of train warning lights, Model Railroad Electronics page 63,
( ELECTRONICS, FLASHER, FRED, “FRIBERG, RUTGER” )
The World of Model Railroad Electronics, Model Railroad Electronics, page 76,
Magnetic detector; flasher; SCR CD switch machine; SSF lighting; FREDs, ( CAPACITOR, DETECTOR, DISCHARGE, ELECT
Real basicaly it’s a red light that signals that it’s the end of the train.
.
I went to radio shack and got the following for my HO car
2.8 volt CLEAR bulb(couldn’t get red) Blinking red led. Part #276-308, $2.00
Flush mounted slider switch,SPDT mini(SPST not available)Part # 275-409A
$2.00
Aaa battery harness clip enclosed in case. Part#270-414, $2.00
Two Aaa batteries.
Double sided tape to mount battery case on car floor.
Two screws/nuts to mount slider switch(can be #2-56s)
Slider switch can be installed on roof/side
Drill a hole just above the rear coupler to house the led.
Can be expanded to Aa operation providing you can find a double Aa
battery metal clip exclusive of the casing(Too large) plus a connecting
snap cap,part#270-325, $2.00
Pre test your wiring connections before final assembly.
Adds approx 2 to 2.5 oz to my HO car.
Got the idea from my caller ID flashing light.
The prototype is a small box with a flashing red light. In the daytime you can hardly see it. but at night it looks great.