When did daytime FRED flashing start? Haven't been around the real RRs in last 5 years so it's new to me. Is it being done because there's been too many rear-enders of late?. A flashing FRED sure won't wake up a sleeping head end crew. LOL
Daytime illuminated markers (aka FRED flashing) are not required in the USA with a few exceptions:
GCOR - 6th Edition - April 7, 2010
5.10 Markers
A marker of the prescribed type must be displayed on the trailing end of the rear car to indicate the rear of
the train.
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 photoelectric 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.
...
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
NORAC - 10th Edition - November 6, 2011
24. Markers
On a main track or controlled siding outside of yard limits, the rear of a train
must be identified by a marker as prescribed below:
a. Passenger Trains, Engines
Passenger trains, lite engines and engines operating at the rear of a train must:
1. Be equipped with an illuminated marking device.
or
2. Have the rear headlight on low beam at all times.
b. Other Trains
Trains other than passenger trains must be equipped with an illuminated marking
device under the following conditions:
1. From one hour before sunset until one hour after sunrise.
2. When the visibility is so restricted that the end silhouette of a box car
cannot be seen from one-half mile on a straight track.
During other periods, a reflector, flag, or extinguished marking device may be used.
Here is a Ring Engineering EOT with 33' wheels mounted on the rear of a Bowser Triple Crown Roadrailer. Earl is out
