FRED's and Cabooses

[bnsf sammy]

Does anyone know when cabooses were not used anymore and the FRED's became the end car?

[J]

Rear-end or end-of-train devices became common in the US in the early 1990's Originally for road trains they were simply a 1-way device that radioed train line pressure to the head end. 2-way end of train devices were mandated by FRA in the mid 1990's. Here the engineer can initiate an emergency application via radio.

[bnsf sammy]

so like if a consist of a Santa Fe Dash 8-40 CW and a Dash 8-40 BW before BNSF formed, would have a fred?

[J]

Most likely. Cabooses still used even today - generally as "shoving platforms" where long back up moves allow a crewman to stand on the platform rather than hang on a side ladder. Also you'll see them on special trains such as some "high wides."

[bnsf sammy]

ok thanks a bunch